This is the first Sunday lunch without my brother-in-law's family and my M-I-L (she went along to help them settle into the new place). They left for Nottingham last weekend. Certainly quieter and less eventful without Chubbs' three cousins running around.
At my younger B-I-L, Shan's, suggestion, we checked out Greenwood Fish Market & Bistro. They've recently expanded to occupy another space right at the end of the stretch of restaurants and shops. We love this area for the gelatoria and Lana. I've previously been to the tiny fish mart/eatery for fish and chips, but have yet to try the new menu.
Between the five of us, we ordered lobster linguine, grilled seafood salad, three different varieties of oysters (for Fuzzy and I), eggs benedict with smoked salmon, fish and chips, a whole grilled lemon sole and pan-fried black cod.
The good:-
All the seafood served were very fresh (as one should expect from a fish market). The lobster meat was firm and juicy. The lemon sole and black cod came doused with a light, creamy sauce that had truffle oil in it. I really enjoyed the black cod, which was cooked to perfection. Fuzzy and I were surprised at how good the lemon sole was. The flesh was delicate, and very clean tasting considering it is a bottom-feeder. Fuzzy ate most of the fish and chips; even the fish used there was fresh. It wasn't overly battered and the portion size was adequate. The oysters were shucked live, and tasted great just with a simple squirt of lemon juice. Sweet and succulent, and tasted wonderfully of the ocean.
The average:-
The linguine that the lobsters were cooked in was too salty; which was a waste because the lobster was so fresh. The seasoning overpowered the flavour of the shellfish. Otherwise, the pasta was perfectly al dente, and the sauce was not too heavy.
The bad:-
The service staff could be better trained. The waiter actually interrupted me as I was placing my order, to say bye to another customer. Fuzzy was very put-off by that. Also, it was not full-house in the restaurant despite it being Sunday lunch, but they staff were slow to do everything. Water, bread, taking orders, ringing up the check... not a place you want to visit if you're impatient, very hungry or looking to have a quick lunch.
We enjoyed the fresh food, and will return whenever the seafood/fish crave hits. It's also quite a good, nearby place to bring Chubbs because they have models of fish and crustacean placed around the restaurant as decor. Chubbs had quite an educational tour with his GrandPa at the end of the meal. For the most part, he just sat between Fuzzy and I, chewing on his toy and playing with the smiley Caucasian lady at the next table.
