BETHEL — Anthony Morris is no stranger to fine food. He’s worked for Wolfgang Puck Catering and Restaurant Associates, which is often hired to feed the stars at the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards.

Morris has also been executive chef at Sunday River Ski Area in Newry.

He recently opened Anthony’s Seafood and Pasta in the Victoria Inn on Main Street, featuring fresh seafood shipped from Boston.

“I love seafood,” Morris said. “I love my scallops, that’s my main thing. Lobster Fra-Diablo is also very popular. That’s scallops, shrimp, clams, mussels and squid over (linguine), and then I sit a whole lobster on top.”

The “pretty” lobsters are featured in entrees such as Lobster Fra-Diablo, and the “ugly” lobsters are used for lobster ravioli, he said.

“I get all fresh seafood on Tuesdays, and on Saturday I’m giving double portions,” Morris said. “I don’t run out of food, I sell out of food — that’s the end of it. I get just enough to make it through, and portions are big on Saturdays.”

The atmosphere is fine dining with family fun, and Morris is determined to make everyone’s dining experience an exceptional one, even if it’s not his food they are eating.

“I had a family in here the other day that wanted mac and cheese for the kids,” he said. “I love to make mac and cheese, but they called the day before and requested I go buy a box of mac and cheese and chicken fingers. The kids wanted Kraft, so I went out and got it, and made the mac and cheese and chicken fingers in my kitchen, and I enjoyed it.”

The restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m, and hosts a full bar. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, diners can buy one entree and get the second at half-price, plus a bottle of wine.

Morris also wants to start a murder-mystery dinner on Thursdays, but needs actors. Anyone interested can call him at 802-488-5018.

emarquis@sunmediagroup.net

Anthony’s Seafood and Pasta has opened at the Victoria Inn on Main Street in Bethel. (Anthony Morris photo)