It’s been brought to my attention that I don’t post much about Chattanooga, and seeing how I’ve called it home since I was three, I figured it was time I started talking about some of my favorite spots in this beautiful city.
First up, Bridgeman’s Chophouse.
It’s rare John and I get to enjoy a meal alone, so when we do we go all out. I’m talking drinks, appetizers, desserts… the works, so we didn’t hold back when we arrived to Bridgeman’s.
The Read House hotel (where Bridgeman’s Chophouse is located) just went through a HUGE renovation and it’s gorgeous.
We’re having a little “staycation” at The Read House next weekend, so make sure you follow me on Instagram to check out the behind the scenes of our stay.
John and I LOVE food. Being together for 13+ years, our palates have changed along with our budget for food, and nowadays we’d rather splurge on a good meal than overpay for a mediocre one. So to say I was excited about this date night, is an understatement.
Dinner was at 7:30 on a Sunday, and it was the perfect time for a date night. The bar wasn’t crowded, so we enjoyed watching the bartender make our drinks. I went with my normal Mojito, while John went with a smoked Old Fashion.
Both were great!
For our starters, John ordered the Seared Scallops and I went with the Wedge Salad.
I’ve never been one that really cares for scallops, but after hearing John rave about “how they were the best he’s ever had” over and over, I told him to let me try a bite, and Oh My Word, they were out of this world.
Once we finished the scallops, Chef Kenyatta Ashford made his way to our table to introduce himself + bring us something special. I’m not even going to lie, I was taken back by this. I’ve never had a Chef come out and shake my hand, so I was a little speechless from here on out.
John and I both were discussing how good everything was, and then our waiter surprised us with another dish from Kenyatta. This time… a beet salad.
Beets were always a vegetable I put on my brothers plate when my Mom wasn’t looking, so I was nervous about this dish. I reminded myself that I took a chance on the Scallops, so I needed to give the beet salad a try!
Believe it or not, I cleaned my plate. Somehow this talented man allowed me enjoy beets for the first time in my life. That alone deserves an award!
He paired it with blue cheese, a citrus blend + arugula.. and it was amazing. Somehow I didn’t manage to get a picture of it.
Our main course made it’s way out and at this point I was getting full. It was time to focus and power through because I knew it was going to be one of the best steaks I’ve ever had.
I ordered the Prime Dry Aged Ribeye with Blue Crab Oscar added as a compliment, and a side of White Truffle Mac & Cheese.
This steak was huge, and somehow I ate at least half of it. Pairing the blue crab with hollandaise sauce was absolutely amazing, and I just couldn’t stop eating it.
I only had room for a couple of bites of the Mac-N-Cheese, but it was delicious.
Don’t worry, nothing went to waste… everything we couldn’t finish, came home with us.
John ordered the special of the day, which was a Short Rib. He added a side Blue Crab Oscar and a side of Creamed Spinach. The Short Rib was so tender + melted in your mouth.
We ate so much food by this point, I felt like I was going to pop. But we still had dessert, and I’m no quitter.
Chef Kenyatta came back out and brought us three different desserts that were all great. I stuck with the Creme Brûlée and John devoured the Pana Cotta before I could even try a bite. Ha!
We ended the night with Chef Kenyatta sitting + chatting with us at our table. It was the perfect ending to the night. I can’t explain how privileged we felt to not only eat his food but get to know him as a Chef, Father and Husband.
Bridgeman’s Chophouse is hands down the best steak house in Chattanooga. If you live here in town or just visiting, make sure you make a reservation. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
xoxo-Lauren
Marie says
I want to go!
Karen Ward says
YUM!!!!