The Bloody Mary's at Sweet Grass are made with house-infused vodka.
Sweet Grass Next Door opened this spring, but I hadn't been by until Sunday. Lord knows why. Here's my impression after one lunch: This is the perfect neighborhood bistro, which for me means equally good food and drinks.
I met my friend Victoria at this sister restaurant to Sweet Grass around noon. The place was getting a little revved up on football, but it wasn’t obnoxious. We settled into a nice table by the window and ordered one of the bar’s signature drinks: a bloody Mary garnished with olives, lime slice, and a house-pickled string bean. One sip, and we were enamored with the drink’s not-too-spicy flavor. It was a perfect mid-day cocktail thanks to the house-infused vodka made with, among other things, peppers, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and bay leaves. The drink cost $7, and one was plenty for a nice buzz throughout lunch.
Next, we shared a gorgeous plate of beef carpaccio ($11). The eye of round from Donnell Farm was thinly sliced and dressed with dijonaise, red-wine vinaigrette, mixed greens, and baby gherkins. Grilled slices of sourdough also came with the plate, so we made two-bite open-face sandwiches which were so good, we stopped talking. This is quite a testimony for yappers like us.
For our entrees, Victoria had a BLT with fried-green tomatoes, apple wood smoked bacon, and a side of ranch dressing (no need for the ranch). I ordered a fried-egg sandwich, also on sourdough, with bacon, avocado, tomato, lettuce, and a slice of cheddar. Both sandwiches cost $8, and we could only eat half.
We had no intention of ordering dessert, but our charming server made the four options sound so appealing, we couldn’t say no. We almost went for the cold, sour cream apple pie, but who can resist peach cobbler? I’m not a big sweet eater, but this dessert is a show-stopper. It’s baked in a small soup bowl, topped with vanilla bean gelato, and drizzled with raspberry sauce. The cobbler crust bakes around the dish, making a warm and luscious center for peaches, cinnamon, and gelato that melt together more and more with every bite.
While the menu is streamlined, I can’t imagine anyone not finding something they like, especially when you throw in the bar’s new football menu. For football season, the bistro has added wings, deep fried and tossed in hot sauce; a fried catfish sandwich with slaw; chicken sandwiches (fried or grilled ); and Badass Nachos made with barbecued beef brisket, white cheese sauce, and all the other expected add-on’s.
Sweet Grass Next Door, open Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m.. to "whenever" and Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to closing.937 S. Cooper (901-726-0015)
