I have been to Under the Clock in the Boston Store downtown a few times for the original menu as well as for some appetizers, but I haven’t had a chance to try the new “Gastropub” menu. Amanda and I sat down to dinner around 6:30 Monday, and we were hungry. There were a few other tables of people, but it was pretty empty. Our server, Meg, let us look over the menu while she got us some drinks. The menu has a seafood section that contains six entrées ranging from Lake Erie Perch to Seared Ahi Tuna. After some deliberations, I decided to order the Baltimore Crab Cakes, and Amanda couldn’t pass up the Seared Ahi Tuna.
Our meal started with some garlic bread sticks and salads and then promptly moved on to the main course. Although the food smelled fantastic, the presentation was a little lacking. The Seared Ahi Tuna steak was a fantastic portion size for $22.95. For Ahi Tuna, the steak was a little over-cooked, but the Cajun seasoning crust on the outside was fantastic. We both were disappointed that the Asian slaw, wasabi and teriyaki reduction were missing from the plate. They would have given a fantastic Asian flavor to the dish. The sides both dishes came with were lightly cooked green beans and a lemon risotto. The beans were barely above room temperature and were lacking some salt. The risotto had a great creamy texture and fantastic flavor. The lemon flavor was subtle and not overpowering which really let the fish shine on the plate. That teriyaki reduction would have put it over the top.
My crab cakes were good, but they tasted like they were missing something. The texture was on the soft side, and they needed some sort of vinegary brightness. The lemon given on the plate helped some, but the peach chutney was two sweet to really add anything. My portion was on the small side in comparison to Amanda’s and its price. For two crab cakes, beans, risotto and a salad, it was $19.99. For almost $4 less, I can get three crab cakes, two sides and a salad at Theodore’s. The price point drops this from a good plate of food to an OK plate of food.
Our service from Meg was great. If the food was priced and presented better, the whole meal would have been great, too.
Until next time,
Andrew – Beard vs. Food
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I feel like Under the Clock could be so much better than it actually is. There is always something that either was forgotten, or over/under cooked, etc. The worst part is that even the stuff that is good can be inconsistent. It’s one of those places that would really benefit from a hard-nosed GM to come in and whip into shape.