Vin Baker surrounded by family and friends at grand opening. Photo by Reggie Hales

Locals Happy Eatery Has Reopened Old Saybrook, CT - Vin Baker, NBA star and now restaurant owner, has a winning combination. Famous basketball star and fabulous restaurant. I wanted to wait a couple of days to visit Vinnie's for myself. Thinking it would be a slow start and night for the new place in town. Boy was I wrong. My son Lil Reggie and I arrived at Vinnie's at 5:30 PM and there was a line forming as well as those who had reservations. I called prior to tell the staff that I was coming in from Hartford to do my review for the paper. I was told they do not take reservations unless it’s 6 or more. Now those that know me know I don't like waiting to eat dinner, or when I visit any restaurant. I usually leave and just find another place on my list of restaurants in Connecticut or Mass. But when I walked inside I took a look around and notice that there were some empty seats, so I told the host that, it won't take long for me to do my taste review and that we could be out before the crowd arrived. That seem to have worked.We were soon after seated. It was a wonderful drive down route 9, from Hartford last Saturday, about 30 minutes. When I arrived to this brand new facility, I pulled in front and walk by a beautiful fountain with a large fish in the center. With the off spray from the fountain, I almost slipped and fell. I couldn't let that happen. I was too hungry for any delays due to a slip and fall. We entered and were greeted by very kind and polite host and hostess. I looked over to the left and noticed the bar and lounge area. Looked good, typical. Then we were seated in a cozy spot near this huge; I mean huge fish tank, with exotic fish. That was a sight to see, especially during dinner. Having looked at the menu on Vinnie's website, prior to arrival. I had an idea of what to order and cost. Since my wife was at work and my daughter away at college, it was a night out for my son and I. After such a nice ride down we were thirsty, so my son ordered his favorite, a Virgin Colada, with plenty of cherries and I had a beer. We were quickly attended too so we place appetizer orders. I had the lobster bisque and Lil Reggie waited and had chicken tenders as his meal. In the mean time they brought over a beautiful fresh house salad with house creamy garlic and Champaign cran-raspberry vinaigrette dressing. After that, drinks arrived and they provided a wonder moist fresh bread loaf, which was very tasty without butter. But of course I had to put just a little butter on the bread. Now by this time I had a chance to sink into this very well prepared lobster bisque and I must say it was very good. Surely to be one of my favorites, it was creamy and had one small lobster claw placed on top. It had a hint of sherry to it that was pleasing to me. Now for my dinner order I had my favorite, a jumbo baked stuffed lobster tail, petite filet mignon, with parmesan peppercorn butter and long grain rice pilaf. The stuff lobster tail, which had Vinnie's own seafood stuffing was excellent. Vinnie was right it was very good. The meal arrived in a timely fashion. I asked for the filet mignon to be medium well and it arrived well. I was slightly disappointed such a fine restaurant did not get my order correct. But because I was in a rush to get home before it got to late. I did not mention it to the waiter. I didn’t want to wait for it to be returned to the chef. The rice was tasty but it was a bit dry and placed on the plate in the form of a molded shape. The lobster was tender and very tasty. The meal I had cost regularly .00, but because I wanted the lobster it cost .00, not to bad. Although I expected just a bit larger portions. For the money. I could get more on that plate a Cedar's restaurant at Foxwoods. And when they said petite filet mignon, they were not kidding. That meat was on a diet. I was not. Surely I don't like a lot of food on my plate for a meal. And this meal was prepared by a gourmet chef. But an African would complain about these portions, for the money. My son was completely satisfied with his chicken tenders and the salad. In all, we were total pleased with the taste and quality of our meals. And by the look of what others in the restaurant had to eat, which looked much larger than ours. Everyone seemed to be very relaxed and please with this new place on the shoreline, Vinnie's Fish House. I failed to mention that upon arrival and walking by the fish fountain. The sidewalk had beautiful imprints of sea creatures, a lovely out-door patio area and plenty of parking. The decor was that of a yacht and cozy seating tables or booths. Upstairs could accommodate private parties. The staff was polite, professional and prompt. All waiters see to it that all customers are happy and have what they need. My son Lil Reggie and I were so pleased with our meal that we did not dare look at the dessert menu, next time. Based on my opinion and fork rating. I gave Vinnie's Old Saybrook Fish House 3 1/2 out of 4 forks. My portions took away a 1/2 point. And in closing I had told the manger about the wet condition outside at the fountain area and they quickly placed sand on and around the area. The manager Jim Kehoe, a 30-year veteran of Carbone’s in Hartford and the Farms Country Club in Wallingford said that the concrete work on the patio would be corrected. The executive chef Todd Curtis, formerly at the John Davenport’s at the top of the Omni Hotel, in New Haven has done a great job with the menu. Hope you get to make it to Vinnie's, you'll love it. By the way you may want to call sometimes first especially around the holidays, because it will soon be the talk of the town as to a great place to eat. Directions on Vinnie's website may have to be updated, because they were incorrect for me. Here's the route I took from Hartford: 91 south to exit 22's or RT9) south to exit 2. Take a left at bottom of exit ramp and 1st right onto View Hwy., than a right. 2 blocks you'll see Vinnie's on the left. Have a great dinning experience. I can't wait to return. Good Luck, Vin Baker and staff. Vinnie’s website is: www.vinniesfishhouse.com