This year we opted to go to Bonefish Grill. It can be quite elegant.
The service is always outstanding. No complaints there. There was a special we felt we couldn't pass up. For $50 we had Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer, we picked our own main course and then shared strawberry shortcake for dessert.
For my entree I had Wood-grilled Grouper, lightly blackened with three jumbo shrimp. It came with the mashed potatoes and green beans. Behold, more food than any mortal should eat in one sitting.
Doug had the Wild North Atlantic Haddock. Described on the menu as: Mildly, sweet fish, garlic crumb dusted, wood-grilled, topped with feta, artichokes, lemon basil butter sauce, served with mashed potatoes & green beans
The verdict? As I said, the service was outstanding but this was certainly more food than we are used to eating and definitely fattier (in spite of it being fish, it was very buttery). We didn't quite finish the meal but still, ate way more than we would have if I'd cooked at home. Why is that, I wonder? Also, being used to cooking at home I cook the green beans much longer - these were close to raw and the potatoes were, dare I guess, instant? Something about the texture made me suspicious about the freshness.
Overall - the seafood was good just very rich. Next year we will stay home and cook, enjoy time in the back yard, healthier portions and cooking style.
Ok, on to a very different place where we have enjoyed seafood. Ouzts Too in Newport, near St Mark's. Bonefish is very dressy. Ouzts is not :-)
My favorite company! I have so much fun with this man ♥♥♥♥
The decor is also on the opposite spectrum from Bonefish but let me tell you, I love this place!
Onion rings and Pabst Blue Ribbon beer. Since being an exiled Pennsylvanian in this neck of the woods I have tried many new food items. Cheese grits and smoked mullet and cheap beer. And I love it all.
This mullet was very good. It comes in sizes. Next time I think we'll order a large mullet and split a dozen Apalachicola raw oysters.
That's it for today. Hoping to posts about book, oysters, Curtis Stone and more coming up. I have been a bit lazy in the blogging department lately. Hope you are are well!
Linking up to Beth Fish's Weekend Cooking Series.
Isn't it always the same - the little joint where things are a little more rough and ready always has the best food. Looks like you did indeed have a ball x
ReplyDeleteSummer makes me lazy when it comes to blogging. You know, we've gotten less enthusiastic about eating a fancy meal out -- now if we want to try an upscale restaurant we go for drinks and an appetizer or coffee and dessert. Congrats again on your anniversary!
ReplyDeleteSo true, Jo, we had a ball! I think Doug and I would ease into pub dining like champs 😀
ReplyDeleteThanks, BFR, and you know we actually talked about doing what you suggested. Going for an appetizer and a cocktail or glass of wine and then coming home to enjoy dinner. Next year we will do that or just plan the entire meal for here.
Oh God yes!
ReplyDeleteYour portrayal of a disappointing restaurant is spot-on. Though $50 doesn't sound like an exceptionally high price for dinner -- not clear if you had any wine at all. The other place does sound a lot better. Happy anniversary!
ReplyDeletebest... mae at maefood.blogspot.com
We have a Bonefish Grille here though we don't go to much partly because it's across town and partly because we're not big seafood eaters. The few times we've been there I haven't been wowed by the quality of the food. The other place looks way more fun!
ReplyDeleteFun and lovely post to read. Your grouper dish looks quite yummy, but probably not worth the extra cost.
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary! Although I never turn down a nice evening out--especially on a special occasion, it's the little hole-in-the-wall casual places that always win my heart. (As does smoked fish although I am not sure I have ever had mullet--smoked or otherwise!) ;-)
ReplyDeleteHappy anniversary! Have a great week. Cheers from Carole's Chatter
ReplyDeleteI love those dive places I think better than some fine dining establishments. Congrats on the anniversary (belatedly). Seriously, instant mashed potatoes????????????????
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Looks like you guys had a good time over-all. I usually end up taking home for lunch the next day, no matter where I eat.
ReplyDeleteI love Bonefish Grill's Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos. Happy Anniversary!
ReplyDeleteThank you, ladies, for the comments. Yes, while its nice to go out and get waited on sometimes, we will probably stay home next time.
ReplyDelete