Stonefield foodery: Burtons Grill serves up American contempo

With the new Regal megaplex drawing crowds to the Shops at Stonefield, moviegoers need a place to debrief over a glass of wine or a bite to eat after seeing, say, Life of Pi.

Now an option: Massachusetts-based Burtons Grill, which officially opened December 3.

Maybe its the warm glow of the bar lighting or the open kitchen, but something makes Burtons seem cozy, despite the two large dining rooms and a smaller one that can seat more than 200 people.

The chain specializes in contemporary American cuisine in an upscale, casual setting, according to marketing director Courtney Fisher.

"We have a very strong commitment to allergy awareness," she says. "And we have a separate, gluten-free menu."

She also touts the $6 children's menu called "{B} Choosy," which encourages kids to make healthier choices when dining out. "It's not just french fries or pizza," says Fisher.

The Charlottesville restaurant is the 10th Burtons, which is migrating south, and the second one in Virginia– Virginia Beach already has a location.

Burtons was enticed to Charlottesville by Stonefield's Maryland-based developer Edens.

"We have a location with them in Burlington, Massachusetts," explains Fisher, noting that the chain favors lifestyle centers like Stonefield where retail and leisure activities are geared toward upscale consumers.

The menu includes apps around $10, entrees from $20 to $29, and sandwiches like the $12 shrimp po' boy, with an emphasis on seafood and daily market catches.

Diners at a preview over the weekend recommended the marinated Mediterranean salad ($8.95) and raved about the Land & Sea combo ($28.95) with filet mignon and pan-seared scallops.

"The fish tacos," says Fisher, "are phenomenal."

Correction 12/5/12: This is the 10th Burtons location, not the ninth.