I’ve really been trying to eat sensibly since Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner. Unfortunately for that plan, my mom suggested going out for seafood, and I clearly have no will power. Diana’s Oyster Bar and Grill has a good reputation and we’d had their oysters at a charity event before. When we went this past Tuesday, the dining room was full (mind you it is a small dining room – around 10 tables) and there were people on the patio. There were also a few larger groups of diners, so I had high hopes.
I ordered the tomato bisque with crab to start, crab cake and the grilled and butterflied branzino. My party finished shared the red and white poached pear with blue cheese, candied walnuts and balsamic reduction.
Tomato Bisque with Crab
Crab Cake… unfortunately it wasn’t “Cakes”
The meal started off well. The tomato bisque had a great consistency and colour, the seasoning was bold, and the crab gave it the added saltiness that the soup needed. However, I thought that as you continued to eat it, the seasoning overpowered the crab and it got lost in the dish. The crab cake was a winner – it was moist and perfectly dense with a nice golden crust. I only wish that there was a second one. I was slightly disappointed that there was only one on the plate at a $10 price point.
Grilled Branzino with Fresh Vegetables
Potato Crusted Halibut
I really enjoyed the vegetables on my entree. It was a standard mix, but the addition of beets was a nice and pleasant touch. The fish was ok. I wish it was more buttery, but it had a great sear and texture. I do have to mention that my mom ordered the potato crusted halibut and it was the driest piece of fish I’d eaten in a long time. It looked so plump when it came out, but it just fell apart. I felt duped by its appearance… DUPED!
Poached Pear Dessert with blue cheese, balsamic reduction, maple & honey roasted pecans
The poached pear wasn’t a highlight at all. I felt like it wasn’t cooked enough, as both pears had a lingering vinegar flavour. That’s about it.
The meal started on a high, but gradually fell as the night went on. For the price point, and the reputation, I was definitely expecting better. Their oysters are extremely delicious, but I’d much rather go to Rodney’s Oyster House instead.
Address:
2105 Lawrence Ave E
Scarborough, ON M1R 2Z4
Telephone:
416.288.1588
iEat, iGeek, iConquer 