Early fall is the season for shellfish, and we are shellebrating the occasion with the annual Pelican Seafood Shell Fest!
Started in 2020 in conjunction with P.E.I. Shellfish Fest, Ottawa’s Pelican is now running their very own festival for the first time.
Originally a classic fish market and now a restaurant too, Pelican Seafood Market & Grill has been making waves in the city for the last 40 years. Started on Merivale Road in the early 1980s, the restaurant has been a staple of Blue Heron Mall in its present location since 1985. Apt613 stopped by to sample the in-season sea creatures.
Working with long-time P.E.I. suppliers, Pelican sources the freshest mussels, oysters, lobsters and clams to feed loyal customers in a relaxed atmosphere. Owner Jim Foster attributes Pelican’s longevity to knowledgeable staff who’ve been with the family-owned business for years. Pelican also runs popular “School of Fish” classes, which sell out in minutes, teaching people how to cook fish and seafood.
Malpeque Caesar Shooter. Photo by Sonya Gankina
For Shell Fest, running until Oct. 14, guests can opt for a three-course meal featuring appetizers such as a shrimp cocktail, lobster bisque or a trio of baked Malpeque oysters. Mains feature mussels and fries, clam pasta or lobster dinner, and the dessert is maple crème brulée or a torched lemon meringue tart. Prices range from $46 to $69 for the three-course dinner option.
We wanted to start with oysters and went the a-la-carte way instead. Sunday night’s selection featured a variety of three types of oysters from P.E.I., with sizes and prices varying accordingly. These were probably some of the best oysters I’ve had in my life, and definitely the first time I had such a meaty oyster (just look at the size of it!). The mignonette, horseradish and hot sauces were classic fixings.
Half shop and half restaurant, the grill side is tastefully decorated with blue leather booths, refreshing white walls and nautical wall hangings. The paper cups for sauces definitely convey a casual eatery atmosphere. The place was really busy on Sunday night with people ordering popular seafood towers with lobster, ceviche and tartare.
For appetizers, calamari and lobster bisque made the cut.
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- Photos: Sonya Gankina
The calamari had a delightful texture and the breading was light, not overpowering or too greasy. The bisque was comforting and flavourful with an interesting secret ingredient I couldn’t quite put my finger on.
The list of mains is long, from shrimp fettuccine to whole lobster poutine (as seen on the Food Network), and a variety of white fish like Icelandic Cod and Wild Halibut.
Our Mango BBQ salmon fillet was cooked to perfection, sitting on a bed of creamy and mild potato salad. The lobster roll came with a small garden salad and fries. My portion was generous and heaping, with full little pickles throughout. Although the lobster was pleasant and the dressing creamy, I felt it was a little under-seasoned for my personal taste, considering the $35 price tag as well. Perhaps for a palette less intense than mine, it would be absolutely perfect!
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- Photos: Sonya Gankina
Altogether this was a very filling and satisfying meal, and a nice way to welcome in fall with a fresh seafood harvest. Next time, I’d try a seafood tower.
Thank you to Pelican Seafood for hosting us for dinner!
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Explore the dinner menu and make your reservation here.
