Grille One Sixteen...As Good As It Gets
When I heard that this upscale grill just across Dale Mabry from the entrance to Northdale had opened, I called for reservations right away. We had a seven person party with tickets to a musical evening, and so far, no dinner plans. We came, we dined; we left, totally impressed.
Sandra Harrington First of all, the name. One sixteen is the number of people who can be accommodated at one time, including seating at the bar. For a restaurant this large, it is truly amazing how intimate it feels, thanks to creative layout. Our group felt as if we were the only guests, although that was far from the fact.
Now on to the good part: the food...and wine. We ordered wine by the bottle. Here is a place where you can buy a decent bottle of wine for $25...refreshing, in this high-priced world. Of course, you can opt for the hundred dollar bottles, if you choose, but it’s nice to know there’s a real choice, for those of us non-oenophiles.
Because there is a full-service bar, there are also several martini offerings that sound enticing, as well as wines by the glass.
The first thing that arrived at our table was an attractive tray of delicacies, the most irresistible of which was paté, to be spread upon a croustade. When you are first offered a taste, as a gift, you’re off to a good start. The actual appetizer list includes such temptations as Filet of Beef Carpaccio, $14, and Grilled Walkers Wood Shrimp, $11. One of our group ordered an appetizer as an entrée...Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes with Spicy Mayonnaise and Sweet Slaw, $16. It was a gracious plenty, along with a salad.
Speaking of salad, three are offered: Beefsteak Tomato and Grilled Onion with bleu cheese and balsamic vinegar glaze, $11; Classic Caesar, $8; and the 116 Signature Salad, composed of mixed greens, bacon, almonds, feta and balsamic dressing, $9. Our waiter told us the latter was a huge offering, so we ordered three for the table. Perfect.
On to the entrées. There’s a listing for steaks, ranging from an 8-ounce filet mignon, $28, which one of us ordered, to a 28-ounce Porterhouse, market price. Then there’s a listing of fresh fish, $24 to $29. Sauces, butters and toppings for these selections range from $2 to $5.
Most of us chose from the Chef’s Composition section. Kona Marinated 14- ounce Ribeye with twice-baked potato was $27. Two diners picked Grilled Pork Tenderloin, with Sweet Potato Mash and Apple Cranberry Compote, $19. George had a 10-ounce prime burger with restaurant-made "tater tots", $14. And I had Pan Seared Prosciutto Wrapped sea Scallops with creamy grits and corn relish, $25.
I have described just four of the six dishes from this group. There’s also a selection of seven "Sides for the Table", including Spinach Gratin and Four Cheese "Mac", $7 each. Our table had the Grilled Asparagus and Cabernet Mushrooms, $9 and $8. All dishes are pleasing to vegetarians, and serve two to three people.
Alas, we ran out of time for dessert, because there are five fave selections, $8 each, the most beckoning one of which is Chocolate Molten Cake with Ice Cream. I swore I would go back for dessert before I wrote, but ran out of time. From the looks of it, I’ll have ample opportunity. James Maita is the chef here; I’m devoutly hopeful he remains.
Owner Terence Terenzi has created an oasis in the desert of less-than-fine dining establishments in our neighborhood. Call for a reservation, early for weekends, 265-0116. We may finally have a successor to RG’s North. Remember?
--Sandra Harrington
