Let Them Eat Fish

The PassionFish Kid’s Menu is a real catch

Move over noodles and chicken fingers—Chef Jeff Tunks has made the 5^th restaurant of Passion Food Hospitality super family-friendly. PassionFish, in Reston, Virginia, features the group’s first Kid’s Menu, and with two boys of his own, it was no afterthought. Starting with tried-and-true staples of children’s menus (and home kitchens) everywhere, Tunks elevates the familiar items with top quality ingredients, professional technique, and delightful presentation.

Indeed, the simple items are every bit as appealing as their grown-up counterparts at PassionFish. Children confronted with a trio of Mini Burger Sliders on buttered brioche served on an arched bridge, dramatically skewered, with a side of ketchup can’t help be delighted.  The “Beach Bucket” choices of Fish, Shrimp, or Chicken and Fries arrive in a jaunty nautical blue & white tin bucket, the fries sprinkled lightly with Old Bay; the fish is the same delicate mild white fish that appears on the regular menu in the Fish Tacos.  “Today’s Catch” is a smaller portion of the adult version, simply grilled and served with a small salad of locally grown hydroponic greens tossed in a champagne vinaigrette. You’d be surprised how many kids are going green! The Hand Made Pasta is a toothsome cavatelli twist with a choice of marinara sauce or simply butter and parmesan (the same noodles that show up on the regular dinner menu under the scallops, swimming in a light veal jus.)  The Grilled Cheese sandwich can only be served the classic way- buttery-white-bread and served with a creamy fresh tomato soup- on the side of course.

At PassionFish, even the dedicated sushi chef is put to work in service of the kids:  the Beginner Sushi Roll, manageable mouthfuls filled with cucumber, avocado, and fresh crabmeat comes with soy sauce, a seashell-shaped bowl to pour it in, and a tidy pile of pickled ginger (no wasabi!) --and a helpful introduction by the server.

The sides on the Kid’s Menu are as equally refined:  the Butter Glazed Baby Carrots from the local farmer’s market may include a baby parsnip or beet or two; the Mashed Potatoes are Yukon Gold; the Macaroni & Cheese is made with Monterey Jack; and the Apple Sauce is hand pressed by the pastry chef.  

Considering the level of care and quality, the PassionFish Kid’s Menu may be the best fine dining bargain around.  The entrées, all $6, include a choice of milk, apple juice, or soda; sides are $3, as are desserts: a single-scoop Hot Fudge Sundae or warm Donut Holes.

Don’t be fooled by the elegant interior and white tablecloths:  PassionFish is the perfect place to introduce the children to “go fish” for a tasty bite!  The Kid’s Menu placemat itself has a number of nautical word games, and a set of colorful bendable wax sticks will keep the youngest tots absorbed in creative fun while waiting for their meals.  They may embrace their old favorites, or they might surprise you with an adventuresome choice.  In any event, they’ll be hooked… and in the healthiest way!