The fishing port of Boston makes the city so well known for its seafood and numerous famed restaurants. Even though many people think of the popular restaurant chain of Legal Seafoods as synonymous with the best clam chowder in town, many do not realize that it is Turner Fisheries that always wins the annual Boston Chowderfest.

When we first walked into Turner's one bustling Friday evening, we admired the famous Oyster Bar, hosting a large after-work crowd. Couples and business people were seated along this enormous bar, sampling everything the bar had to offer - from fresh oysters and clams to a full sushi menu.

Even though this bar was very crowded, the restaurant was filled with many people but provided a quiet, relaxed environment.

Although we didn't try the "Best of Boston" chowder, we did sample the lobster and mushroom bisque. Unlike most bisques, this one did not have a heavy, creamy base. Instead, the bisque ($7) was almost clear and had large chunks of lobster throughout.

We also tried the Jumbo Shrimp Martini Cocktail ($14) from the Oyster Bar. Served with two lemons and a large sampling of cocktail sauce, these four jumbo shrimp were outstanding, served atop a bed of lightly seasoned noodles.

The Oyster Bar also had some specialties on the menu, which looked appealing - cherrystone clams on the half shell ($8.50), cold water bay oysters ($9.50) and of course, the Plenty of Fish in the Sea Platter ($26), which included a half lobster, clams and oysters on the half shell, jumbo shrimp along with smoked salmon and trout.

The appetizers here are just as good as the tasty treats from the raw Oyster Bar.

We selected the Caesar salad ($7) served with anchovies, garlic croutons and asiago cheese. Be sure to ask for the salad without anchovies if you do not like them because it automatically comes with it.

The Maine Jonah crab cake ($9.50) should be commended. Many people think this appetizer consists of several crab cakes and are somewhat disappointed to receive just one. This light crab cake was prepared as it should be - lightly crunchy on the outside and tender and flavorful on the inside, topped with chipotle drizzle.

The charred sea scallops ($11.50) and smoked salmon and caviar ($12) were appetizers we will certainly try next time we visit.

Of course, the entrée specialties are seafood. Each night, the menu consists of at least 10 fish selections that can be baked, broiled, pan fried, grilled, steamed or spicy bronzed with seasoning. The choice is up to you.

Think of any kind of fish and Turner's is sure to have it. From yellowfin tuna, scrod, swordfish and haddock to mahi mahi, snapper, rainbow trout and halibut, each dinner may be prepared any way you would like. The menu offers the chef's suggestions on how the meal should be prepared.

I selected the spicy bronzed sea scallops ($24), which were tender and juicy. The spicy bronze flavoring provided an added seasoning to the scallops, served with fresh green and yellow beans and red potatoes.

My husband ordered the horseradish crusted skirt steak ($24) with au gratin sweet potatoes. Although he thought the steak was somewhat tough, the portion was a good size for a hearty appetite.

Next time we visit, my husband proclaimed he would try the shellfish medley with lobster, scallops and shrimp ($25) served in a lobster bordelaise sauce with oyster mushroom over creamy mashed potatoes.

I will try the Oriental bamboo steamer basket ($26) - a half lobster, shrimp, salmon, swordfish, mahi mahi, scallops and mussels with three dipping sauces.

The roasted monkfish wrapped in prosciutto ($23) looked wonderful as it was served to the table next to ours.

The sesame and Thai chili spiced yellowfin tuna ($25) also looked appealing.

Located in Boston's Back Bay, this restaurant overlooks Copley Square, an upscale shopping district, making it an ideal location for both locals and tourists alike.

Pastry Chef Andreas Horava makes every dessert in-house. Even though we were nearly incapacitated after eating every bite brought to us, we decided to share our grand finale. From the six "Final Temptations," we had to choose just one.

Would it be the trio of sorbets? A nice, light ending to a satisfying dinner? Or warm brandied pear tarte tartin?

Being the chocolate lovers that we are, we narrowed the choice down to the baci cake ($7.50), a warm, dark chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream on raspberry puree and the chocolate lattice Boston cream pie ($7.50). We finally chose the latter, served high encased in a hard chocolate lattice with a smooth, creamy center - simply divine. Our cappuccino and café latte added a nice complement to the end of our evening.

The jazz bar on the other side of the restaurant offers a trio on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. On Sunday, the bar is turned into the award-winning buffet brunch.

For more information or to make a reservation, contact Turner Fisheries directly at (617) 424-7425.  

Turner Fisheries
10 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA

Phone: 617-424-7425

Since she is from Massachusetts, she will be providing reviews of local restaurants for Travel-Watch.

If you would like to email Kellie any suggestions or comments, please do so at kkspeed@aol.com.