Page 88 - Play Coastal Mississippi - Spring, 2024

CASINOS
story by Lori Beth Susman
When it comes to preparing seafood, frying, no doubt, gets a lot of attention. Really, who doesn’t like a crispy fried shrimp? But along the Coast, there is another option, one that brings out the flavor of the seafood, enhancing the natural, sweet taste of the shrimp or crab. This option is steaming, and steaming is a longtime Coastal Mississippi tradition.
One of the best places to get fresh, tasty steamed seafood here is Beach Blvd Steamer at Island View Casino Resort in Gulfport. Boasting a view of the Gulf of Mexico, the restaurant has a full selection of steamed shellfish, as well as a variety of dishes sure to please any appetite.
The Steamer has been described as a Southern-inspired restaurant that is both casual and friendly, popular with locals and visitors alike. It is a comfortable eatery with food that is downright delicious and friendly servers who make all feel at home.
Diners can enjoy drinks, including specialty cocktails, beer and wine, and the restaurant’s warm signature Boulevard Bread with butter while studying the offerings of appetizers, oysters, soups, hand-breaded favorites, grilled items and more. The bread has Steamer seasoning and Parmesan cheese baked on top, one of the many exceptional touches from Chef Amanda Vasquez.
When it comes to appetizers, the tuna dip is very popular, and it is easy to see why. The yellowfin tuna is smoked in house giving this dip its delicious flavor. There are also oysters on the half shell with housemade cocktail sauce, plus charbroiled, Bienville and Rockefeller oysters, as well as a sampler option. You can’t go wrong with the sampler, especially when sharing.
Island View Casino Resort
The Steamer selection features Gulf shrimp, Royal Reds (these are a little sweeter), snow crab clusters, Jonah crab claws and Dungeness crab. The fresh taste of the shellfish comes through in every bite, and while the meals are served with melted butter, the sweet crab meat is delicious by itself. The legs and claws are also easy to peel, which means it is possible to get large pieces out without tearing to shreds the delectable meat.
The Steamer has lobster, filet mignon, and surf and turf, which comes with a wood-fired ribeye with a choice of steamed seafood item. Redfish and salmon are also served, along with hand-breaded favorites, including po’boys and the traditional seafood platter loaded with shrimp, oysters, soft shell crab and catfish all lightly dusted and fried.
Dinners come with the wonderful chopped salad served family style in a large bowl. The dressing, a wonderful white balsamic vinegar, is so good the restaurant even sells it by the quart! And, most entrees come with the choice of two sides: fried okra, candied sweet potatoes, turnip greens with ham hock, au gratin potatoes, and green beans with bacon, to name a few.
The dessert choices are also plentiful, and for a grown up treat there is the strawberry tall cake. This white cake with strawberry-white chocolate mousse and whipped cream frosting comes served on its side because serving it upright offers a chance this very tall cake will tip over. It’s a berry good way to end the meal!
Beach Blvd Steamer is located across the street from Island View Casino Resort and adjacent to Coast Candymakers. It is open for dinner Thursday through Sunday, 5 to 10 p.m. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 228.314.1515.
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