Maurice — Restaurant in Onancock

The atmosphere was crowded and loud. My fish was so overcooked it was hard, and my wife's steak was barely seared despite requesting it medium done. The rice was supposed to be a risotto but was dry and clumpy. And the saffron seasoning was so overwhelming I couldn't stomach finishing my meal. The price I paid for disappointment was very high. I didn't complain to the staff. I just wanted to leave. *Reply: The reservation was for "Deek", at 6:30, and I paid cash. The staff never stopped to ask how our meal was. I had to flag down the dude to ask for my check. I would've rather had the girl bussing tables wait on us. At least she was elegant in her black evening gown. The place was full during our meal. I guess when 25+ people are seated in what can only be described as a modified sunroom measuring approximately 15'x25', it might get loud. The staff and guests seemed to have a hard time maneuvering between the seated patrons. The host that greeted us interrupted our appetizer to flip a light switch behind our table. The croquette and charcuterie board appetizer was delicious with the blueberry dijon despite the croquette being one roll split in half between two people. It's hard to mess up a charcuterie board even if half of the blueberries and strawberries were long past their prime. I know what saffron is. I've used it many times cooking at home. It's supposed to deliver a light, floral/earthy flavor. Not taste like a well trekked rug. The stuffed flounder was very dark on the bottom and crispy on the bits that flared off the bottom. Maybe it was forgotten in the cooker. There were a lot of patrons dining that evening. Risotto is supposed to be lightly creamy and savory. Not stick to the bottom of the fork when pressed. And slaw is typically made with cabbage. What I was served seemed like shredded strips of old bokchoi stems and bruised mango. A medium done steak should be pink inside but not bloody enough to fill the plate with a red au jus. The 2" thick strip only had a quarter inch of sear on each side. That's very rare, not medium. And the parking is so cramped, I was blocked in by another patron waiting to park when we left because they had nowhere they could move to. They had to back out of the lot so that we could get out. I "took the time" to leave a review here because I was prompted by Google during my leisure. I've also worked extensively in food service and know the potential results of complaining about the food. Especially at a "nose in the air" establishment. Nobody appreciates the criticism and, more often than not, it's met with disdain. I normally leave my plate spotless, but that evening, I left most of the risotto and all of the "slaw" on the dish. That should've been indication enough that I was displeased. The place does have potential. Perhaps the staff was overwhelmed given the volume of patrons. Perhaps another dish may have been more appealing to my palette. Regardless, what I experienced was rather pretentious. And to be met with a dismissive reply by the owner was just salt...

We went to the new Kuchi on Saturday and everything was great except for an issue with the bill. The food was beautifully presented, especially the sushi. The other apps were brought out at random times, which was fine, but some were piping hot and some were barely warm. The miso soup was lukewarm. Flavors of everything were superb and the sushi was delicious😘. The space Kuchi itself it very comfortable and beautiful, and has a very upscale feel without being stuffy. The billing issue started because we ordered one lobster roll and one tuna roll, but the waitress accidentally entered 2 lobster rolls instead. She admitted this herself when she was at the table, and stated she was sorry and she would be right back out with the tuna roll. Assuming everything was resolved, we ate everything and enjoyed our food. She presented the bill, which charged us for the 2 lobster rolls plus the one tuna roll. We questioned the charge since it was her mistake, and she said she was sorry but we ate the food. But she didn't take the extra roll back or even offer to, so we assumed it was ok to do. She insinuated that if a mistake is made she has to pay for it herself, but said she would talk to her bosses and see what she could do. Some time later another woman came to the table and asked us to explain what happened. Then she laughed and said we ate the food. We stressed that the waitress didn't take it back or even give the option to take anything back, so we thought everything was ok, but she just kept saying we ate everything so she didn't see a problem. The waitress came back some time later, again flustered and said she couldn't find her other boss but she was able to take 50% off of one of the rolls (the cheaper one of course🙄), and quickly disappeared. The whole thing would have been a non-issue if she would have simply asked if we still wanted the tuna roll, or taken back the extra roll, or at least explained things in the beginning. It was also very off-putting that we had to defend ourselves to the manager who wasn't even listening and it was just an uncomfortable situation for everyone involved. If it is really the restaurant's policy for the staff to pay out of their own pocket for their mistake, then that is problematic since the waitress simply made an honest mistake and it really shouldn't take such an act of congress to get an item deleted from a bill. It's a great place but 20 minutes of bickering definitely put a damper on...

My mom and I came from Chincoteague for my birthday dinner, and Maurice's was worth the drive! We ordered a few drinks and apps to split.

First, my mom ordered the Assateague IPA, and she said it was very good. Our server recommended the mule for me, and it was refreshing. The mix of Cucumber was so crisp and exactly what I needed for a hot August day. It was probably the best mule I have ever tried, and so I ordered a second.

Next, we had the fresh shrimp and scallop ceviche. This dip was addictive! I have lived in Panama and Costa Rica in the past, and this ceviche would give any a run for their money. With this we ordered the Virginia ham egg rolls. The wonton was light and crispy and the poached pear was delightful addition.

We finished the night trying two different sushi rolls. I was not expecting good sushi from an American restaurant, set in country corn fields, but I am glad that I gave it a try. We ordered the Spider roll with fresh soft shell blue crab. My mom said it was the best sushi roll.she has ever had. The tempura seasoning was light and provided the right amount of crunch for the soft rice. The second roll was the Seaside roll, which a mix of scallops and tuna. This was also.very well made.

Our server was professional and knowledgeable in every item on the menu. He also informed us that the tomatoes and herbs were grown on site. His recommendations for drinks and dishes were spot on. The interior and exterior design and decor of the restaurant was simple yet classy.

I am glad that I mad reservations as I am not sire if we would have been able to be seated had I not. Reservations were effortless and done through Google assistant, about 90 minutes before arriving.

This place was phenomenal and one of the best dinners I have had on the Virginia Eastern Shore. I wish I had taken better photos. It was the perfect place to celebrate a quiet birthday dinner. I only wish that I had brought more of an appetite, because the creme brulee cheese cake the table next to us ordered looked amazing.

I will definitely be returning!

(Vegan and Gluten Free...