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| - Okay, first let me say that any place that has fried smelt on their regular menu is off to a roaring start with me. It was actually the reason we came to G&B in the first place (I had read a review elsewhere that mentioned it).
My companion and I started with the clam chowder. On ordering, we specifically asked if it was a New England (cream-based) chowder. We were told that it was, but...yeah...not so much. It was...tan, I guess. So not New England and not exactly Manhattan (tomato-based), either. I don't know whether there was cheese in it or what, but the broth had "broken," so it was sort of gritty. And the vegetables (onions, carrots, and a ridiculous amount of celery) were cut in large chunks, instead of a nice, manageable dice. I also didn't notice any clams. Not exactly a hit - and it made me a trifle concerned about what our entrees would be like. I needn't have worried.
My companion ordered the G&B burger - with an upcharge for cheddar (instead of American) and bacon. Wow - delicious. Perfectly cooked (both burger and bacon) and wonderfully juicy. It came with a side of cole slaw. Slightly creamy, but definitely more of a vinegar-based slaw. My guy was less enthused about this than I (he's definitely a creamy cole slaw man). I thought it had a nice tang.
We had a side of fries and they were great. Perfectly brown and very flavorful.
Now...the smelt. First, the portion is very generous. Plenty for sharing if ordered as an app, more than enough for a meal if you're eating it by yourself. The batter is light and nicely seasoned. This is a must for smelt, because the small fish can be easily overwhelmed by too much batter or breading. On the side, both cocktail sauce (with a pronounced hit of horseradish - yum) and what I would characterize as a tartar "dressing." Same flavors as tartar sauce, but with the consistency of ranch dressing. Again, very nice for smelt - much easier for dipping.
The decor is charming - sort of east coast boat house with a side of industrial. We were lucky to be there at a later lunch time - we were able to park right on Monroe and didn't have to hunt for a space on a side street. I can imagine the parking situation is tougher in the evening - especially in winter.
Please, G&B - keep the smelt on the menu. I want to come back for more!
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