Anchors Seafood & Ale House

Ocean to Table That's Fresh

By Jodi Drinkard

Anchors Seafood & Ale House is the freshest face in town! Having opened their doors only a few months ago, theyve already become a local favorite. Anchors just raised the bar by serving high-end seafood at a friendly price, explains Patty Stack, a local who recently visited the Roswell establishment.

Coastal decor, hardwood floors, and a bowed dining room resembling that of a ships hull ignite an immediate connection between you and the sea. But, its the wafts of mouth-watering seafood and fresh-cut herbs thatll hook you.

The trick to great seafood is in the freshness, explains Executive Chef Brian Wilson. Weve selected the best seafood purveyors to deliver their catch as quickly as possible. Theres not a restaurant in Roswell, or Atlanta, that serves a fresher fish.

Seafood restaurants in land-locked cities like Atlanta do a fairly good job of acquiring fish from warehouses that distribute both fresh and frozen goods. However, Anchors goes a step further by refusing fish that has been frozen or delayed by a warehouse. We will never sacrifice taste or texture for convenience, declared Chef Wilson.

Chef Wilson gets an email about nine oclock every Monday morning from a small Atlanta based boat-to-shore distributor serving only a few upscale seafood restaurants around town. This call informs him as to the available fresh catch, and thats what goes on Anchors menu for the week absolutely nothing comes from a warehouse.

We get our shrimp from a guy on a day boat, says Chef Wilson. This guy goes out to sea, comes in with a catch, packs and puts it on a delivery truck, and we receive fresh shrimp at our doorstep. Thats fresh!

Scallops are hand-delivered from the waters just south of Nova Scotia. Our scallops are big and bursting with flavor, Chef Wilson explains. Each portion consists of more than a half-pound of buttery meat. Although you can get them prepared any way you wish, the flavor of these scallops stands on their own simply seared with a little butter, and seasoning will knock your sandals off!

Anchors embraces the important trend of Farm-to-Table. Although the snow could fly at a moments notice here in Atlanta, fresh produce is paramount. Currently, vegetables are being flown in from South America while fresh herbs are being planted in-house. Being new to Roswell, we are weeding through local produce vendors right now, Chef Wilson says. Spring in Georgia will give us an opportunity to shine with the best local produce available.

Spring will also open the doors to Anchors outdoor patio! Set back from the busy traffic on Mansell Road in Roswell, the quiet outdoor patio will be the perfect place to enjoy a delicious seafood dinner and a cold pint of brew.

Every Friday evening we feature a new beer on tap, explains co-owner Michael Taylor. Its a real party here, as we crack open the fresh keg and give away matching labeled pint glasses. Get there early, as the glasses are on a first-come first-served basis. Keep an eye out for upcoming beer selections by following Anchors FaceBook page.

Wine lovers will find themselves right at home at Anchors, as their extensive wine list is as pleasant to the pocketbook as it is the palate. Bottles of wine are truly reasonable, as the price tag resembles that of a wine shop rather than a restaurant.

Perhaps our most exciting night of the week is Thursday, Michael goes on to say. We feature our All You Can Eat Shrimp menu for only $17.95. Let me tell you we can certainly go through some shrimp! Blackened, grilled, steamed, or fried its a la cart and all you can eat!

Land lovers will never go away hungry! Burgers and chicken are always a favorite, but the braised spare ribs are melt-in-your-mouth scrumptious and served with Blairsville, Georgias own Logan Turnpike Grits. Of course, these savory grits can also be found on Anchors menu with a hearty portion of shrimp.

Anchors menu is abundant with options for every Foodie. Visit their mouth-watering website (www.AnchorsRoswell.com) to get a full perspective on the variety they have to offer. Whether you choose the pan seared crab cakes appetizers, slow-roasted French Dip sandwich, or the Blackened Penne Alfredo Chicken or Shrimp dinner, youll find the heart and soul of Chef Brian Wilson in every bite.

Anchors Seafood & Ale House
900 Mansell Road in Roswell
Reservations and walk-ins are welcome
(678) 242-8962
www.AnchorsRoswell.com