Thursday, Jan. 08, 2009
barefoot eatery fires up tropical fare
fire island grille
By Ashley Morris
For Weekly Surge
setting the table
If anything can heat things up on a cold, winter’s day (even here in the subtropical South where winter isn’t exactly a frozen tundra), it’s the Caribbean-inspired Fire Island Grille at Barefoot Landing. Three of us practically blew in through the large island tribal-like front doors with one blustery gust.
The exotic setting inside is twilight tropical. All Fire Island needed was a sand-bottom floor to completely transform the interior into a candlelit dinner scene in some ocean paradise like Fiji (but sand indoors might make a mess). Faux tiki torches flickered from ceiling niches and scattered clusters of palm trees and bamboo reeds were softly illuminated from the floor. Tabletops were licked by painted flames and set with black linen napkin rolls and a silvery glowing candle. It was all very tasteful island chic, not touristy and corny.
I immediately caught on to the fire, the island and the grille vibe (from the aromas filtering out of the nearby kitchen)
down the hatch
Our friendly server seated our trio at a spacious horseshoe booth – plenty of seat storage room for a diaper bag and purses and tabletop toddler area for crayons and ceramic dish-free eating.
It was lunchtime, but I was ravenous. Before our orders arrived, the server thankfully came bearing a basket of warm bread slices accompanied by a saucer of herbed oil. But this wasn’t your typical Italian herbs and olive oil. The oil blend was spiked with tangy vinegar and Caribbean zests. It was uniquely delicious. I wish I would have remembered to ask our server if she would give up the combination of ingredients.
Mom chose the lunch special of a half-sandwich (most sandwiches on the menu are doable on the special, we were told, with the exception of the split-averse sandwiches such as the crab cake and grouper) and soup for $7.99. Her sandwich choice lingered between the Reuben and Chicken Philly, and she decided on the latter, prodded by my son’s encouraging and fairly decipherable, “Chicken!” The hefty half Chicken Philly, which would be considered an entire sandwich by many, was a generous helping of diced, grilled chicken, sautéed mushrooms, peppers and onions, and melted cheese on a crusty sub roll dressed in chipotle mayo. Oh-so good. Mom’s square, shallow bowl of the Shrimp and Crab Bisque – Fire Island’s specialty – was laden with lumps of shrimp and crab in a heavy white cream sauce. Warm and satisfying.
I had previously heard so much about Fire Island’s skewer sensations, so I had to just make up my mind on which one of the combinations I would devour. There’s Thai Shrimp, Mediterranean Shrimp, Salmon, Fire Grilled Scallop, Mahi Mahi, Thai Chicken, Mediterranean Chicken, Curry Chicken, Pork Tenderloin and Prime Beef. Upon high recommendation from our server, I went with the Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Scallop Skewer ($22.95). A total of six succulent scallops grilled, wrapped in bacon, and brushed in Asian Thai sauce, were slid onto two skewers. I hadn’t tasted a more delectable fusion of flavors in such a long time. And these weren’t weenie scallops – they were nearly the size of my fist. A third skewer was stacked with grilled vegetables, including sweet potatoes, mushrooms, red peppers and onions. The skewer pyramid formed over a pile of wonderful sticky rice flavored in Caribbean spices with a touch of spinach. I was completely satisfied with my fabulous skewer selection.
check, please
My visit to Fire Island Grille was a thumbs-up experience. We were surrounded by a candlelit tropical paradise, served by a most gracious server, and presented with some of the best prepared seafood I’ve had at the beach.
Fire Island Grille is most definitely return-worthy this spring, when we’ll be hosting a family of out-of-town guests. Maybe we’ll even check out the outdoor deck – but I’d hate to miss out on that one-of-a-kind exotic indoor atmosphere.
Fire Island Grille is located in Barefoot Landing at 4924 U.S. 17 South, North Myrtle Beach. Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily (bar open late). For additional info, call 272-FIRE.
The interior of Fire Island Grille at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach. –Courtesy photo
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