Main 101 Grill & Bar is located in La Porte, in the historical district. This fine eatery receives top marks when it comes to serving very good food at a most reasonable price. The owner, chef, cook and operator Joe Bertuglia, is adamant about quality and freshness. He is a culinary wizard who creates appetizers, soups, salads, entrees and desserts with distinct flavors and textures.
Bertuglia is a self-taught chef and epicurean artist that grew up in a New York to Sicilian Italian American parents. His entire family cooked and it was a very competitive in his household. They competed in creating the best pasta, seafood, salads, soups and dessert during family get togethers. “I have a real passion and I’m very compassionate about the food I create and serve to my customers. All our steaks, meat and fish are cut and filleted in house.” Main 101 Grill & Bar is proud to introduce their new menu which features a variety of new mouth-watering dishes as well as their house favorites.
For starters, try one of their eclectic appetizers such as the Curried Calamari or the incredible Crab Cake and Corn Fritters. A real winner is the Corn Pancake, pan seared green tomatoes topped with large portions of fresh lump jumbo crab meat served with delicate, spicy Serrano syrup and candied Serrano peppers. This is simply D’lish! The soups are served hot and all salads are fresh, green and crisp.
Each salad dressing and sauce is created and produced daily. The Greek salad is a favorite which is served with large kalmata olives and feta cheese. The dressing is light, flavorful and served without anchovies. You will also find a variety of sandwiches on their lunch menu. Main 101’s Certified Hereford Beef steaks and burgers are quite popular for lunch and dinner. The steaks are tender, mouthwatering and can be prepared your way (Pittsburgh medium rare, spiced etc.) According to Joe Bertuglia, “the key to serving delicious steaks and seafood is in the technique of cooking fast and very hot. The fish, meat or poultry must not only be full of flavor it must have good texture and be appealing to the eye.”
Main 101 also has daily specials like its award winning grilled Mahi Mahi offered with a light lemon butter sauce topped with fresh herbs and parsley. It is accompanied with mashed potatoes and fresh hand cut zucchini and carrots. This fish special was simply cooked and served to perfection. Main 101’s other signature dishes include Scottish salmon, tender steaks and seafood.
No meal is complete unless you enjoy a decadent dessert. Chef Joe Bertuglia when it comes to desserts puts his magic and creativity to work. All desserts are made in house and his newest creation is the Berries and Lime Savayon topped with a sprig of mint and complemented with a chilled, shaken Grand Mariner drink. This unique combination makes the flavors of the berries and lime come alive. Another prize winning dessert is the chocolate caramel parfait. The flavor, texture and taste of this dessert topped with sea salt will make you take this parfait glass home to finish your dessert. Other desserts include a sinful tiramisu and crème brulee. Main 101’s atmosphere is casual and comfortable with a contemporary look. It has a full service bar, a designated area with a totally loaded bar with top shelf, well liquors and beer, as well as a nice wine selection.
This jewel of a restaurant serves very good, quality food with unique flavors. Best of all the portions are generous and the price is quite right. Service is good, attentive, knowledgeable and punctual. Open Monday – Thursday, 10:30 am. – 9 pm.; Friday & Saturday, 10:30 am. To 10 pm. Reservations are accepted but not necessary. Main 101 Grill & Bar phone number is 281-470-8484 and it is located at 101 East Main St., La Porte, Texas 77571 www.main101.com.
