POCATELLO — The name that appeared on the exterior sign was swapped out when owners of the Choice Hotel chain acquired the former Holiday Inn, 1399 Bench Road, on Dec. 20, 2010.
Besides the new logo representing the Clarion Hotel, the only thing that has changed is the menu and the interior design of the Brass Rail Steakhouse. A grand re-opening of the restaurant will be held from 5-7 p.m. on March 17 in conjunction with the Greater Pocatello Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours.
“The staff have been trying the new dishes every day leading up to the ribbon cutting,” said Tenae Simpson, director of sales and catering. “They are just blown away by how good the food is.”
Smoked brisket sliders, wild Alaskan sockeye salmon and a family-style sundae are some of the treats that can be sampled at the business after hours. Also up for grabs, a grand prize that includes a two-night stay in Boise, dinner at P.F. Chang’s and two tickets to the Broadway musical “Wicked.”
“We always refer to the restaurant as Pocatello’s best kept secret because people do not know that it’s open to the public,” Simpson said. “We want people to think of (the restaurant) as a place to go for a great atmosphere and food.”
According to Assistant General Manager Jason Ball, the best part about the local owner’s transaction is that he authorized the remodeling of the restaurant barring no restrictions.
The freshly painted walls, refinished tables, light fixtures and addition of Idaho decor were all tasks that were afterthoughts compared with revamping the menu.
“We even included a family recipe that I had to convince my wife to let us use,” said Ball who has been in the food and beverage industry for 13 years.
As a way to partner with local business owners and to provide a quality selection of fresh meat, chefs at the steakhouse will cut each piece at the time an order is placed.
Also, any entree can be prepared without meat if so desired and, for the first time, the menu will include an array of vegan and vegetarian dishes.
“It’s a different flavor, so we want people to think of this as a unique outing,” Simpson said.
The Brass Rail Steakhouse is open for breakfast and lunch from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dinner is available from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Reservations can be made by calling 237-1400.
The restaurant seats 72 people.