Jim and Nancy do not disclose the fact that they will review a restaurant before they attend, ensuring their reviews are unbiased and uninfluenced by their position with the Sun Day.
After seven years of writing this column, we are proud to say we have never repeated a restaurant. That is partially due to the fact that after we review them, for some reason, they go out of business. Was it something we said??? The restaurant we are reviewing today is just the opposite. We heard from our confidential sources that our favorite seafood joint, Boston Fish Market, opened a new location in Wheeling. Since this is the only seafood retaurant Jim likes, we set “sail” and “dropped anchor” at the new location.
Boston Fish Market
412 N. Milwaukee Avenue
Wheeling 60090
(847) 243-3700
www.bostonfishmkt.com
Directions: Take Rte. 47 South to I-90 East to 53 North to Lake Cook Road East to Milwaukee Avenue South to restaurant.
Estimated Travel Time: 45 minutes
For you newbies at Del Webb, let us recap. The original Boston Fish Market in Des Plaines is basically a wholesale fish supplier that opened a small dining area with communal tables. This restaurant received the coveted #1 rating by the Dining Duo in 2017.
Due to the long lines waiting to get into their original restaurant, (we’d like to think it had to be because of our review), they needed a second, much larger location. The building that houses the new location is ginormous and beautiful. The dećor is straight out of maritime Boston with white washed plank ceilings and porthole windows. There are two huge dining areas separated by a humongous bar. You’re reminded of the original restaurant when you see the fresh fish counter as you walk in. It’s here you can purchase such delicacies as baby octopus, giant shrimp, Branzino, and lobster tails the size of a small meatloaf, just to name a few. The fish monger will then wrap up your purchase to cook at home. You can even buy a live lobster to play with until you throw it in a pot of boiling water. Fun and dinner, what more can you ask for?
This location is a true restaurant with normal table seating and an extensive cocktail menu. We ordered some iced teas and our waiter brought over some warm garlic bread, and of course, Nancy thought it needed more garlic.
Jim decided on the Stuffed Shrimp ($35.99). This proved to be six huge shrimp with a mound of real crab meat on top of each shrimp which required a platter 24 inches long to hold them. This came wtih a separate plate of rice pilaf, assorted veggies, and potatoes. He didn’t know what kind of seasoning they used on the veggies and potatoes, but he said they were delicious. He actually had to take home two of his stuffed shrimp.
Nancy thinks change is evil and when she finds something she likes, she sticks with it. Today was no exception. She ordered what she always orders at the original Boston Fish Market, the Fried Lobster Tail ($48.99). This was 14–16 ounces of succulent lobster, breaded and deep fried, with fresh cut french fries and coleslaw. She was in heaven, but couldn’t help comparing the chef’s from both locations. She thought the original Des Plaines location was better.
To sum this up, we still think the Boston Fish Market offers the best and freshest seafood around, now with a more traditional setting.
FYI: This restaurant is handicap accessible. They have expanded their menu here to include steaks also. The question we ask is, why? Okay, some people in the party may not like seafood and now there are options. Okay, we get it…
The cost for “dropping anchor” in a new spot was $99.25.
Jim’s take: My stuffed shrimp was excellent. It made a steak guy like me want to come back for more.
Nancy’s take: I loved Jim’s stuffed shrimp, but not the veggies so much, which will keep me ordering fried dinners there to get french fries with my meal. That’s where they, as a traditional restaurant, should change it up and give you options.
Have comments or restaurant suggestions for the Dining Duo? Send them an email at thediningduo@gmail.com
