Quality Seafood

Quality Seafood

My earliest memories of Quality Seafood on Airport go back years, but that was when they were primarily a retail seafood market. I gained an entirely new appreciation for them when they began serving a full restaurant style menu for both lunch and dinner.

There’s a reason so many restaurants around central Texas purchase their fish from Quality. It’s FRESH! And that makes for compelling dining when you choose to eat in as well.

Imagine my delight when I found that I could get fresh whole Fried Clams, bellies and all, just like they serve in New England, battered and deep fried. And despite being flown in, they show no signs of it. They are an incredible treat for me. You can also get clams that we lovingly refer to up north as Steamers or Longnecks. Lovely! And you can down a dozen Gulf Oysters for $12.99 that are equally fresh. No BP hangover on these babies. And the Applewood Bacon wrapped Scallops are another stellar appetizer: terrific taste in these plump scallops. They also have a tasty Popcorn Shrimp with a Caribbean sauce that provides a perfect snack for the less adventuresome. And there’s also a very serviceable Crawfish Etouffee and a mild Seafood Gumbo. And since we’re talking clams, how about some New England style Clam Chowder? This is smooth and buttery with lots of clams and just a few potatoes, the way it should be.

There are enough shellfish and fresh fish entrees at Quality to satisfy even the most demanding gourmand or the rank beginner. I am a fan of the Fried Oysters, man that fist bite just pops with flavor! And the Fresh Texas Catfish is fried to a golden perfection and comes off with really nice texture. And they have a chef at Quality who gets blackened fish! And the Blackened Catfish is simply to die for: it is so tender and tasty that it’s a wonder it remains intact. Likewise the blackened Rainbow Trout is another palate pleasing treat: I’ve had this several times and its been pristine, never a fishy taste. Then try the Grilled Atlantic Salmon. This is a dish that can go south in a hurry if overcooked but the pros at Quality know exactly what to do. The salmon flakes off, bite after gorgeous bite. And by all means try the Okra, the Hush Puppies (these are extraordinary) and the Corn on the Cob. They are requisite items with seafood. Broccoli works well with blackened and grilled fish as well and they do it beautifully at Quality.

And should a plate of fish not be your preference, order up a Fried Shrimp or Oyster Po Boy. These are cooked as they should be, and served with lettuce, tomato and tartar sauce on a Hoagie Bun. I love the first bite of a Po Boy! What a coalescence of flavors.

So there you have it foodies. Quality Seafood works as well dining in as taking out; in fact probably better. Cause you don’t have to do the dishes!