There are a few skills I possess that most would not consider brag-worthy. I can crack and clean out a lobster better than most people you know. I polished off 5-dozen oysters on my own and stopped only because it seemed the restaurant couldn’t keep up with all the orders. I adore seafood and always prefer when someone else prepares it.
I learned of Red Fish restaurant while at Soupstock back in October. Imagine the heart palpitations when I realized their sustainable seafood menu also includes a deal of a seafood brunch.
Out on College Street near Dovercourt, Red Fish restaurant might be a bit of a destination spot for many, but it is well worth it. For anyone who loves seafood and would prefer Ocean Wise choices, the options are plentiful. Owned by chef Dave Friedman and sommelier Jaime Duran, Red Fish has only been open a few months. Dave has worked in kitchens all over the world and learned to appreciate the importance of sustainable seafood. As an avid scuba diver, he’s witnessed the damage done to our oceans and felt that to cook with the level of sustainability he wanted to — he needed to be in charge.
Breads, pastries, ice cream, pastas and almost everything are made in-house. At a recent brunch, two delicate scones with fruit preserves ($5) settle the grumbling in our stomachs as we wait for octopus hash ($12) with tiny diced cubes of potatoes, tender bites of octopus, and two perfectly poached eggs. A unique take on chicken and waffles, Red Fish’s duck wings & waffles ($13) piles confit duck wings on crisp and chewy waffles with a side of apple butter. Oh, happy day — traditional ceviche ($15) and a tuna melt with BC albacore tuna with apple-smoked cheddar ($12) make this brunch a nice change from most in the city. Non-seafood fans will find relief with eggs benny and steak and eggs, among other choices.
The white linens make Sunday brunch a step-up from the greasy diner down the street. But don’t be put off by the tablecloths. People happily sit down in their gym clothes (the west-end YMCA is a few steps away), toques and flannel. Dress up or dress down, it doesn’t matter.
Perhaps one of the best deals in the city — Red Fish offers a three-course date night menu of $60 for two people. That’s better than any ‘licious dinner offer you’ll find! Coming soon: a lobster and scallop hotdog is in the works, surely to put all other wimp wieners to shame.
Follow Red Fish on Twitter: @RedFishResto
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