This was not my first visit to this establishment, but it is the first since launching this blog. The last meal is vaguely memorable as a decent seafood dinner...Sea Bass with asparagus and mash I believe.
I chose AFC for dinner to treat a veterinary intern to a seafood dinner before leaving Boston. The weather was predicted to be crappy and I was attending a Martini Tasting just up the street at The Charlesmark Hotel Lounge. Our meal almost made me wish I didn't bother slipping and sliding on the slush falling from the heavens as I ventured up Boylston St from the Charlesmark since the crudités, cheese, and sweets served at the Martini Tasting were a bit more appealing after trying a few items at Atlantic Fish.
We started with the Oysters Rockefeller. I am convinced only The Oak Room (re-opening Summer 2012) can woo me with this dish! AFC's Oysters Rockefeller lacked the richness I've grown to love when sampling this dish.
We also tried the Crab & Artichoke dip. The gruyere cheese was a bit overwhelming, making the dip more like a cheese dip versus the expected rich, creamy dip typically anticipated. The crab meat was ok, the artichoke barely there, and the pita chips more chewy than crisp.
My dining companion had the clam chowder which I did not taste, but she was not blown away and I immediately thought of several other restaurants which would have given her a chowder experience to remember even once she was back in Michigan!
Entrees consisted of fish (haddock) and chips for her and baked Arctic Char with garlic/butter breadcrumbs, sauteed spinach, and corn pudding.
The haddock was lightly breaded, moist, and flaky served with an abundance of sad shoestring fries, and coleslaw.
The baked Arctic Char was overcooked, dry, and sloppily prepared (bits of skin remained on the fish during an apparently rushed prep which exposed the lack of attention to detail that tragically riddled the entire meal). The sauteed spinach lacked seasoning, the corn pudding somewhat saved the day; though, as luck would have it, I did not have nearly enough of this most decent portion of my entree.
The ambiance of Atlantic Fish Co. is lovely. The staff are professional, attentive, and friendly. The location (especially during warmer months when Alfresco dining is in season) is perfect for people watching. On this particular evening, watching the snow come down (only the 2nd real snow of Winter 2001-12) was more distracting and appealing than my meal. I may give AFC another go, but I make no promises. Perhaps trying brunch can change my perception of this establishment.
http://www.atlanticfishco.com
Atlantic Fish Co. accepts reservations through www.opentable.com
