It had been fairly some time since The Grub Partner and I had dined in Oak Ridge. We remedied that final weekend with a visit to the Secret Metropolis to check out 201 Café & Wine Bar, which has been in enterprise since earlier this yr. I acknowledged the Jackson Sq. area because the one previously occupied by Razzleberry’s Ice Cream Lab.
The brand new eatery has executed effectively with its digs. The desk settings, jazz-themed décor, furnishings and lighting scheme conspire to determine an upscale really feel with a subtly earthy edge. One of many proprietors escorted us to a sales space/desk, the place The Partner and I settled in to mull our wine and meals choices. I don’t usually order vino with dinner, however since this was a wine bar, I felt compelled to strive the pinot grigio on their checklist.
We had been tempted by a number of of the small plates, such because the sun-dried tomato spinach dip and the feta bake. We settled on the cauliflower fries ($7), that are deep-fried however not breaded. They got here out very shortly after our server turned the order in. The florets had been cuttable by fork and struck a satisfying stability level between uncooked and cooked. Those that usually eschew uncooked cauliflower would possibly discover 201’s remedy to be a palatable different.
I categorically dominated out sections of steaks (e.g. ribeye; Steak Florentine) and pasta dishes (e.g. pesto pasta with hen or steak; grilled shrimp and sun-dried tomato pasta), winding up with a plan that had The Partner attempting a sandwich, whereas I opted for one of many seafood dishes. The Partner selected the Cuban sandwich ($13) over a burger, hen sandwich and a few Reuben recipes, whereas I picked the Slammin’ Salmon ($19) as a substitute of the candy chili ahi-tuna and the Mussels Mariniere. 201 additionally provides a collection of charcuterie and cheese boards for these so inclined.
Whereas we waited, I took observe of the central stage space, the place reside jazz combos play on the common. We wouldn’t be there lengthy sufficient to listen to that night’s act, however we nonetheless loved the regular weight loss plan of jazz coming by means of the home sound system. In the meantime, I sipped on my glass of dry however brightly citrusy pinot and sank into our moodily lit environment.
For essentially the most half, I used to be happy with the entrees. The salmon was cooked effectively, per my request, however this fillet was removed from overcooked or dry. It additionally benefitted from blackened seasoning that gave it the slightest of kicks. I had substituted fries for the default rice (there’s an extended story behind that) and in addition selected the panzanella salad (a Mediterranean mix of greens and dressing) as my included aspect. The fries had been standard-issue, frozen crinkle cuts, however that aspect mix of cucumber, onion, cherry tomatoes and croutons was a superb name.
The Partner’s Cuban sandwich was what one would principally count on ingredient-wise: ham and pulled pork with Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard, though this stack was layered between a hoagie roll. I believed this creation was respectable, however I believe it may need been extra notable if the pickles and mustard had been extra outstanding and if that they had used Cuban bread as a substitute of a hoagie roll. The Partner had chosen a home salad as a aspect, and it was good as effectively.
Though we already had two programs underneath our literal belts, we determined to forge forward with dessert. And we didn’t even go halvsies, bravely ordering our personal treats. On this case, I bought the chocolate torte, whereas The Partner bought the tiramisu – $7 every. These had been the excessive level of the meal, for my part. The tiramisu was mild however delish, and my torte packed plenty of taste and richness right into a small wedge of chocolate. The dollop of whipped cream on prime was the right embellishment.
I believe 201 Café & Wine Bar is a advantageous addition to the Oak Ridge eating scene. They provide a high quality meal and attentive service in a relaxed setting with reside leisure, relying on when one visits. The entire operation has upscale sensibilities, however I felt the pricing was greater than truthful. Our meal – three programs and a glass of wine – totaled round $70 (with tax however earlier than tip).
One remaining observe: In addition they supply separate lunch and brunch menus that includes gadgets like a patty soften, wraps, biscuits and grits. So If you happen to’re an Anderson County resident in search of reasonably priced advantageous eating, and even in case you’re coming from past these borders, maybe you’ll take this 411 on 201 into consideration.
201 Café & Wine Bar
Meals: 4.25 out of 5
Service: 4.25
Environment: 4.5
Total: 4.25
Tackle: 201 Jackson Sq., Oak Ridge
Telephone: 865-481-0300
Full bar service
Hours: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-9 p.m. Tuesdays by means of Thursdays; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays
Fantastic delicacies, stable service and non-gouging costs add as much as make this Oak Ridge eatery and wine bar a worthy addition to anybody’s eating rotation.
