Bess Bistro

I went twice in one day.  That's how much I loved it!

Visit 1-Brunch.  We got there and luckily found a super close parking spot.  The place wasn't crowded and crazy like a lot of other downtown brunch spots, so that was nice.  My husband and I were seated in a section without anyone else in it.  I think that the hostess must have thought that would be nice since we were a couple and I appreciate that if that was the case.  The ambiance is cozy and romantic and has an upscale charm without any pretentiousness.  I would have felt comfortable coming in in either a nice dress or flops and shorts.  The waitress, Stephanie, greeted us warmly and was attentive without being intrusive.  She made fabulous suggestions that I would like to highlight.  First off-the drink she recommended was out of this world!  It's called a Lagniappe (sp?) and it might just be the best cocktail I've ever had!  It's a made with basil infused Hendricks, and while not a big gin drinker, it was incredible!  It also has pureed raspberries and a bit of muddled fresh basil, and lime and cucumber.  Holy cow!  This drink was so freakin' awesome that I had to come back later the same day to have another!  My husband ordered a mint julip and it was also very divine.  That is a drink that can go south real easy and I was impressed that it wasn't too strong like it normally is when we order it.

The food is really really outstanding and priced appropriately.  I had shrimp and grits, which Stephanie recommended,  and my husband ordered steak and pomme frites.  My meal was crazy good.  The portion size was perfect, and the grits were the best I have ever had!  Creamy, but still had some texture, not overcooked or undercooked with just the right amount of white cheddar.  My shrimp were big, fat, juicy little things!  Omg, sooooo yummy!  My husband's steak was cooked to the perfect temperature that he ordered it.  The french fries were awesome, seasoned and fresh.  The mushroom demi-glaze that came with the steak was out of this world!  I thought that I would want a desert, but the portions are very generous!  I was too full to get one.

Visit 2- Originally just having that amazing cocktail in mind, me and my honey returned.  We were feeling a bit peckish, so we decided to order some appetizers.  We had their mussels and fried green tomatos and mac n cheese.  The mussels are outrageous!  They come with grilled ciabatta and the mussels are cooked in this amazing tomato broth!  OMG!!  The broth and bread could stand alone, but the mussels were so tender and tasty.  My husband made me promise to go back this Friday for happy hour he loved them so much!  The fried green tomatos were good-but the crab salad that came with them had a lot of onion in it and I don't care for raw onion, but if you like raw onion then you'd probably think it's delicious.  The mac n cheese was a big portion and was creamy and baked with panko on top.  It was also very good.

This place is perfect to take friends to or enjoy a romantic date with.  Hats off to their bartender and kitchen!  Service was excellent both times, and the food and drinks wow'd both times.  I had visited this place one time before a couple of years ago for dinner.  The service wasn't as good then, but I remember I liked the food back then.  I guess this place just gets better and better.