We've chosen Durgin Park - not Anthony's Pier 4

[newtofood]

After reading all of your snarky and informative comments, we've decided to book our rehearsal dinner with Durgin Park. Not a foodie destination, but something the out of towners will hopefully appreciate.

My next question is whether it's sacrilege to not offer the prime rib as an entree choice. Thoughts?

[kate used to be 50]

Glad we have steered you away from Pier 4.

I would just like to add that for people like myself who can not eat meat, you may want to have a pasta entree offering also. Not that it will be memorable foodie choice, but it will be better than having paid for prime rib and the person can't eat it.

[gafferx]

Your out of towners will also like the area around Durgin better than Anthony's. Lots of down towny things to see nearby

[chowfamily]

Concur that Durgin Park is better for diner, but if you want to try Anthony's as well, sit at the bar, have some wine and popovers,and enjoy the view.

[gafferx]

I cannot speak for what they do today......
But in 1994 or so I had their bone in prime rib and it was the best.
It was 17$ back then

It was a memorable meal and I do commit to memory such things

[aadesmd]

Really good choice. I love the prime rib, oysters, Indian pudding, and if they have it, their braised lamb shank.

[Karl S]

The advice you are getting about what's good is very good. DP historically has done some things very reliably, and at better value than many others. Stick to those - think Yankee food, which is a restrained appreciation of simple food cooked forthrightly and without much fuss.

[treb]

The PR ias a no brainer, probably the best of the menu. Add some raw oysters and clams and you probably got the best of DP.

[chowfamily]

Go with prime rib and add fried oysters as an alternative, and they'll remember this rehersal dinner.

[mwk]

The Prime Rib is the best thing on their menu. Other items that are good, are the Yankee Pot Roast, the New England Boiled Dinner, and the Boston Baked Schrod.

I'd stay away from most of the rest of the menu, especially the Italian items and the broiled seafood dishes.

And definitely offer the Indian Pudding as a dessert option. That's the reason I go there...for Prime Rib, clam chowder and Indian pudding.

[galleygirl]

I'm going to disagree here...The twin salmon steaks have always been my go-to dish there...Only people who don't really like fish like scrod...;)

[Infomaniac]

This probably deserves it's own topic, but I've lived here all my life and have heard so many different meanings for scrod. Does anyone know what it really is these days?

[almansa]

whitefish catch of the day - once cod, haddock or pollock - now usually small, young cod.

[StriperGuy]

Precisely...

[ScubaSteve]

scrod is an immature cod or, less frequently, haddock.

[Infomaniac]

Was at an event at UNH this past weekend and one of the choices was scrod which I was told was actually Cusk. Tasted like cod, and it had a chewy texture similar to that of monkfish but not as firm.

[qianning]

much agreed on the indian pudding. their fish chowder (personal preference over clam), and when they have it oyster stew are also "real yankee".

[almansa]

Why don't you see if they'll do a smaller portion for your party? Otherwise can you get a pre-order with the invitation? Then you are giving the restaurant a heads up on how much to prepare.

[Bob Dobalina]

Snarky: You mean there are other entree choices?

Informative: In my opinion, it is not sacrilege, but the prime rib is one thing they seem to do consistently well and for which they are well-known, so some of your guests may be a little disappointed.