Experiencing déjà vu in Evansville isn’t uncommon, at least for me. A sensation of sameness and familiarity crops up a lot – driving in traffic, seeing a certain kind of vehicle, a wind blowing from just the right direction – any of these may set off a collage of images of days past.

            Sometimes, déjà vu skips the subtlety and goes right for your throat, or in the case of the new Tin Fish restaurant, my throat; perhaps palate is the more appropriate word in this case. Tastes fondly remembered in an atmosphere as comfortable as my own living room, that breeze that can bring with it a memory that touches off another memory, pleasant aromas mingling together, a sunset as fine as you’ll find around here, a skyline seen from just the perfect distance… if you’re subject to what I’ll call River City Déjà vu like I am, you’re likely to surmise that the new Tin Fish is perched on that prime spot on the Ohio at Marina Pointe. And the tradition of quality local epicureans have come to love with the restaurant is still firmly entrenched.

            To the delight of many, I’m sure, Tin Fish’s new location is a marked step up from its recent digs downtown. In fact, the pairing of the seafood restaurant’s fare with the maritime setting is a match that seems just exactly right. Where else would such a great seafood place want to be in Evansville, anyway?

            To take a step back, for the uninitiated, Tin Fish – in a matter of only several years – became the best seafood restaurant in town. You may think that wouldn’t be difficult, considering the dearth of places serving primarily seafood. But the Tin Fish menu competes and wins out in cities such as San Diego, which has world class restaurants of every stripe. And from personal experience, I can attest to the quality of freshness, taste and presentation Tin Fish offers. I’ve had wonderful meals made from the bounty of several oceans, on or near the beach of said oceans, and Tin Fish in Evansville competes – and in some cases is better – than restaurants whose tables are sometimes moved up and down the sand with the changing of the tides.

            Jasone Parsons is the owner at the Marina Pointe Tin Fish. A disciple of seafood guru Joe Melluso (Tin Fish founder and veteran of the business on both coasts), Parsons recently set out to make his own mark on the Evansville dining and entertainment scene. Armed with years of experience working with the Tin Fish formula of providing the freshest possible seafood prepared to perfection, Jasone’s ability to “handle the passed torch,” so to speak, is solid, based upon my recent visit to the familiar wood-sided haunt overlooking the Ohio and the LST 325.

            I’ve eaten nearly everything on the Tin Fish menu at one point or another over the years, and so I asked Parsons to surprise me with something representative of the menu as a whole. Friendly wait staff helped with my drink and comfort needs, offering quick service to me – just another customer – not a “reviewer” as far as they knew (when possible, I like to remain anonymous when I write about a restaurant… for a variety of good reasons).

            One of the most common problems diners face with seafood is fish, shrimp or various other creatures that have been overcooked. It’s a mistake we make at home too. And so when Jasone appeared from the kitchen within a mere eight minutes or so with two plates of Tin Fish cuisine to try, I knew the job had been done right… not much of a surprise, really, because that’s what I’ve come to expect from Tin Fish.

            Of course my meal (or meals, rather) were cooked, seasoned and presented without a fault found. My Mixed Fish Grill – a bit of several fresh fish portions, fried and grilled shrimp, and an insanely tasty crab cake along with some several appropriate sauces – gave the opportunity to examine not only the wonderful tastes, but the myriad textures that made for such a well-rounded entrée.

            Next up was Tin Fish’s Cod Fish Taco, a brilliant combination of (again) perfectly prepared fresh fish, lettuce, diced tomato, cheese and a secret sauce all wrapped in a flour tortilla. A side of rockin’ waffle fries and homemade, handmade cole slaw on the side made the entrée a well-crafted example of the upscale taste in a casual, downright homey setting and vibe found with Tin Fish at Marina Pointe.

            There’s something for everyone at Tin Fish. Finicky kids have a menu of their own, with non-seafood offerings. Diners may choose to stay indoors, at a table or at the bar. Patio seating is extensive, so if you’d like to catch one of the best views around, enjoy the finest seafood in Evansville and maybe quaff a cold one, Tin Fish has you covered there.

            In keeping with Marina Pointe tradition, Tin Fish will be utilizing one of the finest live music venues in River City as well. The big white tent will play host to shows throughout the summer; check out our entertainment guide for what’s happening there.

            Bring a hearty appetite, a casual attitude and yes, a thin wallet; if it’s seafood in a cozy setting, with great people working behind (and in front of) the scenes helping you along, take the ride out Waterworks Road to the all-new Tin Fish. You might get a passing sensation of that old déjà vu all over again, too.

 

Tin Fish at Marina Pointe is located at 1801 Waterworks Road. They may be reached at 421-1100.