Review: Off the Boat Seafood

One Friday evening, two months ago, my friend and I wanted to find some place different to dine, and remembered that a new seafood joint had opened up in East Boston.  We went into the main door, and came into a little space with a non-descript counter where fried seafood could be ordered.  The man behind the counter must have read something on our expressions because he immediately said, "We have a dining room next door, if you're interested." They had a dining room next door?  Okay.  We exited one door, and entered another.  What greeted us was a small restaurant that seated no more than 20 people.  The decor, however, coupled with the Italian music playing softly in the background, was pure bistro.  The experience from that point on was nothing short of a culinary Nirvana. We began with an appetizer of fried calamari served with sliced cherry peppers and a side of marinara sauce.  Oh my!  These were not your usual rubbery, over-battered rings.  They literally melted in your mouth.  Our entrees were another story.  I'd ordered the fusilli with crab, lobster and shrimp tossed in a light garlic sauce that showcased the freshness of the seafood.  My friend ordered the penne tossed with brocolli rabe and shrimp in a light pink sauce.  We were both literally humming after each bite.  For dessert we had a lovely confection called a "Lemoncello Ball"--lemon ice with a lemoncello center.  We have since become regular once-a-week customers.  "Off the Boat" has everything one longs for in a restaurant: Warm, outstanding service; food that never disappoints; reasonable prices.  This has become our little jewel in East Boston.