Shore Longboat Key Multiple Locations
Coastal American · 800 Broadway St, Longboat Key, Florida 34228
This is a chain with multiple locations - the address above is the one reviewed here.
★★★★½ 1 review(941) 259-4600
Menu Items
Reviews
-
Some Excellent Items, But Smaller Servings, and Service Needs Improvement
During my visit to Longboat Key as part of my friend's birthday celebration, we embarked on what was anticipated to be a fine dining and seafood experience. Shore is considered by many locals to be one of the premier dining venues. However, the overall experience, marred by subpar service, left much to be desired.
**Seating & Customer Service
Arriving as a large group, we were ushered in somewhat haphazardly, with some confusion regarding seating arrangements. The hostess initiated the seating process prematurely, leaving some members unaware that we were already being seated. Additionally, despite the guest of honor reserving two waterfront facing tables, the restaurant opted for consolidation, citing the need for extra tables, despite reservations being made months in advance.
The restaurant features an outdoor dining area on a deck, accented by firepits and a view of the water and piers. Where boats can dock, or be seen as they pass by.
**Mixed Drink
I started my meal with an Pear Old Fashioned. The dominant orange citrus notes overshadowed any potential pear infusion, leaving the drink less impressive than expected.
**Appetizers
Our group placed an appetizer order, which consisted of tuna tartare, an order of the kung pao calamari, and shrimp ceviche & guacamole.
The tuna tartare lacked the expected seasoning or searing, resulting in a somewhat bland presentation. It seemed to be pure tuna, accompanied by the guacamole, which had an overpowering flavor when combined.
The standout surprise was the kung pao calamari, which showcased a delightful blend of leafy, crispy, sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. In all honesty it would have made an excellent entree. The calamari was tossed in a coleslaw like salad that had a sweet, spicy dressing reminiscent of sweet thai chili sauce. It was garneshed with mint leaves, crushed peanuts, and toasted sesame seeds, a combination of flavors that all came together really well.
**Shrimp & Scallops
The main course, featuring shrimp and scallops, presented a visually underwhelming portion. However, the accompanying risotto rice stole the show with its creamy texture, buttery richness, and enhanced flavor when combined with spinach and the lemon beurre blanc sauce.
The shrimp and scallops appeared to have been very lightly seasoned, perhaps basted with butter as they grilled, but other than the golden brown color of their crisp edges, were very simplistic. It seemed as if seafood items here were all served plain, perhaps to highlight the natural flavors or freshness, but ultimately left me wanting more in the way of spices or seasoning.
**Dessert
For dessert I opted to get the creme brulee cheesecake. Cream brulee is a favorite of mine, so I was excited to see what would be served. The presenation was impressive, with discernable speckles of vanilla in both the cheesecake and ice cream that accompanied it. The cheesecake had a torched shell on top, was plated with a smear of caramel cream sauce, and was artfully assembled. The cheesecale fell slightly short of expectations, with a less custardy flavor than expected, but did have a shell that could be cracked. The vanilla ice cream on the other had did have the custard egg flavor to it, resembling home made ice cream, complimenting the cheesecake well.
**Service Issues
Regrettably, service missteps marred the dining experience. When our food was brought out, all the entrees were served backwards, with the opposite end of the table receiving the other ends food. It didnt happen once, but 3 times during the meal, causing confusion as the food was delivered.
In addition to the serving confusion, menu's were not collected uniformly, plates were not cleared, and many times the same end of the table was left having to motion at the server, to have issues sorted out.
At one point, someone asked for a virgin mixed drink, and was told "we dont do that".. Then another person ordered an Irish cream coffee, which came out without cream on top. When asked if they could top it with cream, they were told "no", and sent the drink back.
The server's lack of engagement, suggestions, and post-meal checks further contributed to the disappointing service. At the end of the meal the check was delivered to the guest of honor, who would have liked to have kept the total private, but instead laid it open on the table, next to guests who viewed the bill.
**Overall Experience**
While some offerings fell short of expectations, other items stood out in both flavor and presenatation. Prices, though on the higher side, were not excessively exorbitant, but service is truely where the restaurant failed. The automatically charged gratuity felt undeserved, given the experience, and as a result I find myself in limbo as to whether I would dine there again.
Shore
Shrimp & Scallops
Crème Brule Cheesecake
Waterside View
Tuna Tartare
Ceviche & Guacamole.
Pear Old Fashion
Menu
Pan Seared Snapper
Water View
— Paul