Eating out during COVID has been challenging for us. We have tried to get carry out and eat outside at many of our favorite places. Some of these experiences have been very good and some not so good.
When our 10th wedding anniversary came along in September, we decided to eat outside at Row 34 in Portsmouth, NH. The temporary outdoor dining area was decorated with potted plants which created not only a barrier but also the feeling that the patio had always been there.
Our waitress was friendly and knowledgeable about both food and drink, and attentive without hovering. We had been grazing through the afternoon and thus were not hungry enough for a heavy meal, so we settled on raw bar including Shrimp Cocktail.
The tray of oysters was cold, shucked perfectly. The oyster recommendations from our waitress were spot on. The shrimp were large, firm and perfectly cooked.
We also ordered Tuna Crudo. Thin slices of raw tuna rolled atop perfectly ripe avocado slices and sitting on a bed of black garlic purée topped with crispy fried shallot and delicate flakes of sea salt, which provided a welcome change of texture to this otherwise creamy dish. The tuna was fresh and the black garlic purée sweet and absent of the harsh bite that uncooked garlic possesses.
We skipped dessert on this visit in favor of going for ice cream, but I highly recommend trying their house made Butterscotch Pudding made with actual Scotch and topped with puffed rice that adds a nice crunch.
Row 34 has consistently friendly and knowledgeable service, and fresh, expertly prepared seafood. I highly recommend dining here.
For tips on more places to eat in Portsmouth check out my travel book.