Did you know that PEI mussels are a ‘power food’? They contain more iron and B12 than beef, are an excellent source of protein and are gluten free. Maybe that’s the reason I love them, or maybe it’s just because they’re so darn delicious.
For me, I’d say that I have a little “obsession” with mussels and are immediately drawn to them when I see them on a menu. When I heard about Mussel Beach opening up on Atlantic Avenue, I was thrilled — a restaurant devoted entirely to mussels — or so I thought. While I tend to be a fanatic, my dining partners don’t share my passion and sadly, I never made it in. That is, until this past week, when I was invited in for a media tasting, as they just launched a new menu.
Expecting to feast on their different preparations of mussels, I was quite surprised, as Mussel Beach is much more than just mussels. In fact, it will satisfy your cravings for meat-centric dishes, succulent seafood, sandwiches, salads and a sweet ending — and with the recent additions to the menu, the non-mussel offerings have become plentiful.
Forget the bread basket at Mussel Beach (save that to sop up your broth in the mussel dishes), your meal at Mussel Beach will begin with a basket of truffle fries. Highly addictive, but oh so delicious, this aromatic treat will have your mouth watering — and carry you over until your culinary feast begins.
When it’s time to ignite your palate, we have some recommendations on where to get started.
To Drink:
While the restaurant has a well-rounded wine list, we opted for a taste of fall and ordered a Spiced Apple Bourbon. This wake-me-up drink combined Bulleit bourbon, apple cider, pumpkin pie spices and was finished with a cinnamon stick.
To Start:
For the real deal, a comforting bowl of Clam Chowder – made in house – will soothe your soul with fresh middle necks, smoked bacon and potatoes. The Roasted Beet Salad was also a standout, especially with the addition of the goat cheese fritter and pistachios. While the Scallop Salad is definitely large enough to stand for an entrée, we decided to share it among friends. A giant sun-dried tomato shell was filled with a medley of arugula, lo mein noodles, bay scallops, tomatoes, avocado & peanuts for a playful bite of flavors and textures.
Mussels:
If mussels is what you came for, this section will be the star of your experience with both traditional and exotic preparations being offered — and deliveries coming in daily. With 14 preparations being offered, there’s something for every visit in, but you may just want to opt for one of the three new additions — Pesto Cream (basil, walnuts, Parmesan and garlic); Chowder (cream, smoked bacon, potatoes and middle necks); and Provençal (lemon, garlic, white wine, tomatoes, basil and bay scallops).
Entrées:
Enter the Fresh Fish Frenzy, where you can select your fish (grouper, salmon, cod, mahi mahi or swordfish) and it’s preparation, giving you 25 different options to choose from. Our top picks were the Sweet BBQ Rubbed with a jalapeño aioli and the Nut Crusted — thanks to a “you must try this” note from another diner — and yes, we were instantly hooked.
While I didn’t try any of the meat dishes — you’ll have to fend for yourself here — new additions to the menu include a 8-oz Choice Filet Mignon with red potato mashed; Veal Scallopine with artichokes and tomatoes; and Chicken Diane served with cream, brandy and scallions.
A Sweet Ending:
While the Ice Cream Sandwich — a combination of ice cream, chocolate, whipped cream and peanut butter — prepared in a few different ways, was the newest addition to the menu and brought us back to our childhood, the made-to-order doughnuts were the star here. Bite size doughnuts, finished with cinnamon, sugar and amaretto were served with créme anglaise, made for a swoon worthy bite.
Mussel Beach Restaurant is located at 501 E. Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach; (561) 921-6464. Hours of operation are Mon-Thurs from 11:30 a.m. until 10:00 p.m.; Fri-Sat from 11:30 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. and on Sunday from noon until 10:00 p.m.