Hey Jolly

[Jolly]

@mik said in Hey Jolly:

Been to AJ's, got out in time.

My fave place in Destin is Back Porch. Killer amberjack.

True story...Years ago, a bunch of us met up and stayed in Ft. Walton. Taking a local's advice, we went to Mexican cafe one night...seedy part of town. Absolute hole-in-the-wall. Gravel parking lot, run-down building next to the city's wastewater plant. All local plates in the parking lot, though. I waited outside with the gals, gun drawn, while BIL and SIL's husband walked in and checked the place out. Looked ckean inside, food smelled good.

Best mexican food I've ever had.

[bachophile]

the adventure begins. Right now near the caloosahatchee river in north fort Myers.

Weekend here with a friend. Unwind and un jet lag. Sunday start driving.

On drive here I went on route 41, across the Everglades, avoiding I75 which is boring and filled with state cop speed traps.

41 is slower pace and closer to the feel of the place. And I was amazed to see, an alligator soaking in a nearby creek, not an alligator in a tourist farm, but a wild one, just lying in shallow water. Saw him (her?, don’t want to offend the gender particular) out of the corner of my eye as I drove past. No fencing to prevent critters from the road. I could have stopped and thrown a pebble on his noggin. Not that I was looking to have my leg bitten off. But it was nice way to start the journey.

[Copper]

@bachophile

I have driven that road and seen groups of 20-30 alligators stacked up in the swamp. I have also driven that road and seen none.

I'm not sure what brings them out, some kind of food or climate I guess.

Watch for panthers too.

[Jolly]

It's all good if you know how to cook it.

[bachophile]

@Jolly tastes like chicken?

[Jolly]

@bachophile said in Hey Jolly:

@Jolly tastes like chicken?

Nope. Alligator ain't got much taste atall. In that respect, it's kinda like shark. You have to marinate it and season it well, for it to pick up flavor.

And beware the fat! There is nothing more bitter or nastier in your mouth than alligator fat...

[George K]

@Jolly said in Hey Jolly:

Nope. Alligator ain't got much taste atall. In that respect, it's kinda like shark. You have to marinate it and season it well, for it to pick up flavor.

And beware the fat! There is nothing more bitter or nastier in your mouth than alligator fat...

See?

This.

Every time I've been to NOLA, I've been tempted, but, like bad fish, one bad experience will ruin it for you...forever.

It's sorta like McDonalds - it might not be the best, but you'll know that what you order will be consistent, and what you expect. If you can't be good AND consistent, you'll never get my business, and I'm not feeling particularly adventurous in my dotage.

I never want to be surprised at a restaurant.

[Jolly]

They tell me Cochon has a good fried alligator appetizer. Don't know, never tried it.

[Mik]

Go for the key west pink shrimp. Yum. We fried up some snapper last night that was swimming that morning. So good and I learned a new way to cook skinless filets.

You took the right road. 41 is much more interesting.

[jon-nyc]

Have fun and take pictures.

[George K]

@jon-nyc said in Hey Jolly:

Have fun and take pictures.

And share!