After goggling at all the wonderful treats on display at Sunday brunch ($13.95) when we checked in, trying the dinner restaurant was a no-brainer. Of course we did. In a bit of a celebratory mood we opted to sit in the formal side of the restaurant connected to the bar, instead of the more casual lunch and breakfast side. Through huge French doors we strolled into the smaller and cozier corner of the restaurant with the bar area located quietly in the back alcove.
Glancing from side to side, we noticed the lack of other patrons and were instantly curious. Quickly we were approached by helpful waiters, assistant manager and busboys at our disposal. Sunday is a quiet night and all had tucked themselves in a corner for a quick coffee break. Shawn, our waiter, splendid in his white shirt, black pants and black tie, offered us any table in the house and we chose the crescent-shaped couch with the tiny candle aglow, semi-facing the bar. Drinks were served in massive cut glasses, of water size, not cocktail size, and were icy and strong.
A loaf of warm bread appeared before we even decided what to order and beside it a platter with three large rounds of butter. Butter is the signature at Chappy's. Three kinds blended in their own kitchen, garlic, strawberry, and whipped butter, all served with the soft full loaf of their house-baked bread. Yum! I chose the sautéed shrimp with angel hair pasta ($12.95) and tossed in a dab of the garlic butter for good measure. Pink shrimp all tangled with tiny pasta filled an entire bowl trimmed with chopped green onions and loads of mushrooms. Robert inhaled his broiled seafood -- fish, shrimp, scallops, and oysters -- doused with more mushrooms and crisp green beans ($13.95). Dishes do not include salad, but do come with side dish of the day except the pasta dishes. Chappy's is heavy on coast seafood including snapper, flounder, shrimp, and seafood gumbo. They also include a great steak on the menu with a price to match, 16-ounce prime rib with crab and Hollandaise ($23.95).
Make room for dessert! All those tempting desserts on the lunch buffet ($8.95) 11am-2pm are still available in the evening if they left some. However, there is always Chappy's house specialty, bread pudding, a Southern staple, and Mississippi mud pie. This you've got to try!
Atmosphere is quiet and elegant with the lights low and movements hushed. Shawn hovered, recommended and visited. He was not over-attentive, just in earshot and always in anticipation of what we wanted. Greg would nod from the bar to make sure the drinks were satisfactory and the assistant manager dropped by to inquire about our pleasure. Hours are 7am-10pm Sunday-Thursday, and 7am-11pm Saturday and Sunday. For the complete menu, visit their website at www.chappys.net. They take all credit cards, debit cards and cash. You can even charge it to the room.