BRABO Restaurant - Upscale and Cosmopolitan

After visiting their tasting room recently, it was mandatory that I dine at their restaurant next door. And although I enjoyed the experience, I definitely like the Tasting Room better—more for the livelier atmosphere than anything.

BRABO is everything that you would expect from an upscale restaurant. The food is delicious and the service is impeccable. From the free valet parking to the informed and punctual wait staff, BRABO delivers the lavish experience that you would demand from a chic and fashionable establishment. The menu is a bit pricey, but comparable to its upscale counterparts.

The atmosphere is ultra cosmopolitan, reminiscent of the trendy restaurants that you might find in Manhattan’s more corporate neighborhoods. This makes sense, as it is conjoined with the Lorien Hotel & Spa and thus caters to their clientele. The ambiance is subdued, and relaxing—with dim lighting complemented by spa-like sconces. The chocolate colored walls with apricot accents further a feeling of tranquility. The elongated booths and leather chairs are distinctively lounge like, but are curiously juxtaposed with light blue Windsor chairs, which seem inconsistent with the otherwise comfortable décor.

The food was excellent, albeit the portions were a bit small. The Citrus Pepper Seared Ahi Tuna was a crowd favorite among my company, and there wasn’t a complaint to be heard--fresh, delectable and cooked to perfection. I had the Jumbo Asparagus with Maltaise Sauce for a side dish. The portion was small, and I question the use of the term “jumbo” but nonetheless it tasted good. Rave reviews were also had regarding the Grilled Lamb Tenderloins and Brabo’s inventive approach to the everyday Caesar salad, as they wrap it in prosciutto. For dessert, the Lemon Tart and the Triple Chocolate Mousse Terrine were exquisite.

Overall, I give them an A. The food and service are stellar, but if I had my pick, I would rather enjoy them next door at the Tasting Room where there is more action.