I was happy to hear that a seafood place was opening in the former Bottega's location at the Shoppes at Bellgrade in Midlothian at the corner of Robious and Huguenot Roads. Last night Bob and I tried the Outer Banks Seafood Company with high hopes but were ultimately disappointed.
We entered and the interior had been changed a bit, but nothing extreme. Bottega's had a great facility so it didn't need a lot of work, just their personal touches. We decided to eat at the bar. The two bartenders were very friendly and informative and definitely the highlight of the night. Bob stuck to beer. I had a glass of house Pinot Grigio while reviewing the menu.
The menu features most of the usual suspects though I admit to being disappointed there weren't hushpuppies and the only fries were on the children's menu. But that is simply a personal preference from memories of Fass Brothers Fish House on Horsepen as a child.
I decided to get the stuffed shrimp ($22.99) and Bob decided on the crab cake dinner ($21.99). Both entrees came with their heavily promoted "Redneck Risotto" which was described as grits cooked with chicken stock and cream with bacon and Parmesan cheese, and mixed vegetables of carrots and zucchini. After ordering, we were promptly brought warm bread served with a warm artichoke dip topped with diced tomatoes. The bread was the highlight of the meal.
Our entrees arrived and Bob said his crab cakes were just okay and the grits were barely lukewarm. My shrimp stuffed with crab were bland and the crab had a tinny taste as if the crab was canned. The shrimp were perfectly cooked yet under seasoned, even the roasted red pepper cream sauce couldn't save hem. The grits were thick to the point of nearly being solid and also bland with no hint of bacon. The vegetables were cooked fine but also under seasoned.
I want to say that the service was spot on, but in this case great service could not make up for a forgettable dinner. "The place to go for Seafood!"
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
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