If I had to write my review with just one word, that one word would be go! Fabulous food with an upscale casual atmosphere directly on the Essex river is the description but the experience is so much more. Every dish we encountered had a familiar theme but a completely new take on the interpretation. The chef clearly has a depth of knowledge coupled with imaginative gastronomic vision. I cannot pick a winner from the eight or so different dishes we were presented with because all of them deserve equal merit on their own. Shrimp and grits is on its face is basic but I have never seen either of those two staples served the way they have been here. Stuffed quahogs that are at once slightly sweet yet retain the flavor of the clam and stuffing where none of the influences give way to each other yet blend perfectly. Barbecue or Buffalo chicken wings is something everyone has on their menu but you have to order them here because the presentation and the execution is excellent. The meat is perfectly cooked to be tender and moist. The barbecue and buffalo sauce is clearly an in-house recipe and not some bastardiization of James River hot sauce like so many other places. For entrées we were served their hamburger, the pulled pork plate, and the roasted cod. It is evident that the fried food at this establishment has its own frying oil and it is changed frequently. The french fries tasted exactly like potatoes, they were no hints of clam or onion or any other food, the taste was clean and crisp the way of french fries should taste. Vegetables were fresh and cooked just past an al dente standard. When the waitstaff asks you if you would like to see the dessert menu I entirely endorse the idea that you do. Once again this restaurant does not fail on creating their own version of standards as well as some interesting new desserts such as their fried dough ice cream and caramel creation. Sweet and decadent just like desserts should be, and once again not fouled with artificial or cheap ingredients. Drinks were served with an honest pour and a reasonable price. The waitstaff is cheerful without being a nuisance. There is clearly an understanding and good practice of when to fire dishes and the monitoring of cooking times as everything was done exactly to the wellness it should have been. My review would not be complete without mentioning the general manager Jeff who puts a warm and genuine personal face to an excellent establishment. It will be very obvious to all that visit that Jeff is very comfortable and at home with his position, a good match for certain. I started off by using one word to recommend this restaurant and that word was go. So what are you waiting for? Go!