Though the recently opened Siren's Seafood and Steak Market on Signal Mountain Boulevard is not billed as a restaurant, there is a limited seating space for dine-in customers.
It's a sparse setting of only four tables that seat four each. And, keep in mind, it is a seafood market, complete with the aroma of a seafood market. Still, it's a pleasant space. A lively, brightly painted original mural of an underwater seascape covers an entire wall.
My friends and I placed our order at the cash register, and the food was brought to us about 25 minutes later - much too long for people on their lunch hour. The owner apologized, noting that she was the only employee there. She had to stop preparing our order several times to accommodate takeout customers.
Now the good part. The food was good.
THE FOOD
We shared peel-and-eat shrimp, salmon spread and crackers, and crab legs, which was the only food available for dining in, but it was exactly what we wanted. We wanted fresh shrimp, and we were served fresh shrimp. It came with corn-on-the-cob (no butter), which made it a little dry.
The shrimp - fresh, tasty and easy to peel - was served with cocktail sauce.
The Alaskan king crab legs were huge and served with melted garlic butter.
We each paid less than $10 for our meal, which included a soft drink.
If you go* What: Siren's Seafood and Steak Market.* Where: 801 Signal Mountain Road.* Phone: 710-2263.* Price range: $10 to $30.* Alcohol: No.
According to the owner, the fish is purchased from "day" boats, as opposed to commercial fishing boats, which allows the market to receive the fish "off the dock" within 24 hours. Most of the fish (available in the market only) is purchased whole and filleted in the market.
Fresh seafood and fish arrive daily. Meat is delivered on Tuesday and Friday.
Steaks, mostly certified Angus beef brand steaks, are sold at Siren's, as well as specialty meats such as alligator tail meat, ground bison, Kobe beef, whole rabbit and sausages.
They also sell spices and sauces for fish and meat.
The owners, Eric and Amy Opatich, share recipes with their customers.
THE VERDICT
Would I dine there again? No.
Would I purchase seafood, fish or other meat there? Absolutely. My husband has stopped there on several occasions and purchased shrimp, snapper and salmon. Each was fresh and delicious.
To be fair, Siren's is not marketed as a restaurant. The tables are there to allow customers the opportunity to relax and enjoy a few dishes, mostly shrimp. It's a great way to sample the freshness and purchase more to take home.