Pelican Fish Co.

Finding an outstanding seafood restaurant is like discovering a great fishing spot - you want to return to it again and again. The Pelican Fish Company is a perfect example of this. Opened just two months ago, this restaurant strives to be unique and achieves just that in every respect.

As we were seated, owners Dominick and Jaishree Stulpinas told us they designed the roomy, stylish dining area with an architectural flair and relaxed feeling in mind. Gary and I then began our meal with warm bread, oyster crackers and cocktail sauce.

The menu features innovative dishes and traditional entrees, plus different varieties of fresh fish each week. There are also daily lunch and dinner specials, a raw bar, and all-you-can-eat crabs, mussels and shrimp Tuesday and Thursdays ($21.95 per person/children under 10 are free).

For an appetizer, Gary chose the Clams Casino, plump clams wrapped in bacon with a lemony sauce ($7.00). I savored my Seafood Bisque, a rich, creamy soup with big chunks of seafood ($3.00). Our large house salads, included with dinner, were next. The homemade salad dressings, a Lime Caesar and a Raspberry Walnut Vinaigrette were creative and exceptionally flavorful.

For his entree, Gary chose one of the specials, Steak and Shrimp ($21.95), a perfectly cooked, tender 12-ounce NY Strip accompanied by grilled jumbo shrimp stuffed with lump crab meat.

As a former Baltimorean, I felt compelled to order Crab Cakes ($20.00). They were better than anything I ever tried in Maryland...beautifully prepared, with no filler and served with two sauces, Dijon mayonnaise and roasted red pepper aioli. Fresh vegetables served alongside included garlic "smashed" redskin potatoes, squash and silver queen corn.

Dominick insisted we try the homemade brownie (which he made!), with ice cream and raspberry sauce ($4.75). It was worth every fudgy calorie. Gary`s Key Lime Pie ($3.75) was served in the true Floridian style, ice cold, tangy and delicious.

This September they will also have a children`s menu and "Pelican Pots" - family meals that come in micro-waveable containers to take home and enjoy.

Pelican Fish Co. accepts most credit cards and offers take-out. Parties up to 80 can be accommodated and reservations are recommended on weekends.

Pelican Fish Co. 508 Hurffville-Crosskeys Rd. Washington Twp. 589-6969

Lunch Hours Tues. - Fri.: 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Dinner Hours Mon. - Fri.: 5 to 9:30 p.m. Sat. & Sun.: 4 to 9:30 p.m.

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Author: Ellen Kershner