The Mediterranean orzo was an interesting mix of flavors with capers, red onions, olives, goat cheese, fennel seeds, and pine nuts - a little too conflicting with one another, but an alternative to a regular side such as potatoes or rice. My jumbo shrimp entree was cooked very well with a hint of sweetness from the hickory smoke. The flavors were quite light and overall nice. The blue crab and shrimp fritters were elegantly presented, but only 3 balls in the portion. The lobster mac & cheese was very decadent and tasty. The popular bread basket arrived and held us over until the food arrived. It was surprisingly crowded inside and the chatter was increasing, yet not too loud for our table to hold a conversation. We quickly perused the menu and each placed our orders, with our boss ordering a couple extra appetizers for the table to share. The staff was very friendly and polite and managed to squeeze our party of seven comfortably in a booth. The inside was larger than expected and cheerfully decorated for the holiday season with beautiful poinsettias everywhere.

The yellow house was charming and stood out from the suburban shopping mall area. My office decided to take a field trip this Monday and have our holiday luncheon at Coastal Flats. Part of the Great American Restaurant Groups that includes the Carlyle, Mike's American, and Sweetwater Tavern, Coastal Flats is their seafood chain with another location in Tyson's Corner.

Coastal flats fairfax corner