Perfection on a Bun
Every once in a while you try a new place and even if it doesn't look like a high-end restaurant, you know they care about serving the best food possible. Such was my experience at Island Seafood today.
It is not much to look at on the outside, but it doesn't matter. Island Seafood is located in a modest retail block on Central Avenue between 20th and 21st. There is a small sign on the outside that belies the big flavors on the inside.
I have eaten lobster rolls in New York (Tavern on the Green, may it R.I.P.), Connecticut and Sarasota. All brought their lobster in from Maine as this establishment does also. Two things make this lobster roll ($14) stand out in my mind. The first is that the lobster was perfectly cooked to order. It was not rubbery or otherwise overcooked. The second thing was the buttery, fresh roll that it was served on.
My dining companion, Tanya, fell in love with her Crab Pita sandwich ($8.00). She said it was stuffed with crab and the sauce (which looked like a remoulade to me) was excellent and the perfect companion to the sandwich. We both agreed that the Manhattan Chowder ($3.00) was full of flavor and spiced just right. I will have to go back to get my own cup of that.
In addition to that, they have a selection of fresh fish that you can purchase and prepare at home. Everything looked very fresh (the tuna may have been frozen previously, I'm not sure) with grouper, snapper, tilapia, salmon, clams and more.
This place is a hidden gem that should not be overlooked.
I am glad you went there. I was thinking it would be a good place.
I wished I could have gone, it sounds great! Maybe when I come back.
Linda Moore
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Save your money!
The scallops tasted like play dough and the place smelled like red tide - we were grateful we didn't get sick! It's no wonder the place was empty on a Friday evening. There are too many places serving fresh food to patronize this place.
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