The Shuckin' Grill Delights Again - CLOSED

Don’t Pass Up: The Bread Pudding

Don’t Bother Ordering: N/A

Expect: B service; A food; Mostly $, some $$ prices

Uniqueness:Four words - Cajun, Tapas, Oyster Bar...need I say more?

Summary: It's eclectic and a ways from fine dining, but don't leave Forest Park without trying.



Unfortunately, Shuckin Grill just couldn't find its niche. With a so-so staff mostly made up of family members and eclectic part-tapas, part-cajun, part-southern, part-oyster bar identity, this place had great potential, but no future. You might remember a mention of the Shuckin' Grill in an earlier post (my first I think).  Well I finally got a chance to visit the actual restaurant, and though the awkward seating and tacky decor of the earlier tenant remains, the food is definitely a move in the right direction.  Reasonable prices and portions have turned this into a great, spontaneous to go place for Rick and me.  Last Friday, we stopped in a for a quick appetizer after a wine tasting at HouseRed (http://www.house-red.com/).  Of course a full-blown meal ensued.

Rick started with the Pheasant and Andouille Sausage Gumbo.  It was a little too soupy for my taste and didn't compare to the Shrimp Gumbo they served up at Oysterpalooza weeks before, but the flavor was there and good. We each enjoyed their peppered, whipped butter and the warm, barely toasted sliced baguette served along side.  The Charbroiled Oysters are a favorite of ours and did not disappoint.  The oyster flavor shines through the decadent garlic, tomato, parsley, and onion topping. Served bubbling in a cast iron dish similar to an Escargots dish, the Stuffed Oysters are served in lemon butter sauce with pancetta then topped with a crusty layer of melted Romano cheese.  Delightful!

We couldn't leave without experiencing the Caramel Apple Bread Pudding and I'm so glad we didn't.  It was one of those dishes that makes you sad to know that God made such sugar and calorie laden food so damn good.  Rich, sweet, and indulgent the pudding was the perfect consistency. The only thing that would have improved it was a dollop of vanilla ice cream. Can't wait to go back!