GRANT — Our last visit to the Old Fish House Bar & Grill was on a wet, raw night – not the type of weather that lends itself to a restaurant that is primarily an outdoor dining destination although they do serve food indoors.
We arrived this time shortly after dark and wanted to be outside to enjoy the beautiful night. A light breeze blew in from the Indian River Lagoon and we dined at a raised table on the deck that gave us a great view of the marina and waters beyond it.
The view is one of the stars here. The food is another. The third is the price.
For starters, the three of us opted for the roasted mussels ($11.99), the ahi tuna ($7.99) and the fried green tomatoes ($6.99).
The kitchen knocked the ball out of the park with all three appetizers although the fried green tomatoes were the biggest surprise. They were lightly fried, covered with a heavy helping of gorgonzola cheese and a sprinkling of bacon bits. They were delicious.
“These are so good,” said one companion, who indicated it was one of the better tomato dishes he’s experienced.
Another friend loved his ahi tuna.
“I thought it was fabulous,” he said. “I thought the size of the portion for the price was exemplary.” The raw tuna was served with wasabi and ginger.
Although not as plump as I like them, the roasted mussels were wonderful. They were cooked with paprika, salt and olive oil. I have enjoyed this dish before and it still stands out as a great way to begin a meal.
For dinner, we picked the Plantation Key grilled chicken ($14.49), the chicken cheese tortellini ($14.99) and the catch of the day, fresh tile fish ($22).
Our dinners also came with salads and we opted for the lagoon salad and the 1513 salad.
The lagoon featured fresh greens topped with toasted almonds, bacon, raisins, and cheese with choice of dressing.
The 1513 was a nice mix of green olives, tomatoes and gorgonzola tossed in Cuban vinaigrette. Both choices were well above your typical restaurant salads.
I was very pleased with my chicken cheese tortellini, which was served in a light garlic cream sauce. I enjoyed the mix of the large chunks of chicken and the tortellini. The dish was prepared with the restrained use of garlic so one could taste the food, not just inhale a cloud of garlic.
My companion with the Plantation Key grilled chicken gave his dish a big thumb’s up, punctuated by a couple of vigorous nods of his head.
The chicken is marinated in pineapple, ginger soy and served with rice. It’s also topped with grilled fresh pineapple. The entrée definitely had the appearance of a Keys dish or something served farther south.
My other companion liked his tile, a bottom fish that produces a firm, lean fillet and a mild flavor that doesn’t overwhelm. He said his grilled fish was good.
“If I could criticize something, it was a little dry,” he said. “But some people like that.”
Dinner for two with appetizers, entrees and drinks will run $70-$80 without tip.
That’s not an outrageous number for a good restaurant with a terrific view.
Check out the restaurant’s web site for the featured entertainment.
From my view, the Old Fish House Bar & Grill offers good food, a great atmosphere, nice view and wallet-pleasing prices.
The reviewer dines anonymously at restaurants at the expense of the Sebastian River News.
