Truluck's Seafood, Steak, Crab House / Boca Raton
Important: This article was last updated on February 6, 2009. Please call ahead to confirm hours, prices, dates and other information.
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Mizner Park, 351 Plaza Real, Boca Raton561-391-0755
trulucks.com
Cuisine: seafood/steaks
Cost: very expensive
Hours: dinner daily
Reservations: yes
Credit cards: all major
Bar: full service
Sound level: moderate
Outside smoking: no
For kids: high chairs, boosters, menu items on request
Wheelchair accessible: yes
First impression: You might be tempted to sit at a high-top in the bar where there's not only a separate menu, but also a piano player who knows everything from Barry White to Elton John.
Ambience: Paneled walls, crab-shaped lighting sconces and cushy red banquettes evoke an older, civilized supper club-style of dining.
Background: Open in Boca since May, this was the Texas-based chain's eighth location.
Starters: With its own fleet of crabbing boats in Naples, you'll want to start with the fresh stone crab claws (market price). Mondays are all-you-can-eat stone crab night. Sauteed Superlump Crabcake ($16.95) is also a signature dish. Hot and Crunchy Shrimp ($13.95) are just that, five breaded big guys topped with mango sauce. Brazilian Pacu Fish Ribs ($13.95) wins the prize for novelty seafood item. The long, thin bone structure of the species allows them to be served like ribs. The meat isn't unlike swordfish. Four ribs are served with watermelon barbecue sauce.
Salads: Hot-House Tomato Salad ($9.95) consists of an ice cold tomato, Applewood smoked bacon, shaved red onion, fresh dill and incredible buttermilk dressing.
Entree excellence: A standout among the Seafood Creations is lightly spiced Miso-Glazed Organic Totem Black Cod ($29.95), served with crab-fried rice and sour cucumber slaw. Beef is certified and aged. Go for the grilled 8-ounce, center-cut filet ($33.95) and you will not be disappointed. It's served with very good parmesan mashed potatoes.
Side issues: Steakhouse-style shareable sides include glorious King Crab Macaroni and Cheese ($11.95), Carolina cheese grits ($5.95) and creamed leeks with smoked gouda ($4.95)
On the lighter side: The Simply Grilled section includes filet of Florida Black Grouper ($23.95) or Texas Redfish ($22.95). The kitchen loves special orders.
Sweet!: Everything on the show-and-tell tray is enormous. Layered carrot cake ($9.95) is frosted with cream cheese. But the real winner is chocolate cake ($9.95), an old-fashioned creation flavored with malted milk balls.
Service: You'll want to take these consummate professionals everywhere you dine.
Liquid assets: Not only are there great wines by the 6-ounce glass, but there are also 2-ounce tasting portions.
— John Tanasychuk