McCormick and Schmick’s Restaurant

I never get tired of seafood. Fresh crab, lobster, and halibut are some of my favorites. My favorite fish by far is Chilean sea bass- its best prepared pan-seared with natural jus, or a bit of citrus buerre blanc. My second favorite fish is salmon; I really enjoy the subtle sweetness and soft texture of the meat.

I’ve been to a lot of different seafood restaurants in and around town, but somehow, McCormick and Schmicks had eluded me- until now. I had the opportunity to have lunch at the seafood restaurant in the Southside Works, and let me tell you, it was delicious.

The entry-way (where that bar is located) was clean and spacious- probably a great place for a happy hour excursion, or colleague-meeting after work. Besides being expansive, the bar-area was impeccably clean.

When our party arrived, we were seated in a large, empty (it was 2:30 in the afternoon) dining room. Our booth was very comfortable, and I was impressed with the spotless glassware, white tablecloths, and linen napkins.

Our waitress, Natasha approached our table with a smile, and went over some of the menu items.

I chose a lunch salad to start, with candied walnuts, mixed greens, blue cheese crumbles, and balsamic vinaigrette ($7.50). We also ordered the Lump Crab Tower ($12.95) with mango, avocado, and orange vinaigrette. Other appetizers included Coast to Coast Tuna ($14.95), Shrimp Kisses with Jack Cheese and Bacon ($11.95), and a Lump Crab Cake with Fire Roasted Corn Salsa ($13.95).

Bread and Butter

My salad was tasty- the lettuce fresh and cold. The candied walnuts and blue cheese were a great combination. The sweet, zesty vinaigrette woke up my taste-buds. The lump crab tower looked like an edible piece of art; ripe, succulent pieces of mango coupled well with large, sweet chunks of crab and oily, ripe avocado.

Mixed Greens Salad with Walnuts

Crab, Mango, and Avocado Salad with Orange Vinaigrette

Entrees

I opted for a piece of grilled salmon. It was served simply with blanched green beans, whipped potatoes, and citrus butter ($13.95). I ordered my fish medium, and it came perfectly cooked and piping hot. The beans were bright green, well-season, and al dente. The potatoes were bursting with flavor, and had a delicious creamy, buttery, texture. I had a chance to sample the Salmon with Rigatoni, Asparagus, Mushroom, and Artichoke dish ($13.95). Large ribs in the rigatoni caught the rich, pesto-cream sauce. The moist salmon and differing textures in the veggies made for a mouthwatering pasta dish. Although I didn’t get to taste the Salmon over Orzo with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto ($14.95), and Cedar Roasted Atlantic Salmon with Northwest Berry Reduction and Roasted Veggies ($14.95), they looked equally tasty. Other entrees on the lunch menu include Shrimp and Andouille “Mac and Cheese” ($12.95), Blackened Chicken Linguini with Mushroom, Peppers and Cajun Cream Sauce ($11.95), and Crispy fish Tacos with Cilantro Aioli ($10.95).

Grilled Salmon with Whipped Potatoes, Green Beans and Citrus Butter

Salmon, Rigatoni, and Mushrooms with Pasta and Pesto-Cream Sauce

Salmon with Veggie Orzo and Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto

Cedar Plank Roasted Salmon with Berry Reduction

Rarely do I have a meal in a restaurant when everything is truly outstanding. On this particular day, our food was cooked perfectly, and we received stellar service.

Kudos to McCormick and Schmick’s for running such a tight ship… I’ll be back for another great meal soon!

Chef Chuck Kerber

chuck@cooksandeats.com

cooksandeats.com