ChatÓ Brasserie
Open for 10 months now on the North Shore, ChatÓ Brasserie serves New American cuisine in an upscale casual environment. Owners Alex Canale and Chris Casteel, while both Southerners, have lived all over, bringing all sorts of influences to their menu and cuisine. Their melting pot approach blends classic French techniques with fresh products and modern sensibilities.
That approach to food usually goes hand-in-hand with wine selections, and the Brasserie is no exception. A rotating list encompasses a wide range of varietals, selected both for quality and the ability to pair well with the menu. For those who aren’t head over heels for wine, they also have four Chattanooga Brewing Company beer choices on tap, as well as a new menu of hand-crafted specialty cocktails.
The dining room is quite modern with large windows that provide natural lighting and beautiful views of the downtown bridges. Of particular interest is the Chef’s Table, which features personalized tasting menus and wine pairings in four, five, or six courses—you can give yourself over to the chef’s whims, or specify the items you wish to receive. (Be sure to call for reservations!) If you’re just in for a regular visit, they offer three portion sizes, with small plates ranging from $4 to $9, medium plates from $7 to $11, and large plates that run from $19 to $32. The seasonal menu recently switched, offering lighter and fresher flavors for the spring.
Small plates include cracked pepper gnocchi (served with grapes, gorgonzola cream, fresh oregano and a verjus foam) and lump crab arancini (with lemon, caper, escargot butter and tomato concasse). An example of a medium plate is the duck confit flat bread, accompanied by pickled strawberries and a toasted coriander aioli.
Higher up the chain are choices like paella (constructed with gulf shrimp, littleneck clams and chorizo) and a mustard and mint Colorado lamb porterhouse, served with caper-whipped potatoes, eggplant and zucchini with romesco sauce. New wines will be rolling in throughout the season to match these contemporary flavors. You can visit their Facebook page to see what’s currently on offer.
The list usually sits at around 50 bottles, and is comprised of all varieties from around the globe. From Prosecco and Champagne, Chardonnay and Viognier, all the way to Malbec and Syrah, there’s sure to be several bottles to suit your tastes. You’ll find recognizable names, as well as boutique selections, and upwards of 20 are offered by the glass.
Once per month, they have an event they call “Raid the Cellar,” during which you can negotiate the price of your bottle of wine with your server in an entertaining exchange. The next “Raid the Cellar” event is April 11.
In addition, ChatÓ Brasserie offers off-site catering, as well as in-house lunch catering (they are normally only open for dinner). Some wines are even offered in three-ounce pours, ideal for those sipping at lunch! It’s an ideal opportunity for business meetings, bridal parties, or just a group of friends to have the whole place to themselves.
April brings a happy hour to ChatÓ Brasserie, with half-price glasses of wine from 5 to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Stop in early and get this steal of a deal with some of the items off their new menu.
ChatÓ Brasserie
200 Manufacturers Road
For reservations:
(423) 305-1352
Hours:
5 to 9 p.m., Monday-Thursday
5 to 10 p.m., Friday & Saturday
11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday