Pink’s is the place for the seafood lovers

[rating=5] There are a great many restaurants that specialize in seafood. In particular oysters and shrimp and of course when possible, Lobster. Many of you might recall my visit to Palatine where we enjoyed the great BBQ at Chicago Culinary Kitchen. They have since moved to much larger quarters in Palatine at Hicks Road and Route 53, but instead of just leaving their old location  at 773 Quentin Road At Northwest Highway, they have revamped it and converted it to Pinks Shrimp & Oysters. The space is smaller than the Kitchen was, but I foresee an expansion very soon. The reason is simple, Greg and Kristina love to do things right!

Tonight Jane , Frank and I went back to the old BBQ to see exactly what Pink has t offer. Michael, the manager made sure that we had a table that was away from the door. Frank and I ordered drinks from their exotic “spirits & wine ” list. They have it all, lots of choices of beers and pilsners as well as ales and a nice selection of wines. We opted for spirits that are popular when dining at Pinks-I had “The Big Orange” (vodka, orange vodka, triple sec. , lemon, lime juice, orange bitters and demerara syrup). A refreshing beverage to say the least, an done that reminded me of a WGN personality, M.r Bob Collins, who always spoke of enjoying a Big Orange beverage. Frank enjoyed the scorpion ) gin, slow gin, aged rum, brandy, amaretto, orange juice, lime juice and demerara syrup). Jane had a seltzer water.

Rather than do a dinner, we asked Michael to bring us items that are the best of the best sellers, which he did. We began our experience with their “soon to be famous oysters”- grilled in garlic, butter, breadcrumb, parmesan and grilled lemon- they were delicious. Jane, who is not an oyster lover, had several. She has a new “like”.

This was followed by a lobster roll . ( A brioche roll, drawn butter & chives served with a side of bay fries that were quite flavorful). This lobster roll was one of the best I have had, including the ones we enjoyed in Maine last summer. If you love a Lobster Roll, it is worth the drive to Palatine just for this ( but you should try the soon to be famous oysters as well).

When they say “soups on!” at Pink’s they are talking Clam Chowder. ( this bowl was divided into three cups so that we all could have a taste of this wonderful chowder. Again, I felt like I was transported to the East Coast and the fish had just been taken off the boat. Delish!

The Thai Salmon Bites are an appetizer ( one portion handled all three of us as well)- seared salmon, grapefruit, sambal & fresno chili in a sweet Thai broth- soft, tender, juicy and yummy!

Last, but not least- the bechamel lobster mac. I am a lover of macaroni dishes and when lobster is added to it, I am not one to share. The bowl was huge enough for all 3 of us to partake ( and Frank took some home). Lobster, white cheddar, gruyere, gouda, panko and old bat- another treat worth the drive for!

I know I said “last, but not least”, but guess what- dessert was brought to us and it was a tasty slice of Key Lime Pie with a graham cracker crust, whipped cream and of course a slice of lime. To Die For ( they also have a frozen one dipped in chocolate ( maybe next visit).

They have a great number of sandwiches and main dinners as well as some sides that I am going back for. Fried pickle spears, fried mushrooms, crab n’ steak combo dinner, reef n beef combo dinner and a platter called “The Seven Seven Three” ( fried shrimp, clam strips, white fish, frog legs, fries, bourbon and white cocktail sauce topped with cherry peppers- sounds like a true masterpiece.

Pink’s Shrimp & Oysters is a family outing that will be an experience rather than just a meal.

The hours are as follows:

Monday and Tuesday- CLOSED

Wednesday- Saturday 11 a.m.- 8 p.m.

Sundays  11 am- 7 p.m.

The address is 773 N. Quentin Rd. in Palatine with plenty of parking   special note: this is a casual restaurant geared for family meals  and while the quality is the best, you will find it most affordable.

phone number 224-801-6998

website www.pinksshrimp.com

Hop on their mailing list so they can share their daily specials and “what’s on Dock” updates.

By The Way- you can buy fish by the 1/2 pound ( they do chicken tenders too): coconut shrimp, White fish, frog legs and clam strips/traditional or Chicago style.