Branford Restaurant Week 2012 - Dockside Seafood and Grill

This is the fourth of a multi-part-series on Branford Restaurant Week. 

Today was a beautiful and sunny day just meant to (1) get together over lunch with friends and (2) go someplace near the shore.  I'm happy to report that I was able to do both!   Today the restaurant week participant that we chose to patronize was the beautiful Dockside Seafood and Grille with their scenic views of Long Island Sound in Branford.

Dockside is located in the Bruce and Johnson Marina and I'm certain so many people drive down Montowese Street on their way to the Indian Neck section of Branford without knowing this little gem of a place is even there.

Good friends always make for good times and today was no exception!  Long time friends Gayle, Carol, and myself got together to enjoy some good company and some much needed time together for laughs and lunch!  Gayle was a little delayed so Carol and I got to catch up while sitting on that lovely patch of green grass in those comfy Adirondack style chairs.   We must have made ourselves right at home because some departing patrons remarked how much they'd love to have "our job"! 

Because it was such a gorgeous day, in the 80s with blue skies and low humidity, we decided to eat out on the outside deck overlooking the many boats docked in their slips at the marina.  We lifted the table umbrella to shade us a little from the bright sun and it couldn't have been more perfect.

Gayle and I ordered from Dockside's Restaurant Week Menu and Carol, who isn't a big seafood fan ordered of the regular menu. Dockside offers a four-course meal on the restaurant week menu.  

Gayle and I started with the shared order of fried calamari. 

For our second course Gayle selected the Sesame Cole Slaw

and I ordered the Mesclun Salad with balsamic vinaigrette.

On to the main course!  Carol ordered the Grilled Chicken sandwich, but received the Grilled Chicken dinner.  When we mentioned this to our waitress she did accommodate Carol later by bringing over a hard roll and a side of lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise.

There did seem to be some confusion on the menu items, as even my luncheon special, listed as a Fried Clam Dinner, needed to have my waitress inquire whether I wanted the $29.00 (Dinner) or $16.44 (Lunch) restaurant week special.  

Gayle ordered the Fish and Chips and she said it was delicious!  It sure does look yummy, doesn't it?  

Gayle and I decided to order the Key Lime Pie and the N.Y. Cheesecake and share a little of each with one another! So sorry!  I should have snapped the picture before cutting in!  But both were so good!  Creamy cheesecake and icy cold tart and sweet pie! 

Don't you just love going out with friends that you're close enough with that you can just  reach your fork over and slice off a little bite of what they're having?  Well that's how we girls are!  How else are you ever going to know if you should order "that" the next time you are out!

Business was pretty brisk at the Dockside today - and when we asked our waitress if she thought that restaurant week was helping to boost sales - she said she thought that any increased business was probably more due to the nice weather.    

Here are some pictures of the Dockside's lounge area and patio:

Dockside Seafood and Grill is one of those places that instantly makes you feel like you are "away from it all" because of its wonderful location on the water.  If you are looking to stay local - but treat yourself to feeling like you are on vacation - this is the place for you!

Visit Dockside Seafood and Grill and tell them Home Place sent you!

Dockside Seafood and Grill

Block Island Road

Branford, CT 06405

203.488.3007

Where do you go to get away from it all?  

Do you have any favorite places  on the seashore?