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NORFOLK — MacArthur Center has a new restaurant on the block. Brothers — specializing in chops, seafood and spirits — moved from its Plume Street location into the space once held by Texas De Brazil steakhouse.
The interior has a regal aesthetic with its royal blue walls and gold accented columns. It makes someone feel like they should dress up before entering. Gorgeous tables with abstract designs line the large room which has a raised stage at the end. The white and blue porcelain floors give off a lux shine that brightens the room.
Owner and NBA referee Tony Brothers selected the spot because it’s larger and is one level. Stairs to a second-floor dining room at the old spot were difficult for some customers, he said. The new place also has 198 seats compared to the previous 52 and two kitchens instead of one.
Brothers is aware of the city’s plans for the mall but knows redevelopment might take a while, he said in a recent Pilot article. But the Norfolk native still believes in the mall’s viability. Tony recalled what it was like to see the Brothers’ sign on the building. He could remember when the upscale Kincaid’s was located there. He told himself, “There’s no way I ever would’ve thought that I would be able to occupy a space in the center.”
He wouldn’t want to live anywhere else, he said. That’s why a mural was painted on a wall in the center of the room. It showcases the Norfolk skyline above the head of the late state Senator Yvonne Miller. Underneath her is the image of the late attorney and philanthropist Peter Decker. To the left is a blue and white Waterside sign and a giraffe hovering over the top of Harbor Park. The Norfolk State University Spartan Legion marching band sports its green and gold off to the right.
“It represents everything Norfolk to me.”
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Brothers not only brings a contemporary look to the space but it also added a few new menu items.
This includes ahi tuna and pork belly as appetizers and trout almondine and shrimp marinara as entrees. The steak offerings include 6-ounce and 10-ounce filets as well as an 18-ounce bone-in Brothers strip.
“The fresh catch is back and changes every week,” said Kimberly Brothers, Tony’s wife.
Brothers will continue its concert series. Tickets include the performance and a salad, a choice of one of three entrees and a dessert. Drinks are sold separately.
Last week, Jazz Saxophonist Najee performed in front of a sold-out crowd. Tony plans to bring in other jazz musicians such as David Sanborn, Marion Meadows, Brian Simpson, Rick Braun and Eric Darius as well as singers Jeffrey Osborne, Kenny Lattimore, Eric Benét and Angela Winbush.
Let's Eat
The calendar isn’t set for those artists but customers can enjoy live music every other Thursday. Brothers will have some “Nightcap” events featuring artists from 10 p.m. to midnight with a limited menu of appetizers, desserts and drinks. It’s also planning Sunday gospel brunch with selections such as catfish and grits, crab cake benedict, and steak and eggs.
Sounds tasty.
Rekaya Gibson, 757-295-8809, rekaya.gibson@virginiamedia.com; on Twitter, @gibsonrekaya
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If you go
Where: 300 Monticello Ave., Norfolk
Hours: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. to Midnight Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday. (Subject to change based on events, check calendar on website.)
Details: 757-937-2789; brothersnorfolk.com