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TJ’s Seafood Market has a new location, and we couldn’t be more excited about it! With a traditional “Yacht Christening” as the official opening of the new location at 11661 Preston Rd, the atmosphere is the same TJ’s we’ve all grown to love but with an emphasis on the dining experience!
So, I have a confession. I worked at Red Lobster for 2 ½ years while I was in college. It was great money but if I ever hear anyone mention “Cheddar Bay Biscuits†I want to punch them in the face. Needless to say, I have a benchmark for what low-rate seafood is and also know when I have really great stuff. The latter is exactly what I had at TJ’s Seafood Market. I will say that what made me like this place the most was the fact that our host, Jon Alexis, TJ’s Seafood Market owner, said he envisioned a place where you can come enjoy a couple of fish tacos and a glass of wine after a yoga class on a Tuesday night or come in for a 25th Anniversary dinner celebration on a Saturday night for the whole nine yards. The emphasis on atmosphere and the dining experience really blew me away, and I think you’ll be impressed as well.
Top Right: Crab Cake Sliders
Bottom Left: Grilled Endive Salad
Bottom Right: In front: Seared Scallops with Bacon Grits | In back: Hoisin-Glazed Hawaiian Big Eye Tuna
The food was fantastic. Everything I had was delicious. My favorites of the night were the Alder Smoked Salmon Board for the appetizer and the Pistachio Crusted Chilean Seabass for the main entrée (I was too busy eating that I forgot to get a picture of this dish. That should tell you how amazing it was!). We also tried the Seared Scallops with stone-ground grits, bacon marmalade and jalapeno jam, which was delicious but a little too rich for me to want this dish as a full meal. Also, I sampled Hoisin-Glazed Hawaiian Big Eye Tuna but was not a fan for personal reasons again. Tuna steaks remind me of a steak but then they are fish and it just throws my mind in a tizzy. Others at the table seemed to adore this dish and all the asian-inspired flavors.
What I really want to highlight is the atmosphere and mindset of this awesome new spot nestled in the Preston and Royal neighborhood. Here are my favorite fun facts that I learned from the owner, Mr. Alexis:
- Did you know this place started as an actual fish market? Yeah, it really did! It’s not just a catchy name. They have a fantastic case at the front of the restaurant that houses fresh fish from salmon to halibut all the way to three different types of oysters. This new location allows them to house a larger selection of fresh seafood on a daily basis.
- Did you know that red wine goes with fish? Almost as cliché as wearing white after labor day, is white wine only goes with fish. I know I’m in good hands with the owner has specifically selected wines for their menu that don’t just fit the normal standards at a fish place.
- This new location was specially designed! It was designed by a stable in the Dallas restaurant design scene, Hatsumi Kuzuu, who has also designed the likes of FT33 and Sissy’s. The ambiance is open, inviting and approachable.
If you live in the neighborhood, then you especially need to get over to check this place out. They’ve carefully crafted a bar menu that will accomodate virtually any palette all while keeping their origin of business in mind – fresh seafood.
(Disclaimer: I was invited to this event and the food and drinks were on the house. All opinions are my own.)
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