For those “in the know,” enRich Bistro was a West Bradenton icon for many years. Its closure and four-year hiatus during the COVID era left many locals sorely disappointed. But, it’s back — and I’m thrilled to report that it may be better than ever.

This upscale bistro is the creation of Chef Rich Knoles, the eldest of six children of a fifth-generation Bradenton family. He also owns and runs Innovative Catering and the popular food truck appropriately named Bradentrucky, both of which remained operational during the pandemic.

The Bradentrucky Grub Truck is where I first learned of Chef Knoles’ incredible chicken sandwiches, sliders, and the buttermilk fried chicken, which is now served at the restaurant. I also patiently watched with anticipation as the empty building at the Fairway Center transformed into the beautiful enRich Bistro.

This new space is decorated in warm colors, rustic details, and pendant lighting, giving the white-tablecloth dining room a modern feel. Service is at the center of their operations and palpable from the moment you walk in. 

You’ll find a large semi-circular and lively bar area opposite the host stand and the dining room.

This is where a large selection of wines, ales, lagers, spirits, and craft cocktails reside.

I’m a huge fan of craft cocktails, as you well know, and love the opportunity to learn about unique taste combinations and beautiful presentations. enRich has no shortage of those.

My first visit was an opportunity to taste the refreshing and totally Florida-inspired Key Royale Lime Pie Martini, a vodka-based cocktail made with local lime shrub and coconut milk, dusted with cinnamon sugar.

On the second visit, it was time to try the candidly named Honest Love Affair. It’s a light Ford’s Gin drink with pea flower, lemon juice, basil and a bit of sweetness served with an absinthe-fired sprig of rosemary.

The server explained to me that the violet-like color comes from the pea flower. A little variation in the amount of pea flower pigment and this drink could end up being blue, red, or magenta.

The Caramel Old Fashioned with Buffalo Trace Bourbon and a caramelized sugar cube, and the Bradenton’s Best Old Fashioned both also earned big scores at my table. 

Then, it was time to dive into our dining options. The traditional menu organization offers Greens, Small Plates, and Entrées plus the more specialized steakhouse selection of prime meats and seafood, including à la carte side dishes. 

A somewhat hilarious take on a standard item is the Bread for a Buck, adequately priced at $1.00 with the caveat that a second order is $5.00.

Let’s move onto the first course. You shouldn’t think of the Grilled Radicchio & Frisée Salad as a common salad. I would say it’s more of a wake-up call for your taste buds.

It features fennel leaves and stalks that bring a fresh anise flavor to the combination of sliced cucumber, endive lettuce, mandarin orange wedges, fresh goat cheese or chèvre, roasted pepitas (fancy word for pumpkin seeds), and a slightly acidic and organic honey vinaigrette.

Once you get started with these bright and fresh flavors, you’re ready to embark on tasting the rest of the menu. I don’t have much else to share on the small plates other than saying that the NY Strip Carpaccio is something I never imagined would pair so well with potato chips. Add pickled red onion and truffle oil and you have something quite unique and tasty. 

The entrées include the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Breast made famous by Chef Knole’s Bradentrucky food truck, a Skirt Steak Churrasco with smoked poblano chimichurri, and a Moroccan Spiced Cauliflower Steak as a vegetarian option.

My table always gravitates to The Butcher’s Corner and Ribeye, N.Y Strip, and Filet are all choices that we’ve enjoyed.

Let’s not forget that a side lobster tail is always an option to make it Surf & Turf. All cuts of meat can be paired with their house-made sauces and butters that include Black Garlic Steak Sauce; Bearnaise Avili; Garlic Bacon Butter; and Smoked Leek Tallow Butter.

Signature Side Dishes include Mediterranean Couscous, Wasabi Kale Slaw, Nueske’s Bacon Broiled Brussel Sprouts, and Lobster & Leek Mac n’ Cheese among others.

The Brussels sprouts are definitely nothing like your grandma’s sprouts, these are some momentous buds. 

Desserts are mostly my favorite part of the meal. Chocolate Cake, Housemade Ice Creams, and Tres Leches Bread Pudding round out the menu. Also, every week they have specials.

This time, I was in luck and tried this incredible combination of flavors featured in a bread pudding with ribbons of fresh Dulce de Leche topped with a brandied cherry compote and cream.

Pair this dessert with a nice bourbon neat, a port wine, a specialty coffee, or a digestif from their ample bar selection.

I think I’ve talked myself into returning next week with all this talk about their dishes!! Maybe I’ll see you there?

enRich Bistro offers Weekly Specials in Small Plates, Entrées and Desserts.

They also have strong collaborations with local businesses, including Geraldson’s Family Farm for fresh produce and A.P. Bell Fish Company in the Cortez Fishing Village for their seafood selections.

enRich Bistro is Located At:

5239 Manatee Ave West, Bradenton, FL 34209
(941) 289-1299
contact@enrichbistro.com

Mon – Thurs : 5:00 pm. – 11:00 pm.
Fri & Sat: 5:00 pm.– 1:00 am.
Sun: CLOSED

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