88 THE COASTAL BEND MAGAZINE TheCoastalBend.com F o o d Pompano’s Seafood House & Oyster Bar—This central city seafood house is one of the only places east of Maine where you can enjoy perfectly prepared twin lobster tails for less than $50, and the secret is the partnership this place has with the Coastal Bend’s top, inde- pendent seafood market. Not only is the raw product of superior quality, but prices are kept low at Pompano’s because their kitchen has virtually no waste. You’ll find every seafood favorite under the sun here, and you’ll easily af- ford bringing the whole family! Full bar. 4124 S. Staples St. in Central CC Aloha Pacific Island Grill—With com- petition on the Hawaiian food scene emerging in the city, aka the arrival of a chain joint, the authentic, soul- ful cuisine of the Pacific islands is still found only at Aloha Grill on the South Side. Homemade favorites include Kalbi short ribs, Spam Musubi, gyoza, lum- pia, chicken dishes Huli Huli, Karaage, Aloha Teri, and Katsu curry, along with poke bowls and salads. On weekends, enjoy the exceedingly popular LeChon stuffed pork belly. Seafood lovers should try the pineapple jalapeno tuna! Great desserts. 6702 S. Staples St. Magnolia Grace Gelato y Mas—This Padre Island gourmet dessert shop was founded by a classically trained, Cordon Bleu chef who wanted to bring European style sweets to the Coastal Bend—and she did! The shop’s second owner has carried forward the qual- ity to which customers had become accustomed, including fine Italian ge- lato in a wide range of flavors—and even a sugar-free option—plus beau- tifully prepared pastries, often served with the aforementioned gelato atop! Delicious Italian sandwiches aka panini. Open late. 14254 SPID on Padre Island Catfish Charlie’s—Since most of us were knee-high to a grasshopper (more than 50 years ago), this traditional, southern-style fish house has been feeding generations of diners hungry for the best Mississippi catfish in South Texas and Cajun inspired seafood of all varieties. Yes, you will even find Louisi- ana-style fried frog legs here! The fried shrimp and oysters will make you smile ear-to-ear, and you’ve got to try the oyster-stuffed shrimp and the Creole shrimp on rice. Country fried chicken strips and chicken fried steak for the landlubbers. 5830 McArdle Rd.
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