Jekyll Island Food Disappointing - Some Gems

Shrimp Creole - Driftwood Bistro

When I am on vacation, one of the main things I get excited about is trying new food that is authentic to the region. While I enjoyed some of the dishes I tried during my recent trip to Jekyll Island, Ga., there was nothing special or unique about the cuisine. And, some of the restaurants did not live up to their hype. 

For example, Driftwood Bistro is the third highest rated Jekyll Island restaurant on TripAdvisor. I am not sure why that is. Most of the food was not up to par. We tried the Shrimp Creole and the Wild Georgia Shrimp Platter with fried okra (at $10.99 each for petite platters this is a pretty good deal). On the Shrimp Platter, we received only a few small, overcooked shrimp. The fried okra, however, was cooked perfectly with its light and airy cornmeal breading. The Shrimp Creole was also disappointing: it tasted like it was made from canned tomatoes and didn't have strong flavors or spicing. Perhaps I am spoiled by authentic creole dishes from New Orleans.

We had another less-than-stellar experience at Latitude 31 restaurant in Jekyll Island. While our seafood was cooked correctly, the white-tablecloth atmosphere and prices ($21-$30 for dinner entrees) do not match the offerings and service. We truly enjoyed the Snapper special with the most amazing garlic mashed potatoes. I didn't think the snapper needed the coating of breading and oil. Just honor the fish, and grill and season it correctly. The "Surf and Surf" with oysters and Georgia shrimp was flavored well and cooked right, it was just priced high at $25, for the amount served. 

Cornmeal Grouper - Courtyard Cafe

Fortunately, we were saved by the food served at the Courtyard at Crane, at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel. For lunch, we ordered the Grouper with Tomato and Basil Topping, accompanied by Sweet Potato Fries for $12.95. The fish portion was very small, but it was cooked perfectly and I really enjoyed the bruschetta-style topping. The Crab and Shrimp Croissant Sandwich for $13.95 was okay, but did not have great or unique flavoring. 

Jekyll Hotel Features Old South Charms

Jekyll Island Club Hotel

It is like you are transported to a different era when you stay at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel in Jekyll Island, Ga. The grounds of the historic, 125-year-old hotel have a southern plantation-type of feel. It was so enjoyable to walk around the massive property, which features a chapel, a sea turtle museum, and several historic houses. I especially enjoyed walking beneath the massive oak trees, which must carry a lot of history themselves. They have withstood multiple tropical storms and the test of time. 

When staying at the hotel, it is nice being near the water and within walking distance to two seafood restaurants. Plus, Jekyll Island Club's rooms King rooms are beautiful: bathrooms include marble counter-top sinks and over-sized tub with jets.The hotel's queen rooms are smaller and remind me of a standard hotel room at a mid-scale hotel. There is a drawback to staying at the hotel, though. Because the hotel is historic and must be preserved in a certain way, room doors do not close well. That means you can hear other guests slamming their doors. You can also hear every other noise happening on that floor. It is definitely tough for people who are looking for a quiet vacation!

Driftwood Beach

Jekyll Island itself is smaller than I imagined, and it seems like there is only enough to keep a couple or family busy for a weekend. Driftwood Beach is a must-see, however, and many people rent bikes and kayaks, in order to see the natural beauty of the island close-up. It was too hot to do either activity when we visited over Labor Day weekend. Don't go there to relax on the beaches: the island does not feature the soft sand that we are used to on Florida beaches.

Stay tuned for the next blog post: I will review the best - and worst - dining options on Jekyll Island.                            

Check out Ga. Shrimp and Grits Festival

Shrimp and grits have got to be among the best food pairings in history. I love the taste of tender, spicy grilled shrimp, combined with creamy corn (or cheesy) grits. I just recently discovered that there is a festival devoted to all the possible variations on shrimp and grits: "Shrimp & Grits: The Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival". Held September 14-16 in Jekyll Island, Georgia, the Festival includes both amateur and professional shrimp and grits cooking competitions, cooking demos, and craft brew tasting.

While you are in Jekyll Island, I would recommend staying at one of the top-rated hotels there: the Jekyll Island Club Hotel. This place is palatial and there are a ton of activities to do at the property and nearby. It is directly across from the Jekyll Harbor Marina, where boats can take you on shrimping tours or dolphin-spotting tours.

Jekyll Island Club Hotel

Even though the resort looks grand inside and out, it does offer specials and packages. To celebrate its 25th anniversary, Jekyll Island Club is offering rates of $125 per night for certain rooms in August, and has 25 percent off deluxe suites from Sundays through Thursdays. In its Grand Dining Room, diners can enjoy the daily lunch special and an ice cream sandwich for $12.50.

I am looking forward to visiting Jekyll Island soon, and will give you my review on the glorious Jekyll Island Club Hotel, the infamous Driftwood Breach, and all the best places to dine there.