Last year I went to the Boathouse and had a fabulous time. Before dinner my wife and I had drinks on the roof-top bar and watched the sunset. Then we went downstairs for a meal that was so amazing, we both had talked about for over a year.
So, last week when we visited the Boathouse our expectations were high. Unfortunately, this time the Boathouse didn't deliver.
On this soggy day we entered the boathouse, approached the hostess, and gave my name for the reservations I made earlier in the day. The hostess looked and couldn't find my reservation. She then took a substantial amount of time trying to decide where to seat us. In all honestly, the place was half empty -- it shouldn't be THAT difficult to find us a table.
Finally we were seated at a tiny corner table and we took a look over the menu. I knew what I wanted. The last time there, I had a fantastic the crab stuffed Tilapia. So that's what I ordered this time. My wife decided on one of the fish specials. And we both decided to share an order of fried calamari, and a 1/2 bottle of Chardonnay.
The calamari was pretty bad. The light breading was good, but the calamari itself was VERY rubbery. Stop rolling your eyes -- I know that calamari is usually rubbery. This was different. It was so rubbery I could barely chew it! UGH!
Well, after that horrible appetizer I was almost scared to try my entree. Fortunately, it was as good as I remembered. The Tilapia was cooked perfectly -- tender, flaky, and still moist. The crab stuffing was a actual crab cake. Part of me likes this, part doesn't. The crab cake was so large, it was more like the Tilapia was placed on top of the crab, rather than stuffed with it. Id rather they actually stuff the Tilapia, or at least just say that the dish consists of Tilapia and a crab cake.
But aside from that the crab cake was delicious! In addition, the side of smoked gouda macaroni and cheese was delicious! Almost as good as the macaroni and cheese at Maddi's Southern Bistro!
We liked our entrees so much we opted to stay for dessert. Along with two coffees, we decided to share an order of cheesecake. The coffee was good. The cheesecake was another matter. Aside from obviously being pre-made and then delivered to the restaurant, it just wasn't good. It was chalky and tasted stale. In addition, the apricot puree it was served over left our mouths with a taste of chalky socks.
To his credit, our waiter quickly witnessed our displeasure, took our dessert, and offered to get us the chocolate mousse cake. Which we readily agreed to.
He brought the cake, and again, it was obviously pre-made, and was probably frozen. To be honest, I was a little disappointed. The Boathouse features some very good entrees. Therefore, I anticipated that they'd have homemade, or at least fresh, desserts. I was wrong.
The previous time we left the Boathouse we couldn't wait to return. This time we left, and decided that we wouldn't return any time soon.
Score:
Atmosphere: 4/5
Food: 3/5
Service: 4/5
Total: 11/15
Price: $$$$$$ (Just over $50 per person)
Kid Friendly: Yes. Children and families abound at this restaurant.
Conclusion: Decent entrees, but the appetizer and dessert were disappointing. The price tag was far too high for the pre-made (and probably frozen) food.
Restaurant Info:
The Boathouse at Breach Inlet
101 Palm Blvd.
Isle of Palms, SC 29451
p) 843-886-8000
http://www.boathouserestaurants.com/bi_home.html
Showing posts with label Crab Cake. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Crab Cake. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
Mickey and Mooch (Huntersville)
In a poll that was available on this blog last month, I picked four of the nicer restaurants in the area that I hadn't yet reviewed. And you, the readers, voted. After three weeks of voting, Mickey and Mooch in Huntersville won. And this past Friday, I finally went there.
After we entered through the revolving doors, we found ourselves in a lively and crowded bar with Big Band Era murals on the walls. To be honest, I was suprised how busy the bar is, after all this restaurant is in the strip mall that is home to Target and Lowes. When I think of this area, a lively bar and a good restaurant are not what I think of -- perhaps I should change my thinking.
We were quickly taken to our seats and given a corner booth, where the two wall benches intersected. This made for a cozy dining experience, where my wife and I were able to sit next to eachother, yet still look at eachother too. The dining room was much calmer and quieter than the bar. Though there wasn't too much about the decor that stands out, I found it relaxing.
After looking over the menu, I selected the Lump Crabcake and Top Choice Filet. This comes with a house salad, for which I selected the Blue Cheese dressing. To compliment the meal, I ordered a glass of Coppola Claret Cabernet Sauvignon.
The wine arrived first. It had a good concentration and flavor, but it was difficult to smell with all the other good food related smells in the room. Shortly after the wine arrived the bread was brough to our table. The bread was cold (boooo!) but the butter was melty and spreadable (yaay!). Though the bread was cold, it was light with a flaky crust. If this would have been warm, it would've been amazing!
The salads arrived next. The salad itself wasn't noteworthy. However, that homemade blue cheese dressing was amazing. TONS of small blue cheese crumbles combined with a rich and creamy consistency -- I want a bottle of it at my house for every salad I make!
The entree arrived next, and I wasn't disappointed. The Lump Crabcake was delicious. It was a healthy serving of crab meat, and contained very little filler. In addition, it was served with a bernaise sauce that proved to be a perfect compliment to the crab.
I had ordered the filet per the restaurant's specifications "Hot Pink Center." The restaurant has its own version of rare, medium, well, etc., that are more speficic than the traditional way of stating how to cook the meat. And I wasn't disappointed. The meat was tender and juicy, while being seared on the outside. It was packed with flavor, and didn't contain any noticeable fat or gristle. In short, I ate the entire thing, and there wasn't any piece left on the plate -- and I never do that.
The crabcake and filet came with a HEAPING amount of mashed potatoes, with the skins still on (I love that!). They were moist and good, but could've been better. I would have added some more butter and a few chives to add just a little flavor.
Because we were enjoying the meal, we next ordered decaf coffee and decided to split a slice of carrot cake. The coffee came first and was very strong (especially for decaf), then I spotted it coming around the corner... the largest slice of carrot cake that I've ever seen. I've had actual cakes that were smaller than this gargantuan slice. All the eyes in the room turned to see this massive slice of triple-layer yummy goodness make it to our table. In fact, the people at the table next to us offered to help us finish the cake!
Size aside, this was a delicious cake. The flavors of the carrots, walnuts, cinnamon, and cream cheese frosting all mixed together to create one of the best carrot cakes that I've ever had We had a great evening, and I was very happy that the readers of this blog chose this restaurant. I've got some very smart readers! :)
Score:
Atmosphere: 4/5
Food: 5/5
Service: 4/5
Total: 13/5
Price: $$$ (Most entrees over $20)
Conclusion: I've been to this mall hundreds of times, and I'd never seen the entrance to Mickey and Mooch until this visit. It's tucked away, but it's well-known to the locals. The food is great, and the wine-list is expansive. I highly recommend this restaurant, though the price is a bit higher than the plastic tablecloths would have you believe.
Restaurant Info:
Mickey and Mooch
9723 Sam Furr Rd
Huntersville, NC 28078
704-895-6654
http://www.mickeyandmooch.com/
After we entered through the revolving doors, we found ourselves in a lively and crowded bar with Big Band Era murals on the walls. To be honest, I was suprised how busy the bar is, after all this restaurant is in the strip mall that is home to Target and Lowes. When I think of this area, a lively bar and a good restaurant are not what I think of -- perhaps I should change my thinking.
We were quickly taken to our seats and given a corner booth, where the two wall benches intersected. This made for a cozy dining experience, where my wife and I were able to sit next to eachother, yet still look at eachother too. The dining room was much calmer and quieter than the bar. Though there wasn't too much about the decor that stands out, I found it relaxing.
After looking over the menu, I selected the Lump Crabcake and Top Choice Filet. This comes with a house salad, for which I selected the Blue Cheese dressing. To compliment the meal, I ordered a glass of Coppola Claret Cabernet Sauvignon.
The wine arrived first. It had a good concentration and flavor, but it was difficult to smell with all the other good food related smells in the room. Shortly after the wine arrived the bread was brough to our table. The bread was cold (boooo!) but the butter was melty and spreadable (yaay!). Though the bread was cold, it was light with a flaky crust. If this would have been warm, it would've been amazing!
The salads arrived next. The salad itself wasn't noteworthy. However, that homemade blue cheese dressing was amazing. TONS of small blue cheese crumbles combined with a rich and creamy consistency -- I want a bottle of it at my house for every salad I make!
The entree arrived next, and I wasn't disappointed. The Lump Crabcake was delicious. It was a healthy serving of crab meat, and contained very little filler. In addition, it was served with a bernaise sauce that proved to be a perfect compliment to the crab.
I had ordered the filet per the restaurant's specifications "Hot Pink Center." The restaurant has its own version of rare, medium, well, etc., that are more speficic than the traditional way of stating how to cook the meat. And I wasn't disappointed. The meat was tender and juicy, while being seared on the outside. It was packed with flavor, and didn't contain any noticeable fat or gristle. In short, I ate the entire thing, and there wasn't any piece left on the plate -- and I never do that.
The crabcake and filet came with a HEAPING amount of mashed potatoes, with the skins still on (I love that!). They were moist and good, but could've been better. I would have added some more butter and a few chives to add just a little flavor.
Because we were enjoying the meal, we next ordered decaf coffee and decided to split a slice of carrot cake. The coffee came first and was very strong (especially for decaf), then I spotted it coming around the corner... the largest slice of carrot cake that I've ever seen. I've had actual cakes that were smaller than this gargantuan slice. All the eyes in the room turned to see this massive slice of triple-layer yummy goodness make it to our table. In fact, the people at the table next to us offered to help us finish the cake!
Size aside, this was a delicious cake. The flavors of the carrots, walnuts, cinnamon, and cream cheese frosting all mixed together to create one of the best carrot cakes that I've ever had We had a great evening, and I was very happy that the readers of this blog chose this restaurant. I've got some very smart readers! :)
Score:
Atmosphere: 4/5
Food: 5/5
Service: 4/5
Total: 13/5
Price: $$$ (Most entrees over $20)
Conclusion: I've been to this mall hundreds of times, and I'd never seen the entrance to Mickey and Mooch until this visit. It's tucked away, but it's well-known to the locals. The food is great, and the wine-list is expansive. I highly recommend this restaurant, though the price is a bit higher than the plastic tablecloths would have you believe.
Restaurant Info:
Mickey and Mooch
9723 Sam Furr Rd
Huntersville, NC 28078
704-895-6654
http://www.mickeyandmooch.com/
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