Somewhere I got the incorrect notion that Fishing With Dynamite was a casual spot. While it was so crowded and glitzy that I nearly fled, I survived the “uncool kid at the Bar Mitzvah” alienation and enjoyed some outstanding food.

I followed the instructions of the hostess and lingered near the bar where someone was expected to leave soon. This took some time and I had to decline the chance to buy a drink three times. In a strange turn of events,  I was asked if I wanted to get takeout, declined, changed my mind, and was told that they don’t really do takeout.

Peruvian scallops

Fortunately, the seafood was worth the wait. The oysters and their accompaniments were excellent (full disclosure – I don’t know which ones they were but one of the Washington varieties.) But for uniqueness, I’d rank the Peruvian scallops even higher. These dreamy mollusks are oceanic perfection.

The menu is split between “old school” and “new school,” the latter veering in an Asian fusion direction. From the old school side, I got a main course of Mediterranean white seabass.  From the menu’s listing of components like “sherry gastrique,” it sounds complex and maybe even outlandish, but the perfect fish didn’t need any trickery. The parsnip puree and the hazelnut are nearby to lend a hand but not to get in the way.

Mediterranean white seabass

My non-technical term for the preparation would be “almost fried,” given the crunchy skin. At dessert time, I skipped key lime pie and opted for the more exotic offering of maple pudding with rosemary sandies.

maple pudding