Seaside Restaurant in Trout River was a huge disappointment. I am not accustomed to posting reviews and the only ones I've done in the past have been to compliment a meal or service i.e. I'm not a chronic malcontent. Our recent meal at the Seaside was so awful that it warrants warning others. We were a group of 10, not a one of us a satisfied customer. Having made reservations earlier in the day, especially due to the size of our group, we had better than average expectations having been lead astray by both Fodor's and local advertising posters touting a menu inspired by chefs, yes plural, using fresh local ingredients such as grilled shark or partridge berries "brightening our greens". The poster even mentioned having been "featured in NY Times, Boston Globe, Frommer's among others. Our experience started off fairly well having been directed upstairs on our arrival to a group of adjoining tables positioned squarely in front of a window that would allow us to take in the sunset. Aside from the harpist playing nice music in the corner, the setting was otherwise very casual. Our waitress was prompt taking our orders though she excluded several items. The grilled shark that Fodor's highlighted was nowhere to be seen. We were informed that the roast beef, halibut, haddock, lobster and snow crab that were clearly present on what appeared to be their standard menu, were not available. We were also informed that our entrees would be served with red potatoes as their usual dinner menu accompaniment. A couple of us ordered the house salad anticipating a chef inspired touch such as those partridge berries. Sadly, the only garnish to our otherwise blah salads were the packages of Kraft ranch dressing. Really? A couple of other members of our group also ordered a seafood chowder and a calamari. The calamari, the standard battered and fried version, was good and said to not be chewy. The seafood chowder on the other hand was not just bad but disgusting. There was a fish smell to the chowder and some questioned its protein origin, stating that canned versions were better than this one. With our appetizers and rolls now having been served with relative promptness, our long wait for our entrees had now begun. The restaurant was not that busy, several empty tables still present. The adjacent table, party of 6, that had been seated just prior to ours, had not only been served their entrees, they had finished them long ago. After almost an hour, we finally inquired about the delay to the unconcerned wait staff and our meals finally began to appear several minutes later. On their arrival, they were all flanked with French fries, 3 or 4 slices of steamed carrots and a floret of broccoli. Not focusing on the lack of chef inspiration but instead inquiring on why the fries instead of the red potatoes, we were informed that they had run out of the potatoes. When several of us expressed disappointment, we were then offered rice instead. Upon additional prodding, baked potatoes, which were not routinely offered as part of their evening menu (that was a first), were then offered to two members of our group that had expressed dislike with both the fries and the rice. Then came the biggest disappointment of the evening which was the taste of our entrees. Their signature scallops were tiny in both size and portion. The cod filet was flavorless although the pricier cod cheeks pricey were slightly better. The turbot unremarkable. And the vegetarian stir fry was served over egg noodles (another first). Needless to say our experience did not match the billing of this establishment. We promptly left, mildly expressing our disappointment much to the bewilderment of the kitchen/downstairs staff. The next day, inquiring about recommendations for other local eateries, when we mentioned our negative experience at the Seaside, it was verified by this resident stating, "I know of several people who have recently had bad experiences". Leaves us only to believe that perhaps the chefs have since sailed. read more
