The Brass Register is open for business again. Click to enlrage.
photo by Janet Wilson
After much fanfare regarding the reopening of The Brass Register, I suppose we had higher expectations. I was not a regular from previous years, as I had only been there on one occasion – and that was for a farewell party honoring a co-worker. At that time it was so crowded, even if you could place an order, you wouldn’t have been able to move your hand to your mouth as the place was packed in like sardines.
We arrived on a recent Saturday evening around 7 p.m. We expected it to busy, but the only customers were two at the bar, and five occupied tables in the non-smoking room. Before we left, there were several tables occupied in the main, smoking room.
We looked over the Appetizer menu and noted Maryland Crab Cakes ($8.99), Fried Pickles ($5.99), and Hot Crab and Artichoke Dip ($7.99). Having heard so much about the “Famous Brass Register Fried Mushrooms” ($5.99), we felt it was a must to give them a try. The mushrooms are described as “A half-pound of mushrooms battered in a buttermilk breading and fried to a golden brown. Served with the Original Honey Mustard sauce.”
We liked the taste of the mushrooms, but didn’t feel they were the best we have ever eaten. They should have been a bit crispier with a few more mushrooms (leave off the tortilla chip strip fillers), and the sauce wasn’t impressive at all. In fact, it seemed nothing more than mayonnaise. I can’t say it had any standout flavor – nothing to make us think of honey or mustard.
The menu lists several salads along with sandwiches, soups, steaks and dinner specialties. In looking over the pricing, I was surprised that Shrimp was the same price as Catfish ($13.99). Usually Catfish is less expensive.
I noticed the lady next to us ordered a Black & Blue Chicken Salad ($7.29) and it was huge. From where we sat, it appeared to be made with iceberg lettuce. I don’t know if she liked it, or just wasn’t hungry, but she left almost the entire salad – including the chicken.
After looking over such items as Mussels ($10.99), Maker’s Mark BBQ Ribs ($15.99/$11.99), Prime Rib ($15.99), Filet Mignon ($19.99) and sandwiches such as Escobars Cuban Sandwich ($6.99), Reuben ($6.99), and Stuffed Flat Bread ($6.29), we finally made our decisions.
Wayne decided to go with the Scrambled Dog ($4.99); a foot-long hot dog smothered in Chili, topped with ketchup, mustard, cheese and crackers, and served with potato chips. When he placed his order, he asked for an additional side of Beer-Battered Onion Rings ($5.99).
I ordered the Fried Shrimp (huge butterflied prawns prepared to a golden crisp in our signature beer batter). It is served with a choice of side (I selected Buttermilk Pepper Mashed Potatoes) and a salad. I made the mistake of replacing the salad with the soup of the day, Seafood Bisque.
After we finished the mushrooms, I assumed my bisque would be “just around the corner.” No less than 25 minutes later, it arrived and as it was placed before us, we both stared in amazement. This looked like a bowl of orange-colored paste with lumps in it.
My impression of bisque is that it should be rich and creamy without large chunks. The bowl placed before us, led me to an epicurious dictionary. I found the following description of bisque: “A thick, rich soup usually consisting of pureed seafood (sometimes fowl or vegetables) and cream.” After reading that, I wanted to make certain I had the correct definition of pureed: “To grind or mash food until it's completely smooth. This can be accomplished by one of several methods including using a food processor or blender or by forcing the food through a sieve.” I was correct in my thinking.
Wayne and I decided this must have been the base for the soup and whoever was serving didn’t realize they needed to add the cream to the mixture and run it through the processor. Close to the worst bisque I have ever been served, so as you can guess, I did not eat it.
Finally our orders arrived. Wayne’s dog looked quite tasty, but nowhere was there a sign of a cracker as the menu stated, and where were his chips? Instead of bringing him a side of onion rings as requested, they took away his chips and put onion rings in their place. He said the dog was good with plenty of chili (which he described as bland) and cheese, but he was not impressed with the onion rings. They were soft and chewy and appeared not to have been cooked long enough. It wasn’t like they were pressed for time. The place wasn’t busy and it had been a good 45 minutes from the time we placed the orders.
I don’t know if it was just me or what – but my shrimp (yes, it was very crisp) and potatoes were so salty it was difficult to get them down. I finished all but one of the shrimp (which are not huge – much smaller than Nikki’s), and I packed up the potatoes. It’s no wonder our dog is gaining weight – she had onion rings, seafood bisque and buttermilk pepper potatoes for dinner.
We also noted, bread is not served and hushpuppies do not come with seafood.
There are several desserts on the menu including Memaw’s Banana Pudding ($3.99), Caramel Turtle Cheesecake ($4.99), and Chocolate Tower Cake ($5.99).
Every night is a “special” night at The Brass Register: Monday is $1 beer and a live band; Tuesday is ladies night with $2 drinks; Wednesday, Karaoke and $.99 PBR; Thursday, DJ Hip Hop, $.99 PBR; and Friday and Saturday are live band nights. Sunday is Karaoke/VIP night with $1.50 draft and ½ off on appetizers between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.. Happy hour is Monday through Friday from 4-7 p.m. They are also open for lunch.
You may enjoy the food at The Brass Register. Every person must experience a restaurant for themselves – and everyone does not have the same tastes in food.
cdoJanet@ChattanoogaDineOut.com
http://www.Janet-Wilson.com