FOODIE
Handshakin’ Friendly At Charlie Brown’s
By Luann, Margaret Ann & Rich / foodie@longislandernews.com

The handshake. It’s the quintessential greeting, a welcoming sign of friendship, trust, and hospitality. So it serves as no coincidence to the Foodies that a handshake is the logo over at Charlie Brown’s Steakhouse.

Charlie Brown’s, a New Jersey-based chain, has been building its reputation for over 40 years. Its Commack restaurant, which opened about four years ago, is one of four in Nassau and Suffolk counties, offering diners an enticing draw that has become unique in the restaurant biz – a Farmer’s Market Salad Bar. A colorful display of healthy options, the spotlessly clean salad bar supplies diners with endless choices and is chock full of crisp greens, fresh fruits and vegetables, cold salads, cheeses and breads.

After sitting down at our rounded booth in a cozy corner, we were greeted by our delightful server Shirley, who knew the menu inside and out. As we perused the appetizer menu, our eyes were drawn immediately to the Three Cheese Crab Dip ($7.99). Served with frybread wedges that are crisp on the outside and soft and flaky on the inside, this is not your average dip by any means. Warm, creamy and baked with Gruyere, cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, the dip is packed with colossal lump crabmeat and Old Bay seasoning. One bite sends your taste buds into a heavenly flutter.

We also tried a new menu item, the Pan Asian Seared Ahi Tuna ($8.99), rare yellowfin tuna lightly seared with sesame seeds, and the Calypso Coconut Shrimp ($6.99), one of Charlie Brown’s seasonal specials, which change every six weeks or so. The playful dish comes topped with sweet pineapple salsa that plays well with the coconut flavor.

Sweetly satisfied with our appetizers, we moved on to our entrees, a parade of meat and seafood to cater to anyone’s taste. As luck would have it, we visited Charlie Brown’s on a Wednesday evening, which meant that with the purchase of any prime rib dinner we got a free side of shrimp, cooked coconut, buffa lo fried with a kick (our favorite), tomato basil, scampi, or cocktail style.

We started with a horseradish crusted prime rib ($16.99 for a Queen cut). Covered in panko – crisp, airy, Japanese style breadcrumbs – the steak comes tender and juicy. The panko adds a slight crunch as a hint of horseradish tickles the palette.

Flavorful petite filet mignon in the twin filet special ($18.99) come juicy with a bright pink center and are each served on top of a huge onion ring, crispy and thick. Pair the onion ring with a piece of meat and dip it in the savory gravy with mushrooms and onions that comes with it and you’ll be in steakhouse heaven.

On the seafood side, we fell head over heels for the tasty Colossal Crab Cakes ($15.49), loaded with finely shredded crab and balanced with just enough breading. Another new menu item, the fresh cedar plank salmon ($16.99), is a definite winner in our book. Served in a sweet bourbon marinade, the salmon is roasted on a cedar plank that locks in the juices, keeping the fish fresh and succulent.

Although the salad bar confirmed for us that Charlie Brown’s is a different dining experience, its sweet potato fries just sweetened our deduction. Since enjoying the fries at Charlie Brown’s, we have found ourselves asking for them at other establishments, but often to no avail.

One look at the Macaroon Mudslide Cake ($5.79) for dessert and we were sold. Rich molten fudge in the center of rich chocolate cake with candied coconut layers flows like lava out of a chocolate volcano in this limited time only dessert. The Pineapple Upside Down Cake ($5.79) is fruity bliss, topped with roasted pineapple and filled with a coconut cream cheese filling.

Charlie Brown’s lunch menu is just as extensive as its dinner menu. The express lunch ($6.99 rotating specials/$7.99 for standard menu items), with guaranteed service in 10 minutes or less, caters to the time-pressed business clientele, and weekday specials offer variety and value. Banquet facilities are available as well.

High points for presentation and an emphasis on healthy options puts Charlie Brown’s high on our list. We’re members of the Handshake Club – are you?

Charlie Brown’s Steakhouse
88 Veterans Memorial Highway
Commack
631-462-4206
www.charliebrowns.com

Cuisine: Steak, seafood, salad bar
Atmosphere: Cozy, casual, American steakhouse
Hours: Monday – Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.,
Friday & Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.,
Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Check Web site for lounge hours.

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