Jim and Nancy do not disclose the fact that they will review a restaurant before they attend, ensuring their reviews are unbiased and uninfluenced by their position with the Sun Day.
Our little puppy, Rosie, is rapidly approaching her second birthday. We can’t believe how fast time flies; it seems like only yesterday she was a one-and-one-half pound furball. She is now tipping the scale at a whopping eight pounds, but still has that puppy energy. Those who see her walking Jim down the sidewalk will know what we mean. Even the mailman knows her as “that crazy dog.” One of the neighbors, Bob, comes out to play with her and brings a fistful of dog treats. So, in honor of her second birthday, and the fact that we survived the two years, we wanted to treat ourselves to a nice dinner. What better way to celebrate this momentous occasion than to pull out all the stops and go for a scrumptious seafood feast. Since Rosie doesn’t qualify as a “support dog,” we locked her in her crate and left the house as fast as we could and ran off to the Boston Fish Market in Des Plaines.
Boston Fish Market
1225 Forest Avenue
Des Plaines 60018
(847)296-FISH
www.bostonfishmkt.com
Directions: Take Rte. 47 South to I-90 East to Elmhurst Road, North to Oakton Street, East to Lee Street, North to Forest Avenue, East to restaurant.
Estimated Travel Time: 38 minutes
Boston Fish Market is not like your ordinary restaurant. It is actually a wholesale seafood retailer and restaurant combined. When you try to find a parking space, you have to dodge all the refrigerated trucks loading and unloading the freshest seafood (not frozen). The parking lot is small, but across the street there is additional parking.
Inside there is a small eating area in front of the fresh fish counter. This is where you can purchase from the fish monger such
delicacies as baby octopus, giant shrimp, Branzino, and lobster tails the size of a small meatloaf, just to name a few. He will wrap up your purchase for you to cook at home.
They also offer outdoor seating in a greenhouse type enclosure where the glass walls and ceiling can be opened to enjoy the fresh air or closed up with heaters for cold weather dining. Enough of that, let’s get to the food.
The waiter brought over a basket of seasoned garlic bread and water while we were waiting to place our order. Nancy ordered something she hasn’t had in years, the Fried Lobster Tail ($74.49) that was served with fries and coleslaw. When her dinner arrived, Nancy’s expression was priceless. It was a huge mound of breaded lobster on top of fresh hand cut fries. I tasted her lobster and immediately knew why she reacted the way she did. They were succulent morsels of tender lobster tail.
Jim chose one of the Chef Louie Specials, the Stuffed Shrimp with Maryland Crab (49.99). This was served with roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, and Greek potatoes. The waiter handed him a platter with four of the largest shrimp he has ever seen. Each shrimp was topped with a huge scoop of crab meat. The waiter also handed him a plate with all the sides. The seasoning on the seafood and veggies was spot on.
FYI: This restaurant is handicap accessible.
You would not believe how different the taste of fresh, not frozen, seafood is. The portions are unbelievable, we took half our meals home with us in a doggie bag. They offer the finest seafood in an unpretentious atmosphere.
The cost for treating ourselves $149.30, happy birthday Rosie…
Jim’s take: I’m usually a steak eater, but this dish totally changed my mind.
Nancy’s take: The breading was so light that it didn’t take away from the taste of the lobster meat. This is now my “go to” seafood place.
Have comments or restaurant suggestions for the Dining Duo? Send them an email at thediningduo@gmail.com.
