ROSEY’S REVIEW
FRATELLI’S
BY ROSEY
2000 REYNOLDA RD. WINSTON-SALEM, NC | 336.448.1704 Hours: Monday - Thursday 4 - 10pm | Friday 4 - 11pm | Sunday 11 - 9pm Please visit our website at www.fratellis-steakhouse.com “Fratelli” is Italian for “brothers” though I think it also means “food coma.” Such was certainly the feeling I had when I finished what was one of the very best meals I’ve ever eaten. Fratelli’s Italian Steakhouse is located in the old Staley’s steakhouse. Those who have lived in Winston-Salem for a while remember the large bull that stood sentinel over Staley’s between 1957 – 2003. While the original bull is gone, Fratelli’s pays homage to this well-loved landmark upon entry into the beautifully decorated restaurant, with a smaller scale bull in the lobby. Rich, wood paneling, modern light fixtures, comfortable seating, and wine cellar set the stage for dining ambiance at its very best. But as beautiful as the restaurant is – it’s the food that is worth talking about…
APPETIZERS: We started with Baked Burratta Dip and Fried Lobster. The Baked Burratta Dip is a light marinara with a creamy mozzarella and served with crisp crostini. It’s a perfect appetizer; any cheese lover would agree! The Fried Lobster was an unexpected dish. Fried Maine Lobster was not heavy at all. The batter was light, allowing for the lobster flavor to be dominant. Presented in a lobster tail, it was served with a sweet but tangy honey mustard sauce. My dinner mates all had the same reaction: “Wow.”
SALAD: Served family style, this salad is so
good, you may be tempted to forego an entrée and order a second bowl. Iceberg lettuce, Granny Smith apples, dried cranberries, candied pecans, mozzarella, and feta cheeses are tossed with Fratelli’s house made dressing. Served with a basket of freshly baked rolls with herb-infused olive oil.
ENTREES: We sampled four entrees. If you’re dining with a group, I strongly recommend our sharing strategy as the best way to get a taste of everything.
• Seabass: Fratelli’s may be a steakhouse, but they know their seafood. Seabass comes with lemon basil risotto. It’s perfectly seasoned and the fish melts in your mouth. • Salmon: The salmon was the perfect texture and the flavors it was served with were incredible -- sundried tomato pesto and an angel hair and ricotta pasta cake. Decadent! • Pork Chop Piccata: Manager Charlie Smith said this is the best-kept secret on the menu. He was correct. This pork chop is cooked with the bone in and is unbelievably tender. Served with a lemon caper piccata and onion potato hash, this dish should not be underrated. • Bone-In Filet: Fratelli’s steaks are incredible. This particular cut is significant: by cooking the bone with the filet (an uncommon practice), the meat absorbs extra flavor. The filet was served with a side of house-made steak sauce. The steak sauce is great, but the steak was so flavorful, it isn’t needed.
SIDES: The entrees may take center stage, but the side dishes should not be ignored. • Four Cheese Risotto: Risotto is one of those recipes that requires a lot of attention, and the culinary team at Fratelli’s have given it ample. Creamy, decadent, and delicious. • Parmesan-Blistered Corn: Your grandmother’s side of corn at Sunday dinner will never live up to this dish. Corn at a whole new level! • Roasted Brussels with Apple and Bacon: Even if you think you don’t like Brussels sprouts, one bite of this dish will change your mind. I already love Brussels sprouts and Fratelli’s cooks them better than anyone! • Sherry Mushrooms: If you like your steak served with mushrooms, this will be your favorite accompaniment to your meat. Though I could eat it by itself, too! • Parmesan French Fries: Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and lightly tossed with freshly grated parmesan cheese. Comfort food at its finest.
DESSERTS: Our group was fully satiated by the time our fantastic servers, Tim and Misty, cleared the table. But a restaurant reviewer must persevere. I tucked in and found room for Bananas Foster and Fratelli’s signature dessert, Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding. Without question, the Bananas Foster was the best I’ve ever eaten. Pound cake topped with candied pretzels, a decadent bourbon sauce, whipped cream, and vanilla ice cream. It’s worth making room for! And a visit to Fratelli’s isn’t complete without a bite (or two, or three, or all of it) of Krispy Kreme bread pudding. This popular dessert is all that is good in the world, served on a plate. Whether you’re planning for a special occasion, or just because it’s a Tuesday night, Fratelli’s an excellent experience in fine dining. Be sure to tell them Rosey sent you!