The two halves share the same chefs and kitchen. At the Oyster Bar, we split a generous serving of their Cioppino (fish stew) with jumbo prawns, scallops, manila clams, mussels, Dungeness crab, calamari & fresh fish in tomato saffron broth. Then we massacred the simple country serving of steamed mussels in a light broth. A Frenchman from the coast of Brittany would feel right at home with this dish.
The Oyster Bar is well lit with blond wooden tables, deep sea blue napkins, chalk board menu and a bar running down the length of the room. Conversation echoes from the tile floors. An open and enjoyable place to have meals of the freshest fish and sea food possible.
We then moved over to the calmer, more romantically lit Seafood Grill next door. Here the decor is moderated with careful lighting over each table further ensuring a feeling of intimacy with salmon colored fabric hung from brass rails completing the cozy ambiance. A large fish tank greets you as you enter just to set the scene.
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Chalk Board wine list and fresh fish of the day.
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Seared Tuna and Basmati rice.
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Flaherty's Cioppino with all the fresh ingredients hunkering around.
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Interior of Seafood Grill at lunch.
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Interior of Oyster Bar early evening.
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We were served a seared tuna encrusted with black and white sesame seeds which was excellent. It sat on a bed of Basmati rice and a delicate oriental Vinaigrette that melts in the mouth. Their simply grilled fish is always moist and juicy and the clam chowder is fresh and delicious. The char-broiled scallops with an island in the middle of the plate made from a mix of morel mushrooms, roma tomatoes and basil (with just a touch too much prosciutto to allow the other more subtle flavors to emerge) was really superb.
Other dishes include catfish, sand dabs, halibut, swordfish, atlantic salmon, calamari steak, mahi mahi and yellowtail. For the addicted meat eater of the group, there is a Black Angus New York Steak and for those who need their carbs there is a selection of pastas.
There are some interesting sorbets on the dessert menu. Pleasant, friendly service on both sides.
Flaherty's Oyster Bar & Seafood Grill
6th between Delores & San Carlos
Carmel, California 93924
tel: 1-831-624-0311
E-mail: flahertysoy@aol.com
Web Site URL: http://www.carmelsbest.com
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