Delicious Fish Dishes abound at McCormick & Schmick's Grille, Anaheim

When Dorothy and I finally made it to McCormick & Schmick's Grille, in the Anaheim Gardenwalk, we were greeted warmly by the Laurie, the hostess. Dorothy had read about their Ten for Ten lunches. Fortunately, they served them on Sundays too.

Our server, Katie, who normally works as a bartender, was prompt and extremely helpful. She was a real delight. We got lucky too in that David Moranville, their manager, came by as he checked on his patrons. He graciously answered lots of questions including satisfying my curiosity about the architecture.

View slideshow: Anaheim McCormick & Schmick's Grille serves delicious seafood and deserts

Atmosphere and Architecture

I sort of recognized it but couldn’t place it exactly. When David told us that it was based on Irish pubs, that clicked in my memory. Obviously I haven’t been in that many Irish pubs. In my defense, this is the most upscale ‘pub’ I can recall being in for a couple of decades.

It’s spacious with lovely wood beams and huge Tiffany chandeliers. It even has booths called “snugs” because of the curtains that can be pulled for privacy. And the bar is in the back, to the right of the entrance.

Fresh Ingredients Include Fresh Brewed Iced Tea

McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants take great pride in fresh ingredients and quality. I’m grateful they carry that attitude through to the iced tea. Their fresh brewed iced tea was delicious. I’m grateful too that Katie kept our beverages refilled.

New Menus Daily

Katie was patient with us on our ordering too. Despite McCormick & Schmick's Grille printing up fresh lunch menus and fresh dinner menus daily because the fresh catch changes daily, the menus are extensive.

Walnut Mixed Greens Salad with Balsamic Dressing, $6.90

Dorothy and I both had Walnut Mixed Greens Salads. The greens were crisp, the walnuts sweet and crunchy. Dorothy enjoyed the Bleu Cheese on hers. I asked them to hold the cheese on mine as most milk products affect my sinuses. We were both delighted with our salads.

Rigatoni Bolanaise, $10

Dorothy ordered this off the Ten for Ten Menu. The Rigatoni Bolanaise had ground pork and ground beef with tomato, bell pepper, and onion over pasta - it had exceptional flavor. She was especially impressed with the fact that the pasta was hot.

Seafood Stew, $10

The Seafood Stew is also on the Ten for Ten Menu. I don’t normally think of myself as a big eater of soups. However, I have a soft spot for seafood stew, probably because it contains shell fish which I love as well as a rich, flavorful broth. I especially like that the broth is clear so I avoid issues with milk. I thought McCormick & Schmick's Grille’s Fish Stew was delicious. They make their broth with white wine and flavor it with tomato and fennel. It was packed with firm shrimp, mussels, clams, and “fin-fish.”

Desserts

Dorothy and I both indulged in desserts.

Warm Bread Pudding, $6.95

McCormick & Schmick's Grille’s Dessert Menu describes it as “buttery egg bread pudding, apricot glaze, crème anglaise and caramel.” Because Dorothy loves bread pudding, she is particular about how it’s made. This one was so good that she cleaned her plate. It’s rare for her to do that by the end of a meal.

Duo Seasonal Sorbet, $7.95

I got the mango and raspberry sorbets in a chocolate dipped almond basket which was made with toasted almonds. The basket was formed with a thin brittle, like peanut brittle except made with almonds. It came with fresh berries. I try to avoid dairy though, admittedly, I did not ask. The brittle probably was made with milk.

This was such a delightful treat. The sorbet was light yet sweet. The chocolate dipped almond basket was very sweet like any candy and crisp so I could snap off pieces to eat. I enjoyed both the crunchy texture and the flavor.

(Disclosure note: The manager felt that they took too long getting us our desserts so he comp’d them. I wrote my comments, however, based on what I would have said had I paid for them. We are grateful, though, any time a restaurant holds high standards for service. I make an effort to return again and again in appreciation for exceptional customer service.)

Wonderful Service

As I mentioned above, the service was superb, friendly and attentive. We got excellent recommendations and answers to our questions. When it came time for dessert, Katie recommended Warm Bread Pudding. The favorite of manager David is the Dark Chocolate Bag.

McCormick & Schmick's Grille takes pride in serving more than seafood

While McCormick & Schmick's Grille is a fresh seafood restaurant, they also serve “aged steaks, poultry, pastas and more. At the bar, they serve food featuring fresh ingredients and hand-crafted, blender-free cocktails using fresh squeezed juices.

Dorothy and I loved this dining experience. It contained everything necessary for a relaxing lunch: delightful atmosphere, great food, and wonderful service. We look forward to returning soon, perhaps for dinner next time. This is definitely a five star favorite.

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McCormick & Schmick's Grille