Arthur N.
Yelp
On our return trip from visiting relatives in Maine, we decided to spend an overnight in Mystic, Connecticut, and pay a call at the VERY popular S&P Oyster Restaurant & Bar. Just how popular...? We were warned in advance about the possible parking problems. Fortunately, just as we were arriving, another couple happened to be departing the scene, and we managed to snare a primo space in the restaurant's miniscule parking lot.
Casually sophisticated is how I would describe the ambience and cuisine - upscale is how I would describe the prices. But don't be put off, as this is one restaurant that is certainly worth the price of admission. The food does the talking here... and it has some very pleasant things to say.
Under normal circumstances, since I planned to write a review, we would have indulged in a couple of mouthwatering appetizers. However, we'd been on the road for several hours and had stopped for a rather late lunch before checking into our hotel. So, in lieu of starters, we decided to savor our cocktails - my companion was particularly pleased with her Cosmo - and then just order entrées and, perhaps, share a dessert... A plan that actually worked out quite well.
Entrée-wise, my dining companion selected the Crispy Jumbo Shrimp, Sea Scallops & Cod Loin (pictured above). As you will note from the photograph, this is a deep-fried combo that was lightly breaded and, as advertised, quite crispy. Accompaniments included equally crispy fries and first-rate creamy coleslaw. The gastronomic kicker here, however, was provided by a zesty serrano/garlic spiked tartar sauce, which added just enough heat to tantalize rather than paralyze the taste buds.
My Pan Seared Halibut had its own unique charm (pictured). Characterized by its mild & sweet tasting firm white flesh, halibut is one of my favorite piscatorial pleasures. It is, however, if you'll pardon the pun, also an extremely finicky fish, as it is often the victim of under or overcooking. Fortunately, S&P's kitchen prepares it to perfection... firm of texture, yet still moist and succulent. Set on a sensual seabed of zucchini & yellow squash, the filet is companioned by a creamy Meyer lemon risotto and splash of beguiling provincial vinaigrette.
I should add that a glass of 2022 Mer Soleil Reserve Chardonnay from California's Saint Lucia Highlands, chosen from the restaurant's select wine menu, proved to be a most enjoyable complement to my above-mentioned entrée. Produced by Camus Vineyards, this is a wine I will definitely be seeking out to add to my cellar inventory.
Our shared dessert - Key Lime Pie - seemed the perfect ending to an immensely rewarding and satisfying evening at table. Both the color (pale yellow rather than green) and texture (sumptuously creamy) were just right, as was the refreshing hint of acidity.
Bottom Line: S&P Oyster Restaurant & Bar is one of those unique, and so utterly comfortable culinary establishments to which I would gladly return at the drop of a fork.