Business

Mussels And More Is More Than Meets The Eye

October 1, 2012 Denise Romano

BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP/Photos by Denise Romano

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Since it opened in January, 2011, Mussels & More has been Bay Ridge’s best kept secret.

The server, Jason, brings out appetizer plates of fried calamari and grilled octopus.

Native Ridgeite Jim Bantis owns the spacious eatery that truly has something for everyone. “I run it myself. I work 90 hours a week and I love it,” said the single dad of three, who also owns the Hen House and coaches soccer for the 68^th Precinct Youth Council.

Bantis is a wine importer and distributor, whose work allowed him to travel all over the world, but he wanted to keep his business in the neighborhood. “We need to bring people back to Bay Ridge,” he said.

Mussels & More has an outside patio dining area, a full bar with seating and a separate, spacious dining room. We had our meal in the dining room, which has a beachy feel with large windows, swirled track lighting and an aqua blue ceiling. There is an exposed kitchen, a fish display and a shucking station. “This way people know exactly what we are doing,” Bantis said, adding that the unique dishes are brainchildren of his beloved chef, Alfonso.

First we tried focaccia with imported Greek olive oil and a crushed tomato, red pepper and olive oil sauce (complimentary with dine-in meals). The bread is homemade and a different variety is offered each week. The flavors were fresh and simply delicious.

The fried calamari was crispy, tasty and firm. It can also come grilled.

As an appetizer, we had the fried calamari ($14) which can also be grilled. The fried calamari was crispy, tasty and firm. The grilled was also firm and fresh, and tasted slightly sweet.

We also tried the grilled octopus ($12) which is imported from Portugal. It was surprisingly meaty and had a nice, charred flavor.

The Seafood Salad ($18) comprised a plate overflowing with mussels, shrimp, calamari, avocado, onions and greens prepared with cilantro, oil and lemon, a meal in itself.

The Seafood Salad is overflowing with fresh mussels, shrimp, calamari, avocado, onions and greens prepared with cilantro, oil and lemon.

“Nothing is spiced up. The fish is bought directly from the market, four times a week,” Bantis said. “We add a little garlic and olive oil and let the fish speak for itself.”

Next we tried the Scallops ($25) a heaping portion of sinfully buttery shellfish, served in a cream of mushroom sauce with asparagus and risotto. The asparagus was crunchy, yet tender with cheese melted on top. The risotto was creamy, prepared with parmesan and basil.

The Fettucini Seafood Fra Diablo ($15) was brimming with mussels, shrimp and calamari in a spicy tomato and marinara sauce that can be spiced according to taste. The slightly hot sauce combined with the seafood and pasta tasted heavenly; the shrimps seemed to be scooped out of the sea just minutes prior to us walking in.

The Fettucini Seafood Fra Diavolo was brimming with mussels, shrimp and calamari in a spicy tomato and marinara sauce.

Then we had the Mussels Bisque ($19.95), served in a metal Belgian pot, and made with giant chunks of lobster, brandy, tomato, garlic and cream. The mussels were meaty, fresh and totally divine. One of us wanted to drink the broth directly from the bowl.

Lastly, we tried a Guacamole Pizza ($20 for a 16” inch), which is made with thin crust, modeled after that made at the famed Lento’s. Mussels & More’s version had a thick layer of guacamole, topped with cheddar cheese, grilled chicken and red pepper. The rich flavors melded together perfectly.

We were satisfied and full by the end of the meal, but of course, we are ready for more.

Mussels & More

8001 Fifth Avenue

718-680-3390

Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 12 a.m.

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