Gratzi -midland

Stopped in for dinner randomly looking for something upscale. Blown away from the moment I walked in the door. The host was waiting, smiling before I could even get through the door. The grand stair case with balcony view. Huge wine wall just straight up sensory overload in a good way. My waiter Alex let me know upfront he was training and to be patient with him, but then hit me with the history of the restaurant, the credentials of the chef and some prime appetizer and drink suggestions that all hit the mark. He got to be kidding me because he a pro. I got the filet and let me tell you, it's the one. If you follow my reviews I eat steak all over the country and some pricey ones I might add. This is the number one non waygu steak I've had this year in the U.S. I will be back. You should check them out. Compliments to the chef Ishmel. Simply delicious. Just set my 5 star bar higher sorry not sorry.

An ode to Caprese... What I loved: • The caprese was over the top good! The burrata cheese alone is a reason to visit Gratzi. There was a sweetness in the drizzled syrup that paired beautifully with the tomatoes and cheese. Simply put, you do not find plates of this caliber in Michigan. • The atmosphere was phenomenal. Beautiful restaurant. • The service was superb. Excellently done Eduardo. What I did not love: • Sadly, I did not love the entree. I went with the Pappardelle Bolognese. While the tomato based sauce was so unique—the touch of lemon really elevated it from a standard sauce—it was knocked down by the overwhelming amount of veal. The sauce to meat ratio was really off. The pappardelle noodle was perfectly done, the sauce flavor was great; it was simply the crushing amount of meat that negatively impacted the flavor and texture. • The bread. Someone got heavy handed with herbs. It sat untouched at my table. Other notables: • The meal started with a delightful little arancini, and ended with complimentary limocello. Both were nice touches toward an authentic Italian dining experience. Overall, it was a lovely dining experience. Had the entree not been a miss, it would have gotten 5 stars.