The Sweetest Crab
By Scott Sanchez | February 24, 2011 3:52 PM
Tommy Bahama Grille’s Crab “BLT” Slider.
When I heard that Dungeness crab had arrived at Tommy Bahama Island Grille, I knew it was time to satisfy my seafood craving. Upon my arrival there, I reflected on a few favorite seafood places that I had frequented in the past. The first was the Captain’s Anchorage in Dana Point, California. The Captain’s Anchorage was a family favorite with a generous crab leg special that came in massive portions which seemed impossible to finish. The Anchorage is now since long gone, but the thought of it always leaves me pining for those days spent with my family. The second I remember is Shaw’s Crab House in Chicago. Shaw’s is one of those places that is a “must visit” when in Chi-town. Good, fresh seafood and the best crab cakes in town—a good old-school joint.
Why do I bring this up? Well, once I dove into my first course at Tommy Bahama’s I was teleported back to my two favorite seafood establishments—that is, my memories of them—great flavors, fresh, and the sense of it all as being a real treat.
Tommy Bahama Grille is located in the heart of NB, a stone’s throw from Fashion Island and the beautiful Newport Beach coastline. For a short time, they are offering a variety of Dungeness crab specials from tasty apps ranging from Bisque to Crab Tacos, to full-on entrees. The entrees include traditional Cracked Crab and Meyer Lemon Butter, a Crab Louie Wedge (yum), a Petite Filet Oscar, and a Spicy Crab with Garlic Noodles. (I was definitely looking forward to experiencing this one.) ...
General Manager Tony Motekef runs a tight ship at the Tommy Bahama Grille, and the staff are on top of their game. The restaurant has a very warm and comfortable feel. TB’s island ambiance reflects their “life is one long weekend” mantra, and so the aloha abounds.
We start with the Dungeness Lettuce Cups; they look amazing with a beautiful slice of avocado blanketing the crab. The flavor is smooth to the palate, a nice blend of flavors. I may repeat this several times—but it bears repeating—the flavors are very clean and easy, leaving me craving more. The Crab Martini has an interesting hint of sweetness, a refreshing starter, not too heavy, just right.
The Hot Crab and Cheese Dip is an interesting mix: a bit spicy, warm and smooth. It was so good I had to grapple with the server who tried to take it before I was done.
Good to the last drop—the Hot Crab and Cheese Dip at Tommy Bahama Grille.
The Crab Tacos are crispy with piquant watercress and chipotle in pleasing juxtaposition to avocado cream and mango salsa. The crab filling is chilled to perfection. If you are a fan of ceviche you will love these tacos.
Crab Tacos, muy bueno.
The food keeps coming and I become aware that I must pace myself. We are greeted with the Crab BLT sliders—really? Yes, and they are amazing. Crumbled Nueske’s premium bacon, arugula, a roma tomato, basil aioli—these are a favorite so far.
I finish with the Spicy Crab with Garlic Noodles. I am a big fan of spicy (I’m the Wing Man, dammit*) so I had been looking forward to this one from the get-go. The dish features crab legs in an excellent spicy sauce on top a bed of pasta. The flavors are great—serrano chiles, herbs, ginger, a hint of mint—the meal is a bit of a mess as you have to crack the crab legs, but well worth the work.
If Dungeness crab is your thing, then you’re in luck—it’s Tommy Bahama Grille’s too—but don’t wait too long. It is seasonal, and a short one at that.
* Scott Sanchez is the “Wing Man.” Read his blog at OCinSite.com
