Capital Grille rolled out a new lunch option earlier this month – serve customers a high quality, multi-course, customizable meal in 45 minutes flat, allowing those of us who watch a lunch hour clock the ability to have a delicious meal and still meet time constraints. A friend and I were invited guests of The Capital Grille in Uptown earlier this week to try out the Plated Lunch menu and test if we really could get in and out in 45 minutes.
The concept is easy, enjoy a soup or salad to start, then dig into one of their unique sandwich combinations paired with a seasonal side dish. Options include a delicious and fresh Roasted Red Pepper Soup with a Sweet Potato and Pepper Hash; classic, creamy Clam Chowder or a Seasonal Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette, followed by a selection of sandwiches including a decadent Wagyu Beef Burger complete with Havarti cheese and a Fried Egg on a Brioche bun, to Filet Sliders with Boursin and Mushrooms, to a traditional Lobster Roll with tons of fresh lobster. Sides range from Parmesan Truffle fries to Roasted Root Veggies to an interesting spin on green beans, sauteed with ginger, garlic, onions and tomatoes. Indulgent, scrumptious and filling.
The best flavors had to come from the red pepper soup and the Wagyu burger….add a fried egg to anything and it is good….though I am slightly surprised it didn’t have bacon on it as well, that would have clearly taken it over the top though. And as promised, we had everything in and out in a timely manner ensuring I would have time to run by Starbuck’s on the way back to the office for my afternoon caffeine fix, if needed.
Though all was delicious, they do call this menu “lighter fare” and there really isn’t anything light about it, other than somewhat smaller portion sizes to some of their normal meals.
However, without question, the food is savory, hearty and well executed and the gracious staff makes a quick lunch seem like you have enjoyed leisurely afternoon get away.
