As Americans return to dining following the easing of COVID-19-related restrictions, several restaurant chains are planning expansions and new seafood-focused independents have announced openings.
The newly formed Lewes, Delaware, U.S.A.-based Coastline Restaurant Group opened Harvest Tide Steakhouse in Bethany Beach, Delaware this spring, and will open its third Harvest Tide Steakhouse on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., this summer.
The restaurants’ menus specialize in “freshly sourced seafood, local produce, and the finest hand-selected USDA prime beef,” Coastline said in a press release.
After a multimillion-dollar renovation, Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada, reopened on 20 May. The buffet restaurant showcases enhancements to the seafood, carving, American, and Latin kitchens, as well as the entrance and dining room, Caesars Palace said in a press release. Nearly 100 new dishes have been added to the already expansive menu, the group said.
In a separate venture, Caesars Palace is teaming up with Bobby Flay, restaurant operator and star of several Food Network shows, including “Beat Bobby Flay,” recently opened Amalfi by Bobby Flay at Caesars Palace. Inspired by Flay's extensive travels to Italy’s Amalfi Coast, the new eatery "will transport guests to the Mediterranean with its enchanting blend of coastal ease and fresh, bright flavors,” according to a press release.
Houston, Texas-based restaurant chain Truluck’s opened its first mid-Atlantic location in Washington, D.C., per Washingtonian. The eatery features a “stone crab lounge,” since fresh Florida stone crabs are a specialty of the company’s restaurants. The menu also includes South African lobster tail, pan-seared New England scallops, roasted Mediterranean branzino, and Hawaiian tuna crudo.
Modern French restaurant Venteux opens on Michigan Avenue in Chicago, Illinois on 26 May. Executive chef and restaurant partner Donald Young has teamed up with Clique Hospitality to bring the concept to life in a historic 1920’s building. The menu includes dishes such as Dover Sole Meuniere and Whole Roasted Duck.
In Montauk, New York, La Fin Kitchen and Lounge recently opened, with décor and menu inspired by the seaside destinations of St. Barth's and St. Tropez, the restaurant said in a press release.
La Fin’s menu “reflects the seasonality of the local produce and the amazing fresh seafood at our back door,” La Fin Executive Chef James Tchinnis said.
In the fast-casual segment, Red Lobster has introduced 15 new dishes all priced under USD 20.00 (EUR 16.00), including its Crispy Cod Sandwich (which it has nicknamed Codzilla), Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich, Wagyu Bacon Cheeseburger, and Baja Shrimp Bowl. It also includes guest favorites such as Parrot Isle Jumbo Coconut Shrimp, Grilled Shrimp Skewers, and Walt’s Fried Shrimp.
“With a variety of new flavors and classic favorites to choose from, guests can enjoy a delicious seafood meal at an affordable price,” the company said in a press release.
Photo courtesy of Red Lobster
