It’s about time for a showdown. Two seafood restaurants, a family of four and the dining experience. We were given the chance to take the Bonefish Grill Challenge. We were given a gift certificate to use at our local Bonefish Gril in Waldorf and a gift card to use at any other restaurant of our choice. Since Bonefish Grill is obviously a seafood place and my readers are from all over the country I chose to go with another chain seafood restaurant, Red Lobster in Annapolis. We did not let anyone know that we were there to do PR at either restaurant. We wanted to be able to truly show the difference between the two in all aspects. So how do the meals stack up?
At each restaurant, we ordered an appetizer and two main courses. My mom joined us at Bonefish Grill so we did have an extra main course and a dessert. Each restraurant was busy and while we did wait at each it was only for 10 or 15 minutes. At Red Lobster we were seated at a table in the main dining room. I have to say for me the tables were too close together. We had a hard time with trying to pick up Rachael’s toys and being hit/bumped by other dinners. At Bonefish Grill we were seated at a half both/half table. There was ample room to move even with the other dinners being close. Both restaurants started with seating us at a table and handing us a specials menu.
The next step was to order appetizers.
At Red Lobster, we had the New England Sampler. A sample of clams, chicken strips and stuffed mushrooms. We had to try the Bonefish Grill’s Bang Bang Shrimp. It was the one item everyone told us to try. I honestly had no complaints about the appetizers at either place. However, the Bang Bang shrimp did have a unique flavor.
For dinner, at Red Lobster I had the Endless Shrimp. I started with coconut shrimp and fried shrimp. Charlie was nibbling my shrimp. While the shrimp was good, it really isn’t what I would call endless. By the time our waitress came around to check on us and ask if I wanted something else I was done with the first set of shrimp. I ordered the shrimp scampi and eventually received a small bowl with 6 shrimp in it. We did not see our waitress again until it was time to ask for our bill. By the time the scampii had arrived everyone else at the table was done eating and the kids were getting restless.
Dinner at Bonefish Grill was sea scallops and shrimp in the lemon butter sauce. It came with mixed veggies and mashed potatoes. Rachael did eat most of my potatoes. What I did get to taste of them they were fresh made and outstanding in taste. The scallops and shrimp were delicious. They tasted fresh and were cooked perfectly. I couldn’t honestly tell you about the veggies. They just did not look appetizing to me and in fairness that’s me. I happen to not like julienned veggiesHolly Zegalia
Steve had the broiled seafood platter. His meal contained shrimp, flounder and scallops. His only reason for ordering this was it was the only way to order scallops. There are no other scallop options unless you get them grilled which Steve says ruins the flavor.
Steve had the Imperial longfin: Longfin tuna pan-seared, baked and stuffed with shrimp, scallops and crab meat. His meal also came with the veggies. Steve said they did taste great.
Charlie was with us at both restraurants and ordered macaroni and cheese. At Red Lobster it was regular Kraft mac and cheese. Bonefish Grill had the mac and cheese with penne pasta. Steve loves this mac and cheese. Charlie however is no longer a fan. I think his taste buds are just changing some since he used to eat it and ask for more. At the Bonefish Grill, my mom joined us and had the Bang Bang tacos. The chips that come alongside it and were outstanding. They were fresh and had an amazing taste. Of course we couldn’t pass up the chance to taste something decadent and had the brownie and ice cream. Rachael was in love. Finally something she could partake in.
Overall I would say that Bonefish Grill definitely won the showdown. While they were slightly more expensive, the taste, decor and wait staff was well worth the extra cost. I would say that Bonefish Grill might not be the best place for small children at the end of their day. The intimacy could be hard for other dinners if there is a screaming child.
Related posts:
I’ve always said that Red Lobster is the fast food, sea food restaurant. Don’t get me wrong, I like Red Lobster but I like other places too.
Love the disclaimer in the little red box.