ENJOY DINING OUT
Island Cafe: An island institution
JOY MORROW

In the "sort of" words of George Gershwin, to the tune of "Summertime," first verse:
Summer's gone,
Eatin' out is now easy,
Fish are fryin'
Steaks are grillin' your way
Your Daddy's starvin',
And your Mamma ain't cookin',
So rush little baby,
To "ISL-LAND" CAFE!

That's right, folks, summer's over and it's time to come out of your self- imposed hibernation and hit the eat streets! A recommendation you may want to accept is the veritable heart and soul of Port Aransas' restaurant community, The Island Cafe.

Located in the "bullseye" of town since it's recent relocation, reconstruction and resurrection, this eating institution is turning it out morning, noon and nighttime, too.

Having already memorized the breakfast menu, I, Barbie-"Bess" Morrow, scooted down there for a Thursday evening dinner, with my companion, Jimmy-"Porgy" Lucas, and I am quite pleased to report that the new digs are great. I know that some people hate change, but the Alister Street location still houses the old hometown ambiance, just with a shinier floor, (however, where are the pictures?)

For my dinner, as I can never make up my mind, I chose the fried shrimp and oyster combo, and Porgy had the evening dinner special, grouper cooked to order. Both were fresh and in abundance.

Other selections include surf and turf, scallops, coconut shrimp, extensive seafood offerings, and enchilada platters. Under the "specialties" you'll find the chicken fried steak, breaded pork chops, fried chicken, roast beef dinner and many more "comforting" offerings. The "steaks" selections are 12-ounce boneless club, 10- ounce rib eye, 16-ounce T-bones, and 8-ounce chopped sirloin. All entrees are served with fries or baked potato, veggie of the day and a trip to the very fresh salad and delicious homemade soup bar. Don't miss the soup; it was wonderful.

For a lighter meal, check out the sandwiches, which include the ever popular burger, clubs, hot beef, BLT and seafood sandwiches along with appetizers from fries and rings to chef salads, u-peel-um shrimp, stuffed mushrooms and crab stuffed jalapenos.

Homemade pie is the dessert du jour and the kiddos' menu offers fried chicken, fried shrimp, fish fillet, chicken strips, and, for the more adventuresome child, deviled crabs.

Breakfast is served from 6 to 11:30 a.m., and the selections are extensive. Just know there are a multitude of eggie dishes cooked to your specifications, omelets, bacon/sausage patties/ham/steaks, pancakes, taquitos, waffles, French toast, and the all-time southern favorite, biscuits and gravy! Jimmy- Porgy was not familiar with this combination when he migrated down from Chicago, but having served it to his family on numerous occasions over the past years, they are now enamored with this pastey delicacy. However, they all call it biscuits and sauce. What can one do?

Now, speaking of new things, just when you're getting settled in with the "revised" Island Cafe, be advised that there is one more change on the horizon. Dora informed us, in the very near future, you'll be able to order a frosty brew with your meal!

Yes, folks, from the land of sky blue waters, our very own Island Cafe will soon be serving beer. See, change can be good! Porgy and Bess are very pleased.
One of these mornin's
You're gonna' rise up hungry
So spread your wings

And rush off for some pie
And in the evenin'
When   you're   needin' some
com-fort"
The ISL-AND CAFE is
Stan-din' by !

Island Cafe and Smokehouse: no nonsense food at no nonsense prices.

Joy Morrow is a long-time fan of Port Aransas and has been a resident for nine years. She is a happy contributor to island merchants.