Heading South to the Rockport Music Festival, I relied on some fine Texas blues to put me in the mood. I started with one of my favorite “broads,” Angela Strehli shown here with Stevie and Jimmy Vaugh, Denny Freeman and Kim Wilson. .
Oh, the early days at Huts, Liberty Lunch, Soap Creek Saloon, Antone’s, the AusTex and the Continental Club. First up: David Grissom and Derek O’Brien with Malfred Milligan. .
So many great bands come and gone. By the time my sister Carol and I finished a delicious meal at Cheryl’s by the Bay and the Perfect Chocolate Martini at the Lighthouse Inn we were ready for some shadow dancing to Los Lobos, who brought it big time. .
My shadow hadn’t hit a groove like that in years, but don’t worry baby, it’s not the last.
Riding back from the beach, Lucinda Williams returned the joy I felt the first time I saw her at the Alamo Hotel, singing Robert Johnson’s Malted Milk
truly too cool to be forgotten
.
As is the great Doug Sahm, bringing it on home this Stormy Monday .
Spring into Summer in Central and Gulf Coast Texas
Sauntering Spring around Austin and Rockport/Port Aransas
Crab-N between Rockport and Aransas Pass on Hwy 35
Sitting at the bar at The Lighthouse Inn in Rockport sipping a luscious Chocolate Martini, I happened into a conversation with two San Antonians who were determined to try Crab-N, a restaurant that several friends had recommended. I had some fresh, juicy oysters at the Boiling Pot that evening with a nice hot shrimp gumbo but I was ready to enjoy the inside scoop on locally preferred seafood that came in options other than fried, not that I object to the occasional crispy treat.
Although I checked a map for the Crab-N, I didn’t see it until I was headed back to Rockport from Port A on the south side of Hwy 35. They are open for dinner from 5:00-8:30 or 9:00, depending on the day. I arrived around 5:30 and by 6:30 the main dining room was full. I immediately noticed the music -gypsy guitar- melodic but not overbearing, a nice compliment to the white linens and fresh flowers. My server, Kim, was knowledgeable about which fish was fresh, and what was locally farmed, and gave good suggestions about the various entrees, wines and salads. When I return I’ll make a meal of the appetizers and try the Crab and Shrimp Bisque, but I only had eyes for the Lump Crab Meat (sauteed) with Crab and and Shrimp Butter cream Sauce. Sound decadent? Ahhhhh. It was surprisingly light and delicately delicious, nicely offset by a side of long grain and wild rice with roasted pecans. Crab and shrimp morsels languished seductively in the butter cream sauce while the rice had great definition and texture with a decidedly nutty flavor. This luscious main course was preceded by a very nice salad of fresh greens with homemade blue cheese dressing. Fresh mixed greens might be more of a rarity than the hunka burning crab love, a welcome relief from southern fried cuisine.
I heartily recommend a stop at the Crab-N if you are staying in Port Aransas or in Rockport/Fulton. The menu is posted on their facebook page, linked above and offers tantalizing crab, fish and meat options (for those unfortunates who eschew bottom feeding). There are vegetarian plates at the Crab-N and a plethora of gluten-free options as well. My trip to Rockport would have been much less satisfying without the fresh oyster and crab delights I enjoyed, all locally caught. While Kim was kind enough to serve me a glass and 1/2 of Sauvignon Blanc, I spied a full bar just around the corner. I was too full for dessert, but word is the key lime pie is worth leaving room for.