Woodlands Bonefish Grill serves up a great 'catch-of-the-day'

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- Bonefish Grill, the “Fresh Fish Experts,” officially opened its 200th location Monday, March 3, with a flurry of activities that included a champagne christening and a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Also on the agenda - the presentation of an oversized ‘handover’ check for a donation in excess of $5,500, to the Junior Leagues of North Harris and South Montgomery Counties, from a pre-opening VIP event.

Located at 1555 Lake Woodlands Drive, Bonefish Grill executives selected the site for all the right reasons: a block from the I-45N freeway, walking distance from The Woodlands Mall, and in close proximity to the entertainment venues of the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion and the Cinemark Tinseltown Theater. The 4,367 square foot restaurant will accommodate 128 diners in the main dining room, 54 in their expansive bar area, and 40 on the outdoor patio.

Bonefish Grill’s newest location in The Woodlands introduces both a new interior and exterior design which will be replicated in all future locations. In addition to its contemporary fixtures, neutral palette, and subtle lighting, the restaurant features an outdoor patio with a fireplace, overhead heaters, and windows that open to the inside bar. The warm earthtones and versatile seating arrangements inside the restaurant are eclipsed only by an oversized communal bar, a Bonefish Grill signature concept, which accommodates large group gatherings or the opportunity to interface with other Woodlands residents and make new friends. To access the inviting bar, you first have to enter the restaurant through a massive revolving door, a retro look that evokes a nostalgic feeling. The striking Bonefish Grill logo of 1200 polished stainless steel “scales,” shimmers on the dining room wall.

“We describe our dining experience as ‘Polished Casual,’" said Vice President of Operations, Bern Rehberg. “Fine dining at casual prices. The equation is value = experience divided by the price.”

In addition to the aesthetic environment, what differentiates Bonefish Grill from other fine dining establishments is not just the wide variety of menu items, but their uniqueness in preparation; hand-cut fish and steaks, prepared over a wood-fire grill. A computer program ensures that the different courses are served in a timely fashion, and in concert with each other.

“We have a Culinary Manager who ensures the quality of the meals,” said Woodlands Managing Partner, Erica Gibson. “Every meal is checked for proper preparation and presentation before leaving the kitchen.”

The menu features specialty dishes ranging from fresh and light, to rich and savory like its signature Bang Bang Shrimp®, created with a house made spicy, Asian-inspired sauce. Many of the menu items are named after family members of founders, Tim Curci and Chris Parker, who founded the restaurant concept in St. Petersburg, Florida, in the year 2000. The restaurant was named for one of the most prized trophies for anglers, and although the ‘Bonefish’ is not a menu item, it’s symbolic of the desire to achieve and present a quality item.

Among the other quality menu items: Chilean Sea Bass, seared Ahi Tuna, wild Pacific King Salmon, which can be ordered as a trio, Mussels Francais, Imperial Tilapia, or order a great wood-grilled steak. The lunch menu features an American Kobe Beef Burger, Sir Will’s Fish & Chips, or the delicious Lobster Roll Slider - lobster chunks on a light and buttery New England roll.

Sunday Brunch is expected to be popular dining event, featuring a variety of eggs benedict, including a Surf + Turf Eggs Benedict, as well as specialty omelets. Hand-crafted cocktails like the “KABM” (a bloody mary embellished with a spicy stuffed cherry pepper), Passion Fruit and Traditional Mimosas, and Peach Bellinis, all which are available during Sunday Brunch.

Hand-crafted cocktails are a mainstay in Bonefish Grill’s big-city bar. A variety of innovative cocktails, a selection of local craft beers, and affordable wine list, including a reserve wine list which includes the proprietary Bonefish Grill wine, Hidden Crush, made by various Central Coast wineries and offered during crush season. Daily Happy Hour includes specially-priced drinks from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. $5 hand-crafted cocktails are available all day.

Bonefish Grill prides itself in its unique wine and seafood pairings, to better enhance the flavor of the fish and provide the customer with a memorable and savory dining experience.

“We can provide our customers with consistency in the quality of the food because of our long-standing relationships with our partners in the fishing industry,” said Rehberg. “We only source fish from sustainable well-managed fisheries.”

Bonefish Grill regularly consults with conservation groups such as Ocean Trust to ensure the promotion of environmentally sound fishing and aquaculture practices; procuring products globally in order to prevent over-sourcing in specific regions.

For those with unique dining requirements, ask for the Gluten-free or calorie-count menus. A children’s menu is also available, as well as one in Braille. Be sure to sample the unique and tantalizing appetizers, and end the meal on a good note with one of the house-made desserts.

The Bonefish Grill opened officially for dinner service at 4:00 p.m., Monday, March 3. The restaurant’s hours are as follows:

Monday – Thursday
Lunch: 11:00AM - 2:30PM
Dinner: 2:30PM – 10:30PM

Friday – Saturday
Lunch: 11:00AM – 2:30PM
Dinner: 2:30PM – 11:30PM

Sunday
Brunch: 11:00AM – 2:30PM
Dinner: 2:30PM – 10:00PM

Reservations are not required, but suggested, to eliminate the wait time. If you have difficulty deciding what to order, ask the ‘angler’ attending to your service. The staff is referred to as ‘anglers,’ and they’ll ensure that you enjoy your ‘catch of the day.’