The Katharine Brasserie and Bar: French Meets Historic Winston-Salem

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Katharine interior dining room

Have you tried the new Katharine Restaurant located in the Kimpton hotel, located in the historic RJR building downtown? Did you know they have a new chef and a new menu? Find out why we think this combo is worth checking out.

The historic 1929 art deco R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company building and inspiration for the Empire State Building is newly renovated and now home to the much-anticipated Kimpton Cardinal hotel, luxury apartments, and The Katharine Brasserie & Bar.

Named after Katharine Reynolds, the wife of R.J. Reynolds, the restaurant pays tribute to the couple’s honeymoon in France. While not a full-on French restaurant, there are several French-inspired dishes that add diversity to our downtown dining scene. The Katharine is styled after a traditional French brasserie – a French restaurant with a relaxed setting.

The restaurant is a feast for the eyes as well, retaining many beautiful historic features and art deco touches throughout, making it a truly unique dining experience. Light fills the lower bar area from the large windows offering a view onto Main Street and the outdoor patio. The modern open kitchen can be seen from the dining area. But the decor is only the start of this feast.. read on for our review of the food from the new Executive Chef Adam Barnett. 

There’s a New Chef in Town

Executive Chef Adam Barnett

Last week, we were lucky enough to meet the new Executive Chef Adam Barnett. Barnett moved to Winston-Salem, NC, from Washington, DC, with big plans to continue our growth path towards being a great Southern food city! Having grown up in small town Ohio, the past 10+ years in the big city have left him and his wife yearning for a place they can really settle down and make their mark. After meeting him and tasting his food, I can say that we are thrilled he chose Winston-Salem to call home and The Katharine is lucky to have him at the helm. We have high hopes for this rising chef star.

Adam Barnett attended the New England Culinary Institute and worked in renowned brasseries and French bistros in Washington, D.C. Barnett is known for his modern approach to classic French cuisine, and we are excited to see how he translates this knowledge in WSNC.

The New Menu

Appetizers

Hors d’oeuvres include a Sweet Corn Soup that your grandma would be proud to call her own, as well as an Heirloom Tomato Salad, Steak Tartare, the best Raw Oysters in town (in our opinion), and a meat and cheese plate to please even the most discerning palate. There are many more items to choose from, but these are some of the highlights that we discovered.

Entrees

Pork chop entree at the Katharine

Featured entrées include a variety of Steak, Salmon, and local Rainbow Trout, but for us, the best dish in the house was the Shrimp and Grits. Made with a rich and smoky tomato broth atop gluten-free Anson Mills Grits, the Shrimp & Grits was a fresh take on an old favorite and one we are hoping to enjoy for years to come. Another favorite at our table was the Lobster and Potato Gnocchi.

While there are French dishes on the menu, if that’s not your thing, there are a variety of other options, including a local Joyce Farms Burger and a Pork dish that our waiter said was his favorite. Prices vary, and though there are several splurges on the menu, we were pleased that most entrees average $20-$25.

You will also find Mussels prepared two ways and six different sides to share, including Hand-Cut Fries, Mac & Cheese, Creamed Corn, Mashed Potatoes and a lovely Mushroom plate.

Dessert

Be sure to save room for dessert! Currently, there is a seasonal selection of sorbets, a Peach Cobbler, a Pineapple Upside Down Cake, and a decadent Chocolate Cake, which made this chocolate lover quite happy!

View the Current Menu

Charcuterie and cheese plates at the Katharine

Current Daily Specials

  • Monday: Tagliatelle Bolognese ($20)
  • Tuesday: NC Market Catch ($MP)
  • Wednesday: Chicken Pot Pie ($23)
  • Thursday: Carolina Style Baby Back Ribs ($25)
  • Friday: Bouillabaisse ($27)
  • Saturday: New York Strip Steak ($35)
  • Sunday Family Dinner: Buttermilk Fried Chicken ($22)

Eat Here for Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch & Dinner

Breakfast items include Omelettes, Eggs Florentine, Sausage & Gravy, Fried Chicken & Waffles, Croque Monsieur, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Steel-Cut Oatmeal, and more.

Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 8am – 3pm. The menu includes Omelettes, Eggs Benedict, Eggs Florentine, Sausage & Gravy, Fried Chicken & Waffles, Croque Monsieur, Cobb Salad, Burger, and more.

Lunch is served Monday through Friday 11am – 2pm. Favorites include the Brasserie Burger, the Lobster Roll, and the Katharine Cobb Salad.

Treat yourself to a Smoked Sazarac (a treat for all the senses… you won’t want to miss this one!) before heading to the dining area for small plates or a full-course dinner.

Where Is It?

  • 51 Fourth St. E, #100
  • (336) 761-0203
  • Currently serving breakfast, lunch, drinks, and dinner. Brunch served on weekends only.
  • Website | Menu

What Are the Hours?

  • Breakfast 7:00AM – 10:00AM Monday – Friday
  • Brunch Saturday & Sunday 8:00AM – 3:00PM
  • Lunch 11:00AM – 2:00PM Monday – Friday
  • Dinner 5:00PM – 10:00PM Monday – Thursday
  • Dinner 5:00PM – 11:00PM Friday – Saturday

Valet parking is offered (2 hours free with restaurant validation) and reservations are accepted by phone and online.

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