Remember that time I told you I’m a socially conscience vegetarian? Well really, I’m a most-times pescatarian.
I grew up on the coast and I can’t quit seafood, and I’m out on a limb about fish having feelings. As a self-aware seafood snob, there aren’t many places in land-locked Waco where I’ll partake of our slippery friends. And let me just say that catfish and crawfish, though tasty, do NOT count as seafood. They do not live in the sea and are therefore river food. Or creek food. Something like that.
If you don’t know, Sergio's boasts the same chef as the formerly glorious Siete Mares, famously favored by yours truly and President George “Dubya” Bush, not necessarily in that order. Ceviche, fish tacos, coconut shrimp, filet ranchero… I really just need to plug it for my fellow fish eaters.
Tip: Don’t order anything that contains mayonnaise (like the lobster salad) because they’re heavy handed. Opt instead for simple grilled seafood with sauce on the side.
My other fave is Sam's Southern Eatery based in Shreveport, LA, which, if you suck at geography, is not too far from the Gulf Coast. Although I boycotted Sam’s during my period of mourning for Adrianna & Janette’s — RIP A&J’s, you are gone but not forgotten — I have recently been seduced by the constantly full parking lot and smells of frying seafood goodness. Like Sergio’s, Sam’s is committed to high quality of seafood (or at least as high a quality as can be obtained here). Fried oyster & shrimp Po’Boy? Yes please. Blacked, grilled fish & shrimp with peppers and onions? Obviously. Crabcakes and fried green tomatoes? Now you’re speaking to my southern-fried heart.
A shout out to seafood and the restaurants that lovingly serve it: thank you for completing me.
