Washington's new Wharf neighborhood seems to be packed all the time these days. Yesterday(Sunday) evening was no exception, despite the looming ominous clouds and a spate of drizzle here and there. I am usually lucky enough to find street parking several blocks away, but the situation has gotten so tough here and we gave in to the $22 bill for underground parking for 3 hours! Will & I had planned a quiet adult night out at Hank's Oyster Bar which has to be one of the busiest places there. On arrival the outdoor patio on the marina was jammed and full and we were told there was only indoor seating. I was thankful as it was quieter(although the noise levels are still very high), less humid, and a bit more comfy inside! Indeed, just after we arrived the large glass "garage door style" walls were lowered to keep the winds and a/c inside! YAY!
Décor here is simple with tons of hanging metal traps/cages on the ceiling and an unfinished feel with concrete that generates a lot of extra sound. A bar is on one side and the open kitchen and oyster shucker station at the rear.
Speaking of the bar, drinks here are fun and decent sized as well (I can't say that about so many places today). Will chose a Begroni or Beer Negroni made of Campari, Gin and Stiegl Radler(Austrian wheat ale) which he said was most refreshing (you know I do not like beer!) and I loved my Molluskology of Grey Goose Vodka, Lemongrass Mizu Shochu, Basil(a fresh leaf garnish), Hellfire Bitters and Lime...not sweet at all and most refreshing on a muggy April eve!
We ordered up a dozen oysters(2 of each of the six varieties offered) and compared them as we slurped down the tasty mollusks. Salty Wolfes and Twin Hook came from Virginia with the latter being one of our favorites of the group; Chincoteague from Maryland, Wellfleet from Massachusetts and Hammersley and Hood Canal from Washington, with the latter being on of my faves as well. Oysters always come with mignonette and I love to just dip my little fork in that and wave it over the oyster for a dash only. The cocktail sauce with horseradish has no place on my oysters, although this fresh one was delish and I dipped the little oyster crackers in it for fun since bread is not served here (except on the sandwiches) and goldfish only arrive when you are seated. By the way, the gent who brought the oysters brought a paper indicating which were which; a nice touch!
We told our server Robert, that we were relaxed and would order as we went along, since we did not wish to rush. Next came the Lobster Deviled Eggs...4 egg halves filled with nice chunks of tender meat, buyt I was yearning for a dash of spice, maybe more paprika. Our wine was a delicious refreshing Susana Balbo 2018 Signature Rose from Valle de Uco in Argentina and I could not discern the varietal at all from the label. There was a disctinct citrus flavor reminding me of Sauvignon Blanc, but the rose was 60% Malbec/40% Pinot Noir(after some research online). It was yummy with ALL the seafood naturally. Every wine on the list but one is available by the glass and it features 12 whites, 6 reds and 3 bubblies.
Next came the Topneck Clam Stuffers which is chopped clam mixed with a nice kicky seasoning and veggies and topped with breadcrumbs and parm and grilled to a crispy top that was a dream. At the sametime a complimentary seafood platter arrived and we were in total shock, but it was magnificent(check out the pre and post photos on FB!), except the table was way too small to hold it and I somehow managed to drop my small tasting plate into smithereens; luckily no shards went anywhere to harm. The platter had everything anyone could desire from a nice ceviche of small shrimp, fresh fish and calamari that I spiced up with some lime and horseradish from the cocktail sauce, oysters, gorgeous large steamed shrimp, tasty little clams, a tasty mussel escabeche and a magnificent 1/2 of a steamed lobster that was as tender and tasty as everything else.
Luckily we took our time and then decided to simply split one main of the Crab Cake Platter which gave us each a good size cake with those yummy spiced fries and some nice(not creamy) cole slaw. It was the perfect end to a tasty evening out on our own.
Chef Jamie Leeds has assembled a considerate team here and everyone seems to have a good time. I was thrilled when the Quebecois woman at the next table starting inquiring about soft shells and told her to try them; she was thrilled. FYI-they arrived here last week in the DC area, much earlier than usual, and are extremely large this season and I am making my second batch for dinner at home tonight! The Scots on the other side of us were also so entertained by our seafood platter they ordered one as well. There are meat dishes too, but Hank's is for seafood for me!
