Tuesday, July 10, 2007

McCormick & Schmick's - seafood and variety

We were invited out to dinner last night with Samuel and I suggested McCormick & Schmick's on K Street as it has been years since we went and Samuel always seems to like fish. Oddly, the children's menu has no fish or fish stick type option, so we went for the standard CHICKEN FINGERS and FRIES. He devoured the latter and ate much of the chicken, passing on the included ice cream, so we knew something was wrong. Indeed, he had a fever when we got home, but is fine today!

Meanwhile, one our first past trip to McCormick & Schmick's I was quite amazed at the quality and VARIETY of the seafood. The preparation and taste is not at the level of say, DC Coast or Kinkead's, but is should be considered as an option on occasion. We enjoyed a refreshing LOIMER "Lois" 2006 GRUNER VELTLINER which hade huge apple notes and went very well with the fish dishes. I started with a superb bowl of STEAMED MANILA CLAMS in WHITE WINE & HERBS which were as tender as could be and I had to mop up every bit of the delectible sauce. I had considered the Mussels in Red Curry, but our server (after specifically asking) warned me they were a bit small that day! Will enjoyed the FRIED COCONUT SHRIMP with TROPICAL FRUIT SALSA and the Gazpacho got a rave as well.

The GRILLED SOCKEYE COPPER RIVER SALMON with Swiss Chard & Hen of the Woods Mushrooms was only marred by being slightly overcooked for my taste, but the fish itself was superb, flaky and tasty. The SEA SCALLOPS Seared with CAJUN SPICES and Pineapple Sauce were only mildly spicy and just the right amount. Since we were celebrating Will's recent acquisition of US citizenship, he felt required to order the HALIBUT FISH & CHIPS which needed a good dose of vinegar, but were moist and beautifully fried.

My ALMOND CRUSTED TROUT with LEMON BUTTER was a beautiful huge piece of fish totally encrusted and also just cooked about a minute too long, but still fine. The tasty accompanying mashed potatoes didn't compare to PS 7's the night before, nor did the basic veggie accompaniments of asparagus and julienne carrots.

I couldn't help feeling that while McCormick & Schmick's has variety that for many items the finer dining spots in town can do so much better.