Heather McNeil – amusements for your mouth

Ohhhh Florida, the sunshine state....blue skies, warm weather, toes in the sand....

my suitcase filled with sundresses, spaghetti straps and strappy sandals...and even the obligatory bathing suit!

Reality: 44 degrees, a tornado warning and a torrential downpour described as "not really a storm", just Florida-style rain.

What's a gal to do?

Hmmm....eat? Not like this wasn't the plan to begin with, but my culinary expectations had increased, now that my glorious scenery had been disrupted by Mother Nature.

I am delighted to report that the first stop on my whirlwind tasting tour of Tampa was a total hole in the wall with the best fish sandwich I have ever eaten!  Experience has always told me that the places with the best real estate don't always have the best food.  Well, I have found the exception.

This well-worn, slightly "shack-ish" restaurant located right on the beach has the makings of a restaurant that may out live just about any new-comer.  For almost 30 years, Frenchys Rockaway Grill has been serving fresh fish caught right off shore, packed on ice and then served hours later. 

Well, no wonder...right?

I really have never had a piece of fish where the next thought in my head isn't, "I wish I woiuld have had a steak...or a burger...or some sort of serious red-meat action.  Fish just doesn't do it for me.  Firstly, if it tastes like fish it becomes almost inedible.  So when my friend insisted I have a grouper sandwich, I wasn't extremely excited.  But this guy knows food and knows me and knows he is leading me down the right path.

To say it was the best fish sandwich I have ever eaten, I realise is not saying much.  But to say I would take it over it's red meat equivalent over and over again is profoundly telling. 

The "Super Duper Grouper" sandwich comes grilled, Cajun or Jerk style.  I went with the Jerk kicked up with the addition of a little spicy Bahamian Hot Sauce. Certainly not needed as the fish was alive like a minute ago, but so darn delicious I felt the need to slather.

If life brings you to Tampa, the very first palce to go would be Frenchy's! Take away the beautiful weather, the white sandy beach, the glorious water and you are still left with a dining experience not easily duplicated. 

I came to Tampa for 6 meals in 3 days. I will be going back to Frenchy's for the second day in a row.

It's just...

that good!

My version of their Bahamian Hot Sauce!