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| McCormick & Schmick: It’s All About The Seafood by Vicky Forrest Are you a skeptic when it comes to dining outside the perimeter? If so, you haven’t tried McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant. Nestled between P.F. Chang’s and Il Fornaio (two other great “OTP” restaurants) in The Ashwood Restaurant Park, McCormick & Schmick’s is a sanctuary for seafood lovers. The entrance is encircled with oak, glass and tile, followed by a stately mahogany bar. Different areas of this eatery offer various ambience. One of the patios overlooks a beautiful man-made lake, complete with “29 Geese A Swimming.” From the ceilings to the light fixtures, the restaurant is laced with magnificent stained glass work reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright. Images and art reflect both the seafood themes of McCormick & Schmick's as well as it’s current Georgia roots. The restaurant’s home base is Portland, Oregon, which makes this the first endeavor into the south. More sights in Georgia are pending. If you are not well schooled in seafood selections, this would be the place to learn. The menu begins with a “Fresh List,” across the top, letting you know what selections are fresh that day. The range is vast which adds a complexity to your dining. However, we found the staff to be excellent and well versed in making recommendations. Beginning your culinary journey, we suggest that you share appetizers. There is a large variety but we recommend the Jumbo Lump Crab Cake with Roasted Red Pepper Aioli. It is outstanding. Light, tasty and plump, you might as well be sitting seaside in Louisiana or Maryland watching them harvest the crab. Yes, it was that fresh! The Tuna Tartare with Cucumber, Sour Cream and Fried Wontons is a treasure. If you are not familiar with Tartare it’s uncooked, in this case tuna, chopped and seasoned to perfection and served with onion, chopped egg, sour cream accompanied with the non-traditional fried wontons. When properly done this is a delicacy! Changing pace, I would recommend the Seasonal Greens Tossed in a Balsamic Vinaigrette. Wonderfully prepared with the clarity of the Vinaigrette being a tremendous addition. At times under-rated, but a perennial wintertime favorite, are soups. The Seafood and Roasted Corn Chowder is hearty, filled with clumps of seafood that are actually distinguishable. I would say, go for the cup over the bowl, keeping in mind that there’s more on the way. Entree’s included Yellowfin Tuna, pan blackened and seared rare, with Soy, Wasabi and Ginger (chop sticks optional). Heavily blackened tuna, sliced into thin manageable slices that make for a delectable main dish -- with a punch. Catfish Scooba Mississippi is a seafarers dream. The catfish is fried with chopped Georgia Pecans, served with Cabbage, Onions, Fried Green Tomatoes and Maple Bourbon Butter. Fresh, flaky, and feathery light, this is a landmark selection bursting with flavor. It has just the right coating for the catfish to draw all of the attention, however the fried green tomatoes should be bookmarked as the extra special treat. Chef Michael suggested that we try his Upside Down Apple Pie. This is not one that came from your family kitchen. It’s bold, hot and crunchy. What’s not to like? Another show stopper is the Creme Brule. Glass-like sugar crust gave way to the heavenly creme confection. A perfect way to end the evening. McCormick Schmick’s also offers a Children’s Menu with delightful choices for little fingers. Meals include Grilled Cheese on Sourdough with French Fries, Fried Chicken Strips, Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce, Fish & Chips, Meatloaf, Grilled Chicken Breast and Fried Shrimp. There is also a Happy Hour Menu. Items for $1.95 include 1/2 lb Cheeseburger, Seafood Nachos, Beer Battered Vidalia Onion Rings, Sourdough Bruschetta, Buffalo Chicken Wings, Steamed Mussels and Smoked Salmon Croquette. These items are served in the bar and cocktail areas only. Happy hour times: Monday - Thursday: 3:30 - 6:30p.m. & 9:30 - 11:30 p.m.; Friday: 3:30 - 6:30 p.m. McCormick & Schmick’s: 600 Ashwood Parkway, Atlanta. Phone number: (770) 399-9900. |
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