Owen's Fish Camp

Finally, the drive-by's and the waiting, the standard response of "2 weeks til we open", which means about the same as "soon come mon" in Jamaica, Owen's Fish Camp in the Burns District of Sarasota is open. I stopped by during the middle of a deluge and got a mini tour. Back out in the rain, I'm thinking I should have waited this out a bit in the dry confines of the restaurant. Oh well, the sometimes soggy life of a Floridian.

When Frilly Goose E-mailed me from a conference that the new Belgian restaurant was open, I told her about Owen's. We decided to dine there. When we arrived there was a 30 minute wait as the place was packed. Meandering over to the small bar we ordered drinks, another couple who were leaving kindly gave us their seats. Frilly informed the hostess that we were going to sit at the bar and dine and free up our potential table for someone else. This is one of the best ways to eat, at the bar, as your server/bartender is usually nearby.

There were quite a few specials and the bartender said the catfish was really good. I'm done, I've decided on the catfish served over cheese grits with a side of spicy collards. Frilly opted for the fried green tomato salad with country ham crisps and buttermilk dressing. The service was very quick and I think we were served in about 15 minutes.




Well, the food didn't disappoint, the catfish was breaded, hot and crispy, perfect, the cheese grits were amazing and the collards very tasty. Good southern cooking! Frilly liked her salad but said the tomatoes could have been cooked a bit longer. My only complaint was the catfish on top of the grits, which with the moisture in the grits made the bottom crust a bit soggy. When the chef came out later I mentioned this and he seemed happy to get the feedback and said he might try putting the fish on the side in the future. Always great to have a chef that listens to the customers.


A bit later, I asked about the "Boiled Roadside Peanuts" and the server gave us a small portion. Yummy, a bit fresher and less mushy than a lot I've had before and they were on the house. Nice touch!

All in all, a very pleasurable dining experience and one we will repeat.

Another great endeavour by the Brothers Caraguilo.

Get over there and try it, you won't be disappointed.

Until next time..

Slater,

Gator

Owen's Fish Camp
516 Burns Ct.
Sarasota Fl 34236


View Larger Map