I wanted to check out 211 Clover’s new bar area that was added last year to their restaurant. Little did I know that my jaunt to 211 Clover for a glass of wine during Happy Hour would result in ten plates of food and more than one glass of wine. How could it not, because it would be really hard to go there and NOT eat.
Tucked back in a corner is the cozy 211 Clover.
I’ve been to 211 countless times for lunch, for showers, for a bourbon tasting even. But, I have not been there just to have a drink at their new bar. I promise you, that was my only intention on Wednesday night. That is until we started chatting with owner Andrew Smith and he started bringing us things to eat.
The bar area at 211 Clover.
Andrew has owned 211 for ten years. 211 Clover is truly fine dining, but with a neighborhood, approachable feel. When Andrew greets everyone that walks in the restaurant by name, you feel good about the “neighborhood” description about this restaurant. Tucked in the back of a shopping center, this place is easy to miss if you do not know about it. It’s busy every night, so obviously, people know about it. We got there early to get a place at the bar and the restaurant was totally full within an hour of us being there.
It is simple, sophisticated and chic. The food is always fresh, beautifully prepared and executed.
We started with four appetizers.
Poached Tiger Shrimp with Israeli couscous, avocado, red onion and lime.
Wild mushroom bruschetta with truffle oil and Parmesan Reggiano.
Fried green tomatoes with corn relish and Romesco sauce.
Beef tenderloin carpaccio with horseradish cream, truffle oil and Parmesan.
Then we moved on to three entrees, all recommended by the staff:
Roasted Australian barramundi with roasted corn and leek risotto.
Pan roasted flounder with roasted potato, spinach, lemon, capers and croutons. (This is my standard order for lunch or dinner)
Pan roasted half chicken with wild mushrooms, potato puree and pole beans.
Smith actually put the desserts in front of us before we received our entrees. They waited there, taunting us.
Creme brulee.
Homemade ice cream with a wafer.
Pot de creme.
These chic settees located in the bar are the perfect place to enjoy an espresso or a nightcap — or head outside to the patio.
The private room is perfect for a nice dinner or a shower with a larger group.
211 Clover is located at (not hard to guess here) 211 Clover in St. Matthews. For more information, visit their website at 211clover.com