By Alaina Loughridge & Mike Manitta
Photos by Alaina Loughridge, Mike Manitta and Mac McLellan
Summer Bites
Food is the key to summer good times and do we have the scoop for you! We
picked our top 10 restaurants to offer you their favorite go-to appetizer to get
your foodie on and have a great day at the beach! This job is hard, but Mike and I
went out and represented. Here is our list of favorite summer appetizers that will
not only make you fat and happy in all the right ways, but will make sure you are
beach body ready! Alright, that last sentence is a lie, but it’s going to be great! Are
you ready? Let’s eat!
1. I started at Fannie’s and Ellen (chef extraordinaire) brought out a surprise:
Ahi Tuna Tostada. I didn’t know Fannie’s did sushi type items, but I’m down to
try anything. This fresh sesame seared tuna over guacamole on a crispy wonton,
drizzled with wasabi crema, topped with seaweed salad shindig is awesome! I
made a big old mess of everything as I was trying to shovel all of it into my gullet.
Perfect crispy wonton topped with a big ol’ fat piece of tuna and the wasabi isn’t
too strong! Perfect mix!!! Amen! I justified my diet with the deep-fried wonton
being topped with the seaweed salad. Ask for extra napkins. You can find Fannie’s
at 1613 Strand Avenue. Call for details: (912) 786-6109.
2. I went off to A-J’s next, which if you have followed me at all, you know I am an
A-J’s freak show!!!! Their Buffalo Shrimp is just out of this planet when you pair it
with their signature cocktail, Watermelon Margarita with a sugar rim!!! Well, I just
died happy! So good! Get ranch and blue cheese for dipping because they have the
good stuff! You dressing people know exactly what I’m talking about. I was feeling
frisky that day, so I also ordered their Conch Fritters. Y’all, if you don’t then you
have missed out on life! Look on the back cover for A-J’s information!
3. Moving on to Spanky’s Life, their Crab Dip is phenomenal! Now, I used to
work at Spanky’s, so I know all their secrets and I can say with utmost authority
and knowledge that if the staff can get at that crab dip, it’s gone! It is just cream
town delish! The cooks throw in some secret stuff (which I know, but cannot
divulge under pain of death) (get me drunk and I will tell you everything), but there
is definitely a kicky of cayenne, which is just a kick. It won’t leave you on the floor.
The best news is that you can eat this yum town with either Pita bread (yes), tortilla
chips or bread! I love options!!! I’m telling you, get it! You can find Spanky’s on
Strand Avenue, just across from the Pier. Call for details: (912) 786-5520.
4. Now, off to Nickie’s! The man himself cooked his favorite appetizer! Yep,
Calvin got off the couch to make me his world class Reuben Rolls! I was nervous.
No need. Everything you want in a regular Rueben sandwich without the sandwich
but instead a nice, fat, crispy egg roll. The 1000 Island Dressing comes on the side,
so you’re not dealing with a mess unless you want to. Of course, I had dressing
dripping off my chin by the time all was said and done, but if you are gonna eat, you
better do it right! Placed on a bed of lettuce, these rolls will have you in your happy
place! A definite must have! Nickie’s is at 1513 Butler Avenue. (912) 786-4444.
5. I was still feeling saucy, so off to the Wind Rose Cafe for their world class
Mushrooms! Now, I’m not a fan of mushrooms unless … well, you know. But this
is my job and I’m a team player! Master Chef Andrew (think Gordon Ramsey’s
mouth and attitude) has made me a fan! Light and crispy, this beer and spice
battered meaty mushroom is fresh and perfect! Not too much batter, but a whole
bunch of mushrooms! Dip those bad boys in some horsey ranch sauce, which is a
perfect ratio of horseradish to ranch situation, and share it with a friend. Hell, yeah!
Wind Rose is at 19 Tybrisa Street. (912) 786-6593.
6. I left the South End and headed North! I know! But The Quarter was calling and
everybody knows The Quarter is Wing Time in Wing Town! I’m not sure who created
the Lemon Yaki Wing, but I want to marry them! A perfect blend of lemon pepper
10 TYBEE BEACHCOMBER | JULY 2020
and soy! I was hesitant as I’m not a huge fan of soy sauce, but this was enough to
let you know it was there hanging out, but not crashing the party! Dip that in some
ranch and Katie will be handing y’all some extra napkins! They have other flavors,
but whatever! Get your wing face on now! 601 1st Street. They are open till late
late, so do not hesitate to call (912) 786-8966!
7. Beachview Java & Juice was the next day and totally worth waking up early
for! Now, I realize that Sausage and Gravy Biscuits are not an appetizer, but I am
enamored with this dish and it’s perfect to get you started just right. Throw in a
Mimosa and how could you possibly have a bad day! Beachview offers a variety of
yummy dishes and coffee choices. You can find them at 1701 Butler Avenue. (912)
786-5500
8. If you have never had the Crab Stew from The Crab Shack, you have dropped
the ball! Offering huge chunks of local Blue Crab Meat with secret seasonings, this
stew has a bite to it, but just enough to make you smile! The Crab Shack has a
seafood happy menu and offers one of the best views in town too! Stop by 40 Estill
Hammock Road or call (912) 786-9857 for all the details.
9. Raw Ingredients has always been, since day one, hour one, a super favorite
of mine for a quick bite. Super fresh and healthy choices garnish their menu, from
build your own Sushi Rolls, to Salads and Bowls and even burritos. The choices are
immense and the combinations are endless and you leave feeling like you actually
did something kind for your body. Today I went for the Spicy Tuna Lettuce Wraps
and boy were they scrumptious. Spicy tuna layered in a crisp romaine leaf, topped
off with fresh tomato, avocado and mango. So fresh and delicious, makes for a
happy tummy. Raw Ingredients is located at 8 Tybrisa St, and you can phone in an
order at 912-499-4178. Make sure to stop by for some feel good food.
10. Bubba Gumbos has been one my favorite spots on earth since I first stumbled
upon it almost 20 years ago. Located at 4 Old Highway 80 on beautiful Lazaretto
Creek, It’s one of the best spots to soak up some true Tybee atmosphere while
taking in some scrumptious eats. Nothing beats sitting on the deck, soaking in
the scenery, and feasting on some of the freshest seafood available anywhere.
From Gumbo to their catch of the day, and of course let’s not forget fresh Georgia
shrimp, there is always something delicious and unique up for grabs. Today I had
to try their Seafood Mac and Cheese, which was absolutely heavenly. Macaroni
and Cheese loaded with crab, scallops and shrimp, topped with the fresh fish of the
day, which was Mahi, it just doesn’t get any better than this. Creamy and decadent
with loads of seafood, I licked the bowl clean. Take an afternoon and treat yourself
or call ahead at 912-786-4445, you deserve it
Well, we are stuffed! You can get your stuffed on too if you follow our advice! All of
the above restaurants have, of course, more excellent food on their menu that you
definitely need to check out! Don’t wait! Get your Summer Bites on now!