Pearl Oyster Bar

Connie (my always reliable fooding partner) and I decided to head over to Pearl Oyster Bar for lunch today. We'd been to Mary's Fish Shack a few weeks back and wanted to compare the two establishments. I liked the food at Mary's but hated the atmosphere - very cramped, noisy and very "divey". The atmosphere at Pearl was a heck of a lot nicer - it was dim, pleasantly buzzing and spacious in the dining room.

Now, on to the food:

Smoked Atlantic Salmon w/ Johnnycakes & Crème Fraiche

Wow... this was completely and totally awesome. The johnnycakes (cornmeal pancakes) went perfectly with the silky smoothness of the perfectly smoked salmon and Creme Fraiche. I'd order this several times a week if it weren't $10 a plate. This might be something fun (and easy) to make at home... I'll post if I ever get around to it.

Pan-fried cod sandwich with shoestring fries:

The fish was perfectly cooked - really moist, well seasoned and flaky. There was a bit too much mayo on it for my tastes but overall, a great sandwich. The fries were too greasy and not crisp enough for my taste - the fries at Mary's were much better.

Pan Roasted Skate Filet



The fish was really well cooked but someone went a bit overboard on the salt. My lips were tingling a bit after I finished eating my portion. The corn was a nice counterpoint to the fish.


Conclusion? I think I'd have to give the edge to Pearl's - mostly due to the ambiance of the dining room, awesome appetizers and a really good cod sandwich.