Teresa M.
Yelp
Have been coming here 40 years. I don't know what's going on, but things are changing and not necessarily for the better. I have always LOVED this neighborhood seafood escape. Tonight left me so disappointed. I don't eat out alot anymore because I cook pretty well and it's more cost effective. That being said, when I do go to a restaurant, I go because I would like a "rest" from cooking all the time. I expect good food and knowledgeable skilled servers, cooks/chefs etc. In the "old days" you were catered to, made to feel like your experience was "special" and your food would be cooked properly and hopefully tasted delicious. You're paying good money for an evening of enjoyment.
This place has never seriously disappointed me until tonight. I knew something was weird when the new server asked us if we "wanted our potatoes while waiting for our meal?!" I didn't give it much thought until my husband started to realize how long it was taking. I was still trying to be positive, so I hadn't really noticed. I was very hungry at this point and began to feel the drawn out wait. The server wasn't very attentive. She only had our table I think, so who knows what she was doing in the back? Finally the salmon arrives, both overcooked and mine was white. There was no evidence of light orange succulent salmon. I had to get take a few bites because I had waited so long. The restaurant was not full, yet she apologized for the delay because there "were so many orders in the back"??? I was just going to eat it because of hunger. My husband suggested I send it back because it was simply not right. I finally agreed.
When she whisked it away she asked if 15 minutes was ok to wait. Not thinking, I said yes. Why would a piece of salmon take that long. We were her only customers, the restaurant wasn't busy? She never came out to check on us, let us know how things were going. I was starting to drain. Finally it arrived. It looked nice, but except for a few spots was overcooked, again. Not sure how this is possible.
We asked to speak to Dale, the person whose mother owns the place and he runs it. I love his mother and normally he is a pretty cordial guy, but he was deadpan tonight. We tried to explain without blame, the situation that was going on. He said I should have told her to order it medium if I like it with some color and succulent. He said most people "like it this way" I don't feel he was being honest. I've never had problem with the salmon being overcooked, maybe undercooked, once in a blue moon. Generally comes out good. He offered nothing to make the experience a little better. We both felt he simply could care less. He apologized and walked away. I'm not looking for a free meal, but maybe a piece of key lime pie to soften the fragmented, poorly cooked salmon, twice! After all, I don't go there because I need to eat. I go because I need to "rest/restaurant" for a brief momentCedar Plank Salmon in time. I still love Captain's Tavern, but hope I'm not seeing the beginning of the end. Come on crew, please don't let this happen!