Do you want to hear a fish story? Well come along with me and I will tell you all about it.
The oddly named Bonefish Grill is an upscale chain that specializes in fresh seafood. The fish is bought whole and cut as needed. The varieties are vast and range from Chilean Sea Bass, Ahi Tuna, Gulf Grouper, Snake River Rainbow Trout, Longfin Tilapia, Atlantic Salmon to freshly seared Sea Scallops & Shrimp and cold water Lobster Tails. The fresh fish is wood grilled.
This particular Bonefish Grill is located in a strip mall. You have two choices for entry. Either pull on the wooden door or take a ride through the smoked glass revolving doors. Once inside there are two rooms, side by side that greet you and are semi open to each other with heavy metal plants. We were seated in a very large booth, which is the majority of the seating arrangements offered, on the right or the Bar side.
The restaurant is immaculate. We could see into the kitchen and everything shined. Not one speck on the floors or under the counter spaces. The Restaurant itself has a lot of wood, including dark wood floors that are heavily glossed with shellac. The Bar is as long as the room and has another row of long tables with stools for lounging. Nothing decor wise is tacky about this restaurant.
Let's go back to the Bar and side work. The Bar has a wine "cellar" like none other I have seen. The Wines are all stored on wooden shelves above the Bar. The bartender decided to rearrange, restock and dust all of the bottles and wood. To do this she climbed up on the high counters and clanged and banged bottles for our entertainment? Bonefish, have your employees come in early or stay late to do this, it was very distracting.
Scott was our very knowledgeable and personable server. They specialize in Martinis and Cocktails along with a nice selection of Wine. I tried and absolutely loved a Perfect Patron Margarita straight up with salt. I sipped it, but it was good enough to have gone down quickly had I so desired. It consisted of Patron Silver Tequila, Citronge, lemon and lime juice. Hubby does not drink and enjoyed numerous free refills on the coke.
For our appetizers we we so torn and therefore another reason to go back. We decided to share the infamous Bang Bang Shrimp, the Crab Cakes with a very spicy remoulade and the Saucy Shrimp, which was at least two dozen shrimps sauteed in a lime sun dried tomato garlic sauce with Kalamata olives and feta cheese. The Crab Cakes were okay, a lot of breading and filler crab meat with some lump. I would not order them again. The Saucy Shrimp was good and the sauce made it. The Bang Bang Shrimp needs to be patented, if it has not been already! Talk about punch, I almost needed another margarita.
Between cocktails and appetizers they bring a basket of in house baked bread that is served warm with a dish of infused olive oil. This olive oil has Kalamata olives, fresh garlic and herbs.
I had the best salad of my life here. The salads are served on chilled plates, which is a huge plus. I chose the Bonefish Salad which was a wonderful mix of greens, none bitter, hearts of palm, Kalamata olives, ripe tomatoes and ROASTED Pine nuts. The dressing was a citrus herb vinaigrette and all topped with your choice of feta or Danish Bleu. I really do not think I will ever have a salad again without roasted pine nuts. I keep them in my freezer and I think I need to pop those babies in the oven to warm them up ;+}
All of the wood grilled fish is served with your choice of four different sauces. In addition to the fish, they have a nice variety of Steaks and Chops or you could choose from Pasta or Chicken entrees.
Hubby had a nice sized Filet Mignon cooked rare with a Gorgonzola butter melting through. He opted for french fries, which he got when he was almost finished with the steak. French fries for dessert is cool. I chose one of their daily specials, which was a huge piece of Wild Caught Haddock with feta and artichokes. It was garlic and crumb crusted and served with a lemon basil sauce.. Cooked perfectly and the best piece of Haddock I have ever experienced. Both of our meals came with their daily vegetable and today it was succotash and it was like no succotash I have ever had before. Baby Lima beans with roasted red peppers and crisp corn. They can keep the garlic mashed potatoes. I am not sure if it was an off night for the potato man, but they were like glue. no fluff to these babies.
Okay, the Restrooms. I never understood why people include this in their review, unless it is gross and then you should not be there. The restrooms were very clean and served their purpose.
For dessert they offer a Macadamia Nut Brownie, Key Lime Pie or Creme Brulee.
This upscale chain was started by two Culinary Chefs and veteran restaurateurs from NYC. Hey guys, I think you have something good going on here.
Note: when ordering the Bang Bang Shrimp ask for a tall glass of Vodka. read more