Bayside dining at its finest.

Let’s say you just so happen to find yourself in the absolute treasure of a town called Port Aransas, Texas on what has to be the most perfect day on record since meteorologic recording began. If that wasn’t enough, let’s also imagine that it’s the offseason and you feel more like one of the laid back locals than an energetic tourist that’s chomping at the bit to hit the beach. My suggestion is to stop imagining and get to gettin’! Tell your boss your taking a long weekend and come join me for a lunch that seems like a vacation in itself – at Trout Street Bar and Grill.

Let’s Go.

First: The ground rules.

I bet you’re hungry already, aren’t you? I can see you rubbing your hands together in anticipation of the feast that awaits your salivating taste buds. Well, before you get too excited there, mister – let me let you in on a little secret.

We’re on “Island Time”.

That’s right – we’re about to go in and take our seats for a long lunch – emphasis on the word long. Those city-life expectations of yours are going to have to be checked at the door because no one gets in a hurry around here, and rightly so. Here’s another news flash for ya: that doesn’t mean the service is bad. Just sit back, order a cocktail (or three), snack on an appetizer and enjoy the view.

Speaking of views…

Just look at it… Sure as hell beats the corporate deco – or “flare” as they call it – that dons the walls of those stale, soulless chain establishments. We’ve got front row tickets to the best show in town – The Marina.

As the docked boats sway lazily in the perfect seaside breeze and the fisherman start to return from their triumphant quests for the Gulf of Mexico’s finest offerings of Yellowfin Tuna and Red Snapper, we get to witness it all as we sip on the coldest draft beer in recent memory. On tap for today is Pacifico, that often overlooked Mexican-style Pilsner that is a perfect companion to some surf and turf, sans turf.

Are we here to eat or what?

The appetizers for the day are the Crab Hush Puppies and the Trout Street Spinach Dip – and we’re off to a tasty start. The hush puppies would be delicious without the crab as they are moist and delicious. The crab just came to get the real party started, giving them a great added texture and flavor. They went fast, but that’s okay – we’ve got the dip too, remember? You may not write home about the dip, but it still deserves mentioning as it was a crowd pleaser for sure. The chips were almost as memorable as they were thick and crunchy and likely fresh made in the kitchen.

Next, come the main courses , but not before another Pacifico or two. Remember – Island Time.

I think our choices of the Fried Mahi Mahi and the Smoked Tuna Salad Sandwiches were excellent ones indeed. The smokiness of the tuna in the tuna salad was something that I’ve never seen or heard of, but I hope it becomes a trend because it was incredibly unique and balanced the mayo and red onion quite well. The Ciabatta bread is the perfect suitor as it matches the boldness of the tuna salad with its crunch of the crust as it introduces you to its softer side within. As for the Fried Mahi Mahi Sandwich – what did you think? I can see you’re still caught in a mesmerizing post-feast gaze so I’ll speak for you (I snuck a bite when you were staring longingly at the bay). As if the smoked tuna salad wasn’t great enough, this sandwich took first prize, hands down. The Brioche bun and dill pickled cole slaw got along so well with the perfectly fried – and local caught – Mahi Mahi filet. Each bit got better and better as it forced the ingredients to become fast friends and blend together. The crunch of the batter, the steaming hot filet and the cold crunch of the slaw made this superstar the MVP of what is turning out to be an epic lunch.

Don’t worry – it’s not over yet.

As our two-hour lunch comes to an end, we realize that we left out a key player in a multi-course meal such as this one – dessert – and I’ve got just the place.

Just down the road from the marina is Port A Creamery, this town’s best ice cream shop, at least in my opinion. Being a tiny island, you’d be surprised at the saturation of ice cream parlors – I guess it’s the tourists. But, if you want something more than a scoop in a cone, Port A Creamery has you covered. Not only do they have endless flavors but they have some of the most unique milkshakes and sundaes. For those caffeine lovers in the house, they’ve also got some amazing coffee and espresso, so come prepared to leave with your brain buzzing as all of your pleasure sensors get turned up to eleven.

Naptime, anyone?

There’s something to be said about days like this. Good food, great company and a stellar day in a sleepy little island town – it’s a recipe for some lifelong memories. We’re going to chase days like this as often as possible, but we’ll seldom catch them. Nevertheless, we’ll give it the ol’ freshman try because – as the legend Ferris Bueller himself so eloquently said… “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t slow down once in a while – you might miss it.”

Until next time,

B.A.M.