Esthero, Fl

Now en route, the GPS is telling us to keep left to Alligator Alley. I am convinced that somewhere along this route I will see alligators; I mean the highway is named it for a reason right. Continuing on, I am getting noxious from looking out my window at the never ending swamp. Looking hard, I don’t see any! Until finally…there it is, complete submerged with only its head above water. Since the swamp areas are completely fenced in, I am confident enough to walk from the shoulder of the interstate, down the incline, take off my sandals and get my feet wet to get a closer look at my reptilian find.

This evening we were to meet with another good friend, who runs his own fishing charter, not knowing this ahead of time, I inconsiderately chose a seafood restaurant, Blue Water Bistro…nice going! However, I could not think to go anywhere else when I saw the menu online.

The restaurant has an interesting configuration, outdoor seating with bar windows allowing for trio seating and an aqua themed dining room with vaulted ceilings. We, of course, chose to sit outside, to maximize the beautiful Florida weather. Sipping on a glass of Conundrum and Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, we are salivating over the appetizer menu, and tonight, to our treat, there is a three for the price of one drink special. Oh la la, this could mean trouble.

Now, feeling better, I opt of the Half Dozen Oysters, we also order the “Morning After” Mussels, which is comparable to having a Bloody Mary in a tomato, citrus, vodka spiked broth, even served with a celery stalk, but made with artichokes, a nice additive I thought. We also order the King Crab Legs served hot, and the Grouper Kung Pao - Stir fried grouper, broccoli, bell peppers and zucchini in a spicy Szechuan peanut sauce. All was without a doubt, superb. Great flavor with every bite of my dish and our bartender, who was also our server was phenomenal, certainly a hot commodity for the restaurant.

Happy by now, we ask our server to send the restaurant manager our way. Maybe our motives were pure, we wanted to pay it forward by complimenting on food and service, or maybe we were hoping for a free round since it looked like we were closing down the house. She was older, and had clearly been in the business for many years, primarily in the Florida area. Obviously seeing that we are such foodies, she is more than happy to give us a tour of the kitchen, which is immaculate.

Now moving inside, we were being served by our waitress/bartender and another fine gentleman who is a huge Ty Domi fan. Imagine that, a Domi die hard here in the sunshine state. After talking about hockey, the Leafs, sky diving and fishing, a few more top offs on our wine, on the house, a shot of Grand Marnier and Red Death™ (an Alabama Slammer and a Kamikazi, mixed together), we were told to hit the road. I remember, while walking back to our hotel, only a few minutes away, THANK GOD, laying on the pavement for a little while. I was hurtin’ for sure, and we both will be come morning.

Special Thanks: Aron Blaisdell