I have lived in Huntsville my entire life and I had never been to downtown Decatur. Sad, I know, Bank Street is truly lovely and I will most certainly venture there again. For this trip, my wanderings had purpose and so I found myself in front of Simp McGhee's.
Opened in 1986 and so-named after the famous river boat Captain, Simp McGhee's stands at the northwest corner of historic Bank Street. The menu was posted in the window and I was instantly drawn in. Duck, smoked salmon, ponchartrain..... Yum. A nice gentleman opened the door for us and I couldn't help but notice the chef's smock and apron. None other than Head Chef Dean Moore was welcoming us in!
The restaurant was dimly lit, only a few lights over the bar and the sunlight streaming in from the front windows. Diners can choose to eat upstairs, a more formal affair, with white linen table clothes and wee candles on the tables or downstairs. The dark and quiet early afternoon bar scene appealed to me so downstairs it was. A few other patrons were on hand, but only a few.
We were seated at the front windows, in a perfectly quiet corner where we could watch the approaching storm. Our waitress approached and greeted us with menus. Upon closer inspection, the menu was simply exceptional. Everything sounded wonderful.
We started with the mushroom caps, stuffed with seafood dressing, bacon and Jack cheese. Then we decided on the fresh ponchartrain and the char-roasted duck. Still beaming over the menu, our salads arrived and thus ended the fairy tale. Wilted, brown baby spinach and iceberg lettuce and a few cherry tomatoes. We were off to a bad start. Then the mushrooms came and I was instantly reminded of the difference between fiction and reality.
The seafood stuffing was stale at best and the bacon.... Well, there is really no way to sugar coat this. The bacon was raw. Now I am not a professional chef, but really, raw bacon? Correct me if I am wrong, but isn't there a rule somewhere about not eating raw pork? Needless to say, that dish got a trip back to the kitchen.
After asking for and receiving some bread, the entrees arrived. The duck looked luscious and tender and yum. The trio of apples, baby spinach and sesame glaze was inspiring and a perfect complement to the rich depth of the duck. A bright spot indeed! As it would turn out, the only bright spot to be had. The ponchartrain before me was heavy and dry, not the light tender fillet I had anticipated. The shrimp and crab were utterly flavorless. I nibbled on the broccoli while gazing longingly at the duck. Lesson learned, I guess.
Our waitress came to gather up the lot and presented us with the bill and yes, the disappointment continued. The mushrooms remained on the bill. So, for a mere sixty eight dollars we had some duck. Hum......
Overall, the aesthetics weren't bad, perhaps in need of a good dusting, but overall pleasing. The service was fair, not awesome, but better than the food. I have to say, I will venture across the river again, downtown Decatur still has treats in store for me, but my experience with the river boat captain will be my last. for Simp McGhees. read more