Tom H.
Yelp
Tonight I was on a date with someone I just met, and that likely influenced my review, as all meals taste better when shared with a beautiful woman. All I can tell you was that Yella served us a meal that was exceptional. I'll give you the details, and you can decide: was it the meal, or the girl. Or both?
This is Dining in the Time of Covid. We arrived without a reservation and they were very accomodating, setting up a table by the front window (opened for airflow) for us. There's also an outdoor area, including a tent, so we even had a choice, but chose the table. The location has a nice view of the harbor, and a soft, warm breeze was blowing.
The Yella staff were all doing an outstanding job of virus-management, with tables well separated, great airflow, and masks. We did not have to wear masks at the table, which is great because it was just a second date and our first chance to see each other face to face. Great because I learned that she has a really pretty smile, an easy laugh, and sparkly eyes. But I digress.
The venue itself is quite nice, but it's not hugely impressive nor decorated by some famous person. It's really just a small place, quite pleasant and simple, and my guess is that it's a family affair or someone who realized that great food conquers all (even Covid). It's not fussy -- just nice. I don't come to restaurants to eat the tablecloths and candles.
The drinks menu was excellent, and we chose a cocktail. Hers had a fun little strip of zucchini peel, served in a champagne glass, and she said it was good. Mine was called Boulevard, made with whiskey. It was very tasty, with zest of orange and a very nice cinnamon or similar kind of spicy vibe.
Cocktails on a date: a good thing. Lips were loosened (no ships were sunk). And so we talked for a while. Our server stopped by to see if we were ready to order, and when we said we were not, she understood the situation and instead of some trite comment like "take your time" she said "we love when people come here to relax". It's honestly rather rare to have a server who thinks, considers the table, and responds as though he/she were an actual human with a working vocabulary. Nicely done!
The menu was just right. Not filled with fried, fried, fried but instead with some seafood, some meat, some veggies, and a burger. I saw scallops and, it being Gloucester I figured they would be fresh. My charming partner in dining ordered the daily catch (Halibut). After a suitable time, neither too soon nor too long, our meals arrived.
Presentation was wonderful. My scallops were cooked very well. As a former resident of a fishing town in Maine, I know scallops. Well seared, but still tender and flavorful. and piping hot. They rested in a bed of something savory, creamy, and perfect. They were accompanied with braised brussels sprouts, along a wonderfully tasty mix of nutty bits. Plenty of food but not the typical obscene amounts often served at restaurants these days.
Brussels sprouts are the perfect date food in some ways. Don't we all have stories about them? Our hate relationships as children? How we came to appreciate them as adults? You can learn a lot about a person from Brussels sprouts, I think. I learned that my date likes them crispy. If she had said "overcooked and oversalted" I would have left then and there, as I do not want to date my mother.
We talked easily and enjoyed our meals, and even had desert. You know, if you're on a date and decide to have desert, this means something important. I forget what the desert was called, something creamy and delicious, and I found myself entranced with her beautiful eyes. Isn't this what you want in a good desert?
I believe this restaurant will be responsible for a third date, although this is purely speculative at this point. If this is the kind of meal you're seeking, I cannot recommend Yella highly enough. Now you'll have to decide whether my glowing review was about the meal or the girl. Or both.
