Emeril's Gulf Coast Fish House
My husband and I just returned from a short trip to the Gulf Coast. We were so impressed with Emeril's Fish House that we haven't stopped talking about it. And our visit was on a Monday night, so I'm giving extra credit. From the hostess who seated us unasked by the window to view the sunset to the very attentive but not obsequious service, it was a hit. But the food was out of the park.
We were first served a small black iron skillet of hot cornbread with butter, followed later by warm potato rolls. I knew we were in good company at that point.
We started with crabcake for me and crab and corn chowder for my husband. An excellent choice for both of us. The crabcake was full of pan-seared lump crab, topped with a sweet tomato jam, set atop corn maquechoux. The flavors were an interesting combination. I wasn't sure I would like the tomato, but it worked well with the dish. And the trio were not so enmeshed that you could not separate the three if desired. The chowder was well-seasoned, with just enough potato to thicken without sacrificing the taste of the other ingredients. The spiciness of the dish was just right without being overpowering for us cajuns.
The entrees were superb as well. The andouille crusted redfish was done to perfection. The potatoes and vegetables were a fitting backdrop to the fish, and the marriage of flavors was balanced in every aspect. The shrimp and grits were spicy, with the flavors of mushrooms, bacon, and sauces intertwined. This was also a spicy but succulent dish.
As we were too full for dessert, we opted for two cups of coffee. Even that was perfection, strong but not bitter, right down to the bottom of the cup.
The restaurant is located in the Island View casino, and we will not go back to the area without visiting it again.
cajungirl
Nov 04, 2009 09:50AM
Thanks for visiting the gulf coast! Glad you enjoyed Emeril's... I've heard good things but have not been yet.
Come back soon ;-)
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Amen! The Coast is coming back- it just needs people and it will be better than ever!
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Amen and amen! I'm replying mainly to pop this up on the list again! And to note that they're doing a special "Study in Turkey" from 10:30 am to 7 pm for Thanksgiving: http://marketing.emerils.com/egrams/e... -- looks great, if you're not cooking that day!
This restaurant needs attention and visitors. We had an extraordinary dinner a few months ago when the table ordered a chef's tasting (a flat out steal at $55/person -- TONS of brilliantly done food!) and I've recommended it to everyone I can. I have heard back from four people who did the tasting after we did and were as pleased as we were.
So what if it's in the casino! This is not to be missed if you love good food!
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