Postcard: Shell game
I don't get many complaints, being perfect and all, but one of my readers came down to Sarasota and read me the riot act over my recommendation of Moore's Stone Crab Restaurant and Marina over on Longboat Key.
I'm not going to get into the specific complaint, but I felt that I had to go over there on Sunday night and make sure it's still one of my favorite gulf coast restaurants...and it is.
Maybe Stone Crab claws are an acquired taste. They bear no resemblance or gastronomical similarity to the other members of the ocean crab family and they are generally served cold with a mustard dip. I ordered the $49 platter and thought it was terrific. The crab bisque was pretty good, too.
Since I went there for purely journalistic reasons, I'm pretty sure I won't get a lot of static from my boss when I put the check on my expense account, but I'll keep you posted.
> 
Comments
Pete,
"I ordered the $49 platter"
For 49.00 it had better be good. I am having trouble imagining what a 49.00 platter of crab claws would have on it to make it worth that much.
Not that I want a food review. Just seems expensive is all. I guess if you have money to waste its ok (The Sun)
Fran In Baltimore
Posted by: Fran Smith | February 21, 2011 6:40 PM
Pete--In the Crab Leagues, the Stone lingers in the Gulf Coast while the Blue, steamed with Old Bay, rises to the top of the MLB (Major League Blue).
Posted by: Barry | February 21, 2011 7:05 PM
Pete-
You need to go next door and try Mar Vista. You definitely will not be disappointed. Try the Tuna Fusion.
Posted by: Ryan | February 21, 2011 8:16 PM
Stone Crabs are an acquired taste. And I acquired them twice -- first and last time.
Posted by: waspman | February 22, 2011 1:06 AM
SIESTA KEY OYSTER BAR say no more one of the best places for food and to just hang out! Will be their in June , Pete enjoy yourself !!!
Posted by: Steve Krawczyk | February 22, 2011 5:39 AM
Pete
I lived in Jacksonville and traveled the Southeast over 20 years ago tdy on business for a large bank based up North. I never could acquire a taste for stone crab or alligator. You could get live blue crabs cheap in Jacksonville then, the locals didn't consider them a delicacy. They ruined them by boiling them with potatoes. I found some old bay and a crab pot and steamed them up several times a week. I had associates down there that thought I was nuts to steam them and eat them.
Posted by: Gil | February 22, 2011 10:43 AM