We started off with three appetizers (yes, it was just the two of us... we waited two years to get here.... give me a break!) The first was off of the specials menu, and I am so glad that it was there. It was a tempura battered stuffed zuchinni blossom and it was absolutely outrageous. The stuffing was composed of a ricotta, crab, and asparagus mixture that was so good. It wasn't heavy on the crab but it was lucious... creamy and rich tasting. The tempura fried zuchinni blossom was crunchy and well seasoned, and when you got a little bite of crunch with the smooth creamy stuffing.. oh man. Too good. I haven't even mentioned the sun dried tomato sauce that was placed under this whole shebang... sweet and fresh tasting, it was the perfect compliment to the slightly salty blossom. This was tatsy. Damned tasty.
Next on our list was the suppli... a risotto fritter composed with fontina cheese and peas and mozarella all topped with a tomato sauce. Matt was nutty for this but I could have done without it. It was a fried risotto ball, and it was delicious, but after a while it just got boring. I like when new and exciting flavors are introduced throughout each bite, and this one just didn't have that depth. the sauce was really good though... the perfect blend of sweet tomato, salt, basil, and spice. The fritter itself was pretty good too, but it was just fried cheesy rice upon fried cheesy rice... I would have loved a few hidden surprises in there (and before you look back and say 'Oh but there were peas in it' I will let you know that they got lost in the ricey mixture. So there)
Our third and final appetizer (had to save room for dinner after all!) was what I have come to consider Steve and Cookie's crowning glory.... the lobster mac and cheese. This dish is stupid good, and while I have seen a lot of fancy mac and cheese sprout up over the years(truffle mac? duck and cheese? stuff like that) this was the first I ever knew of (way back like 8 years ago) and it's what I use as my standard. THIS is the dish that made me fall in love with the place so long ago, and when I talk about favorite food experiences this is always in the mix. On this night it held true to form... it was out of this world. The topping is crunchy and buttery, the cheese is rich and decadent and there are huuuge chunks of sweet lobster meat. It really is a treat, and one of the best foods I have ever eaten... there... I said it. Plus the portion is HUGE. This could easily be a dinner.... as opposed to... ya know... a third appetizer between two people . Anyway....
For dinner Matt had the 5 oz filet mignon (also offered in an 8 oz). The presentation was beautiful (you eat with your eyes first... you must know this by now!) The shitake mushroom and port wine sauce was really good... could have used a few more mushrooms, but maybe I am just saying that because I thought they were superb. The sauce complimented the meat really well... it was not at all salty and almost tasted meaty itself... very good. The mashed potatoes were AWESOME.... some garlic makes alllllll the difference. Matt was very happy with his meal.
I ordered one crab cake for dinner (you can order one OR two, but come on... we ate our own body weight in apps). It was very good, but a liiiittle soft. I wish there had been a bit more of a sear on it, but the crab meat was plentiful and sweet. The Asian style slaw that came on the side was also fantastic... a little spicy, but not too much so... a little moist but not too wet... really refreshing and crunchy. There was a HUGE scoop of mashed potatoes on my plate, too... perhaps a bit too much, as they completely dominated my plate. I enjoyed this a lot, but I wish the crab cake had a bit more crunch and there was a bit less starch... but hey. Tasty is tasty.
Just when we thought we couldn't shove any more food in our faces we discovered that there was a (get this) mini pie sampler. How on Earth are you going to say no to 5 bite size pies? You aren't, that's how. We were able to sample the following: pecan pie, chocolate brownie pie, apple raisin cake, lemon mousse pie and chocolate peanut butter pie. They were all delicious but the best (in my opinion) had to be the pecan. Sweet and sticky, with a delicious crust, this was a winner that reminded me of the deep south. Yum. Matt really liked the chocolate peanut butter one... it was creamy and sweet... the peanut butter was smooth to the point of almost being liquidy. Very good, and officially stuffed.
I will say this. The food was FANTASTIC but the service? Not so much. Our waitress was a complete mess... barely acknowledging us when we first sat down, making us wait ridiculous amounts of time before taking our orders, and not checking in on us at all. I guess the service was so bad because it can be... it was not a deterent in the slightest because the food was SO DAMNED GOOD. But yeah... not so friendly.
Go to Steve and Cookie's By The Bay. Go now. Eat everything. It's pricey, yes. Worth it, though.... VERY worth it. They have a great wine list, meh service and superb food. The place is lovely. Its scenic. It's away from the craziness that is Atlantic City. It's a fantastic date night or special occasion location.
Steve and Cookie's By The Bay
9700 Amherst Ave
Margate, 08402
609 823 1163
609 823 1163
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