The Island Cow - Sanibel Island

Conch Fritters, Shrimp Tacos, Fish Tacos...Island Soul Food! Great family place any meal of the day. 

www.sanibelislandcow.com

Doc Ford’s Sanibel Rum Bar & Grille Review

http://www.docfordssanibel.com/

Another great meal tonight at Doc Ford's. It's been almost a year and the anticipation is akin to that of Thanksgiving. You wait all year to find the perfect bird and all the fixings, spend countless hours preparing and then when it comes time to eat it seems to have gone by way too fast. It's the same for me at Doc Ford's. The Yucatan Shrimp, boiled and covered in butter, cilantro, lime juice and chili spices, are to kill for. The only clam chowder to rival Doc's came from a clam bar on Long Island. For my main meal I went with my old stand-by, the Shrimp and Grits. The Shrimp are barely breaded and lightly pan fried and the grits are perfectly seasoned with just the right amount of cheddar and jalapeno.

Did I mention this is an island sports bar? That means there are plenty of televisions tuned in, primarily to baseball, when in season.

The food is great, the prices are fair and the atmosphere is perfect for the whole family.

If you are not yet familiar with Randy Wayne White's Doc Ford series of books you owe it to yourself to check them out and follow the adventures of Marine biologist, Dr. Marion Ford and his sidekick Tomlinson.

Doc Ford's is located at 975 Rabbit Road on Sanibel Island, Florida.  

Lazy Flamingo Restaurant Review

http://www.lazyflamingo.com/

Located at 6520 Pine Ave Ste C on Sanibel near Blind Pass, the Lazy Flamingo is one of our must stop places while on the island. It may not look like much from the outside but this place has soul. If there is a seat at the bar, grab it. There are not many tables and it gets crowded. If you do get a table, order at the bar and they will call you when your order is ready. If you sit at the bar, they'll take your order. There is usually only two people working. One takes orders, cleans tables, takes your money and serves drinks. The other cooks. They have an incredibly efficient system. Sitting in the back corner of the bar can offer some interesting people watching.

My preferred meal consists of the conch fritters, wings, peel n eat shrimp and a basket of seasoned fries. I have never had a bad meal here.

As for value, it is very reasonbly priced.

Bring your own catch and let them prepare it for you. The nominal fee is well worth it and they even provide the fries and slaw.

They have two locations on Sanibel in addition to others elsewhere but this is where you will find me.

Standing in the Surf Waving a Stick

I recently returned from a trip to Captiva…well at least in the physical sense. I guess it’s true what the t-shirt says…Captiva - a little island with a big fishing problem.

This trip would also consist of “T’s” first trip to Norm Zeigler's Fly Shop on Sanibel Island. Having outgrown his fishing shirt, we were in search of a replacement. “T” had been inquiring about fly fishing for months now and Uncle Mike was more than happy to assist one who has apparently been called to explore this art which has chosen yet another to join the fold. We left Norm’s with a shirt, vest, fly box, several of Norm’s Crystal Schminnow pattern flies, a zinger, forceps and a nipper…after a stop at The Bean for an iced coffee we were on our way to practice…

Fortunately for us there is a wide open space, mowed short, directly across from where we stay. It is the perfect place to practice…standing in a field waving a stick. The night before we ate at the Lazy Flamingo, the one at blind pass. We traditionally take our catch of the day after having gone out on the water with Captain Rob McKay, pictured above, of Santiva Saltwater Fishing Team fame, to be prepared by the chef at the Flamingo. After completing the trash can slam, “T” was getting anxious to do some real catching. Before he could confer with our guide about the bait he would need to catch a shark…T’s not so hidden agenda for this trip, his rod bent…the hook was set and he was in for a memorable fight. With some coaching…and no assistance from his boat mates…T landed his first shark. 
                            

We kept some trout that we caught and had them fried up at the Flamingo. The kids meals are served on inverted Frisbees with the Lazy Flamingo logo on them…we used the Frisbee as a target while practicing our fly casting. Though conditions did not prove favorable to get on the water with the fly rod, T showed natural ability.

Early one morning, while walking the beach, my wife and I came upon a young man with a fly rod…after observing him from a distance for a few minutes it became clear that he, like “T” was seeking the rhythm that would cause the line to loop, load and shoot into the surf beyond. After learning that this was his first attempt at learning to cast a fly, I shared some knowledge imparted upon me by others chosen as well.

I am always humbled by the greatness of the sea…and blessed to spend time upon her waters. To share a gift that has been given to us with others is one of the greatest rewards of all.

Teach a man to fish…
Mike

Lighthouse Restaurant Review

It's only fitting that my first post to kick off this journey is a restaurant review. Six of us decided to go to the Lighthouse Restaurant for dinner tonight. Located at Port Sanibel Marina, 1 mile before the Sanibel toll booth. By boat: Green Marker 11.

Lighthouse Waterfront Restaurant

Situated on the waterfront overlooking the marina, the atmosphere is casual fine dining. No table cloth required. Tastefully decorated for the holidays, the Lighthouse Restaurant, on this night hosted small and large parties alike with couples and families equally at home. The consensus of the group is to rate the atmosphere as a 4 on a 5 point scale.

I started my meal with the Lobster Bisque and was not disappointed. Smooth and creamy as the menu says. As temperatures are colder than normal down here for this time of year, I chose a pasta dish this evening as my main course. The Lobster Tetrazzini proved to be spot on. Continuing the key lime pie tour, I had to give theirs a try...average for the area. Quality of food...again a 4 on a 5 point scale.

Service started strong out of the gate but steadily dropped off. As the restaurant started to fill, less attention was paid to the needs of the table. Our waiter did not appear to want to be there tonight and it showed. It was unfortunate that gratuity was automatically added to our bill as they do for parties of six or more. On this night, the service rated a 2 on a 5 point scale.

Appetizers start at $6.99, pasta dishes from $15.99, Seafood from $19.99 and signature entrees from $21.99. I rate the value as a 4 on a 5 point scale.

Though disappointed with the service tonight, I would go back and would recommend that if you are in the area for a while, it's worth a try.

The Journey

Food and fishing...two topics, neither of which I consider myself to be an expert, but both are ones where I am experienced and enjoy immensely. It's all fair game...restaurant reviews, catch and release, fish as food, you get the idea.

You will quickly catch on that Sanibel and Captiva Islands are a favorite spot and lend themselves well to both topics.

Though I use a variety of fishing methods, I have been chosen to Fly Fish. I once heard it said "one does not choose to fly fish but is chosen to do so."

As we journey together I wish you tight lines and an abundant table.

Mike