Foodie Adventures

It's been a while...

Posted on 11:35 AM in Food, Restaurants, Vacation by Liz

So... I have failed miserably over the past year in posting at all. But plan to start getting back into it. So here are some reviews from my most recent trip to Cocoa Beach, FL

Up first... Florida's Seafood Bar & Grill

On our recent stay in the Cocoa Beach area we decided to eat at Florida's Seafood Bar and Grill. The decor of the place was very festive, especially the many saltwater fish tanks they had all over the restaurant. However, the food was nothing to get excited about. Nothing was bad, but overall the meal was not memorable, and I have certainly had better seafood elsewhere (even in Ohio!). They have a full bar but do not have a great wine selection (I think there were only 2 brands to choose from!). For an appetizer we decided to get some kind of oysters and our waiter recommended the Casino Oysters. Out of the whole meal, this was probably the highlight. I ordered the Mahi Mahi Oscar style and was pretty disappointed with what I got. The fish was definitely over-cooked, the "lump crab" on top was more like a crab stuffing, and my "asparagus on the side" was one piece of asparagus (also over-cooked) on top of my fish. The Bearnaise sauce was in a cup on the side of my fish and was also so-so. The other dish ordered was one of the combos and it was liked probably better than mine but still not that great. Overall I got overpriced, mediocre seafood. I didn't feel like I was getting freshly caught seafood at all and think I probably got caught in a tourist trap (I think I would have rather gone to Red Lobster). While my meal was not horrible, it certainly wasn't memorable and I would not venture back here again.

Next Up... Atlantic Ocean Grille
On our last night in Cocoa Beach we decided to go to one of the restaurants on the Pier. This restaurant looked a little nicer (we wanted a good seafood place) than the others on the pier so this is where we chose to eat. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience. We went after the main dinner crowd around 8:30PM so there was no wait. Overall the service was a little bit slow, we got our waters immediately and ordered drinks (which were so-so) but the drinks took quite a while to be delivered to us, as was the appetizer, so on and so fourth. But we were in no rush, so it was no big deal. We got the crab stuffed mushrooms as an appetizer which were pretty good, but for a $7 appetizer I'd expect just a little more than 5 small mushrooms. We went on a Wednesday and it just so happened to be Crab Leg night. It was $12.95 for I believe 1 1/2 pounds of Alaskan Snow Crab legs. While many come for fresh Florida seafood, we were both really craving some crab, so this special hit the spot. The entrees came with a house salad as well as your choice of potato and some vegetables. The crab legs are definitely the star of this dish and were very good. I had a baked potato which was also good as they come around with optional toppings of sour cream, bacon, and chives (butter is served with the potato on the side). The vegetables were basically a steamed medley which I actually did not try (they didn't look that great honestly). Overall I'd give this place 3 out of 5 stars. I am sure it is a great place to eat at during the sunset over the Pier and the food wasn't terrible (Great price on the Crab Leg special!) I think they also have a Lobster Tail special on Thursdays for $14.95 for two Bahamian Lobster Tails. I probably wouldn't go back here again but the service was good and the food was decent, overall a good experience.

And the last place to review during our trip to Cocoa Beach... Rusty's Seafood and Oyster Bar!

Went to Rusty's after getting back from a Deep Sea fishing trip (it was located right next to the dock) for a little snack. We went during Happy Hour which featured $1.70 Miller or Bud Lights and $0.70 raw oysters and wings. (Looks like they've raised their prices slightly in the past year--still a good deal!). We ordered a couple beers and three different appetizers- some ray oysters, the bacon wrapped scallops, and the smoked fish dip. All three were very good. They oysters were delicious, very fresh and tastey, the other two were very enjoyable as well. We say on the outdoor patio and enjoyed the afternoon on the water. I'd definitely recommend this place if you are looking for a place on the water with great raw oysters and lots of beer!

That's all from our trip! Stay tuned as I will try and catch up on some other reviews from my long list I made a year ago soon!