The next time I go to LuLu's Waterfront grille, I'm going to order a sunset just like the last one I had there. And I'm going to early to be sure I get a seat on the wood-decked screen porch that sits right on the edge of the Intracoastal Waterway, so I can hear the frogs and cicadas singing and watch the boats go by.
LuLu's is back in action with new management after a brief hiatus. There are no noticeable changes in the dining room's booths and bar casual atmosphere, but happily, the popular porch sitting area, with overhead fans and hanging plants has been expanded. The close-up water view makes it a pleasant -- even romantic -- place to dine.
For openers a dozen raw oysters proved fresh and plump, and received a glowing report from the oyster expert across the table from me. We added to that with LuLu's smokin' fish spread, a zesty appetizer served with crackers and lemon wedges. Then our server brought some little cheese/dill biscuits to the table. Each was about two bites worth and well worth every bite.
LuLu's
Waterfront Grille
310 N. Roscoe Blvd.
Ponte Vedra Beach
904-285-0139
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- Who's It For: The entire family
- Food: Seafood with a few beef and chicken choices, too
- Service: Fast and friendly.
- Atmosphere: Dockside casual with a romantic view of sunsets over the Intracoastal Waterway from the porch seating area
- Prices: Inexpensive to Moderate... ranging from a Chicken Breast Sandwich to Jambalaya, to Key West Strip Steak.
- Parking: In the restaurant parking lot or tie your boat to the restaurant dock.
- Reservation Policy: NO Reservations
- Details: Visa, Master/Card, AMEX accepted. Open 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM 7 days a week.
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I personally preferred the kettle-boiled Cajun crawfish served with boiled red bliss potatoes and onions that we had as an appetizer on a previous visit. We had never tried these spicy "tiny lobsters' before. It was a messy activity, but our waitress gave us a humorous crash course in how to open and eat the succulent little shellfish.
When available, my first choice is always soft-shelled crabs. I was in luck. The soft shell crab dinner was not on the regular menu but it was the "Chef's Choice that evening. The two crabs, fried and served with garlic butter, were accompanied by a twice-baked potato with a vegetable medley of green beans, red peppers, and squash. I regretted that i couldn't get through both crabs. They were delicious and large. Seeing my plight, my companion offered to help. I suspect my hero wanted the crabs all along.
However, his "Chef's Choice" order of fresh grilled tuna was perfectly done -- but firmly flaky -- and the creamy mustard sauce generously covered the fish.
The Ravioli Tiffany, a standard menu item, was a big hit on the previous visit. The shrimp-filled ravioli are served in a sauce of prosciutto ham, mushrooms, spinach, garlic, and marinara lightened with a touch of cream that tempers the tangy red sauce base. Bits of prosciutto provided just the right hint of salty, smoky flavor.
A piece of pineapple upside down cake -- just like Mom makes -- with ice cream was our choice for dessert the first time we ever tried LuLu's. But on this dreamy evening, as we watched a boat dock outside bringing more patrons to the restaurant, we decided to indulge in the chocolate-peanut dream cake, a many layered creation with a brownie crust, covered with peanut-butter cheese cake, then chocolate mousse and topped with whipped cream. The cake and the view of a fiery sun sinking behind the trees across the waterway made a glorious end to a lovely meal.
LuLu's Waterfront Grille