I have a confession

Over the past two years, I’ve fallen long and hard for my home on the Gulf Coast. I’ve been reading Pat Conroy and Flannery O’Connor, listening to the Alabama Shakes, walking barefoot, decorating with (and eating) Satsumas and Meyer Lemons by the ton, getting creative with Conecuh Sausage and Peturis Farm Red Sweet Potatoes. Heck, I even moved in to a housed designed after Tara.

 

And you know that tiny morsel of seaside? The humble royalty of the south? The infamous raw oyster?

 

I ate one.

 

Ok, six.

 

I went to my late Pawpaw’s favorite seafood joint, Sea ‘N’ Suds. (Pawpaw Dub, the one who once convinced an entire kitchen staff that he was the Cajun Cook.) 

 

Granny Grace, Pawpaw Dub, Me, Mom

 

 

I was captivated by memories of gumbo, flounder and crab claws. I smiled at the childhood memory of his throaty laugh, the time he showed me how to eat an oyster and I squinched my nose. I had to give in.

 

And? I loved them. Should I change the name of the blog?

 

I had a second encounter with the little boogers on Valentine’s Day at Tin Top restaurant in Bon Secour. They tasted like they’d brought them in from the bayou out back. Fresh and heavenly. If you are a raw oyster virgin, I recommend you go there if you plan to try them around here.

 

Speaking of Valentine’s Day, have you seen this gem on Garden & Gun? I submitted my own Grandparents’ photo (#24) and ended up spending hours on the 14^th reading the little blurbs and shedding tears, some for my late Gran and others for the lasting love stories.

 

Cheers to Oysters! Cheers to Love! Cheers to this beloved South!

Seafood Edition #2: Oysters

I feel cozy in paradox.

While I may shy away from raw oysters, one of my absolute favorite foods in America is a char-grilled oyster from Drago’s in New Orleans. So, upon our family outing to the Original Oyster House on the Causeway for my mother’s birthday, I decided to try a similar dish-- the oyster sampler.* It was a lovely arrangement, including 3 different varieties of oysters: fried, baked with Parmesan cheese, herbs & butter, and the house specialty. (Marinara sauce and ham were involved.)

Any time I have ordered oysters at the O.O.H., I have ooooooh-ed. They are delectable. Not sure what they bathe the little bottom feeders in before they are cooked, but they are quite nice- especially the fried ones. The baked versions were nice too, but it’s a shame to compare anything to one of my absolute favorite foods in America. I was so enraptured by my pearly feast and the rowdy family conversation that I did not realize that I had an amazing sweet chili sauce to dip with. My plate was clean when I discovered it, so I had to borrow a few of J’s leftover shrimp and other samples from around the table so I could enjoy the sauce more fully. In conclusion: next time I go to O.O.H. I must be in the mood for fried food. And I’m asking for a gallon of the chili sauce.

Also, a very Happy Birthday to my unique and inspiring mother; and to my grandmother who did all the work. 

*I am aware of the old saying that one shouldn’t eat oysters in months that do not contain an “R,” but my grandmother assures me that farm raised oysters have created a cozy paradigm shift to year-round oyster eating. Your thoughts?

Maybe I Need to Change My Blog Title...

Ha.

I've bought into* hype again. Check out these t-shirts made by Alabama designer Billy Reid.

Oh and I promise that Alabama Seafood isn't paying me to love this stuff. I just do. I think we can probably thank BP for the hip ad campaign. Thanks Beeps!!



*bought into- succumbed to, fallen in love with; not actually purchased, they are expensive! 

GW#2: Rolling Down the River

My abs still hurt from laughing so much during last weekend. As you saw from my previous post, it was an eventful few days. NOLA was so delightful, but I don't think I could do it justice in this blog post.

Music & Coffee. Love.

<---- So, here's a picture that sums up the day.

Meanwhile...back in Baldwin County... Have you guys ever been to Dragonfly? I'm still trying to decide what I think about it. The food concept is so great. I love the idea of fusing Asian and Mexican flavors. A few weeks ago, I had a pork noodle bowl with green curry and egg noodles. It was delicious, but a bit too spicy for my taster. Next time I'll order sans jalapeños; the curry was hot enough. On Friday, I ordered the pork taco with an avocado sauce and apples. It was good too, but I think it could have been more spicy. (BTW, they have plenty of other meats, I'm just a sucker for a good pig.) Jackie had the veggie bowl - I just had a bite, but it is probably my favorite dish I've tried. So much flavor! So I love the food. My only beef (ha) with the place is the seating. The concept is cool, in theory. It's a "food bar," so that's the main seating option - a bar. In execution, in I'm not crazy about it. Maybe it's because I'm short. Maybe it's because I don't like facing a wall when I'm eating. What I do know is - it's awkward.

Thanks for the photo, Jackie!

Okay, I actually have two beefs, I also think some of the tacos and tapas might be a little too pricey.  It is not an expensive place, but I guess I'm comparing it to other places that have better tacos for less dinero. (Come back tomorrow...)

Besides all the calories we burned laughing our guts out, Jackie and I also spent a good bit of time racking up activity points... including a Kayak Trip to end all kayak trips. Eighteen people, from ages 3 to 70, hit Fish River with a vengeance after barely escaping a redneck brawl at Bohemian Park.(Yeah, I'm seriously exaggerating.) It was a fun 2.5 hour jaunt, where Jackie and I were able to brush up on our communication skills in a tandem kayak. I only caused her to cuss once when we ran through a spider-infested tree. Actually, I pushed said tree out of my way, which sling-shot it back into her face.

Sorry, again Jacks.

The stretch of river is shaded, and pretty, and the current keeps you moving most of the way. Just be prepared to get out a few times where trees hinder passage.The only downside the the whole day is that my phone got submerged for approximately 3 hours, even though I put it in "dry" storage. Thankfully, T-Mo is determined to keep us non-iPhone-smart-phone users happy, so there's a new one on the way. Despite the setback, it was good fun and a chance to appreciate another view of this beautiful area. And we really worked up an appetite for dinner at Big Daddy's!

I have so much more to say about the weekend. I'll tell you about Bravos Tacos and our Bike Ride tomorrow!

Seafood Edition #1: Who's Yo Daddy?

Beachgoers, visitors, and wonderfully welcome guests to the shore... can we have a little chat?

I'm with you. For the first 28 years of my life, I was a guest of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. I took my friends to Lambert's and Lulu's, or some place at the Wharf, and I loved it. I get it.... who doesn't love balls of hot bread flying at your head and/or some loose association to Jimmy Buffett? But, if you are ever tired of paying so much for atmosphere and if you decide that all you really want is some darn good fresh seafood...

I'll be here for you. So, here's my first Seafood Edition*.

J took me out last night for our "Monthary."  (If you come by often, you're going to learn real quick that he is a master date-planner.) Last night we went out to Big Daddy's Grill. It is a favorite to suggestion to out of town guests because it is off the beaten path and the food is good. (Just don't ask me for directions. I will get you lost.)

Other bonuses include live music on the weekends and apples as after-dinner mints. The fried stuff is alright, if that's your thing, (it is often mine,) but I really love the blackened shrimp. The menu is fairly similar to other seafood restaurants around, including the ever popular fried pickles and smoked tuna dip, but I think the quality/freshness is better. It is a little bit of a drive from GS/OB, but worth it. You might want to stop on your way in or out of town.

*Speaking of, have you seen the new Alabama Seafood ads? Aren't they so trendy!? We are coming up in the world, people!