Overrated Dining at Vernick Fish 🐟🚫

After visiting its sister restaurant, Vernick Food & Drink, and seeing all the high ratings online, my expectations were sky-high. Located in the Four Seasons Hotel, the place was almost full — I thought, “It’s so busy, can’t be bad, right?” Well, reality hit hard… 🐟 Torched Salmon Crudo – Smoked chili oil tasted greasy and stale, overpowering the salmon’s freshness. Loaded with spices and toasted sesame, the flavors clashed awkwardly — I swallowed it fast just to move on. 🐙 Crispy Fried Octopus – Smelled nice but tasted mediocre and way too salty — like the neighborhood fried chicken shop where the owner went heavy on the seasoned salt 😅. By now, I’d lost hope for this meal. 🦞 Breadcrumb-Fried Lobster – Essentially a deep-fried lobster tail that tasted like Chinese-style shrimp patties — salty again. The lobster salad on top with pickles and avocado cream felt randomly “fusion” — nothing blended well. 🐟 Whole Roasted Branzino – Just an average fish. The promised coconut broth had no coconut flavor, and the shrimp garnish tasted like frozen rubbery shrimp. Felt stuck — couldn’t enjoy it, but hated to waste expensive food 😢. #100RestaurantsChallenge #Philadelphia #DateNightSpot #HiddenGem #PhillyFood #PhillyArea