Rachel's Waterside Grill, Dining on the edge.....of perfection!!
Written: Oct 27 '03 (Updated Nov 23 '05)
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: Excellent for the taste buds
Cons: small deck area.
The Bottom Line: If you can get a table outside in good weather wonderful, however, don't wait for the weather to change. Get to this place now. The chef has special seasonal dishes.
|
|
|
| popsrocks's Full Review: Rachel's Waterside Grill |
My wife and I have been enjoying restaurants in Freeport from time even before we married over 33 years ago. Freeport Nautical Mile has many places we have enjoyed. There was a place called the Ranger that we used to enjoy for their incredible burgers. To our dismay it closed a number of years ago.
The good news is that another place came in and now it's a favorite among the many choices we have on the canal.
This place has a menu with basic seafood entrees cooked to perfection. More important is its daring into other fine dishes. This chef is the best!!
ZAGAT RATED
Just to give you a quick introduction let me give you the words from ZAGAT 2001-2002 . Please excuse all the parentheses. That's their summary description.
"Anchored" on Freeport's Nautical Mile this "charming" "waterfront grill" is perched "right on the canal", helmed by an "imaginative chef" who's "a cut above the rest"; expect "gourmet fish dishes" "really meaty crab cakes" and other "fresh" New American seafood specialties at "reasonable prices" best enjoyed in clement weather out on the "beautiful deck".
RACHEL'S, Outside on the CANAL
The Nautical Mile does have quite a few places to chose from. Here are a few reasons why we like it in reference to its location.
About halfway down the canal the restaurant is on the left and it's own parking lot is on the right directly across the street. They also have an "accessible" ramp that goes up to the slightly elevated place.
The first thing I like about Rachel's is that it is on the water. Some places are across the street. Rachel's has a small outside deck overlooking the canal. It has about twelve of so tables that are comfortable for two and a bit tight for four yet doable. The place sports a few umbrellas and has a few flower boxes with some simple plants.
I love sitting outside as the sun comes down later on a summers day. Many of the party boats come by and the music can be heard and the revelers usually send a wave of their hands as they pass the restaurant. Fishing boats going out after night Blues are also passing by at about 7PM.
There are times of the year that gnats can be a problem at dusk. We live in Freeport and are always prepared with a little DEET or other kind of insect repellents if ever needed.
Another reason why we like the outdoors is because right next door, in a very popular place by the name of Otto's Sea Grill, is live music in the evening and into the night.
My wife and I, being in our mid-fifties, enjoy the cover tunes of rock and roll music from the 60's and 70's. They also play more contemporary rock and roll and sometimes a mix of some very cool Reggae music.
The music is at a perfect sound level. Not blasting where you cannot talk to each other yet, loud enough to get a feel of a party atmosphere nearby.
RACHEL'S inside
The Bar
As soon as you enter one hears the noise from the busy bar. It seats fifteen to twenty with a back up one and two deep on weekend evenings. The mixed drinks at the bar is Rachel's only weakness. We have ordered Margaritas and such with specific instructions many times. They seem to be presented as mostly mix.
On the other hand they do have some good beers and, after years of trying their mixed drinks unsuccessfully, we just order something on draft. I usually have the Sam Adams Boston Lager. Right now they have Warsteiner's Octoberfest and Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. They have others and also some good wines.
The Dining Area
This isn't a huge dining room. They have about twenty or so tables inside the nautical themed restaurant with a few ceiling fans. They do have the A/C pumping on hot Summer days. You have a canal view from the window tables, not much from the others set away from the windows. If you would like to get a look at this place, check out their web site. It's under details. If you are lucky you may even find a special way of saving some money if you decide to eat there.
If you are interested in possibly saving even more money, email me.
This is generally a busy place. It's too busy to say it has a romantic feel inside. You will have to wait for a table on Spring, Summer and Fall weekend evenings for about 15 to 45 minutes. IT'S WORTH IT!! I suggest trying the place midweek if your calender allows it.
During lunch time the place is busy yet, can "get em in and out" if need be. My wife is an educator in Freeport. We have, on occasion, run down to the canal for a quick bite on her free time. When we let the waitpersons know we are on a time limit, they get things out in a very timely fashion.
Another small area to dine out back
In the better weather there is a semi-enclosed area where they set up a few tables. It's part of a deck. It's not the finest looking area but it does have some advantages. The tables are all on the water and it is quieter than the main room. If things are just right, this is a good place to enjoy each other if out on a romantic evening. No, nothing under the table. I'm just talking about good conversation without a lot of distractions.
We did encounter a bit of noise pollution in this room one evening. Rachel's had some music from their speakers while the live music of the place next door was equal in volume. We asked that Rachel's turn off their music and they did. The help and management here really try to make your experience a good one.
A quick note. One evening we had a particularly noisy group next to us and we asked to be reseated elsewhere. The place was crowded and we did have to wait a bit more time for a different location. The manager bought us a beer during our waiting time. No, he doesn't know that I write reviews for epinions. I suppose he does know our faces from the many times we have been there. The guy is just a good guy who like to do his best. He is hands on.
The "other" rooms
In all the years I have been to this place I don't believe I have never been to the mens room. I can't tell you much about it. I do know that everything else about the restaurant is well maintained. I believe I am safe to say that the tidiness and cleanliness continue into the rest rooms.
RACHEL'S The MENU
There are other places on the canal with nicer outside decks, live music, better all round views, happening atmosphere, and better mixed drinks. None of them are better when it comes to creativity in cooking.
My wife and I have come to this place many times alone, many times with guests, and even set up a Mother's Day Brunch with a party of over twenty. We are always comfortable recommending the place for its food.
Appetizers
You can always be sure that the "regulars" you find on most seafood menus, that are also served here, are going to be perfect. They have fried calamari, Baked clams, Mussels, and bowls of steamers. I've had them all and can say "Give them a try".
What I highly recommend at this place are the dishes that are not quite as popular on other restaurant menus. Things like Blackened Shrimp and Fresh Mozzarella or the Japanese Tuna "Nachos" are wonderful.
I haven't tried their Crab Cakes but Zagat said they are good.
Most of the appetizers are in the $8-$11 range.
PASTAS
They have some incredibly delicious pastas on the menu. The lobster and seafood is terrific. They also offer Smoked Chicken Penne, Shrimp and Asparagus, Calamari and Mussels, Blackened Chicken and my absolute favorite Cajun Pasta. It is fantastic! It has " craw fish, shrimp, Anquillo sausage, mushrooms and green onions tossed in a spicy Creole Cream over Penne. I'm salivating thinking of it!
FISH DISHES
Being right on the docks, Rachel's can get some of its fish hours after it is caught. We are also blessed in Freeport with being just a forty five minute ride from Manhattan's Fulton Fish Market. The fish at Rachel's is always incredibly fresh.
Though the offerings can change day to day you can just about always find Salmon, Scallops, Shrimp, Cod Fish, Mahi Mahi, Trout, Sword fish, and lobster on the menu.
The chef offers five different ways for you to order your entree. He can do it Sauteed, Pan seared, Oven roasted, Oriental Grilled, or Blackened.
I have had the pan seared and blackened a number of times. Excellent, especially the sword fish! My wife has had the Oriental grilled and loved it.
Most fish dishes are $18-$25. The lobster is more.
MORE ENTREES
I should say much more. He has sauteed chicken, an incredibly delicious Seafood Risotto,( a favorite of mine0, Maine lobster, Steaks, Shrimp and Sea Scallops, and another favorite of mine Pecan Roasted Salmon.
There is much more than this. You will have to check out the place to see more of his offerings. I just don't have the time to give them all to you.
When seated with your menu, you will be given some bread, butter and great flat crackers to hold you off while deciding.
LUNCH
I mentioned earlier that my wife and I stop by here for lunch. Rachel's does have burgers, wraps, and club sandwiches. These are in the $6-$10 price range. They are all a terrific value.
The best of all is their salads. The chef has about eight or so choices. They are all beautifully presented as are all the dishes that come from the kitchen. Care is shown on all the appetizers, entrees and desserts.
My favorite salad, and I have had it three or four times , is the Grilled Shrimp. This plate of greens has perfectly cooked shrimp. They are large, tasty, and tender. The plate also includes pecans, Vermont cheddar, and grilled granny apples. On top of this is frizzled sweet potatoes all dressed with a Maple Mustard Balsamic Vinaigrette.
This beautifully prepared dish with its many flavors, textures, and temperatures is a multi-sense delight. Those who have been reading my reviews know that I am basically a meat and potato man. Not at Rachel's, this guy has me trying everything and all that I have ever had there is sensational!
DESSERTS
Sorry but one thing we rarely ever have here is dessert. They do have some fine offerings and coffee, tea, or after dinner drinks. We just don't stick around.
We happen to go to other places on the canal for dessert if we are inclined to have it. The Nautical Mile has many other restaurants. It also has a few little places we like to slowly make our way to while taking in the sites if the canal and all it offers. We love finishing a night at Ralph's Italian Ices or Ro's Ice cream Parlor. We have on occasion walked over to a place by the name of Cafe By the Sea for dessert, coffee, and live entertainment. If you have time have dessert at Rachel's or check out the canals other places.
YEARLY SPECIALS
The chef, from what I once heard, has a German background. I will confirm this the next time we go. It won't be long because annually at this time of year Rachel's offers it's Oktoberfest. It's going on right now. My wife, who also has German background, loves German dishes. They are wonderful here. The owner sets up a fixed menu with a few choices of appetizers, entrees, choice of accompanying drink and dessert. We will be going in the next week or so. I'll give an update soon. Hey, maybe we'll see you there.
Freeport destinations
Freeport's Nautical Mile A great destination with dozens of fine restaurants.
The Crab Shack
Cafe By the Sea Dining and wonderful desserts. Some fun entertainment too!
Otto's Sea Grill Fine dining or partying on the canal
Bracco's Clam and Oyster Bar
Water Lilly's Waterside Cafe
Jeremy's Ale House
Pier 95 A very fine Portuguese-Mediterranean Restaurant on the Hudson Canal just minutes from the Nautical Mile
Montana's pizzeria and restaurant Good Italian food near Nautical Mile
Ralph's Famous Italian IcesThey are on Freeport's Nautical Mile and elsewhere across the Island
Freeport's, South Street Seaport
Long Island Some love it, some don't
Recommended:
Yes
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Notes, Tips or Menu Recommendations Try anything on the menu that you have not seen or tried before. I have never found a wrong choice.
|
|
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.