With a clean round-edge and a safe, All-American feel, Nick's Cove fails to impress us. We made the trip to the coast for lunch. Marshall is about 40 minutes from San Rafael or Santa Rosa on a good day. A project of Pat Kuleto and Mark Franz, the restaurant has an Adirondack-meets-the-beach look, with a very pleasant water view. But too many antler heads and nautical elements give it an almost theme-park restaurant feel.
Because the main room of the restaurant faces west and is quite dark during the lunch period, we sat in the enclosed patio (which has a translucent roof and is much brighter). The patio is actually open to the water underneath, so they have heaters installed. I can imagine it would be lovely at night and the day we visited the restaurant was packed. (We dined with food blogging friends, whose amusing review is here.)
Our experience this day was mixed. The service was slow and inexperienced - even the bussing was awkward. The food was okay but nothing special. I think what bothered Jack the most is that he felt that if a restaurant is going to feature oysters, and is situated in the heart of oyster country in No. Cal., it's not okay to end up with shell pieces/shards beneath every kumamoto (but one). We might return but we're not rushing back.
Clam Chowder
Good, but not our favorite. Lots of little clams and pieces of bacon but the seasoning has a lemony note we don't like.
Fried Oysters
Very nicely done. Crispy outside succulent interior. The frisée was a strange accompaniment, with a too-sweet dressing for my taste, but the pieces of slab bacon on the top were worth ordering the dish. Yum!
Fish Tacos
Pretty ho-hum. The fish had no flavor. Not enough salsa to go around. This dish could have been served anywhere tortillas were to be had. A boring, bland experience.
Moonfish Sashimi
Good, fresh. Would order again. Recommended.
Oysters on the Half Shell
(Kumamoto, Preston Point, Virginica)
The oysters were fresh and the mignotte accompanying was fine, but nothing special. A deal at $2/oyster, but lots of shell makes us wish they cost .50 cents more sans shell.
Specials Menu
