LOCAL VOICES: The Seafood Chronicles Part Four — Vic's Boathouse

The fourth stop on our lobster roll tour was Vic's Boathouse at Victoria Station. The Boathouse is the back bar section of Vic Station. The lobster roll was available, but not on the printed menu so ask your server.

The Chowder; New England Clam Chowder.

• Preparation & Presentation: 7.5

The chowder arrived in the typical white bowl, but the doily on the plate added class and visual appeal. Had a good aroma and hint of reddish color, leading to a discussion on what the possible seasonings were.

• Taste & Texture: 7.33

Good solid chowder. Creamy texture and medium thickness, with a good potato to clam ratio. Had multiple layers of flavor; cream, clam, a hint of pork, unique mix of spices.

• Sides: 6.66

The usual pack of oyster crackers.

• Service: 8.33

Excellent service. Prompt, friendly and attentive. Very good beer suggestions. Had both the bartender and manager stop by the table, but that's what happens when you dine out with a local character. The staff seemed just as nice to the surrounding tables, so I guess we're not all that special.

• Atmosphere: 8.33

A wonderful summer night on the deck. Beautiful view of the Friendship and harbor. Mr. Clamdigger said it best, "Sitting outside on the Wharf. How can that possibly s*ck?" Now, if only I could remember that owl staring at our table is fake.

The Lobster Roll.

• Preparation & Presentation: 8.33

Wow! That was the response around the table when these puppies came out. Vic's was the priciest roll so far, but you got TWO rolls. And not dinky little rolls either but two full size, packed till they burst ones.

• Taste & Texture: 8.33

Fresh, cool lobster meat with very little celery or mayo. Had a hint of lemon which was very refreshing. Pinchy especially thought the mixture of minced lobster salad and larger chunks of meat made for a delightful texture. Just a bit of good old iceburg lettuce added the right amount of crunch. The buns got a little overwhelmed by the volume of filling, but they were toasted beautifully.

• Sides: 8.5

You can choose any two sides from a long list. Besides fries (regular and sweet potato) they have veg of the day, rice pilaf, salad, mashed potato and more. We went with sweet potato fries and a ceasar salad and rice pilaf and veg of the day (string beans and carrots). All the sides were good; the pilaf was fluffy, the salad crisp, the fries golden brown, and the beans buttered with a bit of snap still in them.

• Service: 8.33

Great service; see above. I really appreciate a staff that can give good drink reccomendations as I'm like a deer in headlights when it comes to decision time.

• Atmosphere: 8.33

Again, perfect summer night to dine by the water. Add in good food, cold beer, and a relaxed atmosphere and you have why Salem is such a great place to live.

Grab a friend and head over to the deck before the tourists arrive. Split a plate of rolls, you won't be sorry.