Saturday, August 9, 2014

The Capital Grille - Dunwoody

(slightly shorter review also posted to Yelp)
The Capital Grille in Dunwoody is national chain of steak houses under the Darden umbrella. This location is in the lot to the north of Perimeter Mall at 94 Perimeter Center West. This location is a bit pretentious appearing, with buff building, black awnings and metallic gold lettering, but that's exactly what I would expect in a high-end steak-house.



 The interior is a bit upscale modern crossed with arts-and-crafts (mainly in the lighting) and is sure to make you feel comfortable, with real cloth tablecloths and napkins, etc. Part of the open kitchen is hidden behind a wall of striped glass, under an array of international time-clocks. Normally this would be a bit upscale and snooty for my tastes but the food here is exceptional, as is the service. I've had the chance to eat here several times for lunch and every time I've thoroughly enjoyed both the food and the above-average service. This location has a rather extensive wine list and a full bar. If you're not too sure about it, head to the bar and have a cocktail first.





The lunch menu features several seasonal items that have always been well executed. I can't vouch for everything but those items I've had were all exceptional. At some point I'll come back and sample the steaks for a definitive comparison, but honestly, there are so many other aged-beef restaurants nearby (Flemmings is my favorite locally, then Bones and Chops in Buckhead) that thus far I haven't been inclined to order the beef - perhaps to my own self-preservation. And honestly, there are so many other great items on the menu that captured my imagination, that the steaks were the last things on my mind. Along with the lunch menu, Capital Grille was participating in "Taste of Dunwoody" and offered a special "all-in" selection.





For the table, I recommend the Pan-Fried Calamari with Hot Cherry Peppers - these were delicately fried and had a little heat, along with the sweetness of the cherry peppers.



I also had the basic side-salad which was very good. Salads were served with a bread basket that had both poppy-seed rolls and flat bread.




I ordered the Seared Sea Scallops with Asparagus Risotto - the scallops were perfectly cooked and the risotto quite delicious. My companions ordered the following:



Seared Salmon with Avocado, Mango and Tomato Salad - this is a great light-weight meal that's really refreshing.




Main Lobster Roll on Toasted Brioche and Parmesan Truffle Fries - anything on the menu that features lobster is worth getting (including the bisque!).




Sushi-Grade Sesame Seared Tuna with Gingered Rice - this slice is rare if you were wondering about the color.




I always feel a bit under-dressed while dining here (I wear jeans, t-shirt and Chucks most of the time at work) but I've always been treated well, regardless of my sloppy and too-casual attire. I'm already mentioned a few times the great service - if the food I didn't try is anything like the service, you'll be very happy here with anything you order.

-- John

The Capital Grille on Urbanspoon

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