Thursday, May 2, 2013

Aqua, Seattle WA

This one will just be a "she said" since, well, he wasn't there.

For background, this one was a business dinner, so I didn't send back thing I normally would have (in a heart beat)

Being this restaurant is owned by El Gaucho (who I love and adore) I was excited about trying their seafood sister.

First of all, this restaurant is amazingly gorgeous. It was a sunny day, you could see the Olympic Mountains, boats on the Sound. Truly, it was breath taking.

We all convened at the bar for our pre-flight cocktail. I had a serviceable pear martini. Just OK  (Salty's on Alki makes the best pear martini ever. Period. End of discussion)

Appetizer

We we ordered several things and shared. The Ahi tartar was amazing. fresh, crisp and delicious.

Oh, how I wished I'd stopped.

We shared crab cakes. I took one bite. One bite right into a large piece of cartilage.

Soup

Being the adventuresome type, I figure to give crab another go and selected the crab bisque.

Looked and smelled amazing. Rich creamy soup with large chunks of crab clearly visible.

The first taste...

BLECH! SALT LICK! So clearly over reduced.

Regaining my composure (business dinner and all) I figured "hey, at least enjoy the pieces of crab!"

"YUM!" I think as the spoon full of crab approaches my mouth.

"DAMMIT!" I think as another piece of crab cartilage assaults my dental work.

Seriously? This is a junior level mistake.

Entree

Halibut Cheeks were one of the specials of the day. If you've never had them and get the opportunity, don't pass them up. They're the sweetest most succulent part of the fish.

These were done with a beurre blanc and capers.....and almonds. I did not understand the almonds at all. Maybe to add texture? I just picked them off.

Overall the fish was OK. But at the price, I want awesome.


Overall

The view, location and decor, all stunning. Really truly stunning.

The service was excellent. Attentive without being cloying. The waiter was truly horrified by my continuous crustacean challenges.

Food? meh. Seriously, I've had much much better and half the price.

Overall I'd rate it a C+