Seafood lovers will be diving into the area’s first Bonefish Grill, which is aiming to tantalize taste buds in a metropolitan atmosphere.
Bonefish Grill, a casual dinning seafood chain restaurant, held its grand opening on Monday, Oct. 7, after holding a charity event benefiting the Capital District Habitat for Humanity the prior Saturday. That event raised more than $7,800.
The 5,941 square-foot restaurant located at 59 Wolf Road in Albany features a spacious dining room and a large bar area that includes three community tables. The restaurant has seating capacity for 229 patrons, including 65 in the bar area.
Bob Hillman, managing partner of the local Bonefish Grill, said the charity event was the “perfect” way to welcome the community to the restaurant.
“We look forward to many more opportunities to help support the Capital District,” Hillman said, “and to welcoming the community to the restaurant to show them what we do best … inviting dining and a big-city bar.”
The restaurant, which dubs itself as the “fresh fish experts,” welcomes guests with a sleek hardwood design that features hand-blown glass lamps. There are also art pieces ranging from large metal sculptures of mangroves and fishing scenes to three “mystical fish” rubbings.
Appetizers range from $4 for steamed and seasoned edamame to $12 for Maryland crab cakes. A large portion of the ahi tuna sashimi (sesame seared and served with wasabi and pickled ginger) is $17. The most popular starter is its crispy “bang bang shrimp,” which is tossed in a creamy and spicy sauce.
Fished cooked over a wood-burning grill include gulf grouper, Chilean sea bass, Atlantic salmon, sea scallops and shrimp, rainbow trout, longfin tilapia and cold water lobster. The prices for regular portion sizes range from just over $15 to $28. There are also other non-seafood grilled specialties, along with sautéed and baked choices.
There is a gluten-free menu available upon request and also a kids menu.
The chain recently started offering a new Sunday brunch menu, which is available at its Albany location from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“What better way to enjoy Sunday morning than with grilled filet mignon, lobster, and poached eggs in the surf and turf eggs benedict,” Bonefish Grill President Stephen Judge said in a statement. “We created this dish to provide an indulgent option for our customers that stays true to our specialties yet unique to the menu.”
Some other new brunch additions include huevos benedictos with crispy corn tortillas and chorizo, spinach and mushroom eggs benedict, “American style” kobe beef and egg burger and Cajun shrimp omelet. The brunch is completed with peach Bellinis and traditional or passion fruit mimosas.
Health-conscious eaters can also request omelets be prepared with egg white substitute.
Bonefish Grill touts its dedication to “responsible fishing practices and the healthy stewardship of the world’s marine resources.” The company the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and government regulations guide how it obtains fish and seafood. Its parent company, Bloomin’ Brands, also has a Seafood Advisory Council to help implement best practices.
Bonefish Grill is also affiliated with Ocean Trust, which is an “award-winning ocean conservation foundation building science, conservation and industry partnerships for the sustainability of the oceans.”
Diners can make reservations at www.bonefishgrill.com or by calling the restaurant at 459-2046. Reservations though are not required. Information and menus are also available on the website.
The restaurant was founded in St. Petersburg, Florida, in 2000, and has since expanded to around 190 restaurants in 32 states.