Blue Parrot Restaurant

Our exploration of St. George’s Island, which sits between the Gulf of Mexico and Apalachicola Bay off the coast of Florida’s panhandle, coincided with lunchtime!  There aren’t a lot of restaurants on the island but we did spot one that looked like it might be ok…

This is the front entrance of The Blue Parrot Oceanfront Restaurant near the intersection of Gorrie Road and FL Hwy. 300 with the bridge that takes you to St. George’s Island.  Gorrie Road is the only road that runs the length of the island.

Based on our drive up and down the island, it appeared that this might be the only restaurant on the beach on the Gulf of Mexico side of St. George’s.  We decided to eat outside on the covered deck.  I generally don’t like to dine outside unless I’m by the water… I’ve never understood the charm of big city outdoor dining when you are enjoying the great outdoors looking at a busy street or a parking lot!

We both ordered a cup of Lobster Bisque. ($5.99 cup/$8.99 bowl) It was a decent rendition of my wife’s favorite soup although we have had better on occasion.  The Blue Parrot also offers Seafood Gumbo by the cup ($5.99) or by the bowl. ($8.99)

I thought that Laurie would go for some Apalachicola Bay oysters for an appetizer but lobster always trumps any other seafood for her.  The oysters can’t get much fresher here along the bay.  A dozen oysters on the half shell were $11.99 and a dozen baked oysters cost $13.99.  

For her main luncheon dish, Laurie ordered a Lunch Special…the Fried Grouper Finger Basket. ($15.99) She opted for a bag of potato chips as her side rather than the usual French fries.  Coleslaw was another option.  Her basket came with a couple of big hushpuppies too.  She enjoyed her lunch.

Commentary… “Fingers”… Who in the heck came up with the term ‘fingers’ when referring to fish or chicken dishes?  Neither species has fingers.  What’s wrong with using the term chicken or fish “filets”?  Are steak fingers next?!

I decided to skip the usual shrimp, fried fish or fish sandwich for lunch.  Instead I ordered an appetizer.  This is a basket of Cocktail Claws. ($13.99) These are locally caught blue crab claws that have been breaded and deep fried.  They were a nice change of pace from my norm!

This big orange tabby hung out over on Laurie’s side of the table looking for scraps.  The Blue Parrot advertises itself as being pet friendly and this cat is just one of the local ‘beach bums’ that hang out here.  It must get interesting when someone shows up with a German Shepard as their ‘pet guest’.

 

Oh yes… I had a visitor on my side of the table as well.  He/she is apparently giving me hell for not providing enough blue crab claw meat to satisfy his/her hunger!  These cats look like they’re pretty well fed…

Of course the oysters and locally caught shrimp are all fresh here.  For those who love fresh fish, the Blue Parrot’s menu stresses fresh local grouper, mahi-mahi and yellowfin tuna.  Local soft shell blue crabs are also featured.  Dinner entrée prices run from $19.99 for a shrimp dinner up to $28.99 for the “World Famous” Blue Parrot Seafood Platter.  It includes grouper, shrimp, oysters, sea scallops and a crab cake...either fried, grilled, blackened or broiled. 

We enjoyed our lunch and the setting didn't hurt either!  The Blue Parrot Restaurant is located at 68 West Gorrie on St. George’s Island Florida.  Phone: 850-927-2987.  Their website can be found at: http://www.blueparrotsgi.com/index.htm.

Just click on any of the photos to enlarge them…

Thanks for stopping by for a visit!

Take Care, Big Daddy Dave