If you plan to introduce visiting friends or family to New England cuisine, Legal Sea Foods is a sure-fire crowd pleaser. Nestled in the heart of Harvard Square (though there are numerous locations in the Boston area), this locale is an easy destination for HBSers. The tavern-like ambience is plain, but the food will not disappoint.
The menu is extensive, especially when it comes to the freshest seafood in the city. Start with a cup of Legal’s famous clam chowder ($3.50). It is thick, rich and creamy and will aptly prepare your tummy for the goodness that is to come.
Our group went for the gusto with treats from the deep-blue, that is. One tackled a bowl of hearty seafood Cioppino, full of mussels, clams, scallops, fish and a lobster claw. There was little left when the battle of the bowl ended. Claiming victory, there was no question as to whether this was a good selection.
The Shrimp Trio offered an extremely generous sampling of Legal’s favorite three preparations: grilled shrimp; prawns coated in coconut, flash fried and served with chutney; or flavorful baked-stuffed shrimp. We enjoyed the contrast of sweet and savory flavors in the threesome of prawns.
The wood-grilled scallops were grilled to perfection. Who would think something so simple could be so good? Half the fun in selecting the wood-grilled seafood is the ability to choose exactly what suits your taste. Depending on your mood, you can pair your seafood of choice (from salmon and shrimp to swordfish) with a spicy Cajun rub or an herb-vinaigrette marinade. Then, choose from a variety of sides. Offerings such as three types of potatoes or green veggies – all equally enticing – posed a challenge for this indecisive eater.
And if something more daring holds greater appeal, try the latest concept from Legal Sea Foods.LTK (stands for Legal Test Kitchen) is located on the waterfront in South Boston. After years of consistent quality, the same restaurateurs are branching out with a 21st century take on dining. From digital menus, WiFi access and iPod docking stations at each table, to mood lighting and a swanky menu offering multi-cultural cuisine, LTK claims to be “state-of-the-art.” We’ll give it a try and let you know how it compares to the original, Legal Sea Foods. Stay tuned.
Legal Sea Foods
20 University Road
Cambridge, MA 02138
617-491-9400
www.legalseafoods.com
LTK – Legal Test Kitchen
225 Northern Ave.
Boston, MA 02210
617-330-7430
www.ltkbarandkitchen.com
