This SEA is on FIRE!
Jack: (Thinking to himself) “Where to go, hmmm. Where. To. Go.”
Jill: “What are you doing?”
Jack: “Nothing. Why?”
Jill: “Because you’re mumbling. Again.”
It was a SPECIAL evening so I had to put my thinking cap on! I wanted it to be perfect! Celebrating Jill’s birthday is a special event for me because, well, SHE is special; perfect to me! As such, I set out for the ‘perfect’ setting! (Yes, I’m being redundant.)
Catching the train in, we walked out of Penn Station to the aromas of New York City (hey, you take the good with the bad). It took us no time to catch a cab which I figured was a solid omen. I do have to say, as we exited said cab, I found myself slightly ‘doubting’ that whole omen-thing; my selection, The Sea Fire Grill, appeared to be more of a bar, than restaurant (not at all the case). BUT like the hidden pearl in an oyster, once you shuck the shell (enter the restaurant) you realize just how beautiful and perfect it is.
We were greeted with a BIG friendly smile and our coats taken (happy to report, they returned them later that evening). Though we were early for our reservation, they offered to seat us. We instead chose the bar… and in turn, Ben.
Ben was one of two sharply dressed bartenders. He was OUR bartender. We found Ben to be an exceptional host, engaging and warm. He also made a mean martini for me, as well as a vodka-based concoction for Jill. Quite frankly, we enjoyed ourselves so much at the bar, we were reluctant to leave; Ben did offer to serve us dinner where we sat, mind you. Knowing that we would be revisiting the bar, we bid him temporary adieu and made our way to the lower level (bi-level format) dining room lead by the hostess.
The dining room is quieter than the bar for certain, but still alive with conversation. It’s rather elegant and we found our seating to be very romantic. Sitting catty-corner to each other, we were able to get nice and close, stealing kisses every now and then and perhaps a wee bit more (nudge-nudge, wink-wink, say no more-say no more).
Our servers and staff were exceptional, both in communication and pace.
You may know from past posts, Jill & I are big on oysters. Just love them! To that end, after reviewing the menu we went with the East & West Coast Oysters as appetizers (shucked perfectly and beyond tasty- we went with two rounds). They were the perfect starter for the evening.
For our entrees, Jill had the Organic Scottish Salmon and I had the Roasted Mediterranean Branzino. Both were exceptional! Our sides were the Brussel Sprouts (sooooo goooood!) as well as the Asparagus.
As mentioned, the meal was simply delicious and the pace perfect! Our servers went that extra mile in supporting an exceptionally HAPPY meal!
After our meal we ventured back to Ben who once again greeted us warmly. He stated he missed us dearly (I’m sure that was all about Jill!), asked about our meal and hastened us into our original seats at the bar. Ben then proposed some special shots for the occasion. Although Jill protested, rather sheepishly I might add, he created some type of Key Lime Pie-shot for us both. To say they were divine would be an injustice! Holy cow, were they good. So much so, he whipped up another two! As we enjoyed the liquid heroine, a waiter came up from behind carrying an extraordinary piece of… wait for it… wait for it… Key Lime Pie, with a burning candle and a birthday wish written in liquid chocolate (the ‘other’ heroine). He sang happy birthday along with Ben and his partner at the bar. It was special in that it was unexpected, uncalled for and genuine!
We settled in for some after-dinner cocktails and passed the time in conversation, both with & without Ben. The evening was wonderful but alas, it had to come to an end. Well, at least that portion.
Upon our departure, Ben wished us well stating he enjoyed our company and hoped to see us back again soon! To that we both say, you certainly will!
A perfect night for a perfect love!