Urban Barbecue may sound somewhat strange in Worcester. However, Smokestack Urban Barbecue on Harding Street delivers the goods, especially when trying the Louisiana Fry. A dish piled high, it came with freshly fried catfish, oysters, and shrimp, with a side of fries, slaw and remoulade served on a playful, yet down home country feel, of parchment paper.
The slaw is very peppery and refreshing, which proved a good compliment to the crisply fried seafood and fries. The true stars of the dish…the seafood consisted of perfectly cooked shrimp that still had a nice snap to them and even a slight crunch from the carefully fried tails. The oysters were creamy and briny, small tidbits of deliciousness, while the catfish resembled oversized clam strips, but without that intense seafood flavor. The fish was mild and very flaky, not dry and tough like the reputation that catfish may have. To finish off the meal, the thinly cut fries were done perfectly, creating a nice retreat from the plentiful seafood dish. Although not one’s typical BBQ fare, the Louisiana Fry from Smokestack Urban Barbecue did not disappoint.
The filet of sole at 86 Winter in the Canal District was served stuffed with lobster, scallops, and shrimp. Tossed with a mediera lobster cream sauce and served with sautéed green beans and gratin potatoes. Due to dietary issues, I decided to order this dish without the cream sauce. The fish was light and a bit dry, had I ordered it with the cream sauce it would have been perfect. The stuffing was delicious with large chunks of scallops, lobster, and shrimp mixed with celery and little else. Unlike most stuffings, this one was not overly buttery or filled with breadcrumbs; this simple combination allowed the true flavors of the fish to shine. The green beans were deliciously tossed with garlic. The potatoes were light – not heavily buttered or with too much cheese – I could actually taste the potato. Overall a great dish!