Great FRESH seafood in a casual setting - Grouper & Chips

To be honest, I had seen "Grouper & Chips" several times, but I was never curious to try it. Its located at 338 9th St. N (aka 41 / Tamiami Trl) in a simple strip mall a few blocks from 5th Ave S. The building's exterior is uninteresting and the name "grouper and chips" made me think of unsavory "fish & chips", Long John Silver's and English food. Oh! Was I wrong! 

Lately, we had heard a few people talk about "Grouper & Chips" and then a few days ago, Ashley Scouller, from Pucci & Catana Luxury Pet Boutique (647 Fifth Avenue South) "checked-in" on Facebook and bragged about what an "amazing find" it was! Dominic and I couldn't stop thinking about finally trying it out. So Friday night, after a LONG hard day at Camp Bow Wow, we headed over.

The restaurant has less than 10 tables. Your can see Francis, owner / chef, along with 2 other cooks in the kitchen. Pam, his wife and their daughter wait on the customers. We felt like we were in their home and that we were old friends sitting at their diner table. 

We started off ordering the "hush puppies". We were so hungry that we started scarfing down on them before remembering we had to take a photo for this, our blog! So... the order starts with 8! It comes with a mayonnaise-based dipping sauce, which while it's tasty, I requested a side of honey, which is how they come when you order them at The Shrimp Shack. Even though these were good, I prefer the ones from the 'Shack.

Pam insisted that we order at least one fried item from the menu, so I went with a classic and ordered the "fried grouper sandwich". Wow! It was crunchy, flaky, juicy and obviously fresh. Nothing is ever frozen at this place. The bun was heavenly. I loved it. The portion was just right! It's a shame that I forgot all about the Tartar Sauce until the end because it was very tasty!

Some people refer to this restaurant as a "hole in the wall", but that may make you think that it is dirty and sub-par, two unfitting adjectives. They have creative specials and rare dishes like their "Bouillabaisse" (Mussels, shrimp, scallops, grouper & lobster in a tomato fennel broth with a hint of saffron, served with garlic bread). I noticed it on the menu and pointed it out to Dominic. All of the ingredients were among some of his favorites.

With so many appealing choices, he was thoroughly confused, but when we asked Pam for her opinion, her daughter let out a sigh and jumped into the conversation saying how it was one of her favorites! How could he not order it with that reaction!     

The Bouillabaisse is a very large dish, but the broth is light. They do NOT skimp. Half of a decent size lobster tail and plump juicy shrimp stood out. Because of this, Dominic is now dying to try their fried shrimp!  The dish comes with "garlic bread". Another patron claimed it was the "world's best garlic bread". 

The bread was very good with Parmesan cheese and chives giving it a stand-out taste. However, as a half-Cuban, I have had many many great pieces of "pan con ajo". Dominic's Italian background has exposed us to great garlic bread / knots. Finally, having worked at Bob Chinn's Crabhouse, home of the best garlic rolls in the world ... I cannot give this garlic bread the label of "world's best"... good & different, yes!

During this wonderful meal, Francis came out of the kitchen to say hello and talk about the dog they rescued a year ago. Pam's service and hospitality were outstanding. She sent us home with a yummy slice of key lime pie. We cannot wait to return and wish them much success during this Summer Season!