Thursday, Jul. 09, 2009
The Skipper Won't Leave Hungry
Gilligan’s steamer and raw bar
Shrimp Bruschetta appetizer at GilliganÕs Steamer and Raw Bar in Pawleys Island. ÐPhoto by Ashley Morris.
SETTING THE TABLE
Gilligan’s Steamer and Raw Bar is a new treasure buried between Litchfield Beach and Pawleys Island. With this site as the ninth dotting the Lowcountry map for the Charleston-based franchise, the Gilligan’s crew must be doing something right. And it is.
From the foyer to the dining room (even into the restrooms), you’re submerged in a whimsical underwater illusion. Walls are splashed in a vibrant Bermuda blue and lined with giant oil painting canvases of tropical fish. Rows of booths are separated by saltwater aquariums stocked with a rainbow display of coral and fish.
It’s soothingly surreal – classy and fun without sinking into that cheesy nautical atmosphere trap. The only seafood shanty style element is the blue bucket built into the center of our table. But this is a steamer and raw bar serious about making it convenient for your oyster shell discards.
DOWN THE HATCH
Mom and I visited for lunch, sitting in a booth overlooking the stream of traffic traveling on Ocean Highway and Gilligan’s huge wraparound patio. The building overall is ocean enormous. Island music serenaded us.
Once in a while a restaurant’s menu (not just what’s on the menu) is worth mentioning. Gilligan’s is printed on a two-page newspaper layout, which is clever marketing, as patrons (or maybe just me) probably find it natural to read the little blurbs about Gilligan’s shrimp-peeling machine process, poems about pirates and shrimp, ads about banquets/catering, and maps showing the sister Gilligan’s locations.
The actual menu offerings, however, are what we were most concerned about. Our server, Reagan, who seemed to fit right into that laidback/island/surfer vibe, told us, “like,” the specials and I was like totally there with the Shrimp Bruschetta appetizer ($5.95). Two thick slices of toasted garlic French bread were slathered with creamy, melted cheeses, shrimp, bacon and ooey-gooey goodness. I could’ve had another.
Reagan then bowled us over with a complimentary hot little basket of Captain Bookatee’s Famous hushpuppies. Used to the usual breed of bread balls dipped in honey butter or rolled in diced onions (which I don’t care for), I was blown away by the batter of these unique hushpuppies with bites of jalapenos. I could see why they’re famous. You can even order the hushpuppy mix online or take a bag home after your meal.
We each ordered a lunch plate, available in small or large portions with two sides, which was very economical. Mom went with the small Grilled Crabcake and I chose the Grilled Scallops (each $9.95). Mom was pleased that her crabcake was all crab, little cake and completely delicious. My school of scallops was simply flavored in butter, salt and pepper, tender and tasty. Our sides were Roasted Baby Bakers (baked red potato nuggets), which Reagan rightfully recommended loaded with cheese, bacon and sour cream, and a Small Green Salad drizzled with Gilligan’s sweet-sour house Vidalia Onion and Summer Tomato dressing (also available for purchase by the bottle).
It was nice to know it was possible to order an entree and sides – not just a sandwich and fries or sandwich and soup – for less than $10 each.
CHECK, PLEASE
I’m always looking for restaurants not only for my own dining pleasure but to recommend to visiting friends – and Gilligan’s most definitely sails away with a glowing endorsement from me.
With this stop as my sort of “Last Lunch” before I buckle down for the homestretch of my pregnancy, I was delighted to have been lucky to find this treasure.
Gilligan’s Steamer and Raw Bar is located at 13707 Ocean Highway, Pawleys Island. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. For additional info, call 979-2244 or visit www.gilligans.net.
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