Do you love fish?

I do. Last week, the team at Lovers Seafood & Market invited a group of media and influencers (including Yours Truly) to a #VIPeek at the newly renovated spot before it opened to the public. Reborn from a former seafood market (Rex’s), and with the feel of another seafood market (TJ’s), it’s not hard to predict what you’ll get from a spot like Lovers Seafood and Market. The best quality fish, treated with care and served with delicious sides, wines and other accompaniments that let seafood shine. That’s exactly what you’ll find at Lovers, because the team behind the restaurant will not let you down. Tracy Rathbun and Lynae Fearing have put together a place that’s classy and yet feels like a spot where you could dine with friends weekly. They’ve brought back their old friend Chef Aaron Staudenmeier (who’s been part of opening nearly every Rathbun-related concept of note) to help us all celebrate fish and highlight simple ingredients in each dish. His enthusiasm is contagious.

The menu is approachable in both price point and composition. Unless you go full steak or full lobster roll, of course. But look for better-than-basic sides and salads, as well as some sandwiches, “big plates” and flavorful apps. And save room for dessert.

Take a look at the sampling we got last week…

Pot of bread. Like a pot of gold but much more delicious.

Pimiento cheese. As usual, tastier than it looks.

Ahi poké. AKA My Food Addiction. I could eat this every day. Chef Staudenmaier’s version includes a fun pop of spice from wasabi peas.

Unique broccoli awesomeness. I dare you to not like this.

Bacony brussels sprouts and some delicious cheesy and spicy green chile grits. Because always cheesy grits.

Simply grilled fish with crispy skin. See what I said about letting the fish shine?

Attention. Desserts are NOT phoned in here. This s’mores pie is amazing. So rich and perfect.

Do you like cheesecake? Watch out. You might fall in love…

If you’re an Elvis fan, this peanut butter pie/tart/angel might make you sing.

“Thank you! Thank you very much!”

The spot is officially open for both lunch and dinner, from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily.

Lovers Seafood and Market // 5200 W. Lovers Lane // loversseafoodmarket.com

DISCLOSURE: The photos above were taken at a media dinner prior to the official opening of Lovers Seafood & Market. The meal and drinks were comped for me as well as all media and influencers in attendance. That said, the opinions expressed in this post (as always) are my own regardless.