I’m an unabashed fish lover, maybe because I’m a Pisces, born on March 10. One of my favorite places to eat fresh fish, always beautifully prepared, is my neighbor on Bell Boulevard, Pelagos.
It’s a family affair, and one of the owners is always on premises. They have created an inviting environment. You step through their door and you experience the warm blue walls covered with sea-themed decorations. It makes you feel like you stepped into a warm friendly caf/ on a Greek Island.
The well-spaced tablecloth-covered tables and banquettes against one wall make the seating comfortable.
Like all good restaurants, Pelagos has a friendly, efficient and knowledgeable serving staff. They must be that way because they simulate the behavior of the owners!
Since Pelagos is down the block from my office, I have eaten there frequently. Each time the fish is consistently excellent.
This visit, we ordered the specialty of the house — grilled whole fish. My husband always goes to the rear of the eatery to select his fish from the ice table. He sees how fresh each catch is by looking into the eyes of the fish.
We began our meal with the crispy lettuce large Greek salad (which you can share) — filled with chunks of tasty feta cheese and blood red tomatoes, green and red peppers and crunchy cucumbers.
The choices of fish each day is often dependant on what was selected that morning at the fish market. The evening I was there, we chose the Branzino and Sea Bass. Salmon and shrimp are staples on the menu. Each one is prepared perfectly, moist on the inside, crispy on the outside. I’m a purist, as I like my fish grilled with no heavy sauces. Sometimes I’ll have lemon, oil and garlic but the true test for me of great fish is always the simply prepared dish. Time after time, Pelagos delivers perfectly cooked fresh fish.
There are wonderful grilled vegetables to accompany the meal and nicely flavored rice or fried potatoes.
A plentiful dessert menu is available but my absolute favorite is a mouth- watering rich Greek yogurt with fresh berries in their natural juices.
In the summer months, a new sunset menu is available, served from 4 to 6:30 p.m. It offers a five-course meal for only $20 - an amazing bargain!
The dining experience at Pelagos is consistently excellent - try it you’ll love it!
Pelagos Seafood Tavern
38-11 Bell Boulevard
Bayside, N.Y. 11361
Open daily for lunch and dinner
Phone: 718-717-7202
Live music every Wednesday at 8 p.m.
