BRIO Tuscan Grille’s New Flavorful Features Menu
I didn’t think it could get any better at BRIO after my last visit, but they have somehow managed to exceed all expectations and raise the bar even higher with their new Flavorful Features menu. These seasonal flavors are kicking off 2017 and are available until February 28 at the Park Meadows in Lone Tree and Cherry Creek Mall locations in Denver. The features are available on the dinner menu at BRIO locations across the nation.
Restaurant lighting is not very forgiving, so all pictures were provided by Duree and Company so that you may experience the food with your eyes. I will describe the flavors to the best of my ability, but you must try this menu for yourself!
BRIO generously invited me to sample their menu free of charge. All opinions expressed herein are my own.
Get ready for some unique dishes that will make your taste buds dance. Here is the Flavorful Features menu:
Appetizers
- Spicy Shrimp & Eggplant: Pan seared shrimp, Romano crusted eggplant, black pepper cream ($11.95)
- Burrata & Prosciutto Bruschetta: Red peppers, mayonnaise, sea salt, black pepper, extra virgin olive oil, and parsley ($11.95)
When I read that this appetizer had mayonnaise on it, my initial reaction was that I had never heard of mayo on bruschetta. Then I saw how much there was on each piece. I love mayo, but even I was skeptical. I don’t know if they use magic mayo or if it is just the way the flavors work together, but I could barely taste the mayonnaise. And I think that is usually an overpowering flavor. It was delicious!
The shrimp and eggplant was AH-MAZING. I am not one for shrimp, its a texture thing. But they were small so I sampled it. And then I couldn’t stop “sampling” the shrimp and eggplant. It was all in the cream. Black pepper cream sounds so simple and tastes nothing like what you would expect. Maybe I am not as much of a foodie as I thought I was. I highly recommend this appetizer.
Entrees
- Chicken Saltimbocca Risotto: Provolone, crispy pancetta, fried sage, and butternut squash risotto ($16.95)
I love chicken. I love cheesy chicken. You can’t really go wrong with cheese and chicken. Even so, chicken is usually underwhelming. However, the star of this dish is the risotto. This is the 2nd best risotto I’ve had in my life. The best is actually in the next dish!
- Sea Scallops & Ratatouille Risotto: Seared sea scallops served over risotto with roasted eggplant, red peppers, zucchini, tomato compote, basil and Reggiano ($21.95)
My not-so-into-seafood self decided to let my companion eat the scallops, but the risotto is TO DIE FOR. Next time, I’m ordering just a bowl of risotto with a side of risotto. The friendly sous chef came out to talk to us and appreciated our compliments (aka drooling) about the risotto.
- Crab Stuffed Shrimp & Broiled Maine Lobster Tail: Orzo, farro, zucchini, red peppers, asparagus, and lemon butter sauce ($25.95)
Dessert
- Butterscotch Budino: Italian for “pudding,” this dish features Marcona almonds, caramel, and vanilla whipped cream ($3.95)
The dessert… How do I explain heaven? At this point, we were so full, I was ready to unbutton my pants. But, dessert cannot be wasted! We willingly devoured our dessert. Desserts. Ok, we had more than one. I highly recommend their cheesecake made with mascarpone cheese. WHAT. Yes. Mascarpone cheesecake. Do it.
Wine
The perfect complements to the “Flavorful Features” are delicious wines. These include:
- Sketchbook Pinot Noir: A light, fruity and elegant red blend (Mendocino, California) ($9.95/glass)
- Benzinger Family Wintery Chardonnay: A lush and silky wine (Sonoma, California) ($9.95/glass)
I can’t wait to go back to BRIO to enjoy these items again. It’s funny how sometimes we get used to sub-par food at our favorite restaurants. And then we experience something like the Flavorful Features menu at BRIO and think “What have I been missing out on?!” I highly recommend you consider BRIO Tuscan Grille for Valentine’s Day. You will not be so happy you did!