Flippers Seafood and Oyster Bar at Bear PointWhat are three things you hope for when selecting a restaurant for a memorable meal? Nice Ambiance? Good Food? Great Service? Save yourself time and trouble to research because if you live within 30 miles of Orange Beach, AL you will not want to miss dining at this Bear Point Marina Restaurant. If you are visiting the Alabama Gulf Coast as a tourist you may want to plan an afternoon or evening around a meal.  You see, Bear Point Marina is also the launch site of several favored Dolphin and Sailing Cruises. I don't have statistics to back this up but I'd say a good many tourists choose at least one dolphin/fishing/sailing excursion to partake in while vacationing the Alabama Gulf Coast Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area. Eddie Woerner, daughter Paula Taylor along with husband Phil, make it easy to enjoy the scenic beauty off Bay La Launch offering Dolphin Cruises from a choice of two 50-ft Navy transport boats in the "Cold Mil" fleet. The Woerners went one step further and purchased the restaurant overlooking the Bay to enhance the guest experience. Some of you may remember the restaurant by other names: Giggling Grouper, The Front Porch and another restaurant that may have discouraged you to return --- as food, service and reputation were tarnished with scandal. All that is history. In fact, Chef Mike Myers has an excellent history with diners of Gulf Shores. He hails from the original "Nolans" --- the one and same that Hurricane Ivan temporarily closed. Once I am able to ease my trepidation from past visits with previous restaurateurs I observe the unique changes made to decor. I get the feeling of being on a luxury cabin cruiser or yacht. An awning shades the bar. The room is dark, yet backlit by a sparkling reflection of the waters beyond. Paned windows beckon you to take a look. It isn't long before an enthusiastic hostess seats you at a table of your choice and you are greeted by a friendly and knowledgeable wait staff. If you're lucky as I am Jenna Wost will tell you of the specials of the day and before you know it you take a leap of faith to choose one --- any one. Even I, a transplanted "foreigner," know of Chef Myer's reputation. This day I choose Swai (a fish I've never heard of) "pronounced Swu Eye," says Ms. Wost. "It is a farm raised fish from Northern Alabama that tastes similar to flounder." The fish is smothered in a Tomato "Con Queso" topped with locally caught wild shrimp. I am assured the vegetables are purchased from local farms and everything including the ice cream is made "in house." What can you expect to receive in a lunch special including desert? I have a flavorful smothered fish with two sides ---- one of Gouda grits and stir fried snap peas. I save room for an anticipated "Eddy Boy" scoop of homemade ice cream. As good as it is plain, I am even more impressed with the flavor once a topping of grated Chilton County peaches in a vanilla infused syrup is added. I could not have asked for a better dining experience this day. Sailboat masts tinkle like chimes in the background. I overhear birds laugh as they fly by. A large tour boat overflowing with tourists seems to wave goodbye as it leaves the dock. The ambiance is soothing, the food delectable and the service and enthusiasm for Flippers Seafood and Oyster Bar offerings a delight. My three wishes for the day are satisfied ... abundantly. FLIPPERS Seafood and Oyster Bar FLIPPERS Seafood and Oyster Bar
|
