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| - I went here with my sister and her future sister - in - law. My sister made reservations at 7 but we arrived at 6:45 and was sat right away. They also have free valet parking if dining at Stoke (located inside the Marriott hotel).The hostess made sure to ask if we were okay with a booth; which we all said yes too, the only strange part was she motioned me to go ahead of her. I was aimlessly walking because how am I supposed to know which table you are seating me? The interior was modern rustic. The made sure to incorporate wood pieces but still made it modern in style. The plates were a combination of ceramic plates and wooden boards. It is a lot bigger than it seems to be "just inside a hotel." The attire is casual but many did dress a little nicer.
We sat down and were quickly greeted by our waitress Molly. The menu is a little on the small side (fits on one big paper) but the flavors are definitely all there! All of us decided to share so we could try everything since we have never been here before and also to share the cost.
From the Share:
- Pretzel Brioche: Came with three different butters; I believe the first one had garlic and whole grain beads inside (my favorite of the three). Next, they had a cheerwine butter; you are in the south after all. Lastly, was a honey butter and just as most are; sweet but not too much. Usually pretzel breads/rolls are a little harder but this was so soft and the little bit of saltiness from the pretzel was great.
- Mom's Deviled Eggs: Love that they chopped the bread and butter pickles to put on top instead of putting one big piece of it like I have seen other restaurants do. In order for them to lay flat on the plate they have to cut the bottom, this makes it a little thinner so be careful.
- Pork Belly: Absolutely delicious. I was worried the watermelon molasses was going to be too sweet but it was just right, not sticky and gross. I would rather not share this item because of the portion size. The bottom was charred and it gave the dish a great crunch and smoky flavor to each bite.
- Winter Roots: Plated beautifully and when added to our entrees, went well. It was also a nice palette cleanser if ate alone. Included beets, radishes, caraway, and buttermilk.
From the Entree:
- Scallops: They had five on the plate but they were not small. The were cooked perfectly. They were placed on top of a ham hock consommé; which was at the right level, not overflowing but enough to taste.
- Sticky Pork Shank: We asked what the menu favorite was and this was what was recommended. This did not let us down. Definitely my favorite dish of the night. The meat fell off the bone, was not dry, and the sauce was there but not even needed (but who doesn't love sauces).
From the Companions:
- Esquites: This corn salad was delicious but definitely a sharing side dish.
- Crispy fingerlings: These potatoes were cooked to have a slight crunch, that usually you don't get, and it was paired with a creamy aioli. My only suggestion - have the aioli come on the side and not the bottom below several fingerlings.
- Green Beans: Had a little spice to them, a nice crunch from the pistachios, and the apples added a crunch but a sweet acidity as well.
- Broccoli: I personally did not eat this because I do not like broccoli that much but the other two did. They agreed there was a spice to it which is unexpected but it was tasty overall.
From the Dessert Menu: (This is a completely separate menu that you have to ask for)
- Apple Pie: We also got a scoop of vanilla ice cream to accompany the pie. It was served warm and came out in a mini cast iron skillet. The crust was too hard and not flaky (we could barely cut it) but the filling was the best part! They topped it with oats instead of a dutch crumble and I personally like the added crunch this gave to the dessert.
From the Cocktails:
- Espresso Martini: I love coffee/espresso and when you mix it with Kahlua, even better. The glass was unexpectedly small but it tasted great and I hope the pour count was accurate!
Overall a great first time experience, will definitely be going back!
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