Our latest culinary adventure took us north to Port Charlotte to visit The Grill at 1951. It was about a 45-50-minute ride but oh was it so worth it. They offer upscale dining and entertainment in a warm and friendly atmosphere. There is nothing better than to enjoy a great meal in a relaxed atmosphere that makes any evening special. Then you add the entertainment on top and it is a magical combination.
We started the evening with a Rat Pack Martini ($11), Vanilla Vodka, Cicciolatto (Cioccolato) Liqueur and Bailey’s. If you are wondering what Cicciolatto Liqueur is, it is a chocolate liqueur (milk and dutch chocolate) It would of made the Rat Pack proud to drink this martini named after them.
The menu has so many great choices and then they also have different specials and events weekly. We started with the Lobster Bisque ($6.95). It is not what one is used to when it comes to lobster bisque ala New England style. As you can tell from the picture it is very different and very good. It highlighted the sweetness of the lobster very well.
The night we went it was Prime Rib night $17.95 Queen cut or $23.95 for the King cut. It was served with twice baked potato and sauteed spinach and candied carrots. We both chose the Queen cut but my dining partner preferred coconut rice and the were happy to accommodate. The Prime rib was perfect, as were all the sides. The spinach was perfectly cooked with the right amount of garlic and onions. Candied carrots can be too sweet if not done well but that was not the case here. So many restaurants do not pay attention to their sides but here their Chef really pays attention to flavors in all that they do.
We just had to try the dessert. The Chocolate Lava cake ($5.95) which one can also get ala mode ($8.95), we did not op for the ala mode. The chocolate cake was moist and the fudge like lava was over the top. Some lava cakes are more cake than lava but that is not the case here.
Our server was “The Chad”. He was professional. Friendly, on top of everything like refills and checking to make sure we had everything we needed. The entertainment for the evening was the Mickey Basil Quartet featuring Tony Boffa, Joe Bilardo and Jay Heavilin. They were excellent and really made for a great evening. Sometimes the entertainment can be a distraction, but they really added to our experience.
I personally enjoy live music and to find a place that has quality food and entertainment is rare. If you are looking for a nice evening out where you can just enjoy good food and entertainment, then put The Grill at 1951 on your list.
Overall rating: Top 10 on the Hit Parade
The Grill at 1951
1951 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33948
