52 Tables

An Evening Meal Recalling Fond New England Memories (and others)

Table 1: Jo, Donna and Don at Eddie V's

Any time family gets together you inevitably start recalling memories past. This seems to be especially true as we grow older. Past memories become more cherished and are often the foundation for a few new memories in the making. This evening was no exception.

Maine Lobster and Shrimp Bisque

Eddie V’s Prime Seafood is just as the name suggests, a seafood restaurant. Mom, a born and raised Texan was swiftly transplanted to New England in the early 1960s shortly after marrying Dad, who is originally from upstate New York. Mom quickly fell in love with New England fare, and in particular lobster and clams. While Eddie V’s didn’t have live Maine, let alone New Hampshire, lobster on the menu, they do offer Maine Lobster and Shrimp Bisque, and thus this story.

Mom loves to eat lobster. As she started making friends in New Hampshire, they quickly learned just how much she enjoyed this crustacean. One Sunday, she recalls as “Six Lobster Sunday,” in which she ate six lobsters. Following church, she was invited over to Mrs. Eaton’s house, and the first two lobsters. Several hours after that, Mom was invited over to Eileen Smith’s house, and the second two lobsters. Mom didn’t have the heart to tell Eileen she had just eaten two lobsters earlier (I’m not sure should wanted to either; this was like eating chocolate, almost). And, later in the day, one more meal with good friends Sarah and Warren Silvernail and two more lobsters! Needless to say, Mom got, and loved, the Maine Lobster Bisque. Said it truly brought back so many wonderful New England memories.

Dad and the "Colossal Shrimp Cocktail"

The conversation quickly shifted to the game of the day (in my mind anyway): the Philadelphia Flyers at the Boston Bruins in the third annual NHL Winter Classic, played outdoors at Fenway Park. What? Yes. You read that right: a hockey game at a baseball park. Go figure. The concept was developed several years ago and is proving to be a great venue for a game that Dad and I so enjoy. It was fun recalling hockey games past and anticipating games of the future (next on the slate is the Chicago Black Hawks and Detroit Red Wings rival game) while Dad savored his Chilled Colossal Shrimp Cocktail. For me, it was the Hot Goat Cheese and Wild Mushroom Salad that I couldn’t stop eating–I think it was the Champagne Vinaigrette that kept calling me. So many flavors!

Hot Goat Cheese and Wild Mushroom Salad

Our wine for the evening was a 2007 Louis M. Martini Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is superbly balanced, offering many layers, and featuring some of my favorite aromas and flavors: red cherry, blackberry and fresh sage. There are subtle herbal notes, complemented by chocolate and vanilla layers, that result in a complex yet easy to drink wine. Excellent selection,Dad, and great with our meal! Upon arrival of the bottle of wine, we made a toast to our new year and 52 Tables.

Our waiter for the evening, Max

Waiters may come and go, but I hope that Eddie V’s will hold onto Max, our waiter for the evening. Patient, and not pushy, Max allowed us to take our time to determine what we wanted for the evening. Once we made our selections, Max was prompt with service and always seemed to appear at just the right time. I suspect this is an acquired skill as at some restaurants, once the staff gets your order and serves you, you never see them again. Max’s timing seemed to always be spot on. Thank you, Max. Good job!

Speaking of menu choices and meals, Mom chose the Gulf Snapper with Fresh Jonah Crab, sauteed with lemon-chive butter sauce. I have to admit it looked pretty darn good, but I just couldn’t bring myself to try a bite. Those who know me, know I’m not a big seafood fan even though I’ve gotten better over the years and will eat a good swordfish or tuna steak. I was very tempted to try Eddie V’s Swordfish Steak (broiled with fresh Jonah Crab) or the Pacific Ahi Tuna Steak (seared with shitake mushrooms), but the Filet Mignon was calling my name tonight. Dad and I each ordered the 8oz Filet Mignon (mine near mooing, and his just on the other side of mooing). We shared two family-size side dishes, the sugar snap peas with garlic and sesame and the truffled macaroni and cheese, between the three of us. The snap peas were a pleasant surprise, but the real epicurean delight was the truffled macaroni and cheese. My tastebuds were absolutely convinced they died and went to heaven with each bite.

Chocolate Mousse

As our plates started to empty, there was Max with the dessert menu. Warning us that each dessert would easily feed all three of us, we each couldn’t resist ordering our own plates (knowing whatever we didn’t eat, would easily make it home for later). Dad went for the blackberry cobbler, Mom chose the Bananas Foster, and I had to have my favorite, Chocolate Mousse. Unfortunately, the blackberry cobbler was gobbled up before our order got in, so Mom and Dad shared the Bananas Foster. We all taste-tested the desserts and once more were not disappointed with these culinary choices. Several cups of coffee later, old memories recalled, a new memory made, and it was time to call it an evening.

Thank you Eddie V’s and Max for making our first table a very memorable one.