Above McCormick & Schmick's list of menu items, diners are presented with a section describing the geographical areas where their seafood and other fresh catch originated. Washington, Oregon and California typically produce the restaurant's oysters, sea bass and rock sole; while their King Salmon is caught in the frigid waters of Alaska, scallops are flown in from Nova Scotia and rainbow trout are straight from the rivers of Idaho. These diverse provenances ensure not only fresh fish, but also the most delicious varieties available at any given time of the season. If you want to taste local, seasonal specialties without traveling around North America, this is the right place.
Settle into one of the comfortable booths at McCormick & Schmick's, and dive into a diver scallop, or a plate of oysters on the half shell, seared ahi or steamed Manila clams - and that's just for starters. The shrimp bisque is a warm welcome to any meal, while a Louis or Caesar salad is ideal for dining outside during warm summer days or evenings.
As for entrées, the choices seem as vast as the ocean itself.
Before a beurre blanc or berry sauce is added as the piece de resistance to baked, broiled or grilled fish, the specific taste and texture of each is taken into careful consideration. The result is entrees that are amazingly balanced, with influences drawn from cuisines ranging from Mediterranean to Asian. The salmon penne with a pesto cream harkens to classic Italian dishes, while the White Sea Bass is delicately covered in a Japanese miso broth and served with coconut cake.
Crisp asparagus, creamy mashed potatoes and spinach are among the more traditional sides, all of which mix swimmingly with swordfish, talapia and catfish. Another perfect match for your fresh catch is the extensive wine list, featuring champagne, riesling, pinot gris, sangiovese, syrah and bordeaux.
Ribeye steak, filet mignon, pork chops and baby back ribs round out the entrée offerings. The dessert menu is full of comforting favorites, like ice cream sundaes and flourless chocolate cake.
-Christine Zumba
HOURS:
Lunch: 11:30-4pm
Dinner: 4-10pm
Address:
170 S. Market St., San Jose
MORE INFO/reservations:
(408) 283-7200
www.mccormickandschmicks.com
