Mike Mundell’s Surf and Turf

Recently I purchased a home in an older area of Kingston’s East Side. When I tell people where I bought, I get varied responses from, “that’s a beautiful area” to “why would you move all the way out there?” The truth is, I think the East side is a bit of a gem (coming from the GTA the traffic on the causeway hasn’t bothered me yet): it has some wonderful neighbourhoods, is minutes from downtown and boosts some of the best views of the city along the water. And while it still a has way to go in terms of restaurants, I was delighted to come across a little fresh fish shop called Mike Mundell’s Surf and Turf located in the plaza just off of Gore Rd.

Serving the Kingston area for 20-plus years, Mundell’s carries a variety of fresh fish and seafood. From Atlantic salmon, red snapper and tilapia to mussels, lobsters, oysters, scallops, you can find all your favourites from under the sea. Specialties made in store include crab and lobster pâtés, seafood corn chowder and they also carry a number of Newfoundland favourites such as salt pork (fatback), baked apples and cod tongue/cheek.

At Mundell’s, you can find everything to create a seafood feast at home or even host your own fully-catered “fish fry.” However, for times when you are in a rush and need a seafood fix, they also have a made-to-order, hot take-out menu with favourites such as haddock or halibut with chips, fish tacos, and breaded calamari, shrimp, and mussels. Those wanting to take on a cardiac challenge can try “Newfie fries” – topped with gravy and dressing.

One night after work, we decided to get some take out. We got the 2-piece (really three smaller pieces) haddock and fries for $10.95, the 7-piece shrimp and fries for $10.95, a bag of their homemade salt and vinegar chips for $3.95 and their roasted red pepper dip.

The fish and shrimp were both hot, fresh and delicious, however, I was not a huge fan of the fries, which I believe were not fresh cut, but previously frozen (I’ve become a bit of a fry snob in my late-twenties). The meals came with a wedge of lemon, but coleslaw needed to be purchased separately. Next time, I’d opt to get the fish and shrimp on their own and forgo the fries.

By far, the best things that we ordered were the homemade salt and vinegar chips and the roasted red pepper dip. The chips were reminiscent of kettle-cooked chips you can buy in the store, but only much better. They were thick cut, flavourful and not greasy. The dip, made with cream cheese, was spicy and savoury, and it was the perfect complement to the salty/sour chips. We enjoyed both so much that we went and bought more dip and three other flavours of chips (sea salt, hickory smoked bacon, and garlic and rosemary) to share with friends who were visiting for the weekend.

Now that I live so close, I’m looking forward to trying more from Mundell’s, especially the fresh seafood and I am sure I will be back for a bag or two of those delicious chips!

Have you been to Mundell’s before? What are your thoughts?