Lacking Passion in Chesapeake

It isn’t too often when I head to Chesapeake for dinner. As much as I love Hampton Roads, the “Peake” may be my least favorite of the seven-cities. Home of almost every chain restaurant, the city is seriously lacking personality. However, I was pretty surprised to learn of a local establishment called Passion, the Restaurant (not the soap opera). The website photos looked amazing so I was ready to give it a go.

Initial impression: strip mall, cheesy sign. But I had good company I was looking forward to seeing.

There were four pinot noirs listed on the menu. I asked our waiter for his recommendation and he replied “Jigsaw.” When I asked him why he said, “Because I like it.” Well, OK then. Sure, I will give it a whirl. Not a fan.

We started with an unimpressive cheese plate. For dinner I had the Seafood Etouffee with Shrimp, Scallops, Crawfish, Andouille Sausage over Basmati Rice. It wasn’t bad; it was actually better the second day when I had the leftovers for dinner. The specialty of the house is a Rack of Lamb. I asked the waiter (oh no) what he would recommend and he said the Etoufee over the lamb. In retrospect I may have had a better experience if I had a different waiter. He was certainly no Tink.

For dessert I picked another bottle of Pinot, J. Lohr. It was a bit better. The desserts are all house made. I opted for the key lime tart. It wasn’t bad but I don’t like when people sprinkle powdered sugar on a plate for decoration. It just doesn’t work. Not even on French toast.

Dandruff Fairy 

Overall the experience was – meh. Really happy for those who live in Chesapeake to have a non-chain option but I won’t be making a trip back.