Bert and Ernie's

 

 Week one features "Bert and Ernie's", a historic restaurant nestled in the heart of downtown Great Falls.  Featuring the original tin ceiling and painted brick exterior of the building built in the early 1900's, Bert and Ernie's offers a casual dining experience, and has done so since 1977.  Antique collectibles and local modern art adorn the walls of this establishment, adding to the warm atmosphere created by the dark rich colors of the interior, and soft lighting from the classic features throughout.

 

 

  There was little to no wait time on a Thursday night at seven o'clock.  The friendly staff greet you with a smile at the door, and seat you promptly, checking to see if you are comfortable in the seat provided.  Without asking, waters are brought to the table and within minutes, the waitress appears to take your order.

  The menu offers a large variety of choices, from salads and sandwiches to steaks and seafood.  Bert and Ernie's lays claim to a few unique dishes as well, such as the Turkey Thuringer for lunch (turkey sandwich with curried cream cheese) or the Artichoke Chicken Saute for dinner (artichokes and chicken sauteed together with white wine, butter and garlic, served over penne pasta).  If healthy dining is your concern, Bert and Ernie's offers vegetarian variations upon request.  For those who are burger lovers, Bert and Ernie's offers a buffalo burger, one of the few restaurants in Great Falls that do, titled the Pishkun Burger, advertised as being a leaner burger option.

  A three course meal is spotlighted for this establishment.  To start, the waitress recommended the homemade potato chips, served with homemade ranch for dipping.  Likened to the "Tim's" brand of potato chips, the potato chips were crisp and full of potato chip flavor, but there was nothing particularly noteworthy of this appetizer.  Salmon was then ordered for the main course, and shortly followed the finishing of the appetizer.  There were two options available for the preparation of the salmon:  grilled in a honey glaze or blackened "New Orleans style".  Being that the latter was the spicier of the two options, the former was chosen.  The presentation of the meal was neat and proportionate, while the amount of food given was ideal.  The taste was excellent.  The pairing of the honey with the fish gave it a unique flavor that was very pleasing to the palate.  To finish, the dessert special was ordered, a Black Forest Cheesecake with cherries.  The presentation alone of the cheesecake was mouthwatering.  Sitting on top of drizzled chocolate sauce, this rich, creamy cheesecake is enough for two to share comfortably.  

 

From left to right:   Homemade Potato Chips, Honey Glazed Salmon, Black Forest Cheesecake

  Although seemingly trivial, the presentation of the bill plays a critical role in the overall dining experience.  Getting the bill too quickly (perhaps before you have had the chance to order that last piece of cheesecake) and you feel rushed.  A seemingly endless wait for the bill becomes tiresome and frustrating.  Within five minutes of clearing the last dirty dishes from the table, the waitress presented us with our bill, and at $24.45 for a three course meal, it did not break the bank.

  To enhance your dining experience, Bert and Ernie's offers a unique venue for local bands to play live music most evenings from 7 to 10.  This restaurant offers a little something for everyone.  It is a family restaurant, a casual restaurant, a "first date" restaurant, and a "night out with friends" restaurant.  If an enjoyable night out is what you seek, Bert and Ernie's is a safe choice to make. 

Aunt Funky's Bluegrass Jam