Ok, so I had this wonderful blog written and as I was copying and pasting some general information into this hot little page, everything got deleted. I have not been able to get it back, so I'm starting from scratch, which is just a little irritating today. I will do my best to improve upon the perfection I wrote earlier! LOL.
First, mad props to Team USA and the athletes that made this Winter Olympics so much fun to watch and follow. The gold-medal hockey match between the USA and Canada did not disappoint, although I would have preferred a different outcome. It amazes me how the Olympics seem to become more and more of a spectacle, but I love it. Vancouver did a great job, although the closing ceremonies were a little weird.
Enough of that, let's talk fish!
Enough of that, let's talk fish!
I did want to say very quickly that after being sick last week and with Ann being in Costa Rica, the blog was a little bit different, I want to give Dionne and Andy Groth a huge thank you for filling in last week, as it is really important to keep this going. Also, to all of you who comment, thank you, it's awesome to know that my little opinion is getting some attention. I hope you continue to enjoy the blog and visit the restaurants we love!
This past Friday we ventured to Merton (just outside Hartland) to On the Rocks Pub and Grill. I've been to this place once before, but just for drinks, so I was excited to check out their dining room and have heard great things about their food. I am going to stop rambling for a moment to give you Ann's addition to this blog and I will follow up!
I was glad to be back to Fish Fry Friday…I must admit I was feeling a little empty not having enjoyed the company of my friends and fish fries for TWO WEEKS. After deciding to spend our Friday workout night at Yoga we went to Merton for our fish fry. I realized as we pulled into town that in the 28 years I have lived in Hartland I can’t remember ever eating dinner in Merton!?!?!? Well, I hope that all places in Merton serve up as good of a meal as the one we had on Friday! We each started with a bowl of clam chowder which was delicious...I am sucker for chowder ☺ The fish fry we ordered was the Potato Crusted Chive and Cheddar Cod. I opted for the potato pancakes because I love potato pancakes, especially good ones! When our food came not only did it look delicious but it tasted fantastic too!!!! It really was so good that it did not take long for it to be off our plates and in our bellies. The potato crusted chive and cheddar part of the fish was simply brilliant. It added a flavor to the fish that was unexpected…We really enjoyed our fish fry and I think I speak for all we I say we will visit this fish fry again!!! 9.5/10
I have to agree with Ann's sentiments about the Fry at On the Rocks. The front door gave way to a pretty crowded bar and we were a little apprehensive to stay barring the amount of people, however, as we ventured back the dining room was free and clear (one of the advantages of going out to eat late). We were immediately greeted by a smiling face offering to take our drink order. Upon receiving our cocktails, we immediately ordered.
I know I have taken a little bit of flack for not ordering the "traditional" fish fry, but this Potato Crusted Cheddar and Chive Cod ($12.95) looked way too good to pass up. Any time there is a unique flavor combination in breading, I want to try it and I'm sorry if that is troublesome to a few readers, but boy, am I glad tried this entree. Side note: On the Rocks also offered Fried/Baked Cod ($9.95) and Fried/Baked Perch ($11/95).
We started the meal with some average clam chowder, my guess it was a food service brand, and while it was served hot, was lacking a bit in flavor. Shortly after finishing our cups of soup, the entrees arrived. And like Ann had said prior, this dish was amazing. I decided to get the baked potato with my meal, and like most frys, this dish was complimented by a piece of rye bread and coleslaw. The sides, again were average, but this is the last time I'll use that word to describe our dinner.
The crust on this fish was a superbly blended mixture of potato, cheddar and chive. Although the breading was a little heavy, it wasn't too much, probably because the flavor was unique. After breaking through the crust with my fork I was greeted with a perfectly cooked piece of cod, which is difficult to master when your breading is a little thick. The combination was amazing and I certainly would recommend On the Rocks for your Friday dining excursion.
I will give the meal an 8 out of 10 (just because of the lackluster sides and soup).
Next week Ann and I will be out of town, and the blog will continue after our March 12 fry! I'm heading to a family weekend, so you might get a peep out of me after I go to dinner with my parents at Blanck's. I cannot wait for some yummy haddock again!
Until the next blog, I hope you all have a great week. Eat well and hug someone you love!
Thanks girls. I have also heard good things about On The Rocks but not ventured there yet. I will now. I can't think of too many instances where cheese & fish compliment well but this sounds fabulous. My better half(Heidi)prefers a little food with her cheese so OTR should be right up her alley.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that you weren't upset Cabby about my non-traditional choice! :-) You and Heidi will love this fish!
ReplyDeleteOMG - you can go there if you wish to wait forever for a little service - the fish is not worth waiting at least an 1/2 hour to even see a person & good luck getting a 2nd drink unless you go to the bar & get it yourself - not worth it!......
ReplyDeleteWell, In response to anonymous above, I seriously LOVE OTR's fish fry! I think that it is the best in the area. I would highly suggest the perch with their homemade potato pancakes. Very tasty and will definitely patron them again.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I are new to this area and earlier in the day we stopped for a cold brew. The bar was quaint and cute and had a casual, comfortable atmosphere. Noting that they had a fish fry with potato pancakes, we ventured back that night to try it out. We both ordered the deep fried cod with rye bread and coleslaw. My husband ordered the potato pancakes and I ordered the chive & onion french fries. We must've misread the menu because we both thought we read that a side salad or potato salad was included. When we got our bill, the side salad was extra at $3.50 ea. It was yummy topped with cheddar cheese, olives, tomatoes and cucumber but we definitely would not have ordered this had we known it was extra. The fish fry was plenty to eat. We were disappointed by the potato pancakes. They were very bland with a consistency more of mashed potato pancakes. Extra seasoning/spices was in order for this recipe, per my husband's and my opinion. The chive/onion french fries were very good. The fish was ok, but a little on the dry side and also lacking flavor to the batter. The rye bread and coleslaw were awesome. The rye bread was served slightly toasted and warm and the butter was soft and spreadable. The coleslaw had a hint of horseradish flavor and I found that to be yummy. Our waitress was good and served us promptly and courteously.
ReplyDeleteDear Anonymous, Do you have any other fish fry experiences. I love your comment, would like to know more about your dining in Lake Country. Shoot me an e-mail. Bethie72@hotmail.com
ReplyDeletefood is awewsome try the chx fett pza fantastic. the big girl bartender named Jen service sucks, she has personal issues, just get passed her. Everyone else is awesome .and so is the food.
ReplyDeleteThe potato crusted cod is a frozen product, they don't bread it themselves. Their pizza crust is also a frozen product, they simply just add their canned sauce, and the toppings and call it homemade. Burgers aren't fresh meat, its a frozen product. The people that come into this bar are mostly young trouble makers who completely destroy this place, they also can't tell the difference between good food because they are all overserved.
ReplyDelete