Backyard Birding

I managed to take some very mediocre pictures of the birds in my backyard. My feathered friends were not too cooperative. I was only able to get pictures of hooded warblers and some roseate spoonbills in their evening fly-over.

A Visit with the Whooping Cranes

I recently went by boat to visit the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, the winter home of the endangered whooping crane. This is the only natural wild migrating group of whooping cranes in the world. I believe the guide said including those in captivity and the eastern migrating group created by marine biologists there are only around 500 known whooping cranes in the world. Around 270 birds made the migration here this year. We have lost 17 this season. The conditions have been rough for the whopper this year because the lack of fresh water in the bay limits the blue crab population, their major food source. The cranes need to get enough nutrition here to survive their long trip back to their Canadian breeding grounds. I managed to get some photographs. I hope you enjoy them. Click on any photo to enlarge.

Cafe Phoenix, showin' the love

After hearing a lot of positive buzz about Cafe Phoenix and finding it closed every time I tried to visit, I finally ate there. I hate to share this, but I really liked this place. It is very small and intimate, and romantic in that undiscovered jewel kinda way.

We had a great server; one that is passionate and knowledgeable about food.

We ordered the chicken ginger pesto appetizer with the coconut slaw. A cacophony of crunch and interesting spice. Delicious, delightful, and very creative.

The house salad with the celery seed dressing was a miss with me. My dinner partner loved it. I'll try the house balsamic vinaigrette next time. We both enjoyed the house-made bread.

Main course was the duck ginger demi-glace. Cooked to perfection; crispy skin and juicy flesh.

Dessert was carrot cake with maple toasted nuts and a slice of coconut cream pie. Both were delicious. Do not skip desert here!

Replica of Hemingway's Fishing Boat Pilar Spotted in Port A!

I've seen what I think is a beautiful replica of the Pilar a couple of times cruising through our very own channel. The picture accompanying this post is of the real Pilar that I snagged off the internet. I read that Tommy Lee Jones is making a movie based on Hemingway's novel, Islands in the Stream. Could Port Aransas be the 'undisclosed location' referenced in this article about the movie? Don't get too excited, the movie is supposed to be filmed in Puerto Rico. It might be fun to spot Tommy Lee Jones in and around town if he needs to spend some hands-on time with the boat. Sounds like a good movie that I look forward to seeing!

Note to Self: Never Try a New Restaurant on Opening Day

I couldn't wait to try out the brand new Port Aransas Brewing Company. We stopped by for lunch on opening day. Not a good idea.

On the positive side, I thought the new building was nice. It seems to be designed to reflect the property's past life as a garage with large windows taking the place of garage bay doors. They have a bunch of nice flat screen TVs scattered throughout. I think if you were there to watch TV you would not be disappointed. This would be a nice place to catch a game on the tube and sip a cool one. They do have a good selection of bottled beers as well as their own brews.

I'll skip most of the negative stuff, for now, since I'm optimistic about their ability to correct the service and food issues that were going on when I visited. I do plan on giving them a second chance. I ordered a hamburger and got a cheeseburger. No big whoop, I can deal. The hamburger actually looked good. Unfortunately, it had all the heft of a happy meal hamburger and was completely devoid of beef flavor. The cheese was that fake, easy-melting kind that also suffers from lack of flavor. I'm sure plenty of people like this type of cheese since it seems like many restaurants use it; it is just something I try to avoid. Don't get me wrong, I adore (real) cheese. The burger came with fries and a tasty black bean, pozole salsa. Our table ordered a pizza, grilled cheese sandwich, fried shrimp sandwich, hot dog, and queso and chips. I only tried the queso, which was fine. The accompanying tostadas are served heated, which I do appreciate.

I tried one of their own brews, the Port Aransas Pop Pilsner. It was just OK; crisp and light with a bitter finish. I felt like it could use a little more balance. Although I've certainly consumed more than my fair share, I am not a beer connoisseur so please don't give my opinion too much weight. Does anyone know if a pilsner should have a head?

Port Aransas Brewing Company

This new restaurant and brewery opens tomorrow at 11 am. I don't know when I'll check it out but I'll let you know what I think when I do.

Shark's Eye

I recently found this lovely little treasure of the sea on the beach. I think it does resemble an eye. Click on the image for a larger view.

Hello

This blog is about Port Aransas, Texas. Check back soon and maybe I'll have something to say by then.