If the owners are a Fish Whisperer and the loveliest lady you could meet, who greet you like family, then you are off to an excellent start. That was exactly our experience at Fluke Wine Bar & Kitchen, in Newport, Rhode Island. We had wondered why it was named Fluke but Geremie Callaghan, the proprietor with her husband Jeff, said it was a ‘Fluke’ to attain the property in such a prime location on Bowens Wharf, Newport. With views to die for over Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay, is it any wonder that the restaurant was named after their good fortune, or their Fluke.

The Fish Whisperer

There is no fluke however in the fact that these are a savvy couple with a business model to be envied. [clickToTweet tweet=”Jeff is a Fish Whisperer at Fluke Wine Bar & Kitchen, Newport, Rhode Island #travel #newport” quote=”Jeff is a Fish Whisperer at Fluke Wine Bar & Kitchen, Newport, Rhode Island #travel Newport #ngtradar” theme=”style1″]. This means that he has every artisan fishermen in the area on speed dial, and as soon as they catch tuna or a skate or a Striped Bass, they text him with the news, and he is there ready to bring it to the chefs in the kitchen. Not only is the food fresh, and beautifully matched in flavours but Jeff’s goal is to bring niche artisan wines to accompany these dishes.

What we Dined on at Fluke Wine Bar & Kitchen

We started with the Chef’s Choice Starter Taster Plate of freshly caught Local Skate Fish, Monk Fish – my new favourite seafood, and Cod with White Beans, Kale, Chorizo Secco, Tomato Shellfish Broth. We could not fault any of the dishes, but argue the merits of each of the fish.

We then shared the Crispy Wellfleet Oysters, with Mango Pepper Relish, Red Chili Mayo. We have been introduced to a whole new and different world of oysters in the New England area, and this has been of great interest as we live on the beach in Australia, and there are vast differences. Each is good, and the differences are also good. They are oysters after all.

I had the Pan Seared Scallops with Jasmine Rice, Baby Bok Choy, Green Beans, Chili & Lime Glaze and this was a clever and fresh blend of ingredients, while the scallops remained the star of the show, as they rightfully should.

Gordon had the duck confit, bacon, apple, butternut squash, spaetzle and brussel sprouts, and again this was a nod to chefs ability to match flavours.

We couldn’t fit in desserts. However, the owners are so lovely that they did box up a cheesecake for us to take home, and it was delicious

Why Fluke Wine Bar & Kitchen

Fluke is a multi-level restaurant, with attentive staff, fabulous views and a wonderfully friendly vibe. This undoubtedly comes down to the owners being there and in the midst of it. They have an excellent relationship with the local fisherman and other suppliers. They are active in the community. Geremie and Jeff love what they do, and it shows with the very loyal customer base. [clickToTweet tweet=”Anyone who is anyone dines here, and even Martha Stewart is a patron.#travel #food #Newport #RhodeIsland” quote=”Anyone who is anyone dines here, and even Martha Stewart is a patron.#travel #food #Newport #RhodeIsland” theme=”style2″]

Thanks to our delightful hosts, Nancy and Bill from the Cliffside Inn, Newport, Rhode Island for organising this wonderful dinner. Thank you to Geremie and Jeff and all of the staff for being so hospitable.

Address: 41 Bowens Wharf, Newport, R.I. 02840