CQ's Restaurant

I have dined with CQ's many times over the last 15+ years and never disappointed. It was an early dinner with a 5 year old, so how much atmosphere can a person handle. The restaurant was busy, but it was calm and peaceful, which was good after being in the sun for most of the day. Take away the 5 year old, allow me 30 minutes to throw back 5 shots of tequila, and we have a totally different ballgame. Appetizers consisted of calamari and a shrimp cocktail for me. I have celiac and must adhere to a gluten-free diet. Thanks to all those on a gluten-free diet that is not required. Provides better products and more options, so keep eating gluten-free. Apologies, both of the appetizers were good. The shrimp cocktail was extra special when compared to the one from a few nights earlier while diving at a different restaurant. For some reason, any day that I have spent a long period of time in the sun, I crave a cold wedge salad, and it was on point. The chicken fingers and fries were rated 5 lipsticks, based upon the Barbie scale, which I was unfamiliar with until the rating. I was informed that the filet and potato pancake were excellent. I would estimate that 80% of the time that I select the pork chop. Always cooked perfectly and outstanding. The only issue I personally have is the Bourbon glazed apples listed as part of the dinner. As we all know, bourbon mash is made from corn, wheat, rye, and malted barley. Except for the corn, the other ingredients are not gluten-free. It could be that some people are not impacted, or maybe when the apples are glazed, the ppm drops below the measurement threshold. I have no idea and am highly sensitive, so stay away at all costs. I once read that double distilled scotch is fine for celiac, and though triple distilled should be even better. I will only say that the scotch experiment did not work out so well. Staff is great. Servers are attentive without being overbearing and are knowledgeable of the menu and dietary constraints. Great meal paired with a nice Barolo, and of course, what goes best with chicken tenders? Shirley Temple!! Now that I live a couple of miles away, please order more pork. I shall return soon.

Our favorite HHI dinners in the summer (a bit less in the off-season). Always excellent service. Sitting outside is our favorite. Highlights: Service, wine list, shrimp cocktail, chicken entrée, beet salad, smoked salmon app special, trout special (minus the pool of butter and heavy grits). Disappointments: Inconsistency in chef willingness to accommodate dietary modification needs (request to put tapenade on side of calamari). Chef did this for our previous two visits but not for the most recent one. Typically they are great at accommodating gluten, dairy, and other dietary needs. Not sure what happened this week...