Got multiple reports and messages all saying the same thing: the new Coastal 38 in East Roswell is really good, and almost nobody knows about it yet. Mrs. Grubber and I checked it out ourselves, and we agree — it's a winner. Time to make sure Atlanta hears about this one. 🦀

@coastal38restaurant just opened at Connexion at Holcomb Bridge (1570 Holcomb Bridge Rd) in East Roswell, sharing the center with Bask Steakhouse, From the Earth, and Chef Wu, in the former Cylantros spot. Quick clarification before anyone gets confused: Coastal 38 has zero connection to the unmitigated disaster that was Coastal Bar, Grill & Chill, about four miles west on Holcomb Bridge — which has since closed. Similar name, nothing else in common, so don't let it scare you off.

Turns out two of my favorite crab cakes in the area are now just a few doors apart. Bask, already known for its steaks, quietly crushes it with seafood too, crab cakes included. Coastal 38's jumbo lump crab cake was finely ground with a bit of filler, which actually gave it some extra flavor, and it came out nicely crisp without going overboard. Anyone else compared the two yet?

The she crab soup was excellent. Don't let the photo fool you, there's plenty of crab in the bowl. It's not as rich or thick as a Charleston-style she crab soup, and it doesn't have that classic orange roe color or a heavy sherry presence. If you're used to the Charleston version, go in expecting something a little different. It's still a great bowl of soup on its own terms. Have any Charleston transplants tried it yet? Curious how it stacks up for you.

The menu calls the sauce on the chicken and shrimp pasta "silky," and that's accurate. The "island vibes" description had us bracing for heat, but it's mild, not spicy-hot, just full of flavor. The sauce runs thinner than a classic Italian-American version, but it was very tasty.

My Landlubber wife went with the chicken breast and gave a special shoutout to the mashed potatoes. Mrs. Grub also recognized some other diners in the room. They'd only made it through apps by the time we left, but they were already raving too.

Heck yes, time to spread the word. This one is worth the drive fro Less