The following “CHEW THAT!” column originally appeared in “The Courier-Times” and / or “The Shelbyville News”. Check their websites for further information.

“CHEW THAT”

Red Lobster 

Blaise Doubman 

In case you have been living under a rock, I guess I will not need to tell you about Red Lobster and the struggles it has been facing for the past year or two. Their special of “Never Ending Shrimp” cost the company millions and millions of dollars and ended up being the promotion that was too good to be true. Thousands of locations across the United States closed and it seemed that Red Lobster was soon going to be a thing of the past. Not even Beyonce, who named dropped the restaurant in one of her hit songs could seem to save it. Then enter in Damola Adamolekun. The Orlando, Florida based seafood chain decided to have him help with their bankruptcy situation. After all, it was him that turned around the popular chain, P.F. Changs. At only 35, Damola is trying to rebuild Red Lobster, who is currently more than $1 billion dollars in debt. Damola has been quoted as saying that he wanted to lead Red Lobster’s turnaround because of its history as the “first really successful casual dining chain in America at scale”. His changes are supposed to focus on incremental changes rather than a complete overhaul. As far as some of his changes? Right off the bat he said he was getting rid of the “Endless Shrimp”. He also said that each day would have it’s own unique special at a fair price. Their famous cheddar bay biscuits will also be baking and coming out of the oven every 15 minutes and will be brought right away with the server to the table. There are also new menu items bring added, new drink specials and something very near and dear to Damola’s heart is coming back, hushpuppies. He said he grew up loving the hushpuppies and was really heartbroken when they removed them. So he has added them back.

I decided to go and see what type of changes I noticed recently and let me tell you. If you have not been to a Red Lobster in awhile, or have changed your mind on it because of bad service of the prices simply being too high, or both, I really recommend giving it another chance. As soon as you walk through the doors, you can see a difference. The first thing that I noticed was that there were lobsters back in their tanks again. And they were clean and running properly. I also noticed better lighting. Before the restaurant was almost drab with lights but the lights now are a little brighter and a little more welcoming. After sitting down, the waitress explained that the biscuits were coming right out of the oven and they were and she brought them super hot. And not only one basket but two! I looked over the menu and noticed that not only were there changes, the menu was totally updated with clean and fresh pictures, descriptions and prices.

For the appetizer, I got to try their new bacon wrapped scallops. They were delicious! The scallops were perfectly cooked and paired very well with the bacon. Each skewer had 2 bacon wrapped scallops and there were 3 skewers. Half of the plate were bacon wrapped scallops and the other half of the plate was a mixed green salad, which added a nice bonus and a nice touch in my opinion. The next appetizer I tried was their lobster flatbread. This was on the menu before but changed slightly. It used to be a “lobster pizza” and it still technically is but the lobster, tomatoes, cheese and toppings are now served on a flatbread instead of pizza crust. 

Their Cesar salad is always delicious. Freshly shaved parmesan cheese on top and large house made croutons and the perfect amount of dressing. That had not changed thankfully. Their cheddar bay biscuits also have not changed and are delicious as usual. I believe the cheddar bay biscuits are my absolute favorite bread serving of any chain restaurant. 

I tried some of their new recipe for lobster bisque. This is where the review will turn not so great. The only part of the review that is not so great actually. The bisque was not good. It was grainy with a weird taste and texture. The color was also off putting. When I talked with our waitress about it, she said she did not care for the new recipe either and she would make sure and make a note of it to tell management. I hated to say anything but if Red Lobster is trying to go for a resurgence then I think the guests need to be honest about the new changes. Therefore they will know what they are doing right or wrong. If you go, do not order the new lobster bisque.

The hushpuppies are small and delicious. There was about 7-8 served in a small bowl. I will say they are the smallest hushpuppies I have ever had or seen but they were packed with flavor. Perfectly fried and not too greasy. Inside were little pieces of corn. They didn’t come with any type of dipping sauce but I suppose I could have asked for some. They were good on their own.

Their grilled shrimp was delicious. Perfectly cooked and seasoned as usual. The baked potato was spot on as was the broccoli and the rice. Their lobster tail was also deliciously buttery but perhaps a bit chewy but after all, it was lobster and lobster tends to have a bit of chew. The crab legs were delicious too. I love crab legs but it always seems like so much effort with very little payout. I hear that Red Lobster will crack them for you but I always hate to ask so I never do. 

Their newest creation is called “Lobster Pappardelle Pasta”. That is what I had for my main dish and it was absolutely wonderful. I highly recommend this to those who want to give Red Lobster another try! it is Maine and langostino lobster meat tossed with pappardelle pasta, asparagus and fresh tomatoes all in a savory garlic sauce. It was incredible. I am getting this again the next time that I visit. All of the flavors were perfect together and it was light and not heavy. The pasta was perfectly cooked, as was the lobster, asparagus and tomatoes. Their best dish! 

All in all, the next time you are thinking of treating yourself, or someone else, seriously consider Red Lobster. They are standing behind their words and trying to make changes while still trying to keep the customers happy. I have been a fan of Red Lobster most of my life but that faded somewhere around 5-6 years ago. Now, I will have to say I am a fan again. I am actually already thinking about the Lobster Pappardelle Pasta and wishing I had ordered another to go.