Sea Swirl

30 Williams Ave.

Mystic, CT 06355

(860) 536-3452

www.seaswirlofmystic.com

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Date: 7/12/08
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Personally, I think our Web site is fantastic. I really try to give our readers everything from color photos to the nitty gritty of the restaurant bathrooms. However, there is another Web site that my mother frequents that has sent us on many an eating adventure - Roadfood. Together, writers Michael and Jane Stern have traveled the nation in search of the best out-of-the-way spots to grab a meal. With rave reviews about Sea Swirl's delicious seafood, Mom and I just had to take the drive to Connecticut to see what all the fuss was about. Besides, I can't think of a better way to spend a hot summer day than to sit outside on a picnic bench eating at a clam shack. Although it was over an hour away, Mom and I pulled into the parking lot at just around 3:45 p.m.

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Mom had read online that Sea Swirl was housed in an old Carvel Ice Cream stand, which gave the place a very old fashioned feel. Luckily for us, it wasn't too busy. Perhaps everyone was still shopping at Mystic Village or perusing the nearby Seaport or Aquarium. Nevertheless, Mom and I got in line and waited to order. We had already discussed what we were going to get before we arrived (a fish and chip dinner, a side of clam strips, a side of clam fritters, and drinks), so ordering should have been a breeze. Unfortunately, when I got to the window, I realized that I was going to have a little difficulty in relaying my selection. Apparently, the family who owns Sea Swirl is from another country and all the employees have very thick accents. I'm not sure if it was Russian or not, but it sounded very similar. Anyway, as I began to tell the girl my order, we started to have a "what did you say" contest. I didn't know what she was saying, she didn't know what I was saying, etc. Eventually, we were on the same page, although I may have screwed her up when I referred to the clam fritters as "clam cakes." That must be a Massachusetts/Rhode Island thing. Oops. Once the ordering was complete, she quoted me a price:

1 clam fritters - $4.95

1 fish & chip dnr - 12.95

1 s/o strips - 9.80

1 bottle water - 1.25

Subtotal - $28.95

Tax - 1.74

TOTAL = $30.69

Yikes! I wasn't expecting the bill to be so high, but apparently the price of seafood has gone up along with everything else in the world. I paid the cashier and she handed me a receipt and told me that my number was 206. Mom and I found an awesome table that was at the end of a row and right on the main road. We hadn't been waiting long before our number was called. Since Mom already had both legs under the picnic table, I sacrificed myself and went up to the window to retrieve our food. I noticed that there was only one bottle of water on the tray, but when I told the girl that I had ordered two, she found the restaurant's copy of my receipt and told me that I had only paid for one. Annoyed, I brought the food over to my table, plopped it down, grabbed my wallet, and headed back to the ordering window to get my water. After spending another $1.33, I was finally able to sit down and eat - or was I? They had only given us one fork, so I had to wait in the for the third time to get another fork. When I got back to the table, Mom had found the second fork in the bag of clam strips. Now there were three forks. OK, deep breath. "Hey Mom, can you pass me a napkin?" "Hey Laura, where are they?" Uh oh. Getting up a forth time, I trudged over to the window to get some napkins. I was really starting to annoy myself. All I wanted to do was eat!

After we were finally assembled, and all of our utensils were firmly in place, we dug in. The first thing I ate was the cole slaw that came with the fish and chip platter. It was excellent! It had just the right amount of vinegar and mayonnaise, and was very light and tangy. Next, Mom and I split the large piece of fish in half so that we could both try some. It was a good-sized piece of fish, but we both felt that - for the price - there should have been a second piece in that order. However, the taste was great. The fish had fried up nicely, leaving a light, crisp batter on the outside. The inside was white, flaky, and tender. The fries underneath the fish were also very good. They were a little thicker than shoestring, but had the same consistency and taste. Everything was served very hot, including our two side orders. The clam fritters (or "cakes," depending on where you're from) were excellent. The same crispy batter that was on the fish held the fritter together very well. Inside, instead of the clams playing hide and seek inside the dough, each piece was chock full of them. The fritters were nice and fluffy, but very hearty. Now, some people don't really know what a clam strip is. It is basically a strip of clam without that large, chewy belly that you see people gnawing on sometimes. Gross. Mom and I can't handle any kind of chewy bits of food in our mouths, so we figured that clam strips were the way to go. Battered and fried, these strips came highly recommended on Roadfood. Since we'd never had them before, we figured now was as good a time as any. We were pleasantly surprised at how much we enjoyed them. They were sweet, with a meaty filling and crisp coating. As we were ending our meal, I polished off what was left at the bottom of the bag. Delicious! This is definitely something we would get again, but as a dinner plate next time (we only had a small side).

fish and chip platter

clam fritters

clam strips

The prices at Sea Swirl are a little high. I don't know if it is the price of seafood, or because it is in Connecticut, but everything was almost $10 or over. There were a lot of things that said "market value," but I noticed that almost all the dinner plates were between $10-16, and side orders were just around $10. They definitely offered a great deal of seafood including whole belly clams, oysters, extra large gulf shrimp, sea scallops, chowders, seafood salad, lobster salad, and codfish. They also have sandwiches, assorted American appetizers (jalapeno poppers, buffalo wings, etc.), and hamburgers and hot dogs. Sea Swirl also serves ice cream, which Mom read was very tasty. Of course, as full as we were, we just had to try some. This led to one of the biggest meltdowns any almost-30-year-old has ever had.

On the Sea Swirl Web site, Mom told me that they had dips for the cones. One of the dips was toasted coconut. I could picture it in my mind. A big ice cream cone with all these little brown flakes of yummy coconut all over it. I never get my cone dipped, but I figured I would splurge for some coconut. I asked Mom what she wanted. Not shockingly, she asked for a small cup of some sort of coffee flavor. Yawn. I spotted banana on the list, so when I found myself back at the ordering window, I ordered her a cup of espresso, and myself a cone of banana - with a coconut dip. The total came to $4.55, bringing my grand total for the day to $36.57. A little high, but we did have a lot of food, so it wasn't too bad. It could have been worse. I waited in line behind a pushy woman with two large, panting dogs, and a baby carriage complete with screaming baby to get these cool treats. The cashier handed me Mom's cup, and then my cone - without the coconut pieces. "I asked for a coconut dip," I said. "Um ... ok," she replied. I watched her dip my ice cream in what looked like a hot vat of oil. The cone, which had a nice swirly top to it, was now a big, mushy mess. When she handed it back to me wrapped in a paper towel, it had a glistening sheen to it. Through the shiny pieces, I saw some bits of coconut. I also saw that half of the ice cream had melted away. Why did I think that they were going to dip the cone in actual coconut? Was this a foolish thought? Nonetheless, I stepped over the screaming brat, big dogs, and pompous lady to get back to Mom. Mom had a great time with her ice cream. She said that it had a deep coffee flavor, and was very smooth and creamy. Although the serving was a bit small, it would be worth getting again.

the ice cream, or the calm before the storm

Poor me. I can't even tell this story without getting mad all over again. Are you sitting down? When I took my first lick of the cone, the coconut coating moved, and took all of the ice cream with it. I had melted ice cream ALL over my hand - and I was paralyzed. I could barely even hold the cone, and was too messy to grab my camera. I had to eat it so fast that I barely tasted any. However, what I did taste was excellent! It had a great banana flavor and the coconut dip was quite sweet. Unfortunately, the ice cream wasn't the only thing that was melting down. I was fuming because now I was sitting in the sun, on a hot day, covered in dairy. Anyone that knows me knows that dairy scares the Hell out of me. I love it, but I can't take it when people leave milk on the counter or dirty ice cream bowls in the sink. Dairy products come with an expiration date, and that really makes me nervous! All I could think of was that my hand was now expiring in the hot sun. GROSS! I started yelling about my hand, then yelling at Mom for just being there, and then finally washing my hand with various wet naps and the antibacterial hand wash that I keep in my purse. I also threw some of my bottled water over my hand to rinse off the ice cream, but to no avail. I felt filthy, and I could think of nothing more than to get the Hell out of there and wash my hand. Yes, I was overly dramatic, but GROSS! Ice cream on your hands? Eww.

After stomping back to my car in a huff and leaving Mom to clean up the messy, ice cream filled tray (sorry, Mom), we sped out of the parking lot. We were headed for Foxwoods, but all I could think about was washing my hands under some hot, soapy water. We will definitely be visiting Sea Swirl again, but I'm going to stay away from any type of ice cream cone with a dip. The seafood was excellent and well worth the trip. The service wasn't that great (they were a little on the cocky side), the tables were situated right behind the ordering window which made for a crowded space, and the prices were a bit high, but the taste of the food made up for it. I could really pig out on a bag of those yummy clam strips, and I'm sure if you visit Sea Swirl, you will not be disappointed. Just make sure you bring plenty of wet naps.

Sea Swirl is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. until Columbus Day.

PS - We lost at Foxwoods, but we found this awesome new progressive Wheel of Fortune slot machine (only a nickel). It is in the center of one of the rooms at the Rainmaker entrance, and it was fantastic! Lots of fun, and you actually get to sit at a giant wheel. I wish we would have spotted this earlier in the day!

... and yes, I finally got to wash my hand. Hooray!

Evelyn's Nanaquaket Drive-In

2335 Main Road

Route 77

Tiverton, RI 02878

(401) 624-3100
www.evelynsdrivein.com

We stopped going to Evelyn's after a mosquito bit and nearly killed my sister by giving her spinal meningitis. Since that incident was over 20 years, and that mosquito has been dead for quite some time, Mom and I decided that it was safe to go back near the water and have a seafood lunch under Evelyn's large wooden pavilion. We pulled into the parking lot at just around 1 p.m.

Having taken a personal day away from the office, I was really excited to be having seafood versus the peanut butter sandwich that I would have probably eaten had I been at work. Not wanting to dine in, Mom and I opted to order at the front window. There was a lot to choose from, so we needed a minute to figure out what we were getting. Finally, after asking the cashier to show me the size difference between a cup and a bowl of chowder, I stepped up to the counter to place my order. Since the fish and chips were at market value, the price would remain a mystery until it came time to pay. Mom chose the fish and chips, while I chose a cup of clam chowder and a half dozen clam cakes to share with Mom. We also ordered two Diet Pepsis which were handed to me in bottle form. With tax, the bill came to:

1 fish & chips - $12.99

1 clam cake half dozen - 3.59

1 chowder cup - 2.99

2 Diet Pepsi - 3.98

Food total - $19.57

Non alcoholic beverage total - 3.98

Subtotal - $23.55

Tax - 1.89

*TOTAL = $25.45

*Believe it or not, this is actually one penny too much.

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When the cashier quoted me the price, I was a bit shocked. Why was it so high? When she handed me the receipt, I saw that the fish and chips were $12.99. Around here, especially at "clam shacks," you can usually get an order of fish and chips for around $8. I showed Mom, and she was just as surprised as I was. "Maybe the portions here are really big," she said. We kept our fingers crossed until we heard our pickup number being called. In the meantime, I was trying to keep the stones and clam shells from the parking area out of my flip flops.

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Evelyn's is adorable. From the large wooden pavilion for people who order at the window, to the umbrella-topped tables for the indoor patrons who were seated through the dining room, customers can enjoy peaceful Nanaquaket Pond. We even saw a couple of guys dock their boat and walk up the ramp to order a bag of clam cakes.

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After hearing the cashier call out my number, I went up to the counter to claim our meals. We took the first table under the pavilion while carefully avoiding a large queen bee that was hovering around a bucket of flowers. It took a few minutes to set everything up so that the wind wouldn't take off with our lunch, but once we were settled, Mom and I dug in.

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Mom's fish and chips consisted of a good sized piece of fish with a light coating. The fish was not greasy, but the fillet was on the thin side. The fries around the edges of the piece of fish were tasty, crisp, and dry, but the ones that were trapped underneath were soggy. The platter came with a side of cole slaw, which she gave to me, and a cup of tarter sauce, which was disgustingly overfilled and had spilled onto the fish and a few fries. It made for a messy presentation, especially since Mom doesn't like tarter sauce. After digging the sauce out with a couple of butter knives, Mom tried her fish, which she said was the best part. The fish was tasty, but nothing spectacular. In other words, it's nothing (portion or taste) that should have cost $12.99.

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Of course, I neglected to find out if the chowder was clear or creamy. I guess it doesn't really matter, but I always prefer the creamy white. Unfortunately, Evelyn's serves the clear. Oh well, that's Rhode Island for you. I was hoping that perhaps this clear chowder would sway me to the other side, but like Mom's fish, it was nothing special. Served piping hot, the chowder was over-spiced but had a nice mixture of potatoes and clams. Since Mom had given me her cole slaw, I ate that first to give my chowder time to cool down. Unfortunately, I did not like the cole slaw because it was too dry. Did they forget to mix the veggies with mayonnaise?

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Since the third time is supposedly the "charm," Mom and I opened the bag of clam cakes and hoped for the best. Sadly, we were disappointed. The cakes were so heavy and doughy that they were sticking to the roofs of our mouths. There seemed to be about two clam pieces per cake, and the coating had no crunch to it. Even after dipping my cakes in malt vinegar, which Mom had grabbed from the condiment basket on the counter, it didn't help the underdone texture. To us, the clam cakes did not have a lot of taste. What a let down!

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I feel badly that we did not have a good experience at Evelyn's since the restaurant is such a favorite with local residents. People love Evelyn's so much that it was even featured on the Food Network! I really want to give Evelyn's another shot, but I do think that the fish and chips were a bit overpriced. Perhaps it was because the fish is priced at market value - but still! From the weird choices like the chow mein sandwich ($3.99) to house favorites like the clam strip plate ($10.99-12.99), Evelyn's remains a staple for New England summertime road trips. Both Mom and I hope that our next visit is much better.

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Evelyn's Nanaquaket Drive-In is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. (summer until 9 p.m.).

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PS - Evelyn's has a fantastic Web site. Very informative and fun!

Flo's Clam Shack

4 Wave Ave.
Middletown, RI 02842

(401) 847-8141

Park Avenue
Portsmouth, RI 02871
(401) 847-8141

www.flosclamshack.com

Today was a beautiful, yet annoying day. At first, Mom and I had no idea where to go for lunch. Since she had been sick with a cold all week and wasn’t feeling 100%, I told Mom that she could choose where we would chow. She picked Flo’s Clam Shack on Island Park in Portsmouth so that we could sit outside in the fresh air and have a relaxing, delicious lunch. Did we sit outside? Yes. Was our lunch delicious? Yes. Were we relaxed? Well …

We arrived at Flo’s at just around 3:30 p.m. As usual, there were no parking spots in the gravel lot that surrounds the building, so I made my own. There was a small crowd gathered around the main window, so Mom and I quickly stood in the ordering line to – what else – place our order. Mom had already decided on what she wanted – an order of fish and chips with some clam cakes. I was also going to have some clam cakes (we were going to order a half dozen) and, believe it or not, a burger. Flo’s has always made a great burger. When it was finally our turn to place an order, the cashier at the window informed us that they did not have any fish available. No fish at a seafood restaurant? Uh oh. I panicked and turned to Mom, who instead ordered a burger and changed our half dozen clam cakes to one dozen. We also ordered two cans of diet root beer. The female cashier handed me a white rock with a number painted on it, and also gave me the two cans of soda. The rock is how Flo’s keeps track of your order. They hand you a rock, you wait in line until your rock's number is called, and then return said rock. Our number was 56, and our total was $13.99. Mom and I slowly backed away from the ordering window (there were all kinds of people crowding in on us), grabbed some straws, napkins, and some vinegar for me, and took a seat at one of the outdoor picnic tables at the side of the building. I later moved my car so that I could be parked in an actual parking spot, not like the fake one I created out of pure laziness.

While sitting and waiting for our food, we talked about how Flo’s has never changed. Even when my parents used to visit Flo’s before my sister and I existed, this cozy wooden shack has pretty much stayed the same. There is a giant white buoy by the main window that all kids love to sit on, lots of ropes and nautical knickknacks decorating the building, and a side lot filled with blue picnic benches where diners can sit and take in all of the fresh ocean air. Be careful, though. If you look up, you’ll often see a gang of seagulls hovering over you. I wouldn’t suggest feeding them as the other patrons eating would probably frown upon a bird turd ending up in their clam chowder. However, if there are leftovers, there is a small beach right across the street where people often let the birdies have a nosh. There is even a sign letting customers know that Flo's is closed during hurricanes. Good to know!

It felt like a lot of time had gone by since we placed our order. I told Mom that our food should be ready “any minute,” and that I would wait over by the pickup window. Meanwhile, the cashier kept calling two numbers over and over – two and 90. After about 10 minutes, number two mysteriously appeared, but 90 still had not. The cashier continued to call number 90 again and again. By this time, I had been standing in line for 15-20 minutes, not including the time I was waiting on the bench with Mom. A 90-year-old man that I think was hitting on me kept asking me if he was number 90, but he was number 17. The man to the left of me who was wearing a green shirt was not number 90, and neither was anyone else. I started to panic. Was I number 90? I looked at my rock again and saw the number 56. Phew. I was not imagining things. About another 10 minutes went by before I noticed that everyone that I had been waiting with was long gone, and there was a new batch of customers standing around the windows. I finally walked over to the pickup window and asked the cashier if there was anything wrong with the order for number 56. She took my rock, flipped it over, and said, “Um … this is number 90. I’ve been calling this number for a while.” I said, “Um … no. This is number 56.” Apparently, the number was in fact 90. Let me show you:

I’m sure you could see how my mother and I were mistaken. Apparently the barely-there line at the bottom was put there to prevent morons (oops) from thinking that it was the number 06, but to us, it looked like 56. Maybe if they hadn’t painted the number with hot pink nail polish we would have been able to read it a better. Nevertheless, I took the food from the cashier, felt the bags to see if the food was still hot, and took my seat with Mom. When I did, Mom was frenzied because she didn’t know what was taking me so long. What I didn’t know was that she had gotten up off the bench a few times to see if I was still in line, or if I had taken off. Where was I going to go? I was hungry! Jokingly, she said, “You weren’t number 90, were you?” Since we were seated right next to the guy with the green shirt who I was talking to about how number 90 better get their act together and get their food, I told Mom what happened in a low voice. She was shocked. She said, “But it was number 56!” I had to explain about how we had apparently been holding the rock upside down the entire time. “Ohhhhhhhh,” said Mom. “I guess so.” She then told me that a man had come up to her because she had been sitting alone for a while to ask her if she was number 90. Little did she know, she was!

I feel a little rotten that I wasn't able to get a full price list, however, Flo's is very inexpensive. For only $13.99, Mom and I had two sodas, two burgers, and a dozen clam cakes. That's a lot of food, and not a lot of cash. With all the drama going on with my rock number, I tried to get a picture of the menu, but it didn't come out clear. The bright side is that you don't really need a menu at Flo's. If you want seafood, they have it. That's the bottom line. I tried asking for a take-out menu, but they don't exist. Here is what I was able to find out: chowder combo ($4.95), and I believe this consists of a bowl of chowder and a handful of clam cakes; clam cakes ($2.95 for 1/2 doz., $4.95 for doz.); stuffed quahog ($2); fish and chips ($6.95); fish only ($4.95); lobster roll ($10.75); fish sandwich ($4.25); plain or creamy chowda (and yes, they spell it like that - $2.95/$3.95); fried clams (starting at $11+); clam strips (starting at $7+); and other stuff like scallops, onion rings, chicken fingers, fried calamari, and any other kind of fried seafood you can think of.

Finally, after what seemed like hours, we were finally able to dig into our food. Both burgers were juicy and delicious. I’m not sure what kind of meat Flo’s uses, but I’ve never found a chewy piece of fat nor an uncooked section. Neither has Mom. Our bag of clam cakes were still steaming hot (I’m surprised) with a crispy coating and soft interior. There weren’t too many clams in the cakes, but this is fine with me because I enjoy the clam taste, and not necessarily the clam feel. Mom feels the same way. We ate in seconds because we were so famished and annoyed. When we had finished, there were still about four clam cakes left in the bag. Mom and I got in the car and parked on the other side of the street so Mom could chuck the clam cakes out the window for the birds. After we realized that the cakes wouldn’t get very far, Mom got out of the car and hurled the food onto the beach. Seagulls were flying in every direction. I even spotted one flying off with an entire clam cake in its beak! I hope he, or she, enjoyed it as much as we did.

Flo’s Clam Shack on Island Park has been famous for clams since 1936 and is a staple, especially around this area. It’s often the first outdoor restaurant that Southern New Englanders visit when spring starts, and just before Flo's closes for the year, those same people visit for a last hurrah before the fall weather rolls in. Although illegible rocks could pose a problem, it has been run this way for years and I wouldn’t change a thing. Just make sure you aren’t holding your rock upside down.

Flo’s Clam Shack in Portsmouth is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Flo’s also has an indoor restaurant on Wave Avenue in Middletown, RI.

LePage's Seafood & Grille

439 Martine St.

Route 6

Fall River, MA 02723

(508) 677-2180

After winning a $10 gift certificate from The Keri Rodrigues Show, a WSAR favorite, Mom and I decided to visit LePage's Seafood & Grille. Located on the shore of Watuppa Pond near the old railroad tracks, we were very hesitant to get out of the car on this freezing day. However, we were hungry. Fighting against the icy cold wind, Mom and I rushed inside the dining room entrance at around 1:30 p.m.

side parking lot

main entrance

There weren't many cars in their large side parking lot, so we figured that we wouldn't have any trouble finding a table. We quickly spotted a sign that read "please seat yourself." Mom loves when restaurants let the customers choose who they want to sit next to. We picked a table in the back so that I could get a full view of the restaurant. A hostess spotted us walking in and came over with two plastic covered menus and a list of the daily specials. She mentioned that when customers get to seat themselves, they almost always choose to sit in the back. She walked away and Mom and I started checking out the menus. I have been to LePage's twice before, and Mom has been here a few times with Dad. Each time we've visited, the food was very good. Although Mom had to send a hamburger back on one visit because it wasn't cooked to her liking, the rest of that meal was perfect. That's why I was surprised to learn that my friend Gregg is not a fan of this restaurant. I think he said that he only visited once, but perhaps it was on an off night. I've always had a good time here.

Looking up from my menu, I spotted a young man walking over to me. He was not in a uniform, and I was a bit confused as to who he was. It turned out to be our waiter. He quickly took our drink order - two Diet Cokes - while Mom and I decided what we wanted. Almost exactly at the same time, we spotted something on the dinner specials' menu that we both wanted to try - the pumpkin manicotti ($8.99). Topped with a sherry sauce, the pumpkin and ricotta filling sounded delicious, and we couldn't wait to have it. I know what you're thinking - why didn't they order seafood? Well, we've had seafood here before and it has always been good, so why not try some of their other dishes? I actually had every intention of ordering my favorite dish - the Portuguese scrod. However, the manicotti changed my mind. I was hoping that I was making a good choice.

The waiter came back with our drinks (in plastic glasses), and was now ready to take our order. He politely asked us if we would like more lighting, since we were in the back of the restaurant. We said no, and began to rattle off our lunch wishes. We both ordered the pumpkin manicotti, and the waiter asked if we had tried the dish before. We said no, and he mentioned that he wanted to know how it tasted. We told him that we'd let him know. We also ordered our favorite appetizer - the clam cakes. We ordered six ($3.99), and were excited to be having them because they are some of the best clam cakes we've ever had. He took the menus and walked away, and I began taking notes on the beautiful decor at LePage's.

Being a seafood restaurant, LePage's has a lovely nautical theme. With navy blue walls, white ceiling fans, and a huge picture window overlooking Watuppa Pond, you really do feel like your on board a ship. There are no booths here, just tables and chairs covered with blue and white nautical table cloths with a glass top. Atop each table is a small oil lamp, a pleather-bound wine list, and a list of new Starbucks enhanced liquors that Mom had been drooling over. There is an alcove with seating and a yellow colored wall on one side of the restaurant. Each window is dressed with a navy blue and white striped awning and gleaming white shutters, and around the restaurant are large paintings of various ships and sea creatures. There is a patio at the back of the restaurant where patrons can dine on warmer days, and a bar area on the other side of the building with televisions and booths for people who want a little something with their beer. A jazz fusion kind of music played in the background, and the staff had trimmed the restaurant with several Christmas decorations.

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Everything I've ever had here has been delicious. I apologize for the lack of prices, but the take-out menu did not list them. Appetizers range from $3-15 and include favorites like fried clams, oysters, smelts, and calamari, buffalo wings, onion rings, pan sauteed lobster cakes, New England clam chowder, and littlenecks steamed in garlic and oil. Salads include the Caesar, and you can add grilled tuna steak, chicken breast, colossal shrimp, or scallops. Lobster, crab, and tuna dominate the sandwich list, along with others like the chourcio, fish, and 8 oz. black Angus pub burger. All sandwiches are served with your choice of fries or potato salad. Pasta dishes include the salmon penne, which is grilled salmon over penne pasta with asparagus, black olives, sun dried tomatoes, and Gorgonzola cheese in a white wine beurre blanc. Also listed is the littlenecks over pasta, shrimp Mozambique (a Fall River favorite), and the chicken Mozambique over penne. The "landlubber" favorites include the marinated tenderloin tips, surf and turf, and the Captain's cut prime rib dinner (32 oz.). You can also order the Mate's cut (16 oz.). Finally, the main attraction at LePage's is the seafood. With everything from a plate of fried clam strips to the bouillabaisse and baked stuffed shrimp, any seafood lover will have trouble narrowing down their choices. The baked stuffed medley is filled with lobster, sole, shrimp, scallops, white wine, butter, and cracker crumbs, while the blackened Yellowfin tuna is finished with avocado butter and a roasted red pepper jam. My favorite - the Portuguese scrod - is baked in a blend of olive oil, sweet and hot red peppers, tomatoes, onions, and spice. It is served in a silver tray so that it stays very hot, and it absolutely delicious. Dad, on previous visits, has enjoyed the fried seafood platter - a mix of fish, clams, scallops, and shrimp. All the fried seafood dinners are served with fries and cole slaw, and early bird specials are available, along with a 10 percent senior citizens discount on Monday and Tuesday. Owners Carol and Eric LePage give a small biography of the restaurant on the take-out menu, along with a map and directions to the restaurant. LePage's also does catering, and function rooms are available, along with gift certificates that will come in handy over the holiday season. They also accept reservations. After being in business for 19 years, the LePages know what customers want - affordable prices and delicious food. I think that they have certainly got it right.

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Before we knew it, our clams cakes had arrived. The waiter commented on how good they looked, and he was right. I've never seen a clam cake look more perfect. The waiter asked if we wanted malt vinegar, and I said yes. When he brought back the bottle, Mom and I dug into the clam cakes. We both thought that they were fantastic. They were light, fluffy, and not at all greasy. It was exactly how clam cakes should be cooked - perfectly. They contained several meaty clams which gave them a delicious taste, and there was even an extra cake added to our original six. This appetizer couldn't have been better.

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The waiter reappeared to ask us how the clam cakes were, and we raved about them. After taking away the plate, I noticed that another table was being given a basket of bread. We've always had bread when we've visited LePage's, and I was surprised that we hadn't yet been given a basket. Before my jealousy over the other people's bread took its toll, our food arrived. Both platters looked and smelled amazing, and Mom put an end to my bread envy and asked the waiter if we could have some rolls. He quickly brought over two small Portuguese rolls with butter. Now the dining could begin!

When we first bit into the manicottis, we both said the same thing - "I can't taste the pumpkin." Mom said that the filling tasted more like a stuffing, and thought the main body was the ricotta cheese, which held everything together. She said that it tasted like it was flavored with some pumpkin, and definitely red pepper and onion. It made for a tasty filling, but the pumpkin taste did not predominate. Surprisingly, they seemed to have baked the manicotti until it was crisp. That's different from the usual soft manicotti, but it gave the dish a nice little crunch and didn't distract from the taste. The sauce was delicious. It was a sherry cream sauce and Mom had never had anything like it before. It complimented the manicotti, and as a matter of fact, Mom would say that it kind of dominated the dish. The sherry was the most distinct flavor you could pick out, even more than the vegetables. I felt the same way. I definitely didn't taste the ricotta, but the filling had the ricotta consistency. At times, all I could taste were the veggies and sherry, but that is not a bad thing because it was very good.

Mom's plate

my plate

Both Mom and I were very pleased that we tried this new dish. The waiter appeared during the meal to ask how everything was, and we told him that it was very good. After we had finished, he reappeared to clear away our plates and bring the check. It was at this time that I went to use the ladies' room, which was beautifully decorated to match a painting on the wall which featured a row of Cosmopolitans. This single unit was very clean and organized. When I returned, I saw the bill:

2 Diet Cokes - $4

6 clam cakes - 3.99

Pumpkin manicotti - 8.99

Pumpkin manicotti - 8.99

Subtotal - $25.97

Tax - 1.30

TOTAL = $27.27

Adding in the 20% tip before we used our coupon, we left $33 on the table ($10 of it being the certificate). Now it was Mom's turn to use the restroom. While she did I sat in the lobby and grabbed one of their take-home menus. I was tempted to take one of their real menus because it listed the prices, but I controlled myself. I also noticed that they carry a lot of local magazines and newspapers, and there is also a specials' board that lists some of the day's meals.

We left the restaurant feeling happy and full, only to get outside and freeze up again in the icy wind. Thankfully our tummies were still warm and satisfied from the delicious meal we had at LePage's. This is definitely a Fall River gem, and we look forward to going back - with or without a gift certificate!

LePage's Seafood & Grille is open from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. During the winter season, please call to verify these times.

Tony's Fish & Chips

1393 Rodman St.

Fall River, MA 02721

(508) 678-8935

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Located at The Regatta

392 Davol St.

Fall River, MA 02720

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When thinking of New England, especially Maine, most people have lobster on the brain. Lobster is something that I've only had once while on an adventurous trip to D'Angelo's. I ordered the lobster bisque, and although it wasn't terrible, it wasn't that good, either. However, I figured that eating lobster from a fast food restaurant wasn't really giving it my all. I wanted to fully experience what fresh lobster tasted like without tearing apart that creepy outer shell. I wanted a lobster roll, and I thought that Tony's was just the place where I could get one.

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Continuing our "tour of Fall River," and after seeing many advertisements for this place in our local newspaper, Mom and I decided to visit Tony's Fish & Chips on Brayton Avenue at around 3 p.m. There weren't many cars in their small parking lot, but I was just glad that a parking lot actually existed as Brayton Avenue is a very busy street with parking on both sides. We went through the side door (which is the main entrance) and were greeted by a very friendly gentleman at the front counter who told us that we could sit anywhere in the dining room. As we walked around the corner into the dining room, we were followed by a young waitress who greeted us and put two large menus down on the corner table that we had chosen.

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The dining room was much bigger than we expected. From the outside, the restaurant looks small. I always pictured two tiny plastic tables placed right up against a busy take-out counter. However, both Mom and I were very surprised and pleased at the interior. With mauve paint, place mats, and tablecloths, and a dark blue back wall for contrast, I felt very cozy and comfortable at Tony's. The low lights and ceiling fans gave off a very homey feel, and I loved the colorful flower placed on each table. The swinging wooden doors that lead to and from the kitchen were a nice touch, and the wood chair rail around the room carried that touch throughout the dining area.

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Our waitress took our drink order - two Diet Cokes - as Mom and I perused the menu. Tony's has quite a large selection of seafood and other dishes like steak, Portuguese, and Italian choices. While we were still deciding what to order, the waitress brought out two Portuguese buns with butter. She asked us if we were ready to order and we were. We ordered an appetizer of a half dozen clam cakes ($2.95). For our main course, Mom ordered the regular fish and chips ($9.95) while I chose the baked stuffed scrod which was filled with their own seafood stuffing. However, after the waitress informed us that my dish would take 30 minutes to prepare, I decided to choose something else. After looking over the menu again, I just could not take my mind off the baked stuffed scrod. When the waitress came back over, I told her that I would just suck it up and wait the 30 minutes for the scrod. Just as she started walking away, the friendly gentleman that we had seen before informed us that they had LOBSTER ROLLS. Apparently he had just gotten the lobsters in from Tiverton, RI. What a coincidence! Since I had not seen lobster on the menu, I had forgotten about my yearning to try it. I asked for one right away and was surprised that it was going to cost $15.95. I guess this is the price you pay when you order the fancier foods. I also had a freak-out moment when I was told that the claws and tail would be part of the roll. For some reason I started picturing the actual claws and tail in the shell, and stupidly asked if that was going to be on the plate. After some laughter from the gentleman and waitress, he informed me that the shell would stay in the kitchen. I don't know why, but there's something about seeing bit parts of a lobster sitting on a plate that makes me nervous. I don't mind the actual meat, but the shell? No thank you.

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As we munched on the delicious Portuguese buns, Mom and I looked over a little sign that was on our table. The sign boasted that Tony's was the "Home of the Shipwreck." What is the Shipwreck? The Shipwreck, which serves three to four people, consists of fish, clams, scallops, shrimp, clam cakes, onion rings, and fries - all for $40.95. If you're brave enough to try to finish the entire Wreck on your own, and succeed, there is recognition to be had! The Shipwreck isn't the only seafood platter that Tony's makes. You could get smaller versions of this feast such as the Dinghy ($17.95), the Seafood Platter ($23.95), and the Baby Wreck ($29.95). Be careful - while the Dinghy and Seafood Platter are just for one, the Baby Wreck is for two. Tony's also has different size dinner orders of fried clams, scallops, shrimp, calamari, smelts, and clam strips ($7.95-19.95). These dinners come with fries, coleslaw, rice, and two sauces. Also on the menu are fish and chips ($3.95 for one piece to $12.95 for the large), and combination plates of various seafood choices ($11.95-19.95) that also come with sides. Portuguese dishes like the shrimp Mozambique ($12.95) and Portuguese fish ($10.95) sounded appetizing, as did their Italian dishes like the Seafood Pasta ($13.95) which consists of scallops, shrimp, crab meat, and littlenecks served over pasta. Tony's also has sandwiches, soups, and salads, along with a large list of appetizers ranging from a $2.50 stuffed quahog to a large platter of fried clams for $17.95. This establishment also serves alcohol.

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Our appetizer did not take long to arrive at all. Mom and I each had three of these piping hot clam cakes, which were a good size. The filling was soft and doughy, but it lacked the clam flavor. Also, both Mom and I thought that it was a bit hard cutting into the clam cakes. Perhaps they were left in the oil a little longer than they should have been, or maybe it was the batter that was used. The outside crust was just a bit too crunchy and hard. I found that I really had to soak mine with malt vinegar to alleviate some of the crisp texture, but despite this, they were very tasty.

While we were having our appetizer, the gentleman, who we presumed to be the owner, asked us if we were from the area. We told him that we were, and he told us that we should come back in the evening for karaoke night. Although we are not the karaoke sort, it was nice for him to come over and make small talk with us as most owners are too busy or not interested in dealing with their customers. We later heard him (I believe his first name was Manny) speaking politely with a few other customers who had inquired where he had purchased the delicious Portuguese buns.

Before we knew it, our dishes were being brought out from the kitchen. The gentleman placed the dishes in front of us and they both looked amazing. Mom's order of fish and chips was quite substantial. It consisted of two large pieces of fried fish over a mound of fries. The fish was nicely done on the inside - all white and flaky. However, the outside crust suffered the same problems as the clam cakes. It was too well done; too hard and crispy. This beautiful, flaky fish would have done better with a lighter crust. Although the fish itself was delicious, the heavy batter made it a little bit greasy. The fries, however, were hot, hand cut, and delicious.

I couldn't wait to dive into my lobster roll. It came with fries and a little dish of mayonnaise. The hot dog bun was toasted and buttered, and stuffed with lettuce and the delicious lobster meat. I was informed that it was the entire lobster. I took one bite of it and ... well ... I'm not even sure what to say. It was very fresh, but ... I just didn't care for it. As I started eating more of it, I found that I really started to dislike the taste. I ate about three quarters of my sandwich before I finally had to stop. The results were in - I do not like lobster. The meat was tougher than I expected, but from what I've heard of lobster, that is the consistency. I'm used to flaky white fish, and this experience to me was like eating steak when all you're used to is chicken. The textures were different, and I just didn't enjoy the taste. I was so disappointed - not in the lobster, but because I really hoped that I would enjoy this meal. I would definitely recommend the lobster roll to any lobster fan because it was everything that it promised to be. However, it was my personal preference that was my downfall.

Mom was stuffed after only one piece of her fish and a few fries, so we asked for a take-out container for the other piece so that we could bring it home to Dad. The waitress brought over a Styrofoam dish and the bill:

1/2 doz. clam cakes - $2.95

Regular fish & chips - 9.95

Lobster roll - 15.95

Sodas - 2.50

Subtotal - $31.35

Tax - 1.57

TOTAL = $32.92

I left $39 on the table (including 20% tip), grabbed the rest of Mom's meal, and headed for the door. Mom was able to get a take-out menu on the way out, and she was glad because she likes to collect them. I would definitely recommend Tony's to any seafood lover, and would also like to go back myself and try the baked stuffed scrod and the Portuguese fish. Tony's is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, but is open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sundays from 12-8 p.m. They also have a second location that has just recently relocated to 392 Davol St. in Fall River (The Regatta).

Barlow's Clam Shack

856 Scenic Highway

Bournedale, MA 02532

(508) 272-8749

www.barlowsclamshack.com

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After an unsuccessful trip to Dottie's Frozen Custard in Hyannis, which no longer existed, Mom and I were in the mood for something cold. Although there were plenty of ice cream places to visit along busy Main Street, parking was a mess, so we decided to head back to Route 6 West to visit one of the clam shacks overlooking the Cape Cod Canal. Surely one of them sold ice cream.

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Success!! As we were heading back toward Fall River, we came upon Barlow's Clam Shack at around 5:30 p.m. We saw an "ice cream" sign in front of the building and quickly turned right into the small parking lot. We spotted the outdoor order window on the side of the building and walked up to the front.

The girl who greeted us was very polite. She informed us of the various ice cream flavors they had, one of them being "lobster tracks." It is just like the familiar Moose Tracks ice cream, only instead of chocolate moose, there were red lobsters folded into vanilla ice cream. Barlow's also has things like banana splits, chocolate malts, peanut butter sundaes, frappes, and soft-serve vanilla, chocolate, and twist cones. Nothing was over $5, and Mom and I had a tough time deciding what we wanted. We finally settled on a small blueberry ice cream cup for me, and a small cup of coffee for Mom. The server served them up with lightening speed, and the price was only $5 (each scoop being $2.50).

We decided to sit in their picnic bench area, which was fenced off from the parking spots and extraordinarily clean. There were several white tables with big sun umbrellas to shade the patrons. The ice cream was delicious and was just what we were looking for on this warm New England afternoon.

We saw a few more cars pull into the parking lot. Some people were getting ice cream and some were going inside for a meal. Barlow's has a Website that lists their menu, and we look forward to going back to try some of the delicious seafood they offer. They also have a gift shop inside the restaurant. You can tell that this place has been around for many years and is a favorite among both the locals and the tourists. We loved it.

Iggy's Doughboys & Chowder House

889 Oakland Beach Ave.
Warwick, RI 02889

(401) 737-9459

1157 Point Judith Road

Narragansett, RI 02882

(401) 783-5608
www.iggysdoughboys.com

What a fun place! The one we visit is in Warwick, RI, right near the water. When I first saw it, it reminded me of the old boardwalk restaurants. You have to stand on the sidewalk, wait in line, order at one window, and pick up at another. You can then take your food and eat it in your car, or at one of many picnic tables scattered around by the waterfront. They also have an inside dining room if the weather is not right. They have a nice seafood menu of fish and chips, fried clams, fried scallops, clam cakes (fritters), and they are famous for their fried doughboys. If you don't know what a doughboy is, some people call them fried dough, malasadas, sopapillas, etc. Their version is very tasty. When Laura and I went, I got the fish and chips. Laura had the creamy, clam chowder and we shared clam cakes and, of course, doughboys. Everything was delicious. My fish and chips were done perfectly and were some of the best I've had. We can't wait to go back to this place. It was a lot of fun.

Lobster Hut

25 Town Wharf
Plymouth, MA 02360
(508) 746-2270

What a view! This is an adorable little place right on Plymouth Harbor. It has indoor and outdoor seating, and if you sit on the deck outside you get a beautiful view of the harbor and of the Mayflower. We walked in on a sunny Saturday afternoon and we were already the end of the line. I must say that as busy as it was, and it was busy, the line moved very quickly. They have their system down pat with a large chalkboard featuring daily specials that faces the line of customers. Their regular menu is posted right above the order counter. When you get in, you order and pay at the counter, then get out of line and wait for your number to be called to pick your food up at a separate pick-up counter. You can seat yourself either inside or out. The food here is delicious. They have all kinds of seafood - fish and chips, fried clams, baked haddock, chowders, a huge Fisherman's platter, and much more. I got the fish and chips, while Laura ordered the baked haddock. We found both to be outstanding. Everything was fresh, hot, and perfectly cooked. Even the fries were delicious. I never saw so many Fisherman platters going by! They're supposed to be for two people, but everyone was just getting it for themselves. It was that good. Visiting Plymouth is always a lot of fun. There's so much to see and do there. This is definitely one place we'll be stopping in whenever we go.

Chad's Chowder House

1160 Grand Army Highway

Somerset, MA 02726

(508) 672-5505
www.chadschowderhouse.com

One of the reporters, while I was working for the local newspaper, decided to go to Chad's Chowder House for lunch. He passed a menu around the office and I chose the creamy white chowder with three clam cakes combo. Since the place is located in Somerset, this meant that it was over the bridge from where the paper was located. I was a little concerned that my food would be luke warm when it arrived, but I was pleasantly surprised that it was piping hot. My clam cakes were absolutely fabulous and the chowder was creamy and full of potatoes and sweet clams. It was, at the time, on the cheap side, and that always seems to make my meal taste better. It's an extremely small place, and I'm unsure if there is any seating available inside, but I always see a lot of cars in their parking lot. This is one place I definitely want to visit again.

MacRay's Seafood II

115 Stafford Road

Tiverton, RI 02878

(401) 625-1347

MacRay's Seafood used to be a very famous clam shack on the highway leading up to Westport, MA. They were famous for their fried clams and most days you couldn't even get a parking spot to go in. Cars were all over the highway. Then they closed down for several years and reopened as MacRay's II in Tiverton, RI. They're set way back in a small strip mall. They advertise that they still have all the old favorites that had made them an institution in the area. Not too long ago, hubby and I ordered some fish and chips and I have to say they were absolutely delicious. The portion was large, the price was reasonable, and the taste was outstanding. They also carry clam cakes, chowder, and the famous clam strips. Some people have had a problem here including Mallory and former boyfriend Phil, who said that their fish tasted bleachy. I have to say, on my order, it was fresh and clean tasting. I would definitely order from here again, and would like to try a few other things on their menu.

Higson Seafood

917 S Main St.

Fall River, MA 02724

(508) 678-4970

Higson's is a teeny, tiny little take-out seafood place on South Main Street in Fall River, MA. If you go on a Friday (especially during Lent), expect to be at the end of a long line. Usually, the line goes out the door and down the street. If you're a fish and chip fan like I am, it's worth the wait. Besides fish and chips, fried clam and scallop plates, they also have a large fresh seafood department. It includes all manner of fish and shellfish. Higson's has been in business a long time, and has a huge customer base. It seems like everyone gets their fish and chips there on Friday. Hubby sometimes brings home the family fish meal, which includes fish and chips, onion rings, fries, and stuffed quahogs. It's enough for the four of us, and only costs around $20. You must admit - that's a great deal. Occasionally I find the fish and chips a little greasy, but that's not always the case. I hope they keep it "ungreasy" because I really like the fish and chips here.

Davey's Locker

200 Dartmouth St.

New Bedford, MA 02740

(508) 994-7269

Davey's Locker is a very nice restaurant right on the water in New Bedford, MA. It's large, open, and has a nautical theme - including a large fish tanks with little sharks! Laura and I were led to a nice table by a window and perused the large menu. Although they have meat and pasta dishes, and lots of appetizers, the emphasis here is on seafood. Laura and I both decided to go with the broiled scrod, and we were not sorry we did. It was fresh and delicious. It had a nice buttery topping that went well with the flakiness of the fish. For dessert, we shared a piece of banana cheesecake. This was creamy and cold with a wonderful banana flavor. Definitely a nice way to end this meal. Davey's Locker is a little bit expensive, but the quality of the food more than makes up for it. This is a place that I would definitely like to revisit.

Cooke's Seafood

1120 Iyannough Road

Hyannis, MA 02601

(508) 775-0450

7 Ryans Way

Mashpee, MA 02649

(508) 477-9595
www.cookesseafood.com

This turned out to be a nice place to stop on a beautiful sunny day in Hyannis, MA. This was our first time here and I definitely come again. You have the option of eating in and the restaurant is quite spacious, or you could sit out in the few tables and chairs on their lovely porch. We opted to sit outside. Laura and I both got the fish and chip platter and it was absolutely delicious. They also threw a couple of onion rings on top of the fish and chips and they were great also. It was also fun to eat outside watching the cars go by on their way to the Cape.

Lobster Pot

119 Hope St.

Bristol, RI 02809

(401) 253-9100

Wow! No Happy Meals this time! We paid a visit to the Lobster Pot in Bristol, RI, a really fine dining establishment. This was our first time, and I can see why it's always crowded at night. Laura and I went for lunch and were impressed with how pretty the place was inside. We sat at a table in front of a wall of large windows overlooking the water. The view was spectacular. We had a very friendly waitress who gave us excellent service. She brought over a delicious bread basket that included slices of brown bread and cheese rolls with some spreadable cheese to put on them. Delicious! Laura and I both decided to go with the broiled scrod ($17.95), and we're glad that we did. They were both delicious. The only down side - the portion was a little small for the price. Not wanting to bring the bill up too high, we just had sodas with our meal. Just with that, our bill still came to about $50. We try to keep that our limit. I'd definitely come here again (with more money). The food and atmosphere were great, even though we were still a little hungry.

Weathervane Seafood Restaurant

www.weathervaneseafoods.com

The first and only time that I've been to a Weathervane restaurant was on a trip to Kittery, Maine. I must say I can't wait to go back to another one. Being in the tourist spot, the restaurant was quite busy when we went there. Nevertheless, we didn't feel rushed, and the food came out great. They have a huge seafood menu. You name it - they've got it. We started off with the appetizer sampler, which included buffalo wings, mozzarella sticks, mushroom caps, and onion rings. We devoured it, being starved from all our outlet shopping. For my lunch I had the fish and chips, which was a generous portion of fried haddock and a mound of hot fries. It was excellent. Laura had the half and half plate of haddock and scallops, which she found delicious, fresh, and steaming hot. Being in Maine and having seafood there - you can't believe how fresh it is. I wish there were a Weathervane in the Fall River area, but since there's not, it gives me an excuse to go back to Kittery to do some more shopping ... and eating.