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Bonefish Grill Paramus New Jersey, not to be confused with my last review about Bone Fish Bar and Grill in Bermuda, has been a restaurant that I have been wanting to go to for a long time. For whatever reason, I just wasn't able to make the stars align. Coincidentally, my family and I were finally able to make it happen when we returned from Bermuda.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

I found the restaurant visually attractive from right when we pulled into the parking lot. Sure it's surrounded with views of the Garden State Parkway, the Paramus Park Mall and it is attached to a hotel but all of that doesn't take away from the presence that this establishment has in the area. The decor in the restaurant is also very nice. I like the layout of the floor plan and I wondered what it would look like at night. I feel that I can imagine an attractive night time ambiance.

While walking into the restaurant, I noticed the host busy on the phone. As we approached the front desk, I gave him a slight smile and stood there with my family. I didn't expect to he helped right away, I understand he was on the phone speaking with a guest. But what I did expect was some sort of acknowledgement that we were there. A simple gesture to signify that he would be right with us would have been acceptable. What we did get was him turning his back to us. After he turned his back to us, another staff member came over to tell him something. This other staff member did acknowledge us with a smile, but then just walked away. In my opinion he should have offered to help us get a seat. I train my staff to do so. Everyone should be willing and able to show guests to a table. By the way, we did had the host's back to us. Then a third person came over to finally seat us. It took three people for us to be seated. That's not acceptable. The restaurant itself was not busy at all, maybe a table or two. We were there around 3pm for a late lunch. There is no excuse. I also just have to say this, never have your back to a guest. Always be welcoming and attentive. The first impression when walking into a restaurant is provided by the host. With that said, this first impression does weigh heavy.

THE DRINKS

This beverage is called the Wild Orchid Hawaiian Martini. My wife ordered this drink and she loved it. These sweet and tropical flavors accompanied with a edible orchid that I had the pleasure of eating. I personally wouldn't order it myself as I am a whiskey and bourbon man but I did get to taste it. If you are a fan of these kinds of martinis, you would benefit from ordering it.

THE FOOD

The food was fantastic. First we enjoyed the Thai Coconut Shrimp. The shrimp was nicely cooked and the sauce was amazing. The basil garnish was also a nice touch. My wife enjoyed the Cilantro Lime Shrimp Salad. She enjoyed the beans and corn mixed into the salad. The peppers, cheese and tortillas were a great combination. Again the shrimp was cooked to perfection. My Crab Crusted Alaskan Cod was phenomenal. I love cod, it's one of my favorite fish. The crab was a great addition to the dish. Everything came together greatly. The mashed potatoes were creamy and flavorful and the broccoli was still firm and not overcooked. As great as the meal was, was it enough to win me back from my first impression?

SERVICE

Our server was friendly and accommodating. She came to the table with a smile and interacted with my daughter, which my little girl enjoyed. Our server gave great service and left us wanting for nothing. You could tell she had good training and was knowledgeable whenever I asked a question. But as good as the service was, was it enough to save the visit for me.

LASTING IMPRESSIONS

On the way out, we passed the front desk and the same host was still up there. Again, there was no acknowledgement. No have a nice day or good bye or even a smile. He just stood there in his own world. The first and last impression are vital parts of a guests restaurant experience. It's the book end. If you have a bad first impression and bad last impression, you start with a bad taste on both accounts. Now in this situation, I started with a bad impression, the restaurant then improved its standing in my head with great service and food and then I got that bad taste again. If I was just rating the restaurant on the service and food, Bonefish would have received one of my highest scores. But because of the weight of the first and last impressions, I give Bonefish Grill 3.5 out of 5 stars. I will return one day. I hope that there is another host working that day. I also recommend Bonefish to others if you are looking for a great meal.

Bonefish Grill is located at:

601 From Road

Paramus, NJ 07652

Phone Number: (201) 261-2355

Website: https://www.bonefishgrill.com/

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