Dining with Don Leone: June 2015

Recently visited Social Gastropub again. The menu is always changing, but is very consistent in quality - this time as expected it was awesome.

Started out with Bleu Chips - house made chips topped with blue cheese and roasted garlic sauce along with a balsamic reduction. They were very good but be prepared - it is best shared with more than two people - the plate is rather large. My favorite cocktail from Social is pictured with the chips - Wood and Salt.

Had really an amazing Eggplant Napoleon. Fried to perfection and topped with buffalo milk mozzarella cheese. Outstanding.

Also had an opportunity to sample the Lobster & Shrimp Pie. Another fine addition to the ever-changing menu.

As I mentioned previously in a blog about Social, the lights were an issue in the beginning. At first when you walked in the lights were very bright. I mentioned it to the owner and over time the lighting seemed to be softer and not so bright. Unfortunately this time the lights were turned up again. Not being shy, I told them again and hopefully they will bring it back down a notch.

Otherwise, a wonderful dining experience

About a year ago or so, a new seafood restaurant opened in Edwardsville, named Gulf Shores. Been there twice since it opened and have been very pleased with the meals. Most recently I went a group of six and we were all pretty much in agreement that Gulf Shores has hit the mark on seafood.

Gulf Shores has a very “New Orleans theme” going on. Seafood and Cajun are the predominate foods served. The place is a casual family restaurant. At least the Edwardsville location. The original restaurant is in Creve Coeur, Missouri. The focus of this blog entry is the Edwardsville location.

Both locations have patio dining and entertainment on certain days. There is even a Sunday Bourbon Street Brunch.

In front of the restaurant there are life-sized statues of Jake and Elwood from the Blues Brothers. Once you get in the door you are greeted by a very large fish tank with a variety of fish. The decor is definitely New Orleans inspired. I do recall seeing an LSU sign on one wall.

Here's a quick run down of our most recent selections. Unfortunately I do not have a picture of the crab legs my daughter had or the Admiral's Platter I enjoyed the first time we dined at Gulf Shores several months prior, but trust me, they were both delicious!

Hand-Cut Calamari – The breading was awesome with Cajun spices!

Rajun Cajun – this includes fried fingers, red beans and rice, charbroiled Andouille sausage and a Crab Cake.

Citrus Mahi Mahi – Sautéed and served with mango and mandarin orange salsa.

Shrimp Your Way – You can choose from battered and fried, scampi, char-grilled, sautéed in garlic butter or Cajun spices and blackened. This is fried.

Lobster & Seafood Alfredo Pasta – Homemade Alfredo pasta sauce, lobster, seafood served over penne pasta with shredded Parmesan cheese. It even comes with a Caesar salad!

Gulf Shores also serves several southern craft beers along with a few locals. Here's what was served most recently: Schlafly (Seasonal) and Urban Chestnut are on tap and these southern special beers are served in bottles: Abita Turbo Dog, Abita Purple Haze, and Dixie Beer. As with many menus and drink selections this is probably subject to change.