Luxe Beat Magazine AUGUST 2014 | Page 70

BELOW-LEFT Great view/great beds/great service at Beau Rivage BELOW-RIGHT Always a fun time at The Shed boiled crawfish or Gulf Shrimp. You’ll burn off most the calories just wrestling open the crawfish. Best back-story restaurant In 2011, the historic 200 North Beach Restaurant became the first restaurant to reopen on the beach since Hurricane Katrina devastated the city. Originally built in 1903 to house The Sea Coast Echo newspaper, it was completely destroyed by the hurricane. In front of the restaurant is an old tree whose branches had been carved to look like angels done by sculptor Dayle Lewis with the Kat-Rita Wood Project, a non-profit organization that turns hurricane scrap wood into art. Owner Ann Tidwell told us that during Katrina her son-in-law (who was a Hurricane Hunter pilot) neighbor and a dog, had miraculously survived by clinging perilously to the tree for hours. A not-to-be-missed nibbly is the combo of alligator, boudin and shrimp bites, all delicately fried and served with Rynole sauce (named after Mindy’s three grandkids, Ryleigh, Noah and Levi. IT: If you’re a craft beer lover, I’d order these as takeout to pair with one of Lazy Magnolia Beers, such as their best -selling Southern Pecan ale or my fave, the hoppy Southern Hops’pitality. the 3-Way Broiled Seafood platter (shrimp, oyster and redfish topped with crab meat au gratin) as the way to go, particularly since it comes with a cup of their famous gumbo. G.M. Diane Hennessy says it’s not uncommon for the restaurant to go through 40 gallons of gumbo a week! Best “somewhat healthier” seafood platter Although it’s rare to encounter anything but great service along the MS coast, Dempsey’s super friendly servers deserve a special shout-out. For the undecided they might suggest IT: You can also go ultra-healthy and order a heaping mound of fresh 69 Talented Chef Mark Daniels adds his creative twist to New Orleans classics such as blackened Redfish served over Andouille hash, moist and meaty “no-filler” crab cakes, grilled lemon trout, and even a gluten-free pilaf. The peoplepleasing homemade potato chips go well with one of the bar’s special Hurricane Hunter drinks. IT: Save a little room for Miss Ann’s Pecan Pie, made from an old family recipe, that comes gilded with chocolate and caramel.