Silas Marley Restaurant and Tavern is located at 8705 E. Brainerd Road. Click to enlarge.
photo by Janet Wilson
Since Silas Marley Restaurant and Tavern, located at 8705 E. Brainerd Road, has undergone a multitude of transitions since their opening approximately one year ago, we made a return visit to find out if the changes have been positive.
We were shown to an area on the far left of the restaurant, away from the bar (and entertainment), in the non-smoking section. This was a relaxed, quiet area where you are able to carry on conversation, as well as hear the entertainment at a distance.
Right away we noticed the more professional wait staff. When they first opened, there seemed to be a younger, less experienced group, whereas now it is a more seasoned, well-trained staff. The menu has also changed, offering a wonderful variety of food. It is fine dining in a casual setting.
Our server, Robert, was knowledgeable concerning the menu and gave us his recommendations, as well as informed us of the evening specials. The menu offers several items that aren’t your every day, run-of-the-mill selections.
Some of the appetizers you will find at Silas Marley are Crab Cerviche ($10.95), Mushroom Vol-Au-Vent ($9.95); and Soft Shell Crab ($12.95). Wayne is a fan of scallops so we ordered the Sea Scallops ($9.95); jumbo scallops with Dijon Sauce. These were served piping hot on a bed of lettuce. The sauce was quite tasty with just a little “tang” from the Dijon. Robert brought rolls for us to enjoy with our scallops.
With perfect timing, our salads followed the appetizer. With your meal you get a choice of soup or salad (house or Caesar) and we both went with the house salad using a fresh spring mix with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, mushrooms, and Asiago cheese. There is a salad on the menu that is tempting if you would enjoy an entree salad. The Jean La Fitte Salad ($13.95) starts with fresh spring mixed greens, sliced tomatoes and Asiago cheese. It is then topped with hand-breaded, fried jumbo shrimp and oysters, cracked black pepper and topped with spicy honey Dijon dressing.
Wayne and I both had a difficult time deciding on our entree, as there were simply too many that were calling our names. I started off thinking I would try the Andouille Stuffed Pork Chop ($18.95) or Chicken Piccata ($15.95); before leaning towards one of the platters where you can select several items from the nine-item seafood list including Crab Cakes, Broiled Grouper, Shrimp Scampi and Blackened Catfish.
We both went to the Signature Dishes and thought about Venison Tenderloin ($25.95), Cajun Duck Breast ($26.95), or possibly the Wild Boar Tenderloin ($25.95). After all the perusing, having gone in with a craving for a good steak, we looked over the Angus Beef offerings.
Finally, in the end, we both decided we needed to satisfy that craving. I ordered the Angus Rib eye (12 oz. hand cut) for $20.95, and Wayne ordered the Angus New York Strip (also 12 oz. hand cut) for $19.95. For $2 you can make a selection from their special styles list, which we both decided to do. Wayne chose the Bourbon Street – grilled with a blend of seasonings and bourbon, while I ordered the Blackened using Silas Marley’s own special blackening seasoning and pan seared in a black iron skillet. The last few places where I have ordered blackened steaks, they were served so close to well done, I didn’t find them the least bit palatable. Both steaks (mine was medium rare, while Wayne’s was medium) were cooked to absolute perfection. In fact, our server asked us to cut into our steaks when he served them so we could be certain they were cooked to our liking. We have found that the majority of places plop them down and run before you get a chance to check.
Each entree is served with mixed vegetables and your choice of rice, or potato (baked, mashed, frenched or sweet). Wayne ordered the baked potato, while I went with the sweet potato. This is one of the few places where I have been served a side of brown sugar to allow me to prepare the potato the way I like it. Wayne liked the fact that his potato was cooked all the way through, as a lot of restaurants serve them under-cooked.
By the end of our meal, we had decided there would be no dessert, even though they have a delicious list of desserts that are made in-house daily (including White Chocolate Morte which is a white chocolate brownie with thin raspberry ribbon through the center, served with vanilla ice cream and raspberry amaretto sauce). However, Robert decided we should know about the sorbets they make; every day a different flavor. Who could resist Mango Sorbet? It was worth the splurge and Silas Marley is well worth the visit!
Hours are Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday until 11 p.m.; Sunday is Brunch only from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.
cdojanet@ChattanoogaDineOut.com