Starfish Oyster Bed & Grill,
100 Adelaide Street East,
Lunch: Monday-Friday Noon-3:00
Supper: Monday-Saturday 5:00-10:00ish
Oyster Bar: All Day (Noon-11:00ish)

During Summerlicious in Toronto, participating restaurants
offer special 3 course menus for $15.00-$20.00 at lunch and
$25.00-$35.00 at dinner.

 

A friend recommended that we try Starfish Oyster Bed &
Grill, owned by Patrick McMurray, a World Champion Shucker
and world class authority on oysters (has even written a
book on the subject).

 

"Cape Cod ambiance" with photos of plump succulent oysters
greeted us as we entered the warm, welcoming rooms.  The
oyster bar sets the mood which carries over to the glossy
wood tables, with comfy banquettes lining the walls.

 

No compromising here, Starfish has committed itself to
serving only the Summerlicious menus during the event.  All
the 3 course meals consist of selections from the regular
menus. The goal here, as it should be, is to introduce
Starfish to potentially new customers and to reward old ones
for their loyalty.

 

To start, Linda chose the tomato gazpacho with poached
matane shrimp, diced vegetables and creme fraiche -
"ecstasy".  I labored between the Shucker Paddy shellfish
plate (4 oysters and two scallops) or grilled whole Atlantic
sardines with black olive tapenade and preserved lemon.
Luckily I am a sardine devotee and did not miss out on these
beautifully prepared beauties.

 

Fish and chips is to Linda what sardines are to me, so her main
course choice was easy.  But this was not your ordinary wrap
in newsprint to soak up the grease variety, this was
heavenly.  Fresh halibut crusted in panko and horseradish
and baked crisp outside while maintaining the moist
freshness of the fish.  Three large pieces were served with
nappa cabbage slaw, house made potato chips and an oyster
stout aioli.  Hers came a few second before mine which
caused me to have an instant jealousy attack.  Not to fear,
a thick seared filet of Nova Scotia char with roasted beets
and wild rice served with a carrot and orange beurre blanc
put me at ease.

 

Oh yes, we were in the mood for beer but were not familiar
with any of the draft beers on the list.  After checking our
taste preferences our waiter suggested "Sergeant Major"
which is light brown in color and awesome in flavor.  Draft
beer is $2.95 for 10 ounces and $5.65 for 20 ounces, very
reasonable.

 

The two desserts were a superb finish to a marvelous meal.
Chocolate brownie with chantilly cream and rhubarb jam for
the lady and a lemon square with Ontario strawberry salad
for me.

 

Starfish is a must for seafood lovers and we understand the
meat preparations are equally exciting.  This is a kitchen
that cares - imagination, freshness, thoughtful preparation
and presentation.