Banging for Bonefish

My wife hates fish. I used to hate fish too.

Over the past year and a half however, I have developed a unique craving for a finely cooked fish. Most restaurants have a "decent" fish offering, however Bonefish out shines them all.

My first visit to Bonefish was over a year ago and we sat at a table in their "snappy casual" atmosphere. At this time I was still afraid of fish, and my wife refused to come near them (I'm not sure what we were doing at Bonefish). Out of downright fear of the deep ocean we both ordered steak - which was fantastic.

In addition to the steak we also ordered Bang Bang Shrimp (I wasn't scared of shrimp and since my wife was, I got to eat them all). Have you heard of this shrimp phenomenon? If not, you have not lived. Words cannot describe it's pure and utter beauty. The presentation is outstanding and the taste is one of a kind. It burned pleasure into my food soul and ever since this visit I have been yearning to go to Bonefish again.

My wife refused. "I don't like fish!" she claims. "They don't have anything I like!" she reminds me. Meanwhile I weep in the corner, as my one true food desire is kept from me.

Last weekend, I got lucky.

It was our one year wedding anniversary and some how I managed to convince her that we needed to celebrate at Bonefish. I called ahead and we waited for a booth. As we walked to sit down I looked around and soaked in the atmosphere and thought to myself, "Dang I'm Classy". It's something about the low lights and stylish servers that makes everyone in the restaurant feel like they are a bit....fantastic.

We took a long time to order as I wanted to make sure my wife ordered something she would like. In the back of my mind I knew that it all came down to this meal, this moment, this restaurant. If I ever wanted to eat at Bonefish again it was imperative that my wife loves her meal. In order to ensure my success I pushed her to create her own meal, which thankfully our amazing server agreed to. It was a pasta dish with grilled chicken, and some other vegetables.

I went off the beaten path, per our servers' suggestion, and ordered the rainbow trout with a side of Au Gratin potatoes. Allow me to pause here and remind you that we came to Bonefish for the Bang Bang Shrimp. What appetizer do you think we got? Not Bang Bang. At first I was saddened but, we ended up ordering Cajun Chicken Egg Rolls which changed my life. They were large, spicy and full flavored.

Once the food arrived I think my heart skipped a beat. The rainbow trout was as big as the plate. The flavors were overwhelming and the Au gratin potatoes were melting in my mouth.

I wiped the plate clean. My wife did too.

Have I mentioned that the service was some of the best I have ever received in a restaurant in my life? Our server, Jasmine was attentive, knowledgeable, friendly, and efficient. The way all servers should be.

Go to Bonefish for four reasons.

1. Bang Bang Shrimp
2. You feel classy when you eat there
3. Really amazing service
4. The best fish on the planet.

Since this last experience, my wife has lifted her restraining order and we are now allowed to go to Bonefish.

Bring on the Bang Bang!