AUTHOR: ARTSY CHOW ROAMER

Pick of the Month:

GOIN’ COASTAL

Most folks get lazy to drive very far out of their neighborhood to dine but those of us who reside behind the gates of Big Canoe understand that you just don’t really have any choice. Unfortunately, we are not flush with a huge number of offerings in fine dining close by.

So what are adventurous hungry people to do? Well lately we have chosen Canton as our destination to explore and for a smaller city, they have a surprising number of spots that are date night worthy eating at its best. I have told you about one of them before on this blog if in the mood for great Southern food. In this post, I wanna share a sister restaurant that has some of the best seafood around.

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN LOCATION

Located in the downtown historic district at 125 West Main, Goin’ Coastal sets an immediate cozy vibe upon entering the door. Artwork sports seafood images and someone who looks suspiciously like a young Ernest Hemingway fishing on a boat out on the water.

Patrons can choose to sit at a table or the graciously long bar in the nicely designed area open to the main dining room with contemporary lights and exposed brick walls. Or they can opt for a tall comfy booth in the main that looks into the kitchen cooking up all that wonderful seafood. Got a bigger party or want more privacy/quiet? The wine room in the back is the perfect spot for that.

The Kell family owns the joint and they want all their patrons to know that they are into sustainability when it comes to how they source the seafood they are serving. Open since 2006, they have sourced only the highest quality from farms and fisheries that they know can exist over the long term without compromising the species’ survival or the health of the ecosystem.

CLASSIC COCKTAILs

Our recent visit was for a very late lunch or an early dinner-however you choose to see it. We were seated in one of those comfy booths and decided it was a day for a signature cocktail. I leaned towards a Basil Daisy with vodka, lemon, aperol and fresh basil.

Tai One On with London gin, passion fruit, lime juice, orgeat and black rum finish was where the hubby went. Both were delicious and set us back $11 and $12 respectively. There were another eight or so choices available between $10-14 including a lovely Georgia Peach Sangria that would be the perfect match for a light seafood menu.

FIRST COURSE

We had a peppy server who was fast, efficient and effective at interesting us in the myriad of daily specials that were hand printed on the chalk board hung on the wall. You really wouldn’t have to look at a menu if you just wanted to go with the specials.

Our first choice did come from the menu as a staple that is always offered as Mussels of the Moment with the preparation changing up seasonally. Those tender sweet delights came with a piece of crunchy bread to soak up the fabulous sauce, a nice wedge of lemon and a generous sprinkling of fresh herbs.

SECOND COURSE

Next up, we went with another staple always offered on the regular menu-Lobster Bisque. So who isn’t going to pick that even if the soup of the day sounds tasty? We both agreed it was probably the best bisque we ever had. And while it ate like a more sophisticated dish, I enjoyed getting that little package of Oyster Crackers like you always got in the old seafood joints on the beach in Florida.

This dish was a great follow up to the mussels and sizable in quantity for $11. It was creamy, herby and smooth having been blended down as we most enjoy the dish-no chunks thank you. Should you want those chunks the Lobster Arancini is offered in a fried version with panko crumbs. A little shout out to Gator Tail which I haven’t seen on a menu since the days of Cafe Erehwon in Atlanta (I’m dating myself here).

THIRD COURSE

Should you decide to stay with the menu you will have some great choices like a Po’ Boy Sandwich, Shrimp and Grits, Fish Sandwich and tacos, as well as some great salad offerings that include salmon, shrimp, crab and tuna. Sides will get you cole slaw, hushpuppies, fries, ‘shrooms, collards or seasonal veggies.

Next, we chose to go off the reservation and look at the daily fish offerings on the board. While trout is a thing right now, available on a lot of menus, preparation is everything. I enjoy both the regular and steelhead versions restaurants seem to be leaning towards in trying to be sustainable-one with white meat and the other with red.

A master griller in the kitchen knows their way around this entree. Perfectly crisped edges offered texture to the tender juicy white meat of the fish that was so fresh I’m not sure it even needed the squeeze of lemon wedge offered on the side of the plate.

Their own tasty sauce was just right and fluffy cheese grits proved yet again that no matter who the chef is in the Kell’s kitchens-they know how to cook a grit. Simply some of the best prepared seafood we have had in a very long time.

dessert

We didn’t opt to try anything that day after so many courses-we just didn’t have the room. That doesn’t mean they don’t have wonderful choices like Cream Brulee, Key Lime Pie, Bread Pudding and more. There is usually a super chocolate choice or a peanut butter pie and in our past experience-nothing but excellence is in store for you.

MENU NOTES

The dinner menu is a more expanded version of the lunch and gives you the option of a variety of different ways to get your fresh fish prepared from blackened to parmesan crusted or lobster and crab topped. You’re sure to find the best way for you to get it prepared.

We asked for a taste of the Grouper Dip smoked with pecan and offered with some onion jam and fresh crostini. Oh my goodness is all I can say. This starter plate could be my dinner it is so delicious. A Gravlax Salad would also be a highly recommended choice at this restaurant.

CONCLUSION

Exploring Canton has turned out to be a very good thing. The ride down is not that bad, parking is fairly easy and the multitude of choices makes it one of my most recommended areas right now on the blog for where to eat.

If you enjoyed what you read, you might also enjoy other posts under Edible Fare. There you will find restaurant reviews, recipes, foodie tips and best spots to eat in a variety of cities. I also put emphasis on food experiences in my travel posts under Explore the World. Check out the next post from one of my adventure loving Guest Bloggers from a trip to Africa. Until next time…

Cheers!

ArtsyChowRoamer

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