Pier 95, A Five Star Dining Experience
Written: Jun 07 '05 (Updated Jan 25 '06)
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Pros: Extraordinary grilled seafood dish with half-a-lobster, clams, mussels, scallops and shrimp over saffron rice.
Cons: As expected gets busy on weekends. Go during the week for a wonderful dining experience.
The Bottom Line: Freeport's Nautical-Mile has many open-air-seafood restaurants and trendy-eateries. Though Pier-95 happens to be on the Hudson canal, just minutes away, the dining experience is of the best in Freeport.
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| popsrocks's Full Review: Pier 95 |
Sometimes you walk into a restaurant expecting the usual fare and dining experience, but once in a while, if you are fortunate, you can have an extraordinary venture that far exceeds anything you may have foreseen. That was the opportune occurrence I had this last Monday night as I celebrated my daughters high school graduation over dinner with my wife and another daughter.
We had been going to Pier 95 for over twenty years until it went to new owners about four years ago. We followed the original owners to their new restaurant on the nearby Nautical Mile of Freeport. We never went back to Pier 95 a business with new owners and cuisine but continuing to bare the same name.
Pier 95, the Atmosphere
From the outside this Portuguese-Mediterranean restaurant hasn't changed much over the last few decades sporting a New England Nautical theme. Inside it is now a brighter restaurant than what it had been and the large windows all around overlooking the Hudson Canal Marina and bays of the barrier beaches in the background affords both a romantic setting for those in love and a festive environment for groups looking to enjoy each others company.
One inside room has a grand piano and the feel of the dining rooms is that of restrained elegance with white cloth tables topped with fresh flowers and comfortable wide backed chairs. I recommend sitting at waters edge inside. There was no music when we were there. I did read that they do have live music on particular evenings. I'm sure that would add to the charming surroundings of this restaurant. For those who boat, you can pull right up to the dock and walk in. There is also a small deck for dining al fresco.
The Bar
Before getting to those rooms and the deck you do pass the marble topped bar that is noted for making excellent drinks. They also have a fine wine list and from what I have read perhaps the best in Portuguese wines on all Long Island.
We ordered Caipirinhas a Brazilian drink we have had in other restaurants. The tender made an absolutely perfect mix that has Cachaca as its base with sliced and mashed limes, sugar and he also added triple-sec. It was excellent, even better than a derivative of the same drink we had while in Mexico's Playa del Carmen where many Brazilians go on holiday. That drink was a Caipirissima that added white rum to the Cachaca/lime/sugar mix. The drink started some lively conversation and the bar tender came into the dining room discussing the drink with us.
Service
The conversation continued on as we discussed a combination of menu selections of this Portuguese restaurant that had touches of Spanish and Italian influences, the tenders nationality (he is from Spain) and trips my daughter recently took to that country and places for my other daughter to visit when she goes next year on a school trip. He went as far as getting a map and then drawing out directions for us
While this conversation was going on, we were enjoying those drinks and every detail of our dining experience was being taken care of in an unobtrusive way. The breads that were served were excellent and I enjoyed the bowl of olives that accompanied the basket. Throughout the dinner I have to say all was perfect. Everything came out in well timed fashion and just the right amount of attention was given to our needs.
Our waiter was particularly interested in knowing we understood everything that was offered and took extra time to note the specials of the evening. We felt as if we were old friends and patrons of the restaurant. The staff knew exactly how to treat people.
The Menu
One of the specials was a grilled shell fish mix over rice, about $26.00. My wife and I each ordered it and it was heavenly! The half lobster, clams, mussels, scallops and shrimp were each perfectly cooked and prepared. We both noted how "clean and fresh" the food was. Each type of shellfish had its own distinct full flavor over a rice that was tasty and held the flavours of its accompaniments. After it was brought to the table our waiter drizzled a drawn butter with garlic over our prepared dish. Oh my, was that good! The portions were very satisfying, even for this big eater.
My girls both started with a lobster bisque, $8.00 that has a tomato base. They raved about it and after my small tasting sample, I agreed.
My wife and I shared a salad that was definitely large enough for two, in fact the one serving was brought out on two dishes that were more than enough for each of us. The cheeses, pignoli nuts and spinach were a good combination with the light dressing that allowed all the flavours to come out.
The girls shared a Paella with Lobster, Shrimp, Scallops, Clams and Mussels, about $25.00. It too was delicious and generous in portion. The restaurant did charge a $5.00 plate-sharing fee.
Also on the menu for us to try some day soon were some particularly good looking and sounding dishes. One was the Grilled Chilean Sea Bass with Artichokes & Cilantro that my wife was interested in and I have to try their Grilled Calamari appetizer served with Piri Piri sauce that was described as being spicy with red pepper. I've never tried that at all.
If you prefer meats maybe the grilled Rack of Lamb, Sirloin Steaks or a Roasted Filet-Mignon with "Madeira" Sauce would suffice. Everything that I saw being brought out to the tables smelled good and was meticulously presented. One could tell that the chef was proud of his creations and it mattered how they looked.
We did not have desserts but there was a full list. We went down to the Nautical Mile to have Ralph's Italian Ices afterward. The coffee was rich and a fine brandy to finish it all off was perfect.
Closing Thoughts
It's too bad we waited four years to try this place under its new ownership. The chefs are excellent in the way they prepared and presented the different foods we tried. As good as that was, the waitstaff was charming, helpful and very friendly while still maintaining a professionalism about them. We went on a week night after the end of a busy festival weekend. The restaurant was relatively quiet but that was to our advantage. Ha, we never would have had maps drawn on a Saturday night, but then again, this place has a staff that is very attentive and really wants you to be happy. Perhaps he still would have made the time to help out.
There are more dishes I am now anxious to try out at Pier 95. I'll update in a couple of weeks if I'm fortunate enough to get to the Freeport restaurant again.
Freeport's Nautical Mile A great destination with dozens of fine restaurants.
Nautical Mile Restaurants and Attractions
The Crab Shack
Cafe by the Sea Good menu and great desserts. Fun entertainment too!
RACHEL'S Waterside Grill Fine Fare on Freeport's Nautical Mile
Otto's Sea Grill On the Nautical Mile. Right on the water.
Bracco's Clam and Oyster Bar
Water Lilly's Waterside Cafe
Ralph's Italian Ices a favorite on the canal.
Jeremy's Ale House - Freeport
Up north just a bit.
Montana's Pizzeria and Restaurant Good Italian food near Nautical Mile
Raimo's Pizza and Restaurant
Hunan Palace
The South Street Seaport @ Freeport a simple and very informative maritime museum.
Recommended:
Yes
Notes, Tips or Menu Recommendations Try to get here during the week. The personal service afforded then brings this from a four star to five star experience.
Best Suited For: Friends
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