Picture this - I’m in Lanham, Maryland and I come across this charming seafood joint known as Hook & Reel. Founded in 2013, this place is a seafood lover’s heaven. It hits close to home with its authentic Louisiana cuisine. We are talking about cajun heritage in the form of crawfish étouffée, shrimp creole, gumbo, and much more. And let me tell you, their bar is nothing to brush over. With classics like Hurricanes and Sazeracs, it's a stunning tribute to the Big Easy.
Is There A Hook and Reel Near Me?
Good news for all my fellow seafood aficionados out there. Since their humble beginning in 2003, Hook & Reel has expanded to over 50 locations throughout the US. My favourite part about the décor? Each restaurant is decked up with nautical-themed decorations, capturing that serene seaside charm. Picture this: an enormous octopus waiting to greet you as you enter (don’t worry, it's not real). Alongside their scrumptious seafood menu, they also have some delightful Southern favorites. Gumbo, jambalaya, red beans and rice, you name it. And for the more adventurous foodies, give their alligator tail a try. Be it spicy or mild - it is bound to have you captivated.
The Exotic Taste of Cajun Boil
Welcoming immigrants from France and Canada, Louisiana cuisine showcases its rich cultural diversity with dishes like the Cajun Boil. A traditional Louisiana dish packed with boiled crawfish, shrimp, potatoes, corn on the cob, and sausage or ham - all seasoned with various spices and seasoning.
The best pairing with such a hearty dish? Garlic bread, my friends. The crawfish heads are still on after boiling, allowing you to peel them easily once cooked. You can eat them whole or savor each individual tail - it's completely up to you.
What Is The Secret Behind Hook and Reel's Special Spice Blend?
Prepared with their signature spice blend - garlic, cayenne, paprika, and their very own OG spice, each dish at Hook & Reel carries a unique kick. It doesn't overwhelm but subtly enhances the flavors of every dish.
What's the Story Behind Hook and Reel's Special Sauce?
Speaking of distinct flavors, Hook & Reel's cilantro lime sauce is a real crowd-pleaser. Mixing ingredients like garlic, lime juice, jalapeno peppers, and cilantro, it creates a perfect sauce for just about everything. Believe me, it's worth a detour!
Can I Stick To My Dietary Restrictions at Hook and Reel?
Looking for a ketogenic diet-friendly restaurant? Then, Hook and Reel has got you sorted. The menu is filled with gluten-free and keto-friendly dishes. On a keto diet, you aim to consume high fat, moderate protein, and low carbs. If you can't make it to Hook and Reel for a main meal, try swinging by for a low carb dessert at their dessert bar!
What’s the Fun of Building Your Own Seafood Boil?
Ever wanted to pick your catch of the day? Well, at Hook and Reel, they allow you to wow your taste buds and build your seafood boil!Options include everything from fresh crawfish, clams, shrimp, to exotic lobster tails or claws. You can be as bold or as mild as you dare with your spice and sauce choices. And hey, who wouldn't add a few veggies too, right?
Confession time - I’m a sucker for the sweetness of a lobster tail, so I opt for a medium spice level. If you're not into spicy food but still love seafood, then go for a mild spice level. My go-to side order is always the same - corn on the cob. It may sound plain, but trust me; it is divine when paired with seafood.
What Other Sea-foodies Can Hook and Reel Offer Me?
At Hook and Reel, you’ll find not one but two boiling pots filled with delectable seafood. From snow crab legs, shrimp, whole lobster, calamari, crawfish to mussels - just a sneak peek into their seafood boil offerings.
Hook and Reel’s Amazing Appetizers
The appetizers at Hook and Reel are the perfect prelude to any meal, with mouth-watering offerings such as Crabmeat Fries, Fried Calamari, Crab Bites, Garlic Bread, Wings, Steamed Oysters, and Mozzarella Sticks. Main dishes like Crawfish Etouffee served over rice or pasta are absolute showstoppers! Not in the mood for something heavy? You can opt for offerings like the grilled shrimp salad topped with mixed greens, fresh fruits, and veggies.
What Exactly is Crawfish Etouffee?
Crawfish Etouffee is a traditional cajun dish that delicately blends crawfish, onion, bell pepper, celery, tomatoes, garlic, butter, and flour over delicate heat in a cast iron pot or a Dutch oven. It's usually served over white rice with a sprinkling of fresh parsley. You can also add a little heat by adding hot sauce. An absolute indulgence during Mardi Gras celebrations, it is typically served as an appetizer or side dish.
What Salads Does Hook and Reel Offer?
A seafood paradise, most of the salads at Hook and Reel are seafood-based. From a refreshing crabmeat salad to a simple Caesar salad topped with succulent grilled chicken strip or the delightful shrimp salad for shrimp lovers, it offers a range of options. Perhaps you are in the mood for something more traditional, in that case, you can select the classic chicken tender salad that includes mixed greens tossed in a house vinaigrette dressing.
Pros
- Wide array of seafood options
- Adventurous offerings like alligator tail
- Friendly and lively ambiance with engaging themes
- Dietary restriction accommodations (Keto-friendly, gluten-free)
- Creative menu with 'Build Your Own Seafood Boil'
Cons
- Slightly pricey when compared to other seafood restaurants
- Can get pretty busy during weekends which may lead to longer wait times
- Some may find the spice levels high for their taste