As I finish my last oyster, I sip my LangeTwins Sauvignon Blanc and peer into the vastness of the Gulf of Mexico. My mind takes me back to the vacations of my childhood. I've always enjoyed the beach vacations the best. Looking back, it may be due in large part to the wonderful seafood meals we ate while there.
My memories of trips to Galveston years ago don't wander back to visits to Moody Gardens or walks along the Seawall, but more vividly toward the fried shrimp at Gaido's. Being in a land locked farming town, I had only had the occasion of eating such a meal during the occasional trip to Austin and possibly a visit to Red Lobster. And even then, I only ate the popcorn shrimp. I had never tasted anything as magical as those shrimp and every time I go to Galveston, I make sure to stop by Gaido's.
As I got a little older, we would make trips to Rockport to do a little duck hunting and fishing. Those trips were highlighted by trips to The Boiling Pot. The anticipation of mounds of boiled blue crab, shrimp, sausage, potatoes, and corn being dumped on the table was nearly unbearable. It was the first time I was allowed to use my hands as my only utensils in a restaurant and not get in trouble. I still have the wooden mallet I used on my first trip somewhere at my parent's house.
A similar experience to The Boiling Pot is found about 20 minutes outside of Kingsville in Baffin Bay. No fishing trip to Port Aransas was complete without a detour to this little gem that claims to serve about 30,000 pounds of fish a year. I still remember being mesmerized by the photos on the wall of the famous people who had at the King's Inn. It gave me great pleasure to dine in one of George Strait's favorite places. Unlike the Boiling Pot, the specialty here isn't boiled. It's family style platters of fried shrimp, fried oysters and fried fish. I always enjoyed it when we had a large group with us when we would visit so I could marvel at the amount of food brought out and set around the table.
Family vacations are one of the things I cherish the most. The memories of friends and family spending time together help get me through the years to this point in my life. It's amazing what food can do. It can instantly take you back in time to a pier or beach. It can bring back memories of those no longer here and the fun you all shared over a table full of steamed oysters and crab. The time spent on a balcony overlooking the Gulf with a plate of cheese and a bottle of wine will make you forget the days in front of you, and think fondly back on the days that have passed.
What are your favorite vacation food memories? Is it a slice of pizza from New York or Chicago? Is it the perfect cup of hot chocolate from your favorite ski lodge? Let me know in the comments section.
Russell Kirkpatrick is AGM at Reata Restaurant and Founder of the Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival
