Thursday, Feb. 19, 2009
That's Mr. Fish to you
The Original Mr. Fish
Shrimp and fish combo basket at Mr. Fish in Myrtle Beach. -Photo by Ashley Morris
Setting the table
Something smells fishy inside the little legendary restaurant and seafood market locals know as The Original Mr. Fish. That's a good thing. After all, the Mr. Fish mantra is, "If it smells like fish, eat it." And it's just what my gal pal and I did amidst the busy lunch crowd on our visit.
It's apparent that fish fans of the original Original Mr. Fish, which used to be located in downtown Myrtle Beach, didn't take long to hover in on its new home further north. Owner Ted Hammerman and daughter Sheina came out of the kitchen to knowingly greet practically all of their familiar clientele in suits and ties with a smile or pat on the back.
A revival of the Original Mr. Fish opened on Dec. 11 at 3401 N. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach.
We were lucky to squeeze into a tiny table for two by the fresh fish counter and cooler. The handful of other tables, as well as the stools lining the bar looking out at the front windows, were filled. Our friendly server later told us they're working on securing a city permit that would allow an outdoor patio with more seating on the side of the building - perfect when the weather warms.
Inside, a whimsical warmth radiated off the bright yellow walls and from the Chinese lantern globes hanging in the corners.
Down the hatch
It was only a few minutes' wait before our petite server welcomed us and took our order of two signature Southern sweet teas. We then dove into the fish-faring menu.
The Mr. Fish philosophy of "good food in large portions" was first tested - and easily passed - with our cups of Sheina's She-Crab soup ($4.95). The deliciously rich broth was balanced with flavor, chunks of crab and some diced veggies.
I was hankering for the Black 'n Blue Tuna Sandwich ($8.99), but decided to twist things up and order it "bunless" as a platter, with a side of fresh-cut fries and veggies of the day (a medley of yummy, sauteed zucchini and squash). The blackened, thick tuna steak was perfectly seasoned and seared, topped with crumbled, half-melted blue cheese. A dip of the tuna into a chic version of horseradish/wasabi sauce added another taste bud dimension. The fries reminded me of the boardwalk fries I'd always have to have on our summer vacations in Ocean City, Md. With a splash of some vinegar and a dash of some salt, they were melt-in-your mouth carb mania.
My lunch date went with a two-item fried combo basket of shrimp and fish ($9.99), which is also accompanied by those delightful fries and a cup of slaw. She couldn't get over how light and tasty the batter was, and said she really didn't need to gob on any cocktail sauce to make the fish more interesting.
That's because Hammerman, aka Mr. Fish, knows his fish. I'd love to go back and try the Fin & Feather special of fish and chicken (wings or tenders), the Baja Tacos (tuna, mahi or shrimp), the steam/raw bar selections, or one of the family meals to go: fish fry (whiting or flounder), combo platter options or four fish sandwiches with fries, slaw and drinks. And there's always something new (hot entrees, soup of the day, sandwiches and homemade desserts) written on the white special board.
Drinks served at Mr. Fish are non-alcoholic right now, but our server said that customers are welcome to bring their own bottle of wine or beer.
Check, please
The Original Mr. Fish is a result of Hammerman's decades of experience in the fish industry. And it shows. The seafood consultant's additional specialties include selling fresh fish retail (oysters, clams, crabmeat, tuna, octopus, squid and a school of fresh fish fillets), frozen seafood (clawmeat, snowcrab legs and king crab legs) and bait, plus on-site and mobile catering.
The Original Mr. Fish is located at 3401 N. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For additional info, visit www.mrfish.com; for delivery, call 839-3474 and for catering, call 568-3778.