(anthonys.com) – Squalicum Harbor at the port in Bellingham, Washington

How I heard of this place: On a recent weekend trip to visit my family, my husband and I really wanted to take my mom out for dinner. We were looking for a place that felt special without being pretentious, a restaurant with good food at reasonable prices and one at which my mom would find enough on the menu to satisfy her elite sense of taste.

Type of cuisine: “Offering guests premier Northwest designer beef and fresh Northwest seafood, this high-energy restaurant specializes in hearthfire cooking.”

“Dedicated to giving our guests a truly Northwest dining experience, Anthony’s has earned the reputation for the finest fresh seafood, perfectly prepared and expertly served with an uncompromising commitment to quality and value.”

Ambiance: “Anthony’s Restaurants is a family of twenty two unique restaurants located throughout the Pacific Northwest. 

Our locally owned company traces its history to 1969 when founder, Budd Gould opened his first restaurant in Bellevue, Washington. 

As the company grew focusing on waterfront view locations throughout the Puget Sound, a variety of concepts were developed to showcase the best of the Northwest in relaxed dinner houses and casual dining restaurants as well as traditional “to go” Fish N Chip bars.”

What I ordered: Four of the five of us dining at the Hearthfire on this crisp and sunny afternoon enjoyed the Early Dinner Special: $19.95 for a three-course meal served Monday through Friday until 6:00 p.m.

Each three-course dinner includes Hearthfire flatbread,

paired with our choice of Fireroasted Tomato Basil Soup,

Caesar Salad topped with bacon,

or starter;  and an entree, three of which were found at our table. Two of us enjoyed the Barbecued Grilled Ocean Prawns sauteed New Orleans style with garlic butter and spices, and served with red potatoes;

my mom selected the Alaska Lingcod marinated in white wine and baked with a topping of sour cream, red onion and fresh dill;

and the fourth in our party enjoying the Early Dinner special selected the signature Double R Ranch Flank Steak spice rubbed, applewood grilled and finished with a chipotle lime butter, served with cornbread pudding.

My husband, ever on the lookout for the best steak, opted for the a la carte 14-ounce, hand-cut Double R Ranch Signature Rib Eye Steak ($36.95) chargrilled and served with crispy onion rings, seasonal vegetable and hearth oven roasted Yukon Gold potatoes.

For our desserts, two Key Lime Pies in mini jars

and two mini jars of Chocolate Mousse before we called it a night.

What I loved: The flatbread. We just could not get enough of it. Oh. My. Gosh. Yum.

Why I loved it: Unpretentious setting, friendly server and an array of delicious options for a full, three-course meal.

Cost: Average to high ($15 – $36.95 per entree)