It is that time of year again, the world’s largest inflatable crab is sitting on the roof of the Sole Proprietor, so that means only one thing in Worcester – Buster is Back! And with him come some of the most incredible crab dishes you could imagine.
Having been to the Sole on many occasions, I have become accustomed to high quality seafood, served by knowledgeable staff members, in an upscale, yet comfortable atmosphere. But for whatever the reason, I have never been to the Sole during the crab promotion, which I can say now, will never happen again as the food and selection was out of this world.
From crab chowder, to crab sushi, to crab legs the choices are amazing. You can get crab salad, crab risotto, jumbo soft shell crab, surf and turf (with crab), crab Rangoon’s, crab meat casserole. Oh did I mention they had crab? Of course, there are other items on the menu during this promotion, but trust me, if you like crab, this is the time to get it.
With all these choices it was really difficult to make a decision, and my dining companion who likes crab as much as I do, didn’t help. Luckily our helpful serving team came to the rescue.
To start, I had the Crab and Corn Chowder. Served piping hot, creamy and full of crab, this flavor-packed cup of chowder was the perfect way to start my crab-eating extravaganza.
Next to the table was a Crabbed Stuffed Portobello Mushroom. My dining partner’s choice and an interesting combination of roasted mushroom with herb garlic cream cheese, then stuffed with chucks of Blue crab meat. Baked crispy with breadcrumbs and roasted red pepper vinaigrette, the combination of flavors exploded with each bite.
On to my main dish….and making a choice wasn’t easy as there was so many great options. I selected the Crab Cakes and my dining companion chose the Tempura Sesame Fried Jumbo Soft Shell Crabs. My dish was amazing, three generous crab cakes, pan fried, full of crab and delicious. The dish came with warm Asian coleslaw, drizzled with a spicy chili mayo and a side of herb rice pilaf. The crab cake was crispy outside, perfectly tender and moist on the inside and full of flavor from the salty crab, which was perfect along side the chili-drizzled, spicy Asian coleslaw.
At this point I wasn’t hungry, but I had to taste my companion’s Tempura Sesame Fried Jumbo Soft Shell Crabs. First, the presentation was awesome as the two pan-fried soft shell crabs were stacked on a Buckwheat Noodle Salad and plated perfectly. I waited as she worked her way around the battered crabs and snuck a forkful of salty, yet sweet crabmeat away when she wasn’t looking. Absolutely delightful!
To say the Sole Proprietor is good is an understatement. The Sole has been one of the most consistent restaurants in all of Massachusetts for more years than I can remember. It is on everyone’s “best seafood” list. The food is fresh, the menu is ever changing, the wine list is exceptional and the service is outstanding. Every time! The Sole is a testament to consistency and quality, and a truly exceptional dining experience.
