The Bristol 



I know, The Bristol has been around for 28 years and I am just NOW getting around to eating there. For some reason I was under the impression that it was a much more expensive establishment than it actually is. This past Sunday was Lynda's birthday, so she decided that is where she would like to have her birthday dinner. Since I had to work that night, dinner actually was closer to lunch. We got there around 2:30 and the parking lot was not very crowded, a pleasant surprise at any eating establishment anywhere up or down Hurstbourne Lane on a Sunday afternoon. We were ushered to our table without a wait and settled in to peruse the menu. I was shocked to see the prices were fairly reasonable.

I am afraid I must confess, I wasn't planning on writing a review of the restaurant when we went Sunday, so I can't really recall what the decor was like other than dark wood and an moderately upscale bar feel.

We started off with an appetizer of a cheese plate; the chef's selection of three French cheeses. Lynda ate the brie — I have tried brie twice and not cared for, so Lynda will probably never get me to try it again — and pronounced it excellent. I ate the majority of the other two cheeses — Lynda has the names of them written down so if we ever get to a cheese specialty shop, we can get some more — and they were superbly flavored choices. Next I had a house (actually a field green) salad with the balsamic vinaigrette dressing; salad was nothing special, though the dressing was very tasty. Lynda had the Bibb and Stilton Salad without the Stilton — neither of us really cares for veined cheeses — also with the Balsamic.

Now for the entrees. I had the Bristol Burger — didn't feel like having steak — with cheddar cheese. I was an interesting burger that is served on an English muffin, which makes for an unusual combination of textures and complimented the taste of burger very well. Lynda had the Asparagus Ravioli, she seemed to enjoy the dish, but commented later that she could have done without the tomatoes on the dish.

I can't remember what Lynda had for dessert, and since desserts aren't listed on the online menu, I don't have anything to jog my memory. I had the Toffee Surprise, which was caramel toffee ice cream; very nice, but after you've had Graeters' Toffee Chip, well, it suffers by comparison.

The meal was very relaxed and pleasant and the tab came to $46 which includes a 20% tip. Sorry now I waited so long to try out The Bristol.

8 out of 10 stars.

http://www.bristolbarandgrille.com/
300 North Hurstbourne Parkway
(502) 426-0627 

Posted: Thu - November 24, 2005 at 07:46 AM          

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