Don’s Fishmarket Grill and Tavern has been billed as one of the top restaurants in the Northshore area. It’s got a part nautical, part old time feel to it: deep green leather upholstery, lots of dark wood, bric-a-brac (wooden models of ships, old posters, and the like). The bar counter, agleam with glasses and bottles, stretches along the right, with bar stools in front and wall-mounted TVs at either end. The staff, clad in black, are friendly and helpful. After a few days, they got to know us so well that we could count on some lively chatter even if we came down to breakfast all by ourselves!

But to come to the most important part: the food. Don’s specialty is seafood, and they have a fair number of fish, crab, shrimp and other dishes on the menu - all the way from starters through soups and entrées. They feature 'catch of the day’ specials, as well as a soup du jour. In addition, for those who aren’t keen on seafood, there are burgers, sandwiches, salads, and the like. Not a huge menu, but extensive enough to offer a fairly wide range of dishes to choose from.

Among the items I ended up sampling were shrimp with garlic butter (with a deliciously tangy squeeze of lemon, and a sprinkling of chives - a very good starter); and red Manhattan-style chowder (chunky and hearty, bursting with celery, carrots, tomatoes, and seafood). Another day, I had a huge portion of Bangkok catfish: a tender, just-right filet of catfish on a bed of flat noodles, with a delicious sweet-sour sauce and plenty of lightly sautéed veggies. Filling but light and fresh.

Another dish I can vouch for is Don’s burger. I prefer steak well done, and this one was just perfect: cooked through, but tender and juicy at the same time. It came with a grilled burger bun, lettuce, slices of tomato, gherkin, and a huge order of gorgeously golden and crisp fries. I also opted for a side of sautéed mushrooms (raw mushrooms, bacon, and cheese were among the other sides I could've chosen). To end my meal, I chose the key lime pie: a very buttery crust and oodles of light whipped cream, but a lime filling that was sweet to the point of cloying.

Nevertheless, I'd rate Don's as a good place to eat. The ambience is comfy; the service is brisk, efficient and friendly; the food is good and the portions are generous. Expect to pay anywhere between $15 to $40 per person for an entrée and dessert, without alcohol. Reservations are recommended for the evenings, when it can get fairly crowded. A tip if you’re staying at the hotel: take your room key along; you’ll get 10% off at Don’s.