443892 Sat Sep 22 21:23:11 -0700 2007 12 13 New England 0 2967173 I haven't been yet to Surf and been dieing to go but went to Commercial St. Fishery tonight. A bit dissappointed as I really really love seafood - but it's really the service that got me going negative tonight. We met Dad and a few of his friends, when we arrived Dad was sending back his old fashion because it arrived in a martina glass (always bad to mess up Dad's drink first of all). They tried again but failed, he decided to keep this one since he really just wanted his Old Fashion. (maybe a new bartender). She did some "impressive"service moves - took the female orders first, then senior men, etc. but then did some big no no that I was upset about: 1) She took away everyones dish while one person was still eating - very rude in my book as it makes that last person feel soooo sooo bad about having to finish up fast 2) she almost took his dish while he was still finishing (he almost karaty chopped her arm). Lastly, probably kitchen issues, but dishes came out at really strange times -like when two people ordered soup/chowders they arrived different times. ?? Anyway, our dishes were good to very good but not exceptional and didn't seem to match the exceptional price tag. Two guests did rave highly about both the chowder and the oyster sweet potatoe bisque, making me wish I had ordered them. I had ordered two raw clams (just ok), nice spinach salad with bacon but had too much dressing and the tuna maki appetiser (excellent, nice crunch, small tuna piece). Hubby got a nice scallop special but it was a bit pricey for the plate that he received. How is this place compared to Surf??? Sat Sep 22 21:23:11 -0700 2007 49588 lexpatti 1 2967826 patti, haven't been to Surf since last winter, but the service has always been good. We usually sit in the back toward the left of the room (away from the piano player), and the regular waitress in that section is friendly and professional (she memorizes your order without having to write it down). Sun Sep 23 09:59:43 -0700 2007 2967173 13003 whs 1 2967848 I think you will like Surf better. The Commercial St Fishery was formerly the Starfish Grill - A very nice casual seafood place where you could get a great meal for a reasonable price. The new owners want an upscale restaurant but they fail to impress me. I'm amazed that they can't make it work as one of the owners managed the old restaurant. Surf is not inexpensive but I have had some outstanding meals there. Their specials are usually very creative and are often the best choices on the menu. Sun Sep 23 10:11:31 -0700 2007 2967173 15719 kmhayes 1 2968880 Haven't been to Commercial St, last time I was there it was Starfish. Last night went to Surf, last time we were there it was the beginning of the year and thought for that night it wasn't what we had been used to there, and far more expensive than before. Although it had never been a cheap night out. I think it had something to do with my Husband's entree that night, he wasn't all that happy with it. It was a special and way over priced he thought. As you will see from what I had - my palate is not Chowhoundie at all. I only eat fish and chips no matter what seafood place we are in. Except for 5 years in NJ, have lived in NE my whole life. Won't eat lobster, crab or any other seafood. Our bill before tip was $90.00 I had the fried tomato salad for app - which I love and of course the Fish and Chips, 2 diet cokes. This is the only meal I ever get there and always will. He had the Hot stone Salmon for app, the Sesame Seared Tuna and a Sam's draft For desert he had coffee and a coconut ice cream cake - excellant. I had the Orange creamscicle tart- damn good. Both of these were new additions since our last visit, and will order them again next time. Great server, we were seated in back to the left, Laura was our server and was very good, we both thought we may have had her before at MT's. We will go back . One note - if anyone does get the Hot stone Salmon app -be careful what you wear - once you put the salmon on it, it will spatter your shirt, so just be prepared. It was the first time in over our 30 years that I actually saw my husband cook something - I am not kidding! We had a good laugh with our waitress over that. Sun Sep 23 17:44:31 -0700 2007 2967173 14620 hummingbird 1 2969045 I haven't been to Commercial St , but worked at Starfish for a bit. The Commercial St menu is a bit all over the place but since I haven't been there I can't really comment-hopefully it is better than the inconsistent Starfish. Surf, on the other hand, showcases reliable food form a competent chef and restaurateur. Sun Sep 23 18:47:26 -0700 2007 2967173 129518 blushingpeach 1 2969703 Thanks everyone, Surf has been high on my "got to go" list and based on comments - it's staying there. Can't wait to go. We really weren't ready to dine on Sat. night, last minute "join others for dinner" type night, our minds were on a crazy work schedule that night - might have to give Commericial another try when we can relax. Still no excuse for what I consider inconsistent professional service and mismatch of price to quality. Can't wait to try Suft, I love Michael Timothy's place in Nashua - I'm sure he carries his philosophies throughout all his rest. Mon Sep 24 05:46:22 -0700 2007 2967173 49588 lexpatti 2 2970157 Remember to ask the price of the specials--they are usually priced higher than the regular menu and it can be a rude shock when the bill comes. Mon Sep 24 08:31:29 -0700 2007 2969703 13003 whs 2 2971231 Been going to Michael Timothy's for years... before it was "fashionable". Loved Surf since it opened and went to Buckley's once. I must say, even though I love his food, I'm seeing the typical "M-O" of "get the loyable clientele" and raise the hell out of prices. While I work in Boston and live in Northern Burbs, I'm shocked at what's happening in downtown Nashua. I'm thrilled for the many dining choices, but holy cow, the prices are exceeding some Boston joints. They better be careful, this happened with Todd English and his fat head and he lost a ton of customers there for a while. Mon Sep 24 12:42:01 -0700 2007 2969703 54569 Buddernut 3 2971297 Yes, and in the case of some of the newer places, the quality of the food and presentation doesn't justify the high price. Mon Sep 24 12:56:52 -0700 2007 2971231 13003 whs 1 4686734 This is one of those cases where I really have some strong emotions on the subject. I have no idea where or what Surf is, but I regularly go to the Commercial Street Fishery and it is one dynamite place. I have never had the experiences described here, course I'm not an Old Fashion drinker I prefer a Sam Adams which they always server with a frosted glass, very nice. I've also not experienced the "rude" behavior stated. Yes the wait staff will remove plates when your apparently done, but they ask first. And as far as the meals delivered, their out of sight. We did the Chef's Table last Christmas while all of my children and spouses where in town. Excellent, could have kicked some serious backside on Iron Chef. Yes they are more upscale than the old Starfish, but at the same price it's darn good. Intend on dining there tonight. Fri May 15 09:39:37 -0700 2009 2967173 292940 laughingdba 2 4742139 I'm with ya about the fishery, creative, fun, great bar, awesome kitchen. Surf try changing your menu and I'll go back after 3+ years!! Thu Jun 04 09:31:24 -0700 2009 4686734 522724 ciafoodie 3 4826093 We ate at Commercial Street Fishery last week upon a recommendation. LOVED the food, the atmosphere, the service, drinks...all of it! I will say it's quite expensive for Manchester area, but seafood in general is pricey in general. We will surely go back! Thu Jul 02 18:43:42 -0700 2009 4742139 17304 snl1129 1 4827320 We love Surf, the food and service is definitely in a league above Commercial Street Fishery.We have been so disappointed with CSF that we no longer will go there. We were regulars at the Starfish Grille (the restaurant before it turned Commercial Street Fishery) and LOVED the place --food and service were always excellent. As soon as new ownership took over it changed. The prices are high, service has been spotty and food definitely not as good. Fri Jul 03 09:24:54 -0700 2009 2967173 1089910 aussiedaydream