This is a restaurant that foodies will love. The core of the menu is southern staples ... pork, fresh seafood, greens, peas, breads, desserts ... yet, they are all done in a very upscale, unique way. No wonder the signature cookbook is named ""Not Afraid of Flavor."" The husband and wife owners are both James Beard award winners in their own right - Ben for the food in 2000 and Karen for the pastries in 2003. When other top chefs from around the country come to this area, they eat here ... often only here. I eat here about once a month and have seen Emeril, Alan Wong, Thomas Keller, other noted chefs dining with the rest of us - and loving it.\r
The prices are excellent for the quality and flavor of the food you receive. I have read other reviews that call the restaurant ""pricey."" Those folks must think that fine dining is Red Lobster. You can pay about $35 per person for three courses plus drink, tip, and tax. Of course, you can pay more if you order the most expensive items and drink the wines from the ""reserved list."" However, I have mentioned to others that the restaurant should be charging more for this food. Thank goodness they do not listen to me! In the last six months, I have eaten comparable food in New York, Chicago, Vancover, San Francisco, London, Brussels, and Rome. I often paid over $100 for three courses plus drink, tip, and tax (over $200 in the UK and Europe) and cannot say I had a better meal than I get at Magnolia Grill.\r
You will find the atmosphere simple and uncluttered. A very attentive staff. You are NOT rushed through your meal. The attraction to the restaurant is on the plates, not on the walls. Make reservations a few days in advance; otherwise, you will have to take your chances to eat in the bar area (just a handful of tables) where it is first-come, first-serve. Someone who truly understands and enjoys fine food will love this place. \r
Pros: Quality and combinations of the food; service
Cons: Reservations usually required; average atmosphere/decorations
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