Here Comes Hannah

The winds have kicked up, the surf is churning and a light rain has just started, signaling the arrival of Tropical Storm Hannah's first bands on the Georgia coast. Nobody here seems very fazed by it, so I'm taking the same, laid-back island attitude.

Then again, if I keep eating the way I've been eating, laying back is about all I'm going to be able to do. We spent most of yesterday afternoon sitting poolside/oceanside, enjoying beautiful breezes and warm sun that's giving my usual computer-jockey-pale complexion a healthy tan. I can confirm that the resort's poolside grill serves up a mean Cuban Sandwich, though I'm sure devotees of the gooey blend of roasted pork, ham, pickles and mustard would surely scoff the way I do when I see a "Philly Cheesesteak" on any menu outside the Delaware Valley. (At least a bar we stopped in last night to see some friends had the good sense to call theirs a "Filly".)

After three or so hours in the pool with my part-dolphin daughter we got ourselves cleaned up and headed into town for dinner at Mullet Bay, yet another charming island restaurant. Luckily, there was outside seating so we were able to avoid the sight of two transplanted Giants fans whooping it up barside as the NFL season kicked off.

Food was once again top-notch. A starter bowl of Pepper Butter Shrimp came recommended by our waitress, and it certainly delivered. Small, seasoned shrimp are sauteed and then served in a bowl swimming with butter and hot sauce, delivering taste and a slight kick. Chris went for the Blackened Tilapia special, accompanied by baked potato and greens. I've been having a hankering for catfish so I gave in and had two large, delicately flavored pieces of fresh water catfish that were lightly battered and fried and came accompanied by sides of a delcious, creamy Sour Cream Redskin Potato Salad (with just a hint of dill and pickle) and the aforementioned greens, plus a couple hush puppies for good measure.

Ryan happily feasted on some homemade mac & cheese featuring a creamy but not too thick sauce and elbow macaroni cooked al dente while her father feasted on Sweetwater 420 Extra Pale Ale, an easy-drinking beer that went perfect with the huge platter of fish and filling side dishes.

Once again, our whole meal with tip and drinks came to less than $70. Though not a candidate for the Recession Gourmet category of this blog, certainly worth the price. And I don't mind eating out for these few days knowing that we'll be able to pick up some farm fresh tomatoes on our way to OBX where we'll spend most nights cooking up fresh, local seafood or grilling chicken or pork chops.

The rain seems to be coming and going, so it looks like we've picked a perfect day to hop in the car and drive up to Savannah to meet Curt, have lunch and maybe bask in the glow of the late, great genius of Lucio Fulci.