Apparently my faux April Fools’ Day post didn’t trick many. The original has since been deleted (I can’t take any chances), but it’s posted below in case you missed it (the original comments are posted in the comments section as well).

My husband tried to convince me to actually go to the big RL, don a bib and snap a photo to make it more believable. I couldn’t bring myself to go. I have a hard time dining at any chain restaurant, let alone this one. Not that I’m turning my nose up at chains. I understand they serve a purpose – especially for families with little ones. And there are times that I’ll visit one (usually for work). But if I can, I avoid it. For me personally, I like to support indie establishments and therefore keep my money local. Plus I know I’m getting a better quality product and supporting the bigger picture overall.

At any rate, enjoy the day of pranks and here was the original post:
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Until yesterday, I didn’t even realize there was a Red Lobster nearby. If I would have, this would definitely have been on my regular dining rotation more often. I’m almost hesitant to write about our meal, and rather keep this little seafood heaven a secret just for us.

I know what you’re thinking – Red Lobster, huh? Well my friends, this was hands-down the most satisfying seafood we’ve had since our honeymoon in Hawaii. In fact, parts of our meal were better than the so-called ‘fresh catches of the Pacific’ we would have in Kauai and Maui.

First, the bread. I don’t know if they hired a new baker, but whomever that person is, give them a fat raise! Usually I pass on bread but the server said I had to try just one bite, and boy was she right. The piping hot bread was so soft and incredibly satisfying. I used to think the breadsticks at the old Battuto were addicting. Those daily-made breadsticks with anise were Pillsbury-esque compared to these little pieces of carb bliss. We actually asked for more bread to soak up all the grease and chunks of butter left behind on the wax paper in the basket.

If the bread wasn’t enough, I was totally blown away by the variety of fresh fish, from salmon to tilapia – even cod. In fact, I don’t know that I’ve seen that level of commitment (or that exotic of a selection) from anyone else in town. While all the fresh fish tempted me, I ended up going with the Ultimate Feast, which consisted of a Maine lobster tail, crab legs, garlic shrimp scampi and Walt’s favorite shrimp.

I don’t know who Walt is, but let’s just say it’s my favorite shrimp now, too. I can’t believe how tasty everything was – and again, how fresh. Usually snow crab legs lack meat; well they must have made a mistake and given us king crab instead because there was meat overload.

Seriously, who knew seafood this good was so close to my house the entire time? And recognizing how fond I was of my lobster bib, our server gave me extra ones to take home as a keepsake of our great experience.

So there you have it. I am now a bona fide Red Lobster fan. I know, I know, it’s a chain and goes against everything I believe in. But seriously, just try the Ultimate Feast, or even the Admirals feast (what my husband had) and I guarantee you’ll agree with me. Yea, Red Lobster! Thank the culinary gods that there is one in every city of every state so everyone that has a passion for the sea can experience this down right goodness.