146094 Sat Oct 11 21:35:07 -0700 2003 3 12 Boston Area 0 783120 I finally tried the Skipjack's in Natick. The room has not changed dramatically since it was Legal; it is nicely appointed and not terribly noisy. I shared an app of Ginger calamari; it was just too odd to be good. The calamari was grilled and then drenched in a sort of wasabi/ginger sauce. No taste of the squid was left; just the sauce. It came out so fast that I suspect that they keep batches under a heat lamp. The tiny green salad came out about three seconds after I finished the app; the waitress neglected to put any dressing on it and was gone too long for me to attempt to remedy it. No more than 5 minutes later our entrees arrived. I had the grilled arctic char. It was a nice piece of fish with about 10 string beans accompanying it. The lack of any sizeable side dishes was accentuated by the tiny plate is was presented on. My associate had the grilled shrimp and steak tips which were both pretty good in size and flavor. We did not have dessert. The wine list is very nicely chosen and has some well priced boutique bottles, as well as good standards at resonable markups The service was simply far too rushed, even though the place was half empty. The servers were not professional and seemed pretty grumpy. I might go back, as the value is so much better than the Legal. I would guess entrees are a third less than comparable dishes at legal. I would suggest ordering one course at a time to put a pleasant pace on things. As a sidebar, I have been to the Newton branch and felt it was a better experience overall. Sat Oct 11 21:35:07 -0700 2003 0 hank 1 783121 My wife and I visited Skipjack's in Newton. The interior seemed very "sterile." No organic feel to the decor. The employees were absent for some time, although very few patrons were present. Menus were finally presented and the prices were so inflated, we went elsewhere. I was surprised, because price never affected my wife before this brief experience. Link: http://www.kennethconner.com Sat Oct 11 22:14:05 -0700 2003 783120 0 AmeriKenArtist 2 783134 When at theatre in Boston we have brunch or supper at the Skipjack's on Claredon Street. Since we live in the Metro-West area we have been regulars in Natick...and there is something going on..Your right...the salads are served on a smaller plate..the crab cake on the spinach salad is definetely a smaller portion. Their wedge of lettuce with the specal blue cheese is to die for...My favorite lunch or supper is their skewers (one for lunch) and two for supper with stir fried veggies...done several ways.. We have noticed "little" things. But if you want a dessert to die for.. try their hot Chocolate Bread Pudding...the first time I thought I died and went to chocolate lovers heaven. We have not tried the one in Newton, but will one of these days. As frequent patrons we have always had great service. We went back to Legal a few steps away and walked out... sorry I think the prices are outrageous and somehow there wasn't much to tempt me for lunch.. Sun Oct 12 17:56:49 -0700 2003 783121 0 Parrot Mom 3 783419 Hi - My wife and I go pretty often (once a month or so) and have found it to be a great value in terms of quailty and price.The lobster roll is great - very fresh tasting and it it is huge - a whole lobster in a bun. My wife said the sushi has been consistently excellent. The waitstaff is always courteous and helpful. Thu Oct 16 16:59:43 -0700 2003 783134 0 Westy