We had dinner at the new Marlin & Ray's seafood restaurant last night and it was pretty good. In fact, it was a lot better than I expected (considering I'm not a big seafood fan).

It was crowded but not full (we arrived at 6PM). We were seated promptly, our server took our drink orders and served them promptly along with some yummy jalapeno cornbread muffin bites while we looked over the menu.

We placed our orders, and were served the "bottomless salad" included with most entrees. It's a simple mix of lettuces and spinach with croutons and grated parmesan (which didn't seem freshly grated but was still OK.) They will refill the large salad bowl as many times as you want. The available dressings are basic Italian, ranch, and honey mustard.

The Mrs. ordered the Fried Seafood Combo Platter to get a sampling of the menu. It comes with shrimp, calamari, and tilapia filet, with fries and coleslaw on the side. Everything was tasty, and the calamari was excellent. There was maybe a little too much breading on the shrimp and fish for our taste. You could maybe substitute something else like trout for the talipia (which I used to consider an invasive trash fish) but we didn't ask. There is a pretty good looking shellfish platter, and grilled/blackened options including a Chef's Mixed Grill.

I had the Pesto Mahi-Mahi and it was an excellent, meaty piece of fish. The basil pesto was light and flavorful and didn't overpower the clean taste of the fish. In fact, all their spices and seasonings seem a little on the mild side, which is fine with us. (But we didn't try any "blackened" offerings.) I had the grilled zucchini as my side and it was great.

We also asked if we could sample a single broiled jumbo shrimp and our server wasn't sure if he could do that but said he would ask. Just then the manager came by so the server asked and the manager said of course, just go tell (the chef) what you need. The shrimp was large, cooked perfectly, and tasted great.

We finished off with a slice of Key Lime Pie, and it was delicious. It had whipped cream topping and graham cracker crust, and the filling was as good as any we've had around here.

The food is well prepared and tastes mostly fresh (although there's no way all of it could be). Prices are reasonable and portions are generous to large. The service was great, if not a little over-trained and/or a little too enthusiastic (or over-caffeinated).

We were expecting a younger, louder crowd, but the atmosphere is festive with a fun classic pop/rock/soul and county soundtrack without being too loud to carry on relaxed conversation. The decor is nautically nice without being too cheesy. The remodel allows a little more space for the bar area and eliminating the salad bar makes for a little more spacious and comfortable dining area.

I'd recommend it as one of the top places for seafood in Blount Co. if not the best. If they can replicate the concept they could easily compete with chains like Red Lobster, which isn't nearly as good in my opinion.

With all the attention to preparation and detail at their first store, it doesn't quite feel like a chain restaurant but ultimately that's what it is. But it's a pretty good one.

Marlin & Ray's is a new Ruby Tuesday seafood restaurant concept being tested at their old location in Maryville at 751 Watkins Road. They have been fully open for about a week.

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