Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-07-25

We were lucky enough to attend the “soft open” of the Daniele family’s latest foray into dinning. Recently they closed down the Bazil here in Henrietta and remodeled the place as the Crab Shack a “Cape Cod” “New England coast” seafood place. Let’s take a look at how they did.

We went there on the Friday before the grand opening Monday. Our invitation email said reservations were not needed. However we were able to call ahead and get one. Got there about 15 minutes ahead to hear people talking about a hr and a half to two hr wait. Taking our pager to the bar, we had a glass of Riesling and a Blue Point Lager. Glancing around, one sees how the interior was lightened up with a coastal cottage pallet of a yellow-wash primary with light blue/white accents. Very open, relaxed, and comfortable.

Taken to our table right on time, we were left with menus by our server Gary. A nice touch was the “business card” from our waiter with contact information for the restaurant. The menu is simple and yet complete reflecting attention to quality. The fare is North East seafood. No blackened catfish, hushpuppies, or down-island dishes here, (yes, I love all that, but wouldn’t go to the Cape for it). Another word about the decor, the fun extends to tin buckets of condiments, (and dinners) and “napkins” that looked like they were well-used, white soft kitchen hand towels.

A look down the appetizers lead my wife to say, mmm look fried pickles! I’ll admit a new one for me. We had Gary start some and got ready to make our selections. While she went for the Pound Snow Crab Legs ($17.95) with cheddar bay mash, I decided to take the Boston Trip, fried shrimp, clam strips, scallops & fish fillet ($23.95), along with the cheddar bay mash also.

Fried pickles….golden brown crispy coating hiding a spear of toothsome, well pickle. A spicy sauce came along for dipping. You need to try these. Even at the bar with a beer if nothing else. Our main courses arrived residing in buckets and brown paper. Looked just right for the place and the menu. I pull out a shrimp from the bucket hoping we keep on track. Ladies and gents, we have a winner! The best fried shrimp ever. Not mushy, rubbery, or anything but crispy coating surrounding firm, tasty shrimp. The perfect cooking extended to the rest of the seafood in the bucket. You could sit and eat this stuff until you fall through the floor and you would keep chewing on the way down. The snow crab was every bit as good.

The only downside was the cheddar bay mashed as we told one of the managers walking around soliciting opinions. They were just there. We told the folks they needed a big punch of flavor, perhaps finely chopped scallion and or garlic. Something to keep up with the great, clean flavors of the rest of dinner.

This time around we passed on desert. Tho’ the Beach Fire S’mores - Chocolate dipped graham crackers, marshmallows, open roasting flame sounded interesting.

A great time, great food, I could go real broke real fast eating here!

RESERVATIONS: The Crab Shack takes mostly walk in parties, but also has limited “soft reservations”. A soft reservation can be made up to 3 months in advance and will ensure you are seated within about 5-15 minutes of our scheduled time.  If no reservations are available, you can still come in without one.

• LARGE PARTIES: The Crab Shack offers a semi private “Captain’s Table” which seats up to 10 guests, along with two additional “Farm Tables” in the center of the dining room which also seat up to 10 guests. These tables can be reserved for 5:45 and 7:45 seatings.
• RESTAURANT HOURS: (we seat up through closing time)
  Monday – Friday 4:30-9:30
  Saturday 4:00-9:30
  Sunday 4:00-9:00
• DAILY SPECIALS: coming soon!
• DANIELE FAMILY OF RESTAURANTS: The Crab Shack is owned and operated by the Daniele Family along with Mario’s, and Bazil Restaurants. Purchased gift cards from all locations are interchangeable and accepted at all restaurants. Coupons are not interchangeable and may only be used at their printed location.Crab Shack 749 East Henrietta Rd 585-427-7420

749 E. Henrietta Road, 14623
Off 390 across from MCC
749 E. Henrietta Road, 14623
Off 390 across from MCC
(585) 427-7420 (585) 427-7420

749 E. Henrietta Road, 14623
Off 390 across from MCC
(585) 427-742

Tags: crab shack, henrietta, resuartant, review, rochester, seafood