Michael G.
Yelp
This place is inspired by the famous pirate duo Anne Bonny and Mary Read. I am a big fan of John Taffer's Bar Rescue and this was feature on one episode, so we had to give it a try. This place officers American based cuisine with a large amount of Caribbean twist.
The service was prompt, courteous, and personalized, with the staff demonstrating an impressive knowledge of the menu and a genuine passion for seafood.
One aspect that truly stood out was the attention to detail. From the perfectly timed delivery of each course to the thoughtful gestures like refilling water glasses and clearing empty plates, every aspect of the service was executed with precision and care.
But it wasn't just the efficiency of the service that impressed me--it was the genuine warmth and hospitality of the staff. We started off with Toucan Poppers, which are stuffed with a blend of cheese and bacon that is served with a zippy key lime dipping sauce. I had the fish and chipes.
The Pirate Burger is a unique choice, 8oz burger with applewood bacon smoked bacon with a sunny side up egg on a Kaiser bun. A great burger with bacon and a sunny-side-up egg is a difficult of pull off mixing the right textures and flavors. The burger patty was cooked to a slightly pink center for juiciness and was seared on the exterior for a hint of crispiness and caramelization.
The bacon accompanying the burger is crisp, providing a salty and smoky counterpoint to the rich beef. It was cooked to the right level of crispy without being overly hard or burnt, adding a satisfying crunch with each bite. Adding a sunny-side-up egg crowning the burger is a delicacy in its own right. The whites were fully set, tender, and just slightly crisp around the edges, while the yolk remaind runny and golden. When bitten into, the yolk gently oozed out, acting as a rich, creamy sauce that melds with the other components.
This ensemble was served on a toasted Kaiser bun that's sturdy enough to hold everything together but soft enough to bite through easily. The burger was garnished with lettuce, tomato, and onion, adding freshness, sweetness, and a slight sharpness.
Together, these elements create a harmonious blend of textures and tastes--juicy and savory beef, crisp and smoky bacon, and a creamy, rich egg, with the freshness of vegetables and the tanginess of condiments rounding everything out
However, I would probably preferred the Tex Mex burger, as it combines grilled Jalapeños, bacon and a house special Jack Daniels BBQ sauce with a sliced avocado.
One of the most popular items it the Drunken Clams, a mixture of fresh clams, soaked in beer, wine and clam juice wtih sautéed vegetable's. The clams, bathed in a sumptuous broth infused with white wine, garlic, and a hint of fresh herbs, were cooked to perfection. Each clam was tender, succulent, and easily slid out of its shell, a testament to the chef's mastery in ensuring they were neither under nor overcooked. The white wine in the broth added a sophisticated depth of flavor, enhancing the natural sweetness of the clams, while the garlic and herbs offered a delightful aromatic complexity that was both refreshing and comforting.
What set this dish apart was not just the quality of its main ingredient but the harmony of its flavors. The broth, so richly imbued with the essence of the clams and the aromatic liquor, begged to be sopped up with the crusty, artisanal bread served alongside. This combination ensured that not a single drop of the flavorful liquid went to waste.
The presentation of the dish was simple yet elegant, allowing the natural beauty and appeal of the clams to shine through. Paired with a recommended glass of crisp, white wine, the dining experience was elevated to a level of satisfaction that was both refined and deeply gratifying.In a world where seafood dishes often strive for complexity, the Drunken Clams stood out for their simplicity, the quality of the ingredients, and the skill with which they were prepared.
While they offer traditional steak, my wife choose for the grilled salmon which is always tricky to cook correctly so that it is not dry. Her 's was very tender, moist, and flaky with a slightly crisp exterior. The flesh was opaque and easily flake apart with a fork, while still retaining its moisture and natural flavors. The house seasoning complemented the salmon's natural taste without overpowering it, and had a hint of lemon, herbs, and a light marinade. The skin, was crispy and flavorful. Overall, it was cooked just enough to bring out the salmon's rich taste without drying it out.
Dessert, you cannot go wrong with the Key Lime Pie. The restaurant does live up to its claim of providing a unforgettable and unique dinning experience. The bar is definitely a place for a memorable evening of great food, delightful drinks, and a truly unique atmosphere.It was not just a meal but a memorable dining experience that I look forward to reliving in the near future.
