Occupying the digs where the former Red Star Tavern was located in the Geneva Commons, Big Fish Grille touts itself as providing the freshest fish in the Midwest. It opened back in early November of 2010 to some pretty good reports in the local press.
“Out of” Fish Used for Fish & Chips — on Friday?
Lauren and I had visited Big Fish Grille on one other occasion, late in November of last year and not long after the place had opened. That experience was not particularly satisfying. I honestly felt that even bad press was something I was not interested in giving, and I therefore never wrote of our meal there. My main complaint was that Big Fish — on that visit — was out of several of the daily specials listed on the menu. It was a Friday afternoon and they were out of the fish used for Fish and Chips? Really?! And several other items we asked about as well.
It was not the kind of thing I had expected at a new venue in town. Our server had said to us: “The shipment is supposed to be coming in later this afternoon if you’d like to come back.” So I wrote it off to being the new kid on the block and needing to work out some bugs. Figuring five months was sufficient to iron out those bugs, I convinced Lauren to make a return visit. Not something I normally do… But sometimes you just have to say: “what the heck!”
Seemed Like a Good Start…
On this occasion, it was 6:45 pm, a time I usually figure to be prime dinner time. There were perhaps four tables occupied in the main seating area (those tables were covered with white cloths), and another three in the bar area (those tables were barren, save for napkin-wrapped silver and a salt & pepper set. However, we decided to sit in the bar area. A server approached our table, smiled and asked if we had been to the Grille before. I said that we had. She offered a brief explanation about the menu and then asked if we would care for a cocktail. Dressed in black pants, a pressed white shirt, black vest and a white apron, her appearance was very professional and that seemed like a good start.
Good starts are not always followed by good results — something I learned quickly in baseball. Take, for instance, the good start the Cubs had in the 1984 playoffs, and again in… Oh, never mind. Lauren ordered a glass of Chardonnay (the Hess she preferred was priced a bit on the high side @ $9.50 a glass, so she went with a second choice). I asked for vodka on the rocks (somehow I couldn’t stand the thought of an $11 Grey Goose — kind of treating me like a foul fly ball snagged by Cubs fan Steve Bartman in 2003). I looked at the menu — a study in econ 101 — and noticed that Blue Point oysters were tagged at $2.75… each (the price-demand thing?). That annoying rattle I heard several months ago had returned once again.
The Cork In Sosa’s Bat
A sample of three types of oysters (value: $2.75, $2.75 and $2.50, or $8) could be had for $7.00 — a whopping $1 savings off the full price. I asked about getting three Blue Points (value: $8.25) for $7. Reply: “They are $2.75 each.” The cork in Sosa’s bat has been exposed. I did try some — just to see — and they were quite good. (I would have to “stop short” of saying “they were spectacular”) But at $2.75 each, even George Soros would complain about the price.
Dinner was simply… just OK. Lauren’s Salmon Endive Salad ($10) had nine endive leaves surrounding some overcooked salmon that was placed atop the equivalent of a Greek salsa (way too many olives and capers, mixed with feta, cucumbers and tomatoes, all diced in salsa-size bits) that was long on salt and oil but way short on lettuce and flavor. My Sautéed Whitefish ($18) was very good, but salty, too. It was interesting to note that the garlic mashed potatoes were very hot in places (same as the fish) but almost cold in others, almost as if the microwave was malfunctioning that evening…
The one saving grace was the Salmon Crostini appetizer ($8). Four, large-ish toast points were topped with a healthy portion of salmon, capers and onions. The flavor was good and very satisfying… as good as the game before the 7th inning in October of 1984 when a routine ground ball dribbled between the legs of Cubs 1st baseman Leon “Bull” Durham… But I digress.
Not Swimming Well in the Pond
Service (except for the oyster moment) was pretty good, but the overall experience (except for the Crostinti) did not match with the prices. They were out of several items — specials — again and, fresh seafood or not, I can only give Big Fish Grille Three Zins. The emptiness of the restaurant during prime dining hours only confirms that Big Fish is not swimming well in the pond…
Your Table is Waiting…
Ralph Pancetta
Big Fish Grille was located at 1602 Commons Drive in Geneva, IL. The venue that currently occupies this space is Hacienda Real. Hacienda has locations in both Geneva and Yorkville and specialize in authentic, fresh Mexican food.
Lauren’s Links
- Geneva Commons – with over 80 stores and restaurants, one could spend a whole day here
- OntheFox.com – learn more about Geneva, IL
