Chattanooga Times Free Press - ChattanoogaNow
Food Works does Ladies Night right
When someone asks if I want to do something after work, I first consult my calendar — of daily specials at my favorite restaurants. No matter which day it is, I’m sure to have a suggestion. From happy hours to weekly events like Ladies Night or Burger Night, I pride myself on being able to scout out a good deal, a penchant I no doubt picked up from my mother. (Thanks, Mom.)
The mere existence of a restaurant special does not equal a good deal. Happy hours, for example, are not all created equally.
When it comes to Ladies Night, the best I’ve found so far is Food Works’. As evidence of this, when I visited with my mom and younger sister on a cold, rainy Tuesday, the restaurant was fairly busy and women made up a large majority of the clientele, their purses and laughter spilling over the tables upstairs and down.
THE SPACE
Food Works’ atmosphere is comfortably contemporary. It feels refined without being stuffy.
Exposed brick is abundant, accented with richly colored wooden chairs and white tablecloths topped with brown butcher paper. Local art punctuates the space.
I’m not sure when, but the quartz-topped bar area got a fairly recent upgrade with new geometric floor tiles and orb pendant lights.
Similarly, the deck outside — which welcomed quite a few diners as they waited, especially for brunch on the weekends — is now an expansive covered eating area with ceiling fans that I can’t wait to make use of this summer.
THE MENU
I’d classify the food as upscale American, though the menu’s recent reworking now spans a wider variety of dishes you’d expect to find, which aren’t all American.
Alongside entrees like Black Angus New York strip served with demi-glace and truffle fries ($27) and horseradish-crusted salmon with braised red cabbage ($18), there’s a Cuban sandwich ($12) and Chicken Picatta ($17).
The “American” portion is also more of a melting pot, with dishes like the 10-ounce BBQ
Pork Chop ($19) and brisket tacos ($11) incorporating Korean barbecue sauce.
And there’s a greater emphasis on seafood now. Examples include the crab-stuffed flounder with lemon beurre blanc and sweet-pepper grits ($22) and grilled swordfish topped with mango salsa and served with black beans and rice ($19).