More Seafood at the Ancient Mariner

Like many of the other local restaurants I have visited since moving to the Rhode Island/ Connecticut area, the Ancient Mariner in Mystic is a casual restaurant that specializes in seafood, like the name implies. The menu, like in many of the other restaurants I have tried, does not stop with mussels, clams, and the daily catch; the Mariner also serves chop house style fare, New England classic dishes (think Yankee Post Roast) and burgers.

The space is made to look like a nautical museum with oars hanging from the ceiling, blue wooden panels lining the walls and booths, and prints of old Mystic steamboats hanging from the walls.

For old times sake, we ordered an onion soup, which made well can be delicious (and very different from the Campbell's version which has been desecrated to make casseroles and other "family" meals). The signs of a good onion soup: evident acidity, rich color, bubbling and browning of cheese. Their onion soup was all the above and more, so much that we ordered a seconds.

Since we were in the mood of sharing, we ordered the Mariners Treasure Chest- clams casino, oysters Rockefeller, Stuffies, and popcorn shrimp. This did not prove to be as amazing as the soup. The biggest let down were the clams, which instead of diced bacon and a heap of toasted breadcrumbs, there was a slice of bacon (the length of the clam) and a light sprinkle of breadcrumbs. It was slightly insulting. The oysters were an improvement, with a savory creamed spinach on top. The stuffies, quintessential Rhode Island, were decent. The quahogs are mixed with an excessive amount of breadcrumbs to make what seemed like a bread crumb Matzoh ball in the half shell. To my opinion, and this was my first stuffie, this preparation completely hides the clam's flavor. The popcorn shrimp was good; it was fried and had a sweet and sour dipping sauce. Easy.

From the specials' menu, we ordered a blackened salmon Caesar salad. This was disappointing. The salmon was under seasoned, and completely dry. Salmon can be blackened on the grill without drying; its all about timing.

For dessert, we ordered a brownie Sunday. Chocolate, ice cream, and fudge- ultimate indulgence.

The Ancient Mariner has a good selection of items, although not all might be hits, which makes the restaurant a good choice for a low key meal, in a laid back setting, with friendly service.