SEA RANCH RESTAURANT REVISITED

As I have mentioned before, Sea Ranch Restaurant is likely to crop up in a conversation about where to eat out for a special dinner.  The teen's 18th birthday was just such an occasion - and he didn't even hesitate before answering the "where do you want to go for your birthday dinner" question with a resoundingly firm "Sea Ranch"!

We went the evening before his birthday so the family could be together (not realizing they were now open for lunch with a nice new lunch menu I would have liked to try).  So off we headed on a Monday evening.  I mentioned, upon entering, that this was a birthday dinner so we would like to have a window seat if there was one available.  We were tickled pink to be escorted to the upstairs dining room (absolutely wonderful views).  The teen had a nice big smile on his face when seated and the first thing he mentioned was "wow, what a nice view".

View from the table in upstairs dining room

The ambiance at Sea Ranch - the beautiful view, the lovely decor, the white linen table cloths, the pewter chargers, the nice glassware, the linen napkins, the attentive service...that's what makes Sea Ranch such a fast choice for a nice dinner out.  The food is good - not always outstanding - but fairly dependably good.  It's the package, though, that makes the deal.

We opted out of appetizers and cocktails and just had iced tea and sodas (both kept diligently topped off) and went ahead and ordered our meals.  The teen, surprisingly, selected one of Sea Ranch's Signature dishes, their fried Gulf Coast Shrimp.  It is indeed a good piece of fried shrimp!  Fresh tasting and crisp yet succulent.  The teen also particularly admired their cocktail sauce.  He opted for two carbs for sides - a baked potato and waffle fries - both were excellent.

My hubby ordered the "Pirate Dan's" dinner, described as "delicately broiled seafood combination of gulf flounder, gulf shrimp, and scallops".  He selected a dinner salad and baked potato for his sides.  It looked awesome - I sort of wish I'd ordered what he had!

All of the baked potato toppings were served old school - in the on-table 3-bowl condiment server that we passed around.  Whipped butter, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese.  Yum.

I selected the General Hector's dish, described as "gulf flounder and gulf shrimp - fried or broiled".  I chose fried...although I wish I'd had the flounder broiled and the shrimp fried.  The flounder wasn't great...it wasn't bad, it just wasn't great.  It was the only thing I didn't finish.  I ate about half of it - just no flavor.  The shrimp was absolutely delicious, exactly as I remembered it.

The teen selected a dessert to share - he wasn't wild about the items on the dessert display but our waiter said they did have just a couple of slices of a Kahlua Fudge Cake if that was of interest.  The teen jumped on it.  We all ordered coffee and enjoyed the cake in all of its rich decadence.  The presentation wasn't anything special...it was just served without fanfare on a plate (I'm guessing because it wasn't an item prepped up for service) - but it was certainly delicious with a fresh cup of coffee.  A happy topping off of a very nice evening out.

Our bill, including tip, was right at $115.  Higher end of island prices for a meal for three people with no alcohol.  But, a really nice evening out.  We love Sea Ranch.  We ate there the very first time we came here as a family on vacation, and it continues to be a family favorite for special occasions and guests visiting who want a more elegant evening out (and yes, I wore my flip flops...with rhinestones on them).

I give Sea Ranch a mixed rating...it gets a 4 for food, and a 5 for ambiance.

SPI FLIP FLOP FOODIE RATING:
4 – Lip smackin’ - good quality – flip flops will definitely be parked under their table again!
5 – OMG – that was an outstanding meal!  I can’t wait to go back J

Musings

I'm in Austin enjoying my anniversary with my hubby this week-end.  Haven't stepped foot in a kitchen except to pour coffee at my sister's house.  I wonder...how come there are no barbeque places in South Padre Island and Port Isabel?  Am I missing something?  I grew up with Texas barbeque and I miss it terribly.  There's a Rudy's in Brownsville and that's the closest I've come to finding good barbeque.  We tried a place in Los Fresnos, Wild Blue...while the meat was good, the sauce was awful (IMHO and my family's opinion too) so we didn't go back.  Good barbeque...it's something I miss a lot.  My family laughs at me when I come to Austin... they know I want good Tex-Mex and I want good Barbeque...every time!

My oldest son was good enough to invite his brother over for movies and burgers so we could get away without the teen for a bit.  We enjoyed a neighborhood Chinese Restaurant for dinner here - good food, efficient service, good prices.  I enjoy Uchi on the island... but I like a little neighborhood Chinese place to go to when I'm in Austin.  My son recommended Twin Lions in Austin...near his home.  Two thumbs up.  This allowed my hubby and me to shop (I'm sure he was thrilled) - we were going to a movie but the only thing we wanted to see was in 3-D...and I get nauseated watching 3-D movies.  Bummer.  I did enjoy getting a couple of kitchen gadgets...you will read about those in the near future I have no doubt :-)

We'll be stopping in Central Market on our way back to the coast in a few hours.  I always enjoy a walk through my favorite gourmet grocery.  Never walk out empty handed! 

Six hours up here on Saturday and six hours home on Sunday.  Lots of driving for a week-end...but it is worth it to spend my anniversary with my hubby and get to see my family (or at least parts of the family). 

All of that said...I'll borrow Leon Russell's fine words... "I hope you understand I just had to get back to the island..."

I'll be back in the kitchen soon...in the meantime, Bon Appetit, Y'all!!!

RICOTTA VANILLA BEAN POUND CAKE

I made another batch of homemade Ricotta Cheese - but this time I used some whole milk that was on the cusp of going sour...I figured if I was putting vinegar in and making it curdle...why not?  I had two different containers of milk and some half and half and some cream...I just put it all together and followed the basic method of my previous post...same amount of liquid...just different mix-up.  I had six cups of milk products (whole, 2%, Half and Half, and Heavy Cream).  The only difference I see is it is slightly drier...but I did let it drain longer and used a finer mesh cheese cloth.  It tastes wonderful...just like fresh Ricotta should taste!

I considered making the Glazed Lemon Ricotta Cookies but I really wanted something new.  I saw Martha Stewart doing pound cakes on Martha Bakes and thought that would be grand...so I googled until I found a few pound cake recipes using Ricotta...and tweaked them enough to make it mine.  It is awesome tasting, if I do say so myself!  I elected to make a Bundt style cake instead of a loaf.  I really like that look.  Hope you like it!

Ricotta Vanilla Bean Pound Cake

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 cups of cake flour

2 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder

1 teaspoon of fine sea salt

3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1 1/2 cups fresh Ricotta Cheese

1 cup of white granulated sugar

1/2 cup of light brown sugar - packed

3 large eggs - room temperature

1 vanilla bean (split and scraped)

One Recipe of Vanilla Bean Glaze (below)

Method:

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F

Prepare a Bundt pan (butter and lightly flour - tap out excess flour).

In a medium bowl, sift together cake flour, baking powder, and salt - set aside.

In stand mixer bowl, cream the butter, well-drained ricotta, vanilla extract, and sugars on medium speed until smooth and light - about 3 minutes. Beat eggs in one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl afterwards...may look curdly, but it will smooth out with the dry goods. Split the vanilla bean, scrape out the seeds, and blend into the batter.

Using very sharp knife, slice the vanilla pod down the middle. 
I used the back of the knife to scrape with.

Scrape bowl again.  On low speed sift in the dry ingredients (a second sifting). Scrape down and beat until thoroughly incorporated...about 1 minute.

Batter changes from curdly to smooth with addition of dry goods

Pour batter into prepared pan, smooth surface with spatula. Gently tap to dislodge any potential bubbles in the batter. 

In the oven and ready to bake

Bake for 30 minutes, then rotate pan and bake 17-20 additional minutes until cake springs back lightly when touched in the center.  The sides should be starting to pull away from the pan and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

Sides pulled away from pan - center springs to the touch

Remove from oven and cool on a rack for 15 minutes and then turn out of pan onto cooling rack.  Allow to completely cool before glazing.

Turned out after 15 minute cooling onto rack for total cool down

VANILLA BEAN GLAZE

Ingredients:

1 cup+ sifted Confectioner's Sugar

1 Vanilla Bean - split and scraped

1/8 to 1/4 cup Half and Half (or water if you prefer)

Method:

While cake is baking, scrape the seeds from a vanilla bean pod into 1/4 cup of Half and Half and whisk together.  (or water is fine too...just get the vanilla bean seeds all loosey goosey in the liquid)

The seeds from the bean pod...black gold...
popped the two scraped pods into a baggie of sugar
to have Vanilla Sugar when desired!

Allow to sit in refrigerator while cake bakes....makes a nice vanilla tasting creamy liquid.



black flecks are the vanilla seeds once stirred into the Half and Half



When ready to glaze the cake, whisk the vanilla milk by tablespoonful into the sifted confectioner's sugar until smooth and desired consistency. Push through strainer if you can't get all the lumps out; you want a smooth glaze.  With cake on rack over baking sheet, drizzle glaze over cake with a teaspoon - allowing it to drip down the sides.  I wanted a thin glaze to nearly coat the entire cake...so I used all the liquid.  If you'd rather "see" your drizzle, use less liquid and make a thicker glaze which will stay mostly in a ribbon-like state.

Twice glazed - took the overflow and re-poured for nice glaze coverage

If you lose a lot of the thin glaze overboard, re-pour the glaze pooled below by replacing baking sheet under cooling rack and pouring from the corner of the original baking sheet over the cake again.  Glaze will eventually soak into cake and leave a very thin sweet vanilla coating - nearly invisible but shiny.  Gently transfer to serving plate (If cake feels too flimsy for any reason when transferring, slide a cake round underneath while lifting with your largest pancake turner - or a fish turner), slice and serve! 

Yummy...ready to serve.  With ice cream, with fresh berries,
with a hot cup of coffee...ahhhh

A scoop of Blue Bell's Vanilla Bean Ice Cream would not go awry on the side... neither would fresh berries and whipped cream.  Actually, if I had some leftover ricotta, I would mix it with some powdered sugar and some vanilla and put a little dollop on the cake slice when served...that would be mighty fine. 

This is a delicious cake...moist from the ricotta, with a crumbly crumb everywhere except where the glaze soaked in...that part is more dense....and very "vanillaey"...I know that's not a word.  But it's gosh darn good and worthy of a made-up word.  Enjoy!

Bon Appetit, Y'all

FLIPFLOP WINES!

flipflop wines... my new favorite!

I recently had the opportunity to sample some really nice new California wine, produced under the label flipflop wines.  Now, needless to say, with that name, I was hopeful of finding a casual and appealingly "drinkable" wine.  I received 3 bottles and have sampled only one so far.  I was one tired baker at the end of nearly a week of non-stop daily baking...and last night I just wanted to put my feet up and have a cold glass of wine before bed.  So, I cracked open the Pinot Grigio....all I can say is "let's get these wines retailed in Texas"!!!  If I had been served this glass of Pinot Grigio in a blind sampling, I would have likely selected it over many $15-20 bottles of Pinot Grigio ... and guess what... it retails for $7/bottle!

For many years I have enjoyed having what I consider to be "my house wine" on hand.  First it was an Italian Pinot Grigio that I could only get intermittently at Central Market in Austin.  I bought it by the case when I could find it.  I then became enamored of New Zealand's Nobilio Sauvignon Blanc...almost always have it on hand.  My new choice for a house wine would definitely be the flipflop wine Pinot Grigio!  Actually, as soon as I finished the first glass, I got online to order a case...but gulp...found the shipping charge of $42 was a bit pricey for my current post-Christmas anemic pocketbook.  Perhaps I'll need to look at a smaller quantity ;-p and that is certainly available!

I'll be ordering though, as soon as my pockets are slightly more plumped up :-)  I will say, even with shipping...it's a good price per bottle...but it's more like $10.50/bottle $9.80/bottle (case discount) than $7.00/bottle when you add shipping to the tally.  THAT'S why we need local retailing!  Until then - it is available online through underdog wine merchants.  The only thing more I could ask for would be beach-size individual bottles...in plastic of course.  Some people like having a beer on the beach... I thoroughly enjoy drinking wine on the beach.  No glass on the beach prevents me from doing so unless I break down and buy mini bottles of a less tasty "other brand".  I know plastic bottles and white wine are not a good mix...so I'll likely be unsatisfied in this wish.

I don't have the wine palate that detects all those subtle flavors you hear "wine folks" talking about...hints of this and that... I'm much more of a plebeian connoisseur.  I just know "does it taste good?" ... and "do I want a second glass?"  The answer to that, with the flipflop winery's Pinot Grigio, was a resounding yes.  It's light, it's crisp - yet smooth - ...it's refreshing. Yum.

I particularly like the label art a LOT (flipflops of course) and I like the concept of the charity they support SOLES 4 SOULS... For every bottle of flipflop wine purchased, Soles4Souls
will distribute a pair of shoes to someone in need.^* 
What a great concept!
*Up to 100,000 pairs in the first year

Also, note, these are screw top wine bottles.  Some turn their noses up at screw top bottles, but I actually prefer them for a crisp white wine.  I can't tell you how many glasses of wine I have picked pieces of cork from...a white wine, in my humble opinion, is absolutely fine sans cork.  I know there is debate over cork vs screw top... but, I don't care.  It's easier to open and I can screw the lid on easily when I want to finish the bottle the next day or use it in cooking.  Here's a good article that makes an easily understood explanation of both sides of the debate.

So, the Pinot Noir and the Riesling await my pleasure.  I'll get to those as soon as my hubby is here to share the goods.  He's the Pinot Noir afficianado... I'll be having most of the Riesling :-)

My favorite label is the Pinot Grigio...followed closely by the Pinot Noir
Very South Padre Islandish...don't you think?

CHEERS, Y'ALL

Dirt Cake

My friend, Sandy, made this back in the late 80's and early 90's, and it is so delicious that I've decided to make it in a clear trifle dish for one of our upcoming parties.  Normally, Sandy served it in a lined flower pot because the topping of crushed Oreos looks like dirt (hence the name).  Sandy used to put a silk flower in the middle.  It was always a hit when she brought it to a pot luck or for someone's birthday at work.

It's not really a cake at all - it's more like a creamy rich pie with oreo layers instead of crust.  I think it will be a pretty presentation in a trifle bowl with the "dirt" layers visible instead of hidden in the flower pot.  I don't have a picture, because I haven't made it yet...the party's a few weeks out.  However, I'll post it as soon as I do.  It's a delicious concoction and so easy to make, you'll love it! 

I just wanted to share it now - in case you need an EXTRA Thanksgiving dessert - you might want to give this great no-cook treat a try!

DIRT CAKE

INGREDIENTS:
2 small packages Oreos (I'm not sure they come in large and small any longer - so I'm going to buy 2 of the only package I see on the shelf these days - I can save left-over crumbs for another recipe)
2 8-ounce packages Cream Cheese - softened
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 stick butter (4 Tbsp) - softened
1 small package Instant Chocolate pudding
1 small package Instant French Vanilla pudding
2 3/4 cup milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
12 ounces Cool Whip

METHOD:
Crush cookies - set aside. (Use food processor OR a Ziploc gallon-size bag and crush with your wooden rolling pin)
In small bowl, cream the butter, cream cheese, and sugar.
In large bowl, mix puddings, vanilla extract, and milk.
Add creamed mixture and mix thoroughly.
Add Cool Whip and mix thoroughly.

Layer cookie crumbs and pudding mixture - ending with cookies.

(Line flower pot and decorate with silk flowers for serving alternative - makes it look like dirt)

Bon Appetit Y'all !!!

Cake Pops - I'm exhausted!

This is going to be brief...because I'm exhausted...and I have about 2 dozen more cake pops to dip.  I forgot how labor intensive this is.  Bakerella makes it look so easy :-)

So, if you read my review of her fabulous book, and look at my photos...you will see that I am in the infant stages of cake poppery!  The teen has already snatched one and he had a big smile when he bit into the pop...so I guess they taste good anyway!  My granddaughters like Tinkerbell, so I bought some Tink sprinks...purple and green jimmies, purple sugar, and some candy butterflies.  I bet they will be a hit when I arrive in Austin in a few days!  Those cute girlies are never critical of Grandma's goodies...they are happy to dig in.

These cake pops are spice cake and cream cheese frosting with white chocolate coating.
Don't laugh at my cake pops ...I'll keep trying!!!

The teen ate the two unsprinkled pops before I could type this blog post!

Cap'n Roy's

One of our family's "go to" dining spots on the island is Cap'n Roy's at 1313 Padre Blvd. ....everyone has their favorite and it's a frequent choice when we talk about grabbing a bite to eat on the island.  I tend to go for the Mexican food offerings, my husband goes for the seafood, and the teen either goes for a burger or fried shrimp.  No one has ever had any complaint about their food - and I don't think we've ever not 100% cleaned our plates!  Last time, I had the enchilada plate - beef enchiladas specifically.  I ordered chips and salsa for the side - and they are big freshly fried 1/2 tortilla sized chips and a cooked style salsa.  Only complaint is the bowl isn't big enough :-)  I always need more.  I have also had, on a cold dreary day, a revitalizing serving of excellent carne guisada.  Delicious.  My husband loves the grilled shrimp tacos or the fish tacos with the fumi salad.  And we never fail to seek out their booth at the annual Shrimp Cook-off in Port Isabel.  They always have an award-winning concoction of goodness to sample.  The teen - he loves, loves, loves the big old half pound burger with fries.  Their fried shrimp is always a good call - with french fries and the delicious tart fumi salad (a vinegary yet sweet slaw - really pairs well with fried food).

The only complaint I have is having to do a u-turn to get there when coming from the bridge.  But, that's no biggie to get to a guaranteed good meal.  If they are busy, there's lots of stuff on the walls to look at - old photos, big fish, other nautical "stuff".  It's a small joint - but that's the way I like it.  The prices are reasonable, the waitstaff are courteous and friendly.  It's a great island spot!

SPI FLIP FLOP FOODIE RATING:

3 1/2 – Really Yummy - I feel my flip flops wanting to head back from time to time!

PadreRitaGrill - Revisited!

My friend and I were in dire need of adult conversation and some time out of the house... so, we decided to hit PadreRitaVille for lunch Tuesday.  I suggested it in an email last week, and I baited my hook with a link to the Island Breeze article last week that had me salivating for most of the menu items mentioned.  She, being weak, like me, succumbed rapidly.  Yay! 

Today finally arrived and we hopped in the car and headed out to lunch.  I was nearly giddy with happiness!  I didn't even need to think about looking at the menu... but I did.... in great detail.  I knew, going in, that having to decide between a volcano of nachos and the Tuesday lunch special, Shrimp Scampi, was nigh impossible...but I managed.  Up until the last minute it was going to be the special and then I had a quick step switch to the Nachos.  My friend got the special so I can speak to both.

My 1/2 order of supreme nachos were delicious - I had beef this time since I had chicken before.  The chips were delicious, generous dollop of guacamole (freshly made) on top and fresh salsa, jalapenos, and sour cream on the side.  Piled high with beans, cheese, onion, (skipped the tomatoes), and a LOT of nicely-seasoned ground beef....overall, excellent.  I couldn't eat more than half of the half order.  It was an extremely generous serving.  The $6 lunch special my friend got was deemed very good (and I challenge you to find a lunch like that for the price anywhere else on the island).  It started with a mixed lettuce with tomato and red onion side salad.  The entree was served on a large, very attractive, pewter fish-shaped platter filled with pasta topped with shrimp and a tasty garlicky butter sauce; broccoli on the side, and garlic toast.  (there were other side choices, she chose broccoli)   My meal, with iced tea was in the $15 range and my friend's was $8 before tip.  She had a generous mug of freshly made French Roast coffee and said it was delicious.  I opted for iced tea and it was as good as I remember (despite the waitress topping it off with raspberry tea instead of regular tea - I'm not a raspberry tea fan - I didn't have the heart to tell her at that point).

I'm sure restaurant owners wish people would stop taking pictures of their food with their cell phones - I read an article in Bon Appetit magazine that said so - but I feel irresistibly compelled when something is so exciting to me that I think the whole world needs to see it!  I held off because I kept imagining my mother giving me the stern "big eyes" if she saw me.  I had my camera in my purse, but by the time the food was in front of me, I was starved and just dug in.  It was delicious.  Unfortunately, that leaves me - again - with no pictures from PadreRitaVille!

The follow-up visit was as good as the previous visit.  There was a slight mis-step in both of our orders arriving "not as ordered", but it was taken care of pretty darn quickly.  We weren't overly concerned because we were gabbing.  The shift manager checked in a couple of times and apologized for the beginning mis-step.  No problemo.  Regardless of the few service bleeps, I continue to totally enjoy the food here.  Really nice.

I want to come back for dinner - the "steak night" special has been luring me for a couple of weeks now.  However, I'm finding now that school is back in session, homework is abundant, and eating out on a week-night is just not feasible unless there is a special occasion (like no homework for the teen or a parade).  I also know I need to keep trying new places...but, by golly, I just want to go back to PadreRitaVille so I can try some more of their menu.  It all looks soooo good!

If you haven't made it by - you MUST go...  'nuf said!

UPDATE 1/3/2014
My son and I had a delicious lunch here on a gorgeous January day on the island.  Excellent prices for delicious food.  I continue to love PadreRittaGrill! (note name change)

Here's the slightly edited update from my Facebook page:

"Yummy lunch at PadreritaGrill Spi with Ian Hook. Outstandingly creamy and delicious Tomato Basil Soup with a plentiful and diverse Salad Bar for me. Generous Shrimp Po'Boy with fries for him. Mine was great and he said his was really good. (high praise from the usual shoulder shrug)  All for a reasonable price. "

SPI FLIP FLOP FOODIE RATING:

4 – Lip smackin’ - good quality – flip flops will definitely be parked under their table again!

SPI Seafood and Music Festival

What are you doing next week-end?  October 1st and 2nd?  Yep, that's the date!

The South Padre Island Seafood and Music Festival is where you'll find me! 

I'm looking forward to hearing Vallejo on Friday evening as well as The Toadies and more!

Saturday will bring lots of sun screen and a hat, a free seafood basket if you are one of the first 5000 to be in line to get one, coastal and Texas art vendors, lots of festival food, and an all-day line up of excellent Texas music, including Kevin Fowler, that cutie Wes Hayden, The Trishas (they remind me of music I might hear at the Kerrville Folk Festival - really nice sound), and the very nice voice of Phoenix Hart.  There's more...check out the full line up on the festival's Facebook page or the website above.

Although you can hear him on a regular basis at PadreRitaVille, I look forward to cheering for South Padre local favorite,  J Micheal Laferty, who, I hear, will be playing Saturday afternoon from 1:30 -2:30 .  Can't wait!

If you can't make it down - well, you probably didn't try hard enough....but, if that IS the sad case... you can always spend some time surfing the best live web cams spread out over the island to see what a beautiful day you are missing!  They have some cool controls so you can control the cameras for short periods.

If you are still standing come Sunday morning, it wouldn't hurt to stop by for some fabulous fresh local products before heading home.  The South Padre Island Farmer's Market is held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. every Sunday, just north of the Convention Center Stage where you partied the previous day.  It has some of the best produce you'll find anywhere...so make a point to head that way before heading home!

As you are planning your trip - be sure to check out the archives here so you can be sure to pick a great restaurant for your dining pleasure.  And remember, what happens on the Island, stays on the island!

All Photos on this page are from my personal collection!

Blackbeards' Restaurant



Photo Source: Google Images



The first time I went to Blackbeard's on South Padre, over 10 years ago, we went for lunch at the end of the lunch rush on one of our early family vacation trips down here.  I fell in love with their fried shrimp po-boy.  It was so basic and simple...and so very delicious.  The next time we came down to the island was in February and we came to celebrate our anniversary and use up some Southwest Airlines tickets that were going to expire.  We had no idea it was such a winter-Texan haven and laughed about being the youngest on the island.  That time, since we were without children <hooray> we went to dinner at Blackbeards' and, while a little more crowded on this occasion, we were in such good spirits we didn't care.  We ordered drinks, we took our time, we were just glowing with the happiness only a parent of teens and pre-teens can relate to, on the exciting event of a week-end free of responsibility.  I selected Stuffed Shrimp - a delectable concoction of Gulf shrimp stuffed with a crabmeat dressing ...perfection on a plate.  There was so much on the plate, I couldn't even begin to put a dent in it.  It was superlative (or maybe I was intoxicated with Cosmos and Happiness).  Whatever it was, we went home happy. 



Photo Source: Blackbeards' Website



We made Blackbeard's a regular stop on our trips down to the island...until an unhappy meal in 2005.  You know how it is when you bring a crowd to a restaurant you've been raving about and on that particular day, it unfortunately sucks?  That's what happened to us.  After waiting in the unbelievable crush of a July dinner rush, having our food be nothing like I had raved about, my son getting sick afterwards...well, we just didn't go back again.

My sister and her husband and sons always rave about Blackbeards' and it is a "must have" when they are here on vacation...my brother-in-law gives his highest regards to the flounder particularly.  So, when we were down in April 2008, looking at real estate after our big decision to leave Austin, we decided it was time to give Blackbeards' another try.  My son had the red snapper - loved it.  I had fried shrimp - loved it.  I think my husband had the Shrimp 3-ways - loved it.  What we didn't love, was how crowded the tables were next to each other.  We couldn't talk, it was so loud and the wait staff could barely get through the tables without bumping our chairs.  We decided we didn't want to deal with that when there were so many other places we could go on this lovely island that didn't involve feeling like we were rubbing elbows with the tables next door.

Then, winter of 2010, the teen and I were driving along, scoping out a place to eat dinner when I swung right into the Blackbeards' driveway - which was half empty (or half full if you want to focus on optimism).  I thought, I miss Blackbeards' food - and since it wasn't crowded...

Photo Source: Blackbeards' Website

Sure enough - I had a lovely evening in one of the back areas where we were able to converse and I enjoyed a steak with shrimp and a lovely broiled fish for the teen.  Blackbeards' Restaurant had returned to my good graces. 

What I learned from this, is a lesson I've learned well since moving to the lower Laguna Madre...whether it is on the Island, or in Port Isabel...avoid eating out for dinner in July....go out on week nights only during most of the summer... and learn where the crowds are going to be and when they are going to be - and don't go there.  Lunch, during the summer is "a good thing".  It fulfills my need to dine out with minimal crowding (especially if you go to lunch as soon as they open).  Avoidance of crowds - THAT is what I've learned.

Photo Source:  Google Images

September and October are two of my favorite months at the coast.  Unhindered by those much-needed tourists and the beginning of a slight cooling in the atmosphere.  This is the time of year that moves me to euphoria on the island.  It's time to schedule a night out at Blackbeards' Restaurant again!

SPI FLIP FLOP FOODIE RATING:

3 – Pretty Yummy - I feel my flip flops wanting to head back from time to time!

Star Fruit

Photo Source: Google Images

The final piece of fruit in my "tropical fruit trilogy" from Sunday's farmer's market excursion....ta da...Star Fruit.  The most familiar of the bunch, and sadly, my least favorite.  I've eaten Star Fruit before...but for some reason I couldn't remember the flavor - it was always in a salad or on a display.  It simply didn't stand out.  I was eager to give it a try and a bit disappointed in the results.

I'm a real fan of tart fruit generally, and the Star Fruit I ate today was slightly tart.  I don't know if it was the various textures I didn't like; the distinctive mouth feel of the slightly leathery skin, the juicy flesh, the soft but gristly feeling internal spines... or specifically what.  All I know is it just didn't "sing" to my taste buds.  In fact, I could likely go the rest of my life, never eat another Star Fruit, and be A-OK with that.  <shrug>  I didn't hate it - I just didn't love it.

That's too bad because Star Fruit seems like another one of those "pretty foods that are good for you".  One web site I found, Natural Living Cuisine, had a lot of good information about the fruit, as well as the same About.com article I read on Thai fruits which referenced the Dragon Fruit.  I followed the instructions for trimming and de-seeding and cutting my fruit and I had it for dessert with my dinner tonight.  As a matter of fact, it left a little after taste in my mouth - and not in a good way.  Sad...it's a pretty fruit.

It's a fruit I would, however, use again on a fruit display or as an accent in a salad...it would likely stand up to a buffet fruit salad - unlike bananas and pears.... and since I've tried it in salads before and it didn't stick out as distasteful- it will continue to be a consideration when I want an unusual, and nutritious, addition to a fruit salad!

So there we have it - three fairly unusual tropical fruits.  I intend to try some more unusual tropical fruits when I next visit the South Padre Island Farmer's Market.  I saw some things at the Rivers End Nursery and Farm stand that I didn't have any clue as to their identity.... I'm sure I'll be writing about one of those oddities in the near future.  For now, however, there ends the tropical fruit trilogy...I'm about ready for dinner out.  Hmmmm....where to go, where to go???

The Sugar Apple

Photo Source: Google Images

If you read my post about yesterday's visit to the Farmer's Market, you know I bought a couple of fruits I'd not tried before.  I was shocked to find my Sugar Apple, which was hard yesterday, was soft today and obviously ready to eat.  I tried to cut it, but frankly it was easier to pull it apart with my fingers.  The outside is kind of leathery feeling and did not slice easily.  It was, as described by the farmers, easiest to scoop out the insides and suck the seeds.  There is no obvious way to get to the fruit otherwise.  I used my fingers and plucked the seeds out one by one and then gently scraped the inside with a spoon.  That garnered less than a teaspoon of pulp (the scraping).  I took a couple of cell phone photos (I left my camera in the car and don't want to fight the mosquitoes to go get it right now).  You can see that there are a lot of black seeds with a thin coating of fruit.  The first bite tasted sweet, yet had an underlying starchy taste.  The texture is almost gelatinous.  I ate about 1/4 of the content and then went to Google the fruit to see what I could find out about it. 

I found this link from what looks to be a Purdue web site which gave a great amount of background on the fruit.  If you find one - and try it - don't swallow the seeds.  They are apparently toxic.  It's a lot of work for just a little bit of fruit.  However, it tasted sweeter and sweeter as I continued popping those seeds in and sucking off the pulp.  I am unsure whether or not I'll buy one again...but I'd LOVE to see this fruit as the Iron Chef America secret ingredient :-)

SandCastle Days Coming Soon!

Sandcastle Days are coming soon to South Padre Island - beautiful sand sculptures, many family activities, a variety of vendors of food, jewelry, art, t-shirts....so much more!!!  Make your reservations now and come on down to the tip of Texas.

Here's a youtube slide show from last year's events.  You don't want to miss it!  October 20-24, 2010

PadreRitaVille

I had the opportunity to try out South Padre Island's newest dining establishment this week, on their first day of business!  J. Micheal and Cathy Laferty have just opened the delightful PadreRitaVille at 4001 Padre Blvd.  I'll visit again after they are fully "in swing" but I wanted to put the word out about this new place to grab a bite on the island.  You can follow them on Facebook too!

The ambiance is Texas tropical (of course) with a parrot-head nod... nice variety of lighting ranging from colored drop lights to multi-colored string lights and an eclectic mix of candles and table-top tiki lights.  It is a cool and restful retreat from the glaring sun in the middle of a hot day.  Palapa umbrellas top the roomy tables and it just has a good vibe.  Cathy is highly visible as she checks to make sure everyone is enjoying their visit and that the food is good; the wait staff is extremely attentive as well.

Our table tried out appetizers primarily.  Starting with an order of the bottomless mild fresh salsa and freshly made tortilla chips we had a hard time deciding what we wanted (and so, of course, we ordered more than we could eat). We sampled good, crispy fried calamari, a Mexican Shrimp Cocktail with generous amounts of shrimp and fresh avocado (thank you - finally fresh avocado), and a GINORMOUS and delicious pile of supreme chicken nachos.  We all commented that the refried beans on the nachos were unusually enticing (I mean, who notices the beans usually?).  Four people munching steadily could not make a dent in the nachos!  The margaritas were deemed "two thumbs up" by my son and his friends, and I enjoyed a good glass of iced tea in a beautiful Mexican-style heavy glass with blue rim...and a curvy straw for comfortable sipping.  The dishes and glassware were of the quality I would use in my home...another plus!  I sampled a nibble of another person's all-you-can-eat fried fish and shrimp.  It was good and crisp and the tartar sauce was just right as well.  Word of mouth is that they will try to do everything "fresh" - avoidance of frozen products and Sysco main dishes; not the usual restaurant fare to be found on the island.  Hooray!

The prices were very reasonable and the atmosphere friendly and coastal...I'll definitely be back to sample the dinner menu as well.  I didn't get a chance to see their patio nor snap a photo of their sign...because I was in such a food and bonhomie-induced soporific haze...all I could think was "nap"...so I just forgot!  I'll be back, though, you can count on that!
(photo source sandyfeet's photos)

SPI FLIP FLOP FOODIE RATING:
4 – Lip smackin’ - good quality – flip flops will definitely be parked under their table again!

The Big Donkey (now known as Senor Donkey - same owners)

(Name Update as of 2013 - same owners)

I find it strange that this close to the U.S./Mexico border, I struggle to find a good plate of Tex-Mex food.  Taquerias are plentiful but pitifully deficient in quality ingredients and my son asks to go to Taco Bell for "good" Mexican food.  Oh my!

So, when we moved here a couple of years ago, there was a Mexican restaurant on the island called Mamacita's.  I tried it three times.  Once it was good (fajitas with all the sides - tasty - fresh) but the service was so poor, in a nearly empty restaurant at 1:30 in the afternoon, we nearly missed our movie because of the delay.  Still, I'll give anything a second try unless they make me physically ill...so, we went again.  It was packed, the service was only slightly better, and the food was just so-so (stale chips always starts me off badly).  I had a combination plate of some sort and while the enchiladas were fairly good, the tacos were just "off" tasting.  My husband liked his fried shrimp, my son was okay with whatever he got...so I just shrugged.  I'd eaten so many chips and salsa that I didn't much care that one of the items was inedible, but bad service...well, I'd pretty much finished with Mamacita's.  However, my sister came to visit and after visiting Turtles, Inc. on a blustery cold day we decided to stop there for lunch.  Her nachos (with "off tasting" beef) were inedible and my son's "well done" burger was red, and whatever I had was so unmemorable I can't bring it to mind.  Anyway, 3 strikes, they were out!

Before too long, there was a new sign on the building - it was now "The Big Donkey".  I laughed at the name and thought "I don't THINK so" and didn't stop.  Then a friend said "oh, they are owned by the people who own Dirty Al's and Daddy's - so should be good".  Great, I thought, I'll give it a try!

So, I went for lunch.  The chips and salsa were good, not too spicy, fresh tasting.  It was a coolish Spring day so I got a cheese enchilada plate with beans and rice - it was surprisingly good.  I thought "whew, I can do this again" and danced a little happy dance!  So, a few weeks later, I brought my son for dinner on a week night when I didn't feel like cooking.  Very few people there, loquacious waiter, lots of chit chat.  Chips and salsa "okay" but the chips bordered on stale.  Hmmm....  So, I order beef enchiladas and my son ordered soft tacos - beef and cheese only.  They came covered in lettuce and tomatoes.  Had to send them back.  Then we both got down to eating after we were re-served.  I took a couple of bites and, again, something seemed "off" about the beef.  Not "spoiled" but like it might have been on the edge...and there was an underlying taste I could only identify as "cinnamon"???  I looked at my son and he had eaten two bites and laid his taco down.  He looked at me and said "there's something wrong Mom, it doesn't taste good".  So, I told our loquacious waiter that we both thought something tasted "off" with the ground beef, and asked if he could have someone taste it in the kitchen.  He came back in a few minutes and said "sorry, it tastes like it always tastes - I tried and the chef tried it."  Then he just shrugged.  Okayyyyy....so, I asked for our check...no offer of "sorry you didn't like it, can we get you something else?"  Basically, just a shrug.  So, that was the last time I went there for many months.

Then, I was so hungry for Mexican food, I told my son "let's go get some Mexican food - I'll go to Taco Bell if you don't want to try The Big Donkey again, but it's been a while...maybe they've improved!"  He agreed to give The Big Donkey another try.  He ordered some queso (which appeared to be unflavored melted processed cheese spread...not a pepper or onion in sight...just cheese) so we started with that.  I mixed some salsa in on a side plate and that made it palatable enough for me - my son likes melted processed cheese so he ate all of it :-p  We decided to order the same thing we'd had before because I really like beef enchiladas and my son really likes soft tacos.

It was a really crowded night.  Young server.  Same food problem.  We each took one bite - looked at each other and went "Huh?  Really? Again?"  It had that same peculiar flavor.  We both put our napkins on top of our plates.  I got out my wallet and sat there...and sat there...and sat there.  I finally asked a drink refiller to find our waiter, we wanted our bill.  I'm not sure she spoke English - she looked confused.  Young waiter never came.  I got up and asked for a manager from the woman at the hostess station.  Our young waiter came to the table and brought the bill.  He didn't ask why we hadn't eaten our food.  He wouldn't make eye contact with me. No manager appeared.  I paid.  I didn't tip (I NEVER don't tip) and I wrote a note on my credit card slip about the food tasting "off".  I'm easy to please generally - I'm very polite - so I can only limit my closing critique to... I will never, ever go to The Big Donkey again. 

I've seen reviews of other people saying how much they like The Big Donkey.  I've seen other reviews quite similar to mine.  I don't know what's up - but I've had 4 bad meals out of 5.  It simply isn't where I'll spend another penny of my eating out money!
(Photo Source Google Images)

SPI FLIP FLOP FOODIE RATING:
0 – My flip flops were not happy campers

Pirate's Landing

Pirate's Landing in Port Isabel is the Grand Dame of eateries on the mainland side of the Queen Isabella Memorial Causeway.  If you are looking for a family restaurant with a waterfront view, Pirate's Landing is a good choice.  Back when we vacationed on the island, it was always our tradition to stop there first for a Shrimp Po'boy before heading over for check-in.  The food servings are generous and the choices are many.  What keeps me going back again and again, however, is the basket of piping hot, fresh yeast rolls placed on the table with a container of honey butter.  Heck, I'm usually full before the order arrives!

Often, if I ask my youngest son "we're going out for dinner/lunch, where would you like to go?", his answer is Pirate's Landing....for the same reason.  He loves those rolls!  All of the sandwich offerings are served on their fresh baked bread as well, including hamburgers.  The food, in my opinion, is nothing fancy, but I've enjoyed our many meals at Pirate's Landing.  The kids meals are served in a "boat" and a pirate's hat and eye patch are often available for the kidlets.  During high season I often see a balloon artist strolling the tables, in Winter Texan season I've enjoyed live guitar music as we dined, and always I enjoy the view of the causeway, The Black Dragon pirate ship, and the longest fishing pier in Texas.  It's not just a restaurant, it's a destination!  It's on the Port Isabel Lighthouse Square and the list of activities in the immediate area can be found via the link to the restaurant.

Now, I have to say, out of fairness - my older sister does not agree.  She did not enjoy her shrimp sampler platter nor her seafood stuffed hush puppies.  I'll admit, that day, they didn't look very appealing.  I also don't care for their calamari strips.  I do, however, like their salads a great deal (Cobb, Chef, Seafood Pasta, Shrimp Louie to name a few) and another sister doesn't think it's vacation at the coast if she doesn't have her grilled shrimp salad from Pirate's Landing - especially with their honey mustard dressing.  I also enjoy their tortilla soup on those few blustery days each year where it is nippy at the coast.  I make a beeline for Pirate's on such occasions!  My son will tell you the Cheesecake Factory Tuxedo cheesecake can't be missed (we often take an order "to go" because we are too full to eat dessert).  My husband enjoys a cup of their espresso from time to time as well.  One of the great things about Pirate's is their service.  They have a crew that just seems to focus on drink refills and clearing plates.  The wait staff are regulars I've seen for years.  I've only had bad service once - and that server hasn't been seen for over a year :-)  Managers check around to make sure everything is going smoothly.  It's an efficient operation.  Something new I noticed last night when we were there, they offered $15 bottles of wine...and one of my favorites, Nobilio Sauvignon Blanc, was on the list!!!  I've paid $45 for that bottle of wine in an Austin restaurant...and $10-12 at the grocery store...so that was a real find in my opinion.  Don't know if that's a special thing for now or a regular deal - tell them you heard about it on my blog! 

They are open daily at 11:00 a.m. for lunch and dinner.  They are easy to find just look for the lighthouse and look over towards the bay - you can't miss it.

SPI FLIP FLOP FOODIE RATING:

3 1/2 – Pretty Yummy - I feel my flip flops wanting to head back quite frequently!

Louie's Backyard

This venerable hot spot of the island, Louie's Backyard, has been entertaining and feeding tourists and locals alike for as long as I've been coming to South Padre. 

If you are a visitor - it's a "must do" before you go home.  Summer offers Friday night fireworks viewing from their fabulous deck overlooking the lower Laguna Madre.  The marvelous display of the stunning South Padre sunset is applauded nightly by viewers as it sinks over the horizon.  It's a beauty and the unhampered view from Louie's is as good a spot to view it as I've ever seen.  It's a huge venue.  I've had a party of 28, a party of 7, and a party of 4 - all had good times and good food and were handled equally well by the industrious wait staff at Louie's.  When we take guests, we tend to do their extensive seafood buffet and dine on the deck.  With generous provisions of prime rib, fried shrimp, peel-your-own shrimp, crab legs, blackened fish, fried fish, scallops, an array of pasta salads, succulent fresh fruits, salad bar, potato bar...it's sure to please those with the need to stuff themselves silly.  I, personally, wouldn't rate it gourmet quality - but it is consistently good and plentiful.  In the depths of summer, it can be pretty hot, despite the many whirring ceiling fans.  Be prepared - and keep the drinks flowing (alternate in some water!) to remain hydrated.  Most people from Memorial Day to Labor Day, on Friday nights, plan their dining around being on-site at 9:15 for the fireworks.  Plan accordingly - tables don't turn often that night!

I've gone to Louie's as a "local" and eaten inside in the a/c.  (much more comfortable, but not as scenic) They have a full and varied menu and one of my favorite items is their Mexican Style Shrimp Cocktail.  I can make a meal of it - muy bueno!  I've had my share of frozen margaritas at Louie's and they were tasty as well.  There is a kid's menu, but we found, once (the party of 28), that they did not offer the kid's menu on Friday night for some reason.  They were kind enough (because we had a large group of special needs kids) to make an exception and got the kids what they wanted (the few who didn't want the buffet).  Bless them....because that could have been a big problem!  That was 5 years ago though...the kids are grown now and they want that buffet!

I never have room for dessert - but one year for my son's birthday, they brought out The Bomb - a chocolate brownie based explosion of chocolate deliciousness.  If you have room - I can vouch for it being a yummy selection!

After the parental units return to their condo, the adult "kids" often return for after hours live music or DJ and drinks.  They take The Wave home and always declare that they have a blast.  I can't vouch for the music, the dancing, or anything beyond a dinner drink...but the boys always seem to have a grand time.

Their website provides a list of scheduled entertainment - and it looks quite extensive!  I think I'll have to make a point of taking in some of the offerings... a Luau night, Mariachis,  Karaoke, a locals Sports Bar with over 60 televisions and big screens...WOW.  I've been missing out!

Whether you are a visitor or a local - Louie's Backyard is sure to be a good time.  Louie's is only open for restaurant dining in the evening (no lunch service) and their website says they are closed on Sunday.  The Sports Bar is open 7 days - and opens at noon on the week-ends.  You can't miss the big pink building at 2305 Laguna Blvd.  It's packed in the summer, but Fall is a wonderful time on the island.  I'll be looking forward to sitting on the deck in my shorts and flip flops in November, watching those beautiful sunsets, with a frosty margarita in my hand!
(photo from Google Images)

SPI FLIP FLOP FOODIE RATING:
3 1/2 – Pretty Yummy - I feel my flip flops wanting to head back from time to time!

Sea Ranch Restaurant and Bar

Photo source:  Google images

When we want to go somewhere nice for a family occasion, nine times out of ten, the family member requests Sea Ranch Restaurant and Bar as their dining establishment of choice.  This is one of those places where I wear my sparkly rhinestone encrusted flip flops I regularly purchase at Ship Shape on the island.  I'm addicted to their purty shoes...  However, I digress.  Back to food.

Sea Ranch was completely renovated after Hurricane Dolly and it is beautiful inside.  The staff are attentive and friendly.  The cosmos are good (the only drink I can attest to) and my son's girlfriend enjoyed the Appletini.  Everyone else had wine - and they sure seemed happy!  Mainly, though, the restaurant is visited for those special occasions, over and over, because the food is so delicious and the evening becomes an event to be remembered. 

The appetizer most loved by us all is the hot Artichoke Parmesan Cheese Dip.  Yum.  My hubby tends to get the Island Fiesta Combo - which is a pick 2 items kind of thing - he likes to get fish and shrimp.  My son learned to love Red Snapper here.  He also learned to love Filet Mignon and Lobster here.  Hmmmm...wish he learned to like something a little less pricey!  My brother-in-law and nephews enjoy bringing their catch and having the chef prepare it for them.  That option comes with some sides so it works out great for them.  Me?  I am in LOVE with their Seafood Alfredo...and their delicious fried shrimp...and their shrimp scampi over angel hair pasta.  Actually, I've never had a bad meal...or even a mediocre meal at Sea Ranch.

Sea Ranch is on the bay side and the evening is enhanced by lovely sunsets, boats coming and going, happy people, and a truly excellent dining experience.  It is located on the south end of the island and is only open for dinner.  So, put on your sparkly flip flops ladies and a nice tropical shirt guys... it won't be your cheapest meal on the island but I bet it will be one of the meals you remember.  I've been going to Sea Ranch for over 10 years...and when my birthday comes around...that's where I'll be wanting to go this year too!
(Image source - Google Images)

SPI FLIP FLOP FOODIE RATING:

5 – OMG – that was an outstanding meal! I can’t wait to go back.