When a friend called last week suggesting we meet for lunch at The Big Chill and Grill, I went expecting bar food. Sandwiches, burgers, beer.
I don’t limit myself to sprouts at midday, but I wasn’t in the mood for anything deep-fried either. My friend Connie assured me there was more to the menu. That was easily the understatement of the day.
Somehow, this longtime Chattanooga establishment hadn’t pinged my radar as an actual restaurant, but I won’t make that mistake again. They serve up some tasty plates.
THE MENU
I was impressed by the depth of the offerings. The number of lunch entrees seemed fairly limited at six, but you can get all sandwiches, salads and appetizers from the full menu, as well as a half-dozen daily specials plucked from the much more extensive dinner menu. Those options range from hot wings to fried green tomatoes, french dip to turkey croissant, filet mignon to chicken stir-fry.
I considered the mahi-mahi fish taco from the lunch menu but was concerned that this single soft taco, served with one side, couldn’t satisfy my hunger pangs. But there on the list of daily specials I spied a couple of favorites: pork tenderloin and a salmon fillet. Both were served with two sides – and that sounded filling enough even for me.
THE FOOD
With the recommendation of our waiter, Anthony, I opted for the Norwegian salmon fillet, blackened rather than grilled. It was served with a sauce of the day, which was flavored with lemon and – surprise! – studded with capers. I love a good caper – by any definition – so this was cause for a happy dance, if only in my head.
The menu pairs the salmon with rice pilaf and grilled french beans, but Anthony said I could sub any side. I kept the rice and subbed creamed spinach.
Anthony almost needed both hands to deliver my plate. Eight ounces is a sizable piece of salmon, and the sauce, rice and spinach were plentiful portions.
The salmon was cooked just done and was delicious. The pilaf, made with brown rice, was fluffy and flavorful. The creamed spinach was creamy, as promised, but not overly so, and the greens were even a wee bit chewy, so it still seemed like a good nutritional choice.
The bonus? Bread. Some restaurants don’t find it fashionable to include a roll or cornbread with an upscale meat-and-veggies plate, but that’s a disservice to those of us who like to sop up our plate juices.
Connie got a bowl of chicken-and-rice soup and what I thought was a grilled cheese sandwich. Turns out, it was a grilled pimento cheese sandwich, which explained why the cheese looked especially – and deliciously – oozy.
THE SERVICE
Connie had been seated and already had a drink when I arrived, but Anthony appeared at the table for my drink order almost as soon as I sat down. He was knowledgeable about the menu and able to offer suggestions for the newbie. Much appreciated.
He checked back a couple of times to see if we needed anything else, but all we needed were a couple of to-go boxes. The portions were more than generous.
THE SPACE
The Big Chill and Grill has been in its Frazier Avenue location since March of last year, moving to the larger North Shore digs after 17 years on Market Street. The new location not only seats more patrons but grants space for expanded drink offerings (more daiquiri machines, more draft beers).
More space means more hours, so the restaurant is now open for lunch and brunch is served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday. Sure, you can stop by just for drinks during happy hour, but it’s nice to know there’s a “club” setting with food of this caliber.
We sat in the back of the room, where Connie said the acoustics were better for quiet conversations. Banks of windows offered outside views of the back patio and Velma Street. Our table was next to a small stage. It was empty at that hour, but the club hosts a Karaoke Night on Tuesdays and Team Trivia every Thursday night.
Nearby tables began to fill as we ate, but we never felt crowded or so close to other patrons that we couldn’t enjoy our girl talk.
THE VERDICT
The Big Chill and Grill is a favorite for Princess Connie and her Samster (their spousal nicknames for each other). My chance to go was an unexpected treat, but I probably won’t wait on an invitation to go back. This was some fabulous food.
Contact Lisa Denton at ldenton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6281.
If you go
Where: The Big Chill and Grill, 103 Cherokee Blvd., Suite 1A
Phone: 423-267-2445
Website: Facebook
Hours: 11 a.m.-3 a.m. seven days a week (last call at 2:30 a.m.); brunch served 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
Price range: generally $7.50 to $9 for lunch; $4.50 to $18.50 for full menu
Alcohol: Full bar