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Spicing Up Your Fish

Hello, Chef Darryl Mickler here and recently a guest wrote in and mentioned how much she had enjoyed the grilled Tilapia on our Today's Fresh Fish menu.

While grilled fish is a pretty simple dish, good technique and adequate seasoning will help ensure this simple entree is delicious.

The first thing you want to do is to make sure your grill and grill grates are clean. Food will stick to a dirty grate and pick up unwanted flavors. Remember to preheat the grill (about 30 minutes for charcoal and 15 minutes for gas). Before grilling, brush the grates lightly with vegetable oil or spray with non-stick cooking spray.

Another key to successfully grilling fish is choosing the right species to grill. Tilapia is firm and grills very well. Other species such as grouper, snapper and salmon also work very well. In general, firm-fleshed species are the best choice for the grill. Exceptionally flaky or soft-fleshed species (such as haddock, cod, whitefish or sole) are more likely to stick to even a perfectly prepared grill.

Seasoning is the next step. Sea salt and freshly ground pepper are a great choice but don't be afraid to make your own seasoning blends.

At Red Lobster, we use a special seasoning for our simply grilled fresh fish, but you can make some great varieties on your own. Try the recipe below, always start with fresh spices and make sure to keep the blend in a cool, dark place to preserve the flavor.

Brush the fish with olive oil and place it on the grill. Season it evenly on both sides while cooking. A quick squeeze of fresh lemon as you serve the dish is really all you need to create delicious grilled fresh fish.

Thanks for stopping by and please stop by and see what's fresh today at Red Lobster. Bon Appetit!

Grilling Spice Blend - makes 1 cup

1/4 cup Paprika
1 tablespoon Ground Cumin
1/4 cup mixed Black and White Ground Pepper
1 tablespoon Ground Coriander
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons Sea Salt

 
Comments:
My wife and I are fortunate. We are welcomed at the Red Lobster in Murdock Florida for a FREE dinner for two, on the 16th of April, for life.
We were the first customers at the opening, and were greeted by the Vice President of General Mills. Then we were presented with the gift.

We have 'opened" several Red Lobster, and Olive Garden Restaurants, but never again with a lifetime FREE dinner.

We try to return each year, but now live almost 2,000 miles away. Next year...
 
To whom it my concern,

I went to one of your Red Lobster restaurants today{11/27/07) in Hot Springs AR and the young lady was so rude to my husband and I. The lady was so slow, we ordered the same order we always get. My order was Shrimp Linguini Alfredo and shrimp scampi, my husbands order was Seaside Shrimp Trio. We waited for our appetizer first, Lobster, Crab and Seafood-Stuffed Mushrooms. When my order came, it was Lobster, Crab and Seafood-Stuffed Mushrooms, and there were know cheese biscuits. So we asked her for cheese biscuit, so she brought our cheese biscuits, it was cold and a little crunchy, so we asked her for another order. When she was coming back with the cheese biscuits she pushed the small basket of cheese biscuit hard on the table, like she was mad and walked away. So we ate Lobster, Crab and Seafood-Stuffed Mushrooms and cheese biscuits. My caesurae salad was real salty, every time I come to red lobster I order the same salad and it is always good. My husband orders the regular salad, his was ok. So the manager said he was sorry but I said it wasn’t his fault, it was the waitress fault. I told the manager that there was a couple that they ordered after us and they received their order before we get ours. So the manager said we don’t have to pay for it, so I said, “no thank you”, so I paid what we ate. So we left, we will come again but we do not want the same waiter.
 
I’m sorry your latest dining experience at Red Lobster was unsatisfactory. I’d like to talk to you via email or phone about how we can correct the problem. Would you please call me toll-free at 1-800-562-7837 or email me at sherring@redlobster.com.

Thanks in advance. Your suggestions and comments will help us improve our business. I look forward to hearing from you.

Stephen Herring, Guest Relations Assistant Manager, Red Lobster
 
When is Western Massachusetts going to see a Red Lobster in their neighborhoods? I currently have to travel to CT just to go eat at a Red Lobster and then I have to go at the right time so I'm not waiting 3 hours just to be seated...
 
I have also recently gone to a Red Lobster location and I was extremely dissappointed. All of the food was cold and I will not be attending again anytime soon.
 
I have been a delighted Red Lobster customer for years. The food and service are almost always outstanding, the staff eager to please. There has been, as in all restaurants, a rare occasion when things weren't perfect. If the wait staff person doesn't correct it right away, a word to the manager always does. That kind of responsiveness, plus delicious food, brings me back every time. Thanks to Red Lobster for many years of great meals.
Deb
 
I've been a R.L. fan for years at the Jacksonville & Orange Park, FL locations. I've always found the staffs most pleasant & efficient. The food has also been properly prepared & served. Keep up the good work!!
 
I am very very happy with the red lobster my mom and i go to everyday of the week. The manager does a great job and the help is always upbeat. We haven't had a bad exsperience in a long long time. For were all not perfect, we all have bad days. Thanks for the people at our red lobster.
 
I was reading the comments. Hubby & I also had a bad time at Red Lobster in Hot Springs ,Ark. (in July 2007). The service was very bad by the waitress.wrong food ,cold coffee,people that came in after us got their food before we did .That was the worst service at a Red Lobster that we had ever had. Hubby & I live in Mo. We just went to our regular Red Lobster and the service and the food was great .Red Lobster is our favorite place to go .
Jo
 
I have always been happy with my visits to RL. But, the RL's in my area have recently started premaking the Lobster Pizza. I'm allergic to tomatos so I've always ordered it without them. Now I can't have my favorite thing when go to RL. I really wish they would go back to making them when they are ordered. It would make some customers in NW IN very, very, very happy.
 
My husband and I are satisfied frequent patrons of Red Lobster of several years.

At one time you had Wild Mushroom Soup on the menu. That is the most delicious soup ever. We haven't seen it on the menu in a couple years or so. Do you anticipate ever having that available again in the near future? If not is there a way you could share the recipe with me?

Thank you much for any information you can offer on this delicious soup.
 
RED LOBSTER ROCKS.... My wife and I live over 2 hours away from the nearest RED LOBSTER. But there is no other place that we would eat at. We have been to RED LOBSTER many, many, many times, and we have loved every moment we are there. (OREM, UTAH) Thanks for taking a minute to let me share this. STONEMAN
 
I love Red Lobster and have always had great service. I have gone to the restaurant in Omaha, Ne (the 1st one, and I also worked there) and the one in Council Bluffs, Ia.
The food is always good, the servers very attentive and I always enjoy a meal whenever I have a chance to go to Red Lobster.
 
I don't know why the waiters and/or waitresses ask if you would like an appetizer. You tell them you would like some soup (or chowder) and it never shows up. This has happened to us twice in Orlando (Waterford Lakes). I guess they want to sell the more expensive appetizers instead, but I just like soup sometime. :)
 
I don't really think this is the blog to complain about a certain Red Lobster. I had a problem with one a couple of years ago and contacted corporate and they took care of it. It is real hard for a chain to be able to satisfy everyone all the time. Consistency is the key. I think Red Lobster does better than most. I love the crunch fried fish! And of course the Cheese biscuits. Just show me how to make the tartar sauce and I'll be a happy man!!!
 
Being from the New Orleans metro area I am sort of a food critic, but I go to Red Lobster in whatever state I'm in. I love shrimp, but prefer 1 and 1/2 pounds of Red Lobsters' Snow Crab Legs. Here in North Dallas area I'm been very satisfied. My bad experiences where in 2 Orlando (Disney World area) restaurants while on vacation in May 2007 and also on vacation in Fort Lauderdale this past Labor Day week. The Orlando's food was not the best and they both had horrible servers. I do realize different cooks affect tastes but neither place was so busy that the service had to be so bad.
I still love your Snow Crab Legs, but can only afford to get them 1-2 times a year.
 
I always go to the Red Lobster in Lakewood, CO on union and have always been going to this one location for dinner the staff is very nice and friendly and every time the manager checks on us regularly and personally gets more lemons and cheese biscuits it is always the beast experience ever.
 
Great time, Excellent food...RL is my choice. McDonough GA
 
My wife and I always visit the Red Lobster in St. Peters, MO and I don't believe I can ever remember having any bad service or food there. The staff at that location are the best and should be commended on their friendly attitude and fast service.
 
I live in NorthEastern Connecticut & have a similar problem to the person in Western Mass., the closest Red Lobster is in Wethersfield, CT which is at least an hour drive in good weather and it's always extremely crowded. I'd love to see a RL in Manchester or Enfield, CT, there are Olive Gardens everywhere around here and I thought they were owned by the same company. Thanx
 
I cannot begin to tell you what a WONDERFUL Red Lobster we have in ADRIAN, MI!!!! First you're greeted by a sweetheart Lynnette, who will do her best to accomodate you. Then we have our favorite incredible waiters Jim or Matt. They are both fantastic with remembering our favorite dishes, keeping our refills updated (without us having to ask), and they are so interested and attentive to our twin boys. Then we have made a great repore with the manager, who visits with us whenever she gets a chance and is so friendly. We also notice other friendly staff, and see how clean everything is kept. We enjoy dinner at this Red Lobster a few times a month and are always excited when we have the opportunity. P.S. We have been thrilled that this Red Lobster went to all Non-Smoking....how refreshing it is.
 
Oh how I wish we could afford to go to Red Lobster for dinner. We use to go for my birthday when my son was little. My husband has been laid-ff every winter when my Jan. 3rd birthday comes around. My son is now 11 and he can't remember going there. I wish we could take him again. I just know he would Love the food as much as we do. wesleychetah@aol.com
 
Somehow, when I go to Red Lobster, it takes forever for someone to take your order, then they disappear after taking your order. when you do get it, they come within a couple of seconds - is everything ok- as if the only reason they ask is because they are required to. within 10 seconds of getting your meal what else can you say? and then they disappear again. god forbid if you have to ask for anything - makes you wonder if you did something wrong by coming there. As much as I used to love eating there, I have stopped going there.
 
Hello, I would like to know how I could obtain a coupon for the Red Lobster In Norridge, IL. It will be our 4 year anniversay in a couple of weeks and my Fiance really loves Red Lobster, but sometimes we cannot afford it. If anyone knows how please contact me katsgoods@yahoo.com Thank you
 
People, people, people...

I've never blogged before and perhaps I'm wrong, but isn't this blog for "spicing up your fish" and not compliments or complaints about RL? If you have a problem, you need to advise the store manager and then follow up with corporate, they do have an area to do this. Also, if you'd like to compliment a store or person imparticular, let the store manager and corporate know.

And so for me, on this blog, I'd like to say: Thank you Chef, for the spice recipe above, I plan to try it this weekend.

location: Texas
 
We love Red Lobster. My husband and I go at least once a month. You have the best seafood. It is always delicious and the service has always been wonderful. My only complaint is you took away our favorite dish "Portobello Mahi Mahi". You got us hooked and no other place has a substitute for it. Please, please bring it back if only for a limited time. I will love you forever.
 
I am surprised to hear how so many people are frequent customers of Red Lobster and are so pleased with the food. Admittedly the food has a pleasing favor, but the size of the shrimps have decreased to smallest shrimp in the waters and now the so-called "delicisious cheese biscuits" have reduced tremendously. Maybe this is only in my area -PHIL-NJ....but I am very disappointed each and very time I eat there.

P.S. I've always had good service...I guess that's the trade off
 
We've had great service and we've had poor service from the same Red Lobster in Gurnee, IL. Rather than get into it with the management on site, I wait until we get home (where cooler heads prevail) and send an email. I have received prompt replies from all my emails and received several discout coupons after a particularly bad experience. I try to be fair and send an email about exceptional service as well because if the wait staff provided exceptional service and all I did was leave a larger tip, how would the management know?
 
My 6-year-old daughter has wanted to be a chef since age 3, and Red Lobster is her favorite place. I will have her help me prepare some of the recipes. She will like the interactive kitchen, too. Thanks!
 
I TRUELY LOVE RED LOBSTER IT OUR ANNUAL GIRLS NIGHT OUT EXSPECIALLY DURING THE HOLIDAY WE DO OUR GIFT GIVING THERE FOR THE LAST 6YEARS UNTIL I MOVE AWAY I WAS GOING TO THE ONE IN CHAMPAIGN,IL AND THEY ALWAYS HAS GREAT SERVES AND PEOPLE LOVE THEM FOR THAT,AND THE FOOD IS SOOOOO GREAT AND THE SERVES IS GOOD, THE OLY THING YOU JUST HAVE TO WAIT BECAUSE IT BE FULL, BUT IT HASN'T STOP ME FROM WAITING, I DON'T CARE BECAUSE THE SERVE IS GOOD THANK YOU FOR MAKING MY TIME WONDERFUL THERE.
 
I like Red Lobster, and dine there at least a couple of times a month . . . seldom do I have a problem with either service or food quality, and when I do, the manager has always been quick to sort things out.

I have a nutrition question - does Red Lobster use MSG - Monosodium Glutamate - anywhere in its menu, and if so, where?
 
Although the food is not exceptionally great, the service we have received has been superior to service n restaurants that are more expensive. The service and the value is what brings us back. A couple of months ago we visited the restaurant in Vallejo, CValifornia and we re ceived royal treatment like no other from a young female waiter. We want to go back to tip her more generously.
 
On the Grilling Spice Blend, would it be just as effective to leave off the salt, and let people add it at the table as desired? (Some of our relatives are limited on their sodium intake.)

Thanks.
 
I agree that this is not the forum for complaints about Red Lobster. Comments here are supposed to be about the recipes or the chef's comments. Thanks for all the recipes and cooking tips. I really enjoy them.
 
Hi,
I live in Upstate Rochester, NY and there is one Red Lobster restaurant that I know of on Ridge Road.
I used to LOVE to go there with my Father when I was younger, He would take me there for My "Special" Birthday Dinner. I adore Lobster and Shrimp Cocktail. He has been gone now for almost 28 years, I don't get there often any more because for My Husband and I , it is quite expensive, But I Hope some day to be able to go again. Sometimes I wish they had coupons.
Atleast then we could afford to enjoy a wonderful meal there.
Lisa Reinbolt
Rochester, NY
 
I went to Red Lobster in Beachwood, Ohio on Sunday,
Dec. 9th. I must say I was shocked. While this Red Lobster was considered to be ghetto in the past, they have really improved in customer service. I had the fried tilapia and for an appetizer, cheesesticks. The manager asked me how I liked the service and wanted to know if there was anything he could do for me. I told him I just wanted the check and a box. He brought the box and packed my food for me. I liked that. I had a wonderful time!!
 
I am reporting a horrible experience with red lobster customer service. I ordered $250 in gift cards on December 1, and never recieved them. I placed numerous calls to giftcard customer service, sometimes staying on hold for an hour, never reaching a human being! I left messages and emails , and have been ignored. They charged my credit card promptly, however!!! And would you believe for a higher amount that I actually ordered!!! I have recieved NOTHING and I am furious!!!! I ordered online to save time, as I am a physician and mother to a young baby, but this has done nothing but cost more time!!!!!!
 
follow up to the above: I have now recieved my order and have been thoughtfully contacted by the Guest Relations manager. The problem is taken care of, and through this gentleman with the utmost professionalism. I will continue to patronize red lobster often because of this professional service.
 
This is a shout out to Larry, who worked several years ago at the Red Lobster in Lincoln, Nebraska, and moved to San Francisco, where he may still be working at Red Lobster. Larry, you were always the best server (although we've never had a bad server at Red Lobster!). I used to accompany my mother and my aunt, two silver-haired little ladies, and you were always so kind to chat them up. So Larry, if you read this, hi from Lincoln! We miss you!
 
Wild Mushroom Soup
http://www.redlobster.com/kitchen/recipes/default.asp?recipe=wms
 
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