Geronimo R.
Yelp
Introduction:
So, I recently took my mom out for a Mother's Day lunch at this joint. She was in the mood for some scrumptious oysters, and this place has quite the reputation for serving the best in town. Let me fill you in on the nitty-gritty of our visit, the good and the not-so-good parts.
Atmosphere and Wait Time:
We arrived around noon and man, there was a long line snaking around. We had to wait for about 55 minutes, but it wasn't too bad since we could roam around the shopping mall while we waited. Once we got seated outside, though, it got a bit chilly with that pesky wind. Luckily, the staff was cool and moved us to a sunny spot, but it did take them a bit of time since they were a bit understaffed.
Oyster Extravaganza:
We kicked things off with a dozen oysters, going all-out and trying different varieties. Gotta say, those little suckers were incredibly fresh and tasty. Just one teeny-tiny issue - we encountered a bit of grit in a few of them. It wasn't a deal-breaker, but worth mentioning. Overall, the oysters were a winner and totally hit the spot.
Bread Service:
To go with our oysters, we opted for their bread service. It set us back three bucks, but we got a couple of fresh but untoasted loaves and some butter. Not too shabby, I must say. The bread had a nice bite and went well with the seafood feast we were about to embark on.
Steamed Mussels: Pure Awesomeness!
Now, let me tell you about the highlight of the meal - the steamed mussels. Holy mackerel, these bad boys were out of this world! They came in a coconut broth that was just bursting with flavor. It was like a party in your mouth, and you couldn't resist dipping that bread in the sauce. Seriously, this was hands down the best part of the whole shebang.
Grilled Halibut: A Little Meh
Sadly, the grilled halibut didn't quite live up to our expectations. The first go-around, the fish was overcooked, dry as the desert, and tough to chew. Not exactly what we were hoping for. Thankfully, the server was understanding and got it redone for us. It was better the second time, but still not mind-blowing. The braised veggies on the side were tasty, but overall, we felt it wasn't worth the price.
Service and Staffing Challenges:
Let's talk service. Ugh, it was a bit of a downer, to be honest. They were short-staffed, with only one server running around doing their best. It was clear they were stretched thin, and our server couldn't be with us most of the time. It definitely affected the overall experience and left us wanting more attention. I get it was Mother's Day and all, but they should have anticipated the rush and staffed up accordingly.
Conclusion:
So, here's the lowdown. This place is a mixed bag when it comes to the food adventure. The oysters and those lip-smacking steamed mussels are totally worth a visit. But, gotta be real, the service wasn't up to par, and the grilled halibut didn't knock our socks off. Still, if you're in the mood for some fresh and delicious seafood, give it a shot. Just cross your fingers for better service on a less hectic day.