Oh, golly, did Dew (my gent) and I have fun last Saturday night.  We had a fabulous meal at BJ's and danced the night away to Chest Pains, one of our favorite bands.  The prior week we had another wonderful meal with a large group of friends bonded by our mutual love for Tranzfusion; this classic rock band has been together for more than thirty years and each show is outstanding!

Ok, I know this is supposed to be a restaurant review and it will be, my friends.  BJ's is located at 75th Street and the bay and has consistently offered great food since day one back in 1980.  Hours of operation are 11am to 2pm year round and their entire menu is available all day - dinner for lunch or lunch for dinner.  They have both indoor and outdoor bay front dining.  If you check out their web site (bjsonthewater.com) you can take a water tour of BJ's and listen to a bit of Lower Case Blues playing in the background. 

However, I must start off with what I love most about BJ's that keeps me coming back all these years at least once a week whenever I'm home in O.C.  BJ's offers live music usually three times a week year round that is mostly local, always outstanding and there is never a cover.  Owner Billy Carder has always supported our local musicians and they, as well as music lovers like me, so recognize and appreciate Billy's faithful support!

Tuesday night I took my 97-year-young mom, Harriet, for our official restaurant review dinner.  We arrived a little before our 6PM reservation and our table wasn't quite ready so one of the servers brought a chair for my Mom while we waited a few minutes.  Folks at BJ's are so thoughtful, it's no wonder people of all ages enjoy BJ's.  I believe my Mom topped the age chart that evening, and the family next to us had three adorable children including a 4-month-old cutie pie.

We asked to be seated inside with a great view of the bay and that is what we got.  The outside deck was packed even with the high 90's temp but we preferred the gorgeous water views from the comfort of a cool indoor space.  I just love watching the ducks and other wild life on the bay.  I always check to see if the Osprey are in their nest.

Our server that evening was Nick who promptly came over to greet us and who provided wonderful service throughout the night.  I've eaten most items on the menu over the years and so decided to order items new to me.  I started with Chicken Skins and was most pleased.  This is baked potato skins topped with scrumptious large chunk chicken salad and provolone cheese.  The order was so huge that I brought half home and am enjoying it for lunch today.  Mom so enjoyed the succulent Clams Casino - fresh "top neck" clams topped with garlic butter, seasoned breading, bacon, and melted provolone cheese.

For our main course, Mom ordered her favorite, Lobster Tail with drawn butter; it was the largest tail I've ever seen and was simply melt in your mouth good!  I ordered the special fish of the day, Mahi Mahi, and had it prepared Cajun style.  It was cooked to perfection and I didn't leave a morsel.  We both ordered the house salad and cole slaw for our sides.  I must tell you that BJ's makes a Lemon Basil Vinaigrette dressing that is fabulous with both the salad and the fish!

To me, one sign of a really good restaurant is if they serve good decaf coffee.  BJ's coffee is wonderful!  We both had a cup of decaf and I enjoyed Maddy's famous Peanut Butter Pie (Oreo cookie crust, peanut butter, whipped cream, cream cheese, topped with chocolate fudge).  I told Nick to please bring my Mom a small version of BJ's Sunday - it was still huge and she ate it all!  Specialty wines and frosty frozen specialties are other after-dinner treats.

Did I mention that the sunset was spectacular?  We just had a most pleasant dining event from start to finish.  Billy did come over to greet us at the beginning.  I asked Nick to see if Billy and Maddy could come over for a quick picture after our meal and was told they had slipped away for a date night.  Imagine - they went to the Grace Potter concert and forgot to take me! Oh well - c'est la vie.

Other starters I highly recommend include Pizzette Crab Imperial (garlic and cheese white pizza topped with crab imperial), Crab Dip, Chicken Fingers, and Onion Rings.  Dew usually gets at least one item from the Raw Bar which included mussels, shrimp, clams and oysters.

I adore all the salads at BJ's and regularly rotate between the Crab Meat Chop Chop Salad (romaine, blue cheese, bacon, lots of crab, ranch dressing and onion straws on top), Salmon Salad (hickory and molasses char-grilled salmon over a field of greens with fruit garnish), and 8oz. NY Strip Steak Caesar salad which also included the blue cheese crumbles and straw onions.

Dew usually gets the French Onion Soup and I love the Crab Soup.  The soup of the day is usually Cream of Roasted Red Pepper topped with lump crab - it's oh so yummy!  Quite often when we come at night for music, I'll order the bowl of soup 'n house salad for just $7.99.  Wow - what a great deal!

For dinner I recommend the stuffed flounder which is the Wednesday night special off season.  The Crab Imperial is another favorite of mine and Dew loves the Shrimp Imperial.  As for sandwiches, I rarely eat bread but lately I've gotten the pulled pork bar-b-que without the roll with lettuce, tomato, slaw and pickle.  Dew loves the Fried Oyster and the BLT sandwiches.

I should also mention that Happy Hour at BJ’s takes place Monday through Friday from 4-7 p.m. when food and drink specials abound; and a second Happy Hour Sunday through Thursday from 10pm-2am.  There are also lunch specials and a daily duck feeding (1pm) year round.  Off season provides dinner specials and great afternoon inside deck parties with entertainment on Wednesdays.  The Halloween Party with Billy's band, Teenage Rust is such fun and BJ's makes the best stuffing in OC to go with the turkey feast for their Christmas Party.

Hats off to BJ's on the Water!  It’s a fun and wonderful place to go for down home good cooking, friendly service, fabulous view and atmosphere, reasonable prices and great entertainment.  Dust N' Bones play at 9pm both Friday and Saturday this weekend; Bettenroo starts at 8pm Thursday the fourth. The phone number is 410-524-7575. Hope to see you there soon.

 

 

If you are looking for variety, quality, atmosphere and entertainment at the beach with the flavor and flair of New Orleans, Bourbon Street on the Beach is the place for you.  The Mardi Gras decor, the casual ambiance with first class service and presentation and the assortment of foods you will find at Bourbon Street is one of kind in Ocean City and will keep you coming back. 

Proprietors Barry and Gretchen Reichart offer an extensive menu which includes appetizers, sandwiches and wraps, soups and salads, entrées and desserts.  There is something to please everyone’s tastebuds and  price range, including choices for the small fry in your party.  

Appetizers include a range of choices from Crab & Spinach dip, Buffalo Chicken dip, Crab stuffed Mushrooms, steamed Clams, Scallops in Bacon, Oysters on the half shell and Oysters Rockefeller. Exclusive to Bourbon St. on the Beach are the Crawfish Pie (Crawfish tails, peppers, onions, tomato & spices baked in a pie), Crawfish Boil and Nachos New Orleans with red beans and rice, cheese, lettuce, onions and sour cream. This can be a delicious meal for two. I have eaten chicken wings in many establishments around DelMarVa and I have to say that Bourbon St. serves the very best, in my opinion, of course. Chicken wings are served hot, mild, Cajun, bbq or garlic. There is also a Blackened Chicken Quesadilla that, though listed under appetizers, could qualify as an entrée.

On a recent visit to Bourbon Street, my guest and I enjoyed the music of local musician Randy Jamz while shmoozing with folks from as far away as Huntington Beach, Calif., to locals and regulars who come to Bourbon Street for the consistently good food, entertainment and ambiance.  

I started my meal with an order of succulent Char-grilled Oysters that have become a popular item here. This was followed by a house salad with homemade bleu cheese dressing.  The salad was fresh and the bleu cheese dressing was among the best I’ve ever had...a creamy base with an abundance of bleu cheese chunks.  My entrée, a Bourbon Street special, was the Land & Sea Creole Combo, blackened filet mignon topped with blackened crabcake smothered in creole sauce. The filet, perfectly cooked rare, could be cut with a fork, and was served with a baked potato.  

On other occasions, I have personally enjoyed the Caprese salad, Buffalo Chicken dip, and Turkey Ciabatta, a sandwich consisting of turkey breast, smoked gouda, cranberry relish, lettuce and tomato. Wonder of wonders ... there are even cranberries in the ciabatta bun! Again exclusive to Bourbon St. is the Crawfish Cake, a real N’awlins creation. I’ve also witnessed other diners raving about the Crabby Chicken which is grilled chicken topped with Crab dip and Mozzarella. Of course, they also serve the Eastern Shore staple, the Crabcake, either on a sandwich or as an entrée.  Did I mention the Wraps? All are mega-stuffed and delicious: Chicken Salad, Turkey Bacon Ranch, Buffalo Chicken and Cajun Chicken.

Other choices listed under soups  include authentic New Orleans Gumbo, and Red Beans and Rice soup plus, of course, Maryland Crab soup.

Entrées include the signature Bourbon Street Steak, a blackened Delmonico steak served over a bed of onion pedals and smothered in a Bourbon mushroom demi glaze. And if you’re a beef lover, you must try their Prime Rib, a 20-ounce cut that is reported to be the best in town. A few more great choices would be a Broiled Sampler consisting of Crab Cake, Shrimp, Scallops and Haddock; Grilled Ahi Tuna; or a Crawfish boil including crawfish, corn on the cob, red potatoes and veggies.  Creole choices include Chicken Creole, Shrimp Creole, a Creole sampler or a land and sea Creole combo. And check this out ... you can have the classic Surf n Turf three different ways: Filet (5-ounce Filet Mignon) & Lobster Tail; Filet (5-ounce Filet Mignon) & Crabcake; or Delmonico Steak & Snow Crab Legs. 

I dare not finish without mentioning the incredible signature dessert: New Orleans-style bread pudding with rum sauce; then topped with cinnamon ice cream is todie for. In fact, they feature a variety of homemade ice creams that Barry makes every day; such as cinnamon, mint chocolate chip & raspberry. Just ask your server for the flavor of the day. So good!

Owner-operated, hands-on chef Barry is frequently found mingling easily with patrons or picking up a guitar and becoming part of the entertainment.  Barry and his competent staff guarantee customer satisfaction from start to finish. 

Bourbon Street is located at 116th Street and the beach (behind the Fountainhead Condo) and is open 11 a.m. til midnight seven nights a week, with local entertainment six nights a week.  Be sure to check their ad in this issue and/or their entertainment listing in “Who’s Where When.” Bourbon St. on the Beach, where it’s Mardi Gras every day!

 

    Localize it. That’s the underlying theme in everything about Fat Fish in West Ocean City. When we pulled into the parking lot on Sunset Avenue this week, we recognized local customers with surf boards hanging out of their pickup truck beds. As we breezed past the outdoor tiki torches, palm trees, mellow lighting, and outdoor seating with umbrellas, we recognized longtime local Sean Robins bartending inside. And, as we perused the healthy menu, we knew that the fish are fresh off the boats at Sunset Marina, and the vegetables are straight from Eastern Shore farms. Even the beer is stocked with locally sourced kegs from the popular Burley Oak brewery in nearby Berlin, and Hoop Tea from boardwalk-headquartered Backshore Brewing Company.
    Before we discuss the menu, we want to say a few more things about the radical ambiance at Fat Fish. The walls are covered in vibrant murals, created by local artist Sam Elman, and are reminiscent of old school tattoo art. Reggae rock streams through the speakers, softly playing some of my favorite songs by Pepper, Slightly Stoopid, and Citizen Cope. Large table tops provided by Plak That feature photographs of Ocean City sites. Each table’s varying height invites you to sit wherever you’d like. I honestly felt cooler just walking through the door. And, the restaurant is one of the first we’ve seen to display its festive Halloween decorations.
    Considering that Fat Fish only recently opened its doors, the local reception has been stellar. I’ve seen many photos of the restaurant’s tacos, burritos, and sandwiches on social media. I was ecstatic to finally sample the menu.
    Our server, Samantha, recommended her three favorite dishes on the menu—Grilled Red Shrimp Tacos, Jaws Beach Burrito, and Fat Fish Sandwich. These selections are the restaurant’s best sellers. Fat Fish Tacos are only $4, and consist of fresh Thai slaw, pico de gallo, and sour cream. With catchy names like “Ripper” and “Fat Wave,” the available taco flavors are Snapper, Rockfish, Blue Crab, Sesame Tuna, and the local catch. Our Grilled Red Shrimp Tacos were perfectly complemented by the tasty Thai slaw.
    The number one seller—Fat Fish Sandwich—was my favorite of the three savory dishes we enjoyed. Tempura battered tuna and shrimp are piled with wasabi mayo, red onion, lettuce, tomato, and cilantro crema. The fixings on this mammoth sandwich are fresh from the produce stand, and the tuna steak is thick. I highly recommend giving this sandwich a try.
    The Beach Burritos at Fat Fish are overstuffed with white cheddar, pico de gallo, cilantro crema, and rice and black beans as the basic ingredients of a variety of choices. The Jaws Burrito that we devoured is bursting with shrimp, bacon, and chorizo. The generous portion is more than enough to share. The 50 Bridge Burrito consists of crab, shrimp, roasted red pepper, avocado, and sriracha. A vegetarian burrito is on the menu, as well as the Stinky Beach (named after a local stretch of West Ocean City that overlooks the inlet), which is dripping with grilled steak asada and pulled pork. And finally, the Shore Break featuring tender chicken and potatoes. You may have seen a picture of this posted by coconuttimes.com editor Brenda Golden, a frequent patron.
    In the mood for a Handcrafted Sandwich? Fat Fish has you covered with Cuban, Hot Ham & Cheese, Organic Grilled Chicken, Roast Beef, and Big Boy BLT. Fat Burgers are made from hormone-free beef only. I’m going back to Fat Fish for the Loco Moco—a burger topped with white rice, gravy, provolone, sunny side up egg, lettuce, tomato, mayo, and onion on a toasted brioche bun. The Kahuna Joe’s Burger is piled high with grilled pineapple, mango salsa, pulled pork, American cheese, and all the fixings. Jaimie’s Soul Surfer is topped with arugula, tomato, onion, avocado, sprouts, and almond butter on a toasted onion roll.
    Fat Fish offers tempting starter dishes, such as Big Joe’s Nachos, Calamari, and Wings. Madi’s Momo Dumplings are lemon grass and chicken fried dumplings with Asian slaw Godzilla sauce. Surfing Pig Belly Buns sliders and Carne Asada Taylor Tots are a couple of unique starters at Fat Fish.
    An ample Greens menu features plenty of healthy salads, while Chilled options include Ceviche, Ahi Tuna Tostadas, and Smoked Salmon Roll. Ribs, flatbreads, and wraps top off the menu. Also on my list of things to try in the near future is the Captain’s Quarters—triple decker Texas toast with shaved ham, provolone, Havarti, avocado, bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, and Old Bay mayo. A children’s menu is available, along with soups, sides, smoothies, sangria, beer, and wine.
    Fat Fish features many high definition, flat screen televisions that broadcast the Sunday NFL Ticket. Stylish apparel with dazzling designs and colors are available for purchase. Bartender and Manager Sean revealed that the restaurant, which is open year round, will soon renovate to add a second level with a larger bar and more seating. Check out Fat Fish, ideally situated between Route 611 and Golf Course Road at 12703 Sunset Avenue. Visit www.fatfishoc.com, find them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or dial 410-390-5006 for more details.

    When we entered KY West on 54th Street and Coastal Highway, a friendly host offered us our choice of tables in the outdoor patio, the indoor dining room, or the swanky bar room. He escorted us to a lovely table in the indoor dining room, past a cozy electric fireplace, nautical wall murals, and contemporary aquariums. We admired the view of the Ocean City lights at night, and commented on the restaurant's vantage point for car event weekends, including the upcoming Endless Summer Cruisin’ weekend, and Free State Corvette Club weekend. Customers can enjoy a birds-eye view of all of the action, while dining far enough removed from the noise to enjoy intimate conversation.
    I noticed that the menu has been upgraded to a leather-faced book, which now includes an impressive wine and cheese menu with delectable options like Mobay, Menage, and Gran Canaria. For a taste of everything, order the Five Fresh Cheeses with Olives and Cured Meats plate. Also new on the menu are cutting board appetizers, such as Smoked Salmon, Baked Brie and Fruit, and Steak Tartare. New items add an extra allure factor to an already sophisticated menu.
    One thing that hasn't changed about KY West is its exceptional team of people. After Fresco's, a fine Italian eatery, closed its doors in 2014, Head Chef Michael Rendell moved his team to KY West. Michael, Max, and Jimmy are the culinary experts working behind the scenes. Meanwhile, Mark brings decades of managerial experience to the bar at KY West, while Ryan flawlessly manages the dining rooms. Our server, Lyndsey, touched our table at least once every five minutes. Having dined at many restaurants in Ocean City over the years, I genuinely appreciate an attentive, professional server. The staff at KY West pampers each customer, while setting an easy going tone.
    We started our meal with samplings of the cutting board appetizers. My favorite is the Smoked Salmon with sour cream. My husband's favorite is the Steak filet Tartare with blue cheese. We also devoured the Grilled Bratwurst with Cheddar and homemade Dijon. Another option is Pickled Veggies with honey Dijon. Manager Ryan informed us that the cutting board appetizers are discounted on Sundays during NFL games, when the restaurant caters to customers who may not be interested in the sports action. On Sundays, ladies enjoy happy hour prices all day long.
    Perhaps the most popular appetizer on the menu at KY West is Fried Green Tomatoes Napoleon. Sliced, breaded and fried green tomatoes are layered with jumbo lump crab remoulade and served as a tower. This app is picture perfect.
    Many entrées caught our eye for our main dish. The chef treated us to his chosen selections - Frutti Di Mare and Grilled Mahi Mahi. Frutti Di Mare consists of sautéed shrimp, crab, mussels, and clams over linguini in a spicy red broth. Buttery and creamy, this succulent dish is my top recommendation. The Mahi Mahi simply melted on our forks. We enjoyed both entrées to the last bite.
    Other steak and seafood entrées on the menu at KY West include New York Strip, Seared Salmon, Maryland Crab Cakes, and Filet Oscar, which is filet mignon topped with lump crab hollandaise. Carolina BBQ Glazed Tuna is topped with crispy fried oysters and scallion beurre blanc, and served over country ham and green beans. Caribbean Chicken, Lobster Pot Pie, Whiskey & Chipotle Brisket, and Coconut & Almond Crusted Swordfish are just a few more delectable entrées.
    When it was time for dessert, my sweet tooth was craving the restaurant's Bumbleberry Pie, while my husband wanted the classic Creme Brulée. We took Lyndsey's advice and tried the Italian Love Cake and Chocolate Chantilly Cake - house made devil's food cake topped with crème chantilly and chocolate shavings. Both desserts are a hit.
    After enjoying quiet conversation and excellent service in the dining room, we moved into the metropolitan bar room to enjoy DJ Roadie's soft rock collection and the restaurant's reserve wine list. A "bubble wall" is the focal point of the bar. The illuminated floor-to-ceiling feature gives the illusion of a fountain that continuously changes color. This dazzling decor needs to be seen.
    As the fall season progresses in Ocean City, the culinary team at KY West plans to change the menu on a weekly basis to showcase the best creations that each season brings. Discounts and specials are coming soon. Happy Hour is every day at KY West from 4:00 to 7:00. Ladies enjoy happy hour prices all day on Sunday, when cutting board appetizers are also discounted. In addition to dinner, KY West serves a lunch, lite fare, and children’s menu. For more information, visit http://www.kywestoceancity.com/, https://www.facebook.com/kywestoc, or dial 443-664-2836.