Located in downtown Athens on the corner of Broad Street and N. Jackson, Etienne Brasserie serves delicious French cuisine. Stefano Volpi and Stephen Price opened the restaurant with chef John Elder. We finally tried it Saturday night (8/27/2011) with a co-worker of Mariah's who suggested we go.
Etienne Brasserie is relatively small with indoor/outdoor seating and a bar. While we were there we dined with people dressed in everything from business casual to t-shirt and jeans. The tables are white table cloth covered in white paper. Arriving at 6:30pm, we were greeted by the hostess and seated quickly as there were only two other tables occupied -- the restaurant quickly filled soon after, however. The
menu is one page with salads, hors d'oeuvres, entrees, sides, and desserts. There is an interesting drink menu, as well. The entree prices range from $14 to $26, so it's a little on the expensive side for typical Athens fare. It was worth the price. It's the perfect place for a nice date or a special night out. I don't really think it's somewhere we will go often mostly due to the dinner prices. Lunch is more reasonable.
Russell: The temperature in the restaurant was cool enough, could have been cooler (there were times when I was a bit warm). I'm hot natured, though. I was also wearing jeans, button up black shirt, and tie -- not exactly my usual summer gear. I appreciated being able to hear one another talking even when the place was full. It wasn't a noisy din like so many other restaurants. The music was present, but low. Our server was an awesome woman with awesome tattoos and a fun nose-ring. She rocked -- attentive, but not omnipresent; good attitude; great suggestions. She took our drink orders and brought us bread while we waited for our third party member. The bread was perfect French bread -- soft and warm but crusty. The butter was fresh. It was very good. I had The Vargas for my beverage, which was Maker's Mark, Goslings ginger beer, bitters, and Pimm's Cup. Smooth and light.
On to the food -- I considered about four or five different entrees before deciding on the Burger Frites. I wanted to try their housemade french fries and the fois gras butter that comes on the burger intrigued me. Plus, Mariah was ordering the Filet, which I would have gotten otherwise. I have never had fois gras anything and the idea pretty much horrifies me, but watching Anthony Bourdain has counteracted my revulsion over the years. I ordered my burger medium, but it came on the medium-well / well side (judging by color alone, however). Even with that fact, it was tender and DELICIOUS. There were field greens, carmelized onions, and that aforementioned butter dripping off the burger. The bun was soft with a nice, soft outer crust -- more like a roll. The fries were great; a bit thicker than most other pommes frites I've had. The fries came with what I assume is a house made spicy ketchup for dipping. Also good. I would definitely recommend Etienne Brasserie and will be coming back.
Mariah: The restaurant was easy to get to and had a great view of Broad Street. We sat at a window table and watched the armless Athens artist,
Michael Davenport, drawing throughout our meal along with random people walking by. It was nice and quiet so we could enjoy each other's company. Our waitress was awesome! She had great suggestions -- even though the restaurant is new she was very familiar with the menu and didn't hesitate to tell us what she enjoyed. I don't drink alcohol and she went above and beyond to create a non-alcoholic cocktail for me; it was delicious with sparkling water, orange juice, and lime juice. I don't like super sweet drinks and the tartness of the lime balanced perfectly and it really hit the spot. The premeal bread was a warm, French baguette -- chewy crust on the outside and soft inside. It was served with sweet, fresh cream butter; a perfect compliment to the bread. The restaurant was not crowded, but filled up soon after we got there. Go early if you don't want to wait.
I had the Filet De Boeuf au Poivre. It was delicious! It was a filet with grilled asparagus and roasted potatoes smothered with a cognac peppercorn sauce. I like my steaks more done than most (medium-well), but it was incredibly tender and melted in my mouth. The sauce was a perfect combination of hearty with a bit of a kick. The asparagus was cooked perfectly -- not mushy, but not too crisp. The potatoes, though served in the sauce, maintained an enjoyable crunchy outer layer. Russ thought the steak was amazing even though it was way overcooked for his taste. The steak was the best filet I've had in Athens so far! I look forward to going back and trying other dishes. This ranks up there on the pleasure scale -- a delicious, pleasurable meal.
The BREAKDOWN
Five Point Scale Ratings (1 worst; 5 best)
Atmosphere -- 4
Food -- 5
Worth the price -- 4
Service -- 5
Drinks -- 4
Temperature -- 3.5
Parking -- 2 (downtown Athens)
Variety -- 4
