MONTAUK PIONEER
Written by T.J. Clemente of the Montauk Pioneer
Quaint, genuine, charming, friendly and good eating describes one of Montauk’s coolest places to dine, the Fishbar, located on 467 East Lake Drive in the Gone Fishing marina in Montauk. Owner and Chef Jennifer Meadows along with Daniel Grimm make every meal at Fishbar special. With happy hours 4-6 seven days a week, draft beers are half price and the view of the harbor is breathtaking. It is no wonder so many celebrities have been dining there lately. Privacy, intimacy, great service and great food are what Fishbar is all about. I will share with you the delights Jennifer prepared for me and my friend Jerri so that you can understand the scope of talent and her genius as a chef.
We were presented with a combination plate for a first course that consisted of Cajun Monkfish Sliders that were so delicious I can still taste the cajunness of the Monkfish. The Jalapeño and corn fritters were tasty and a winner in my book. They were served with a chili lime remoulade. But the true work of art was the presentation of Deviled Blue Crab served on a hot rock. The presentation receives high style points and the taste was just awesome.
The second course was pan seared scallops with hoppin John. Fishbar hoppin John is made with jasmine rice, black lentils, applewood and smoked bacon, along with local tomatoes and fresh pesto. Jerri raved all the way home about how it was the best thing she had had in months. Also served was a whole black bass with an actual hook in its mouth, served with baby carrots, braised radishes, fava beans and Swiss chard. It was worth taking a photo of and I enjoyed every tiny bite of the tender, perfectly prepared bass.
Before discussing the dessert I should mention that Fishbar is mostly covered outdoor space with world class views of most of Carl Fisher’s gem, the Montauk Yacht Club and the multi million dollar yachts that dock there. It has a Monte Carlo feel along with an Alaskan sea town all at the same time. It’s a great place to bring a special someone where you can dine and talk and hear each other. Jennifer Meadows who used to cook at the Seafood Inlet, has the greatest smile to go with her talents in the kitchen. She makes the atmosphere at her Fishbar ever so pleasant. Daniel Grimm does an excellent job suggesting wines, and helping anyone pick what is right for them from the diversified menu. The Fishbar is opened seven days a week for lunch and dinner from 12 noon until 10 p.m. Fishbar has a superb raw bar featuring clams and oysters Fridays and Saturdays. The Fishbar has a wonderful diversified wine list by the bottle and by the glass as well as a great bar with a great view.
For dessert our waiter Chris, brought out with Daniel a creation of Jennifer’s which was a funnel cake with fresh berries, whipped cream, apricot and an amazing strawberry sauce. Need I say what a winner this dessert was? We also enjoyed a special blended coffee. I was very pleased with the whole dining experience.
The complete menu is worth checking out at www.freshlocalfish.com. Fishbar can be reached by dialing 631-668-6600. They do prepare special lobster dishes including the Fishbar special consisting of two 1 Lb lobsters, 10 clams, 10 mussels, 10 grilled shrimp, grilled chorizo, red potatoes, grilled local sweet corn with drawn butter and fresh lemon. A deal at only $72.
