Julia Child once said, “The only time to eat diet food is while you’re waiting for the steak to cook.” Luckily for our town, even that time can be filled with eating buttery crab and lobster cake and zesty blackened shrimp and grits. Embers Wood Grill holds one of the top spots in our steakhouse book for the perfect blend of fine dining, superior service, and, most importantly, dangerously, delectable dishes. With so many prime choices on their menu, it can be hard to decide what to order. We’ll make it easy for you. Here is a list of our top choices at Embers. For a list of other recommendations in Gainesville download our Vacation Guide!
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Sesame and Pepper Crusted #1 Loin Yellowfin Tuna
Since our city is between Cedar Key and St. Augustine, it’s no wonder this authentic ahi made the list. Embers Wood Grill uses the highest grade yellowfin, cut directly from the center block offering you the heartiest filet of fish possible. Top that with mango-sweet pepper slaw and a rice wine reduction and you won’t want to leave a morsel behind.
We should mention that owner Ryan Todd, certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers, boasts a nine-time award-winning wine list from Wine Spectator Magazine. You’ll want to pair this yellowfin tuna dish with a savory, dry French rosé, and you’re in good hands with the selections.
Flaming Crème Brulee
Save room for dessert. Visit only for dessert. Eat dessert for an appetizer. It doesn’t matter how you do it, but you must order this luscious, flame-broiled treat. The vanilla custard will arrive flaming in the sweet orange aroma of Grand Marnier. The moment you crack the crispy shell on top to the moment the waiter pulls the dish from your table goes quickly. Trust us, you’ll only need one spoon.
Gulf of Mexico Blue Crab Bisque
Rich, hearty, and fresh. Crafted flawlessly, the cream-based bisque combines hints of tart white wine with a generous portion of blue crab and is topped off with a crusty grilled crostini. This stout bisque would make for a perfectly paired surf and turf with the prime porterhouse.
Braised Beef Short Ribs
Get back to basics with this meat and potato meal. The succulent, robust ribs are roasted with an entire head of garlic and basked in caramelized onions. Pair it with Ember’s delectable lobster mashed potatoes, and a Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned. Dine to the relaxing sounds of the streaming fountain on the outdoor patio, and you’ll have a night to remember.
And, of Course, the 10-ounce Prime Filet Mignon
Hand-cut from the center of the tenderloin, this perfectly seared and seasoned piece of meat will take your steak game from backyard grill-mate to culinary expert with the flip of a spatula. All steaks are cooked over a wood fire grill to your liking, but we recommend ordering this one rare. Cooked deliberately and at a low temperature, this prime, center-cut meat will melt in your mouth like exquisite velvet without the typical runniness of a rare-cooked steak. Pair it with the truffled mac and cheese and sautéed diver scallops. Yum.
Stay at Sweetwater Branch Inn!
Ready to call it a night? Just six miles from the restaurant’s front steps, Julia’s Room waits for you to fall into her cushioned, king-sized bed. Wake up and enjoy another unparalleled culinary experience at The Cushman House. Scents of cinnamon French toast casserole, peppered gravy, savory biscuits, and house-made melba sauce fill the halls of Sweetwater Branch Inn. Call today to guarantee your stay with us!