Seafood Barge - Southold

I was extremely disappointed with the dramatic decline of the Seafood Barge, Southold, NY. It was a family celebration for which I made a reservation for eight people a week in advance, requesting a window table for my birthday celebration. We thought the experience would be well worth the 50 mile trip based on our dining experience there 2 years ago. The evening started with the rude hostess who gave us an under-sized table nowhere near a window. When we requested to be moved to an appropriately sized table (preferably at a window, of which there were many available in the half empty dining room) we were asked why would we want to move from “the best table in the house?” After not being able to convince us she made a new table available. The food was simply awful in both taste and presentation. The menu descriptions did not match the actual dishes nor were they pleasing to look at or eat. I could not stand to eat the Lobster Pot Pie which was served with mountain of a red breadcrumb mixture on top in lieu of a pie crust. What little lobster there was tough and tasteless. The Seafood Bouillabaisse was served over egg noodles (not pasta, as described) in a tasteless broth. The clams and mussels were gritty and several had not opened. Other dishes on the table were bland and unappealing with the exception of the crab cake which was acceptable. When we told our server about our displeasure with food, a “senior” server came over and attempted to discredit our opinions and defend the recipes. I must say our server was very good from beginning to end. She was competent, pleasant and although apologetic, she was appropriately appreciative of us voicing our constructive criticisms so that the menu could be improved. My disappointment with this once excellent restaurant is exceeded only by my embarrassment after having sung its praises to the family members that I brought there.