Bud N’ Mary’s Marina has heart-stopping sundown views that may’t be beat. Some would even say they’re the perfect within the Florida Keys — a land with many can’t-be-beat sundown views.
And in keeping with Bud N’ Mary’s workers, the constitution fleet additionally supplies the perfect sportfishing in Islamorada, the “Sport Fishing Capital of the World.” Athletes, film stars and even a president or two have been recognized to hop on Bud N’ Mary’s boats for a day of dropping traces.
And now, the vacationer sizzling spot is about to place one other feather in its cap: Chef Erik’s Swordfish Grill, set to open formally on the marina with a celebration for the general public on Friday, Feb. 28. The small, nine-table eatery might be open within the evenings on Thursdays by means of Saturdays, offering dishes that spotlight swordfish.
And chef Erik Rodriguez makes probably the perfect fish tacos round.
However with all their accomplishments, why is the Stanczyk household, the homeowners of Bud N’ Mary’s, taking a stab at opening a restaurant? The Swordfish Grill is modestly sized, and it’ll solely be open a part of the week, however it’s nonetheless a restaurant. And simply ask Gordon Ramsay — that business shouldn’t be for the faint of coronary heart.
Bud N’ Mary’s proprietor Richard Stanczyk (referred to as “the chief” by a number of shut buddies), has a number of ideas about that.
“Issues are expensive now within the Keys,” he mentioned. “And we’re the little guys standing with the enormous resorts. So we needed to create a night enterprise that’s relaxed and good to deliver households to. They will eat, feed the tarpon, then take a look at the views from our higher deck. It’s a novel location, being at a working marina.
“We’re not trying to create a high-end restaurant,” Stanczyk continued. “It’s extra like an attraction. And Erik and his spouse and household are pretty. Erik desires to have his personal enterprise, so it’s a superb scenario for him.”
Along with each working the marina’s cafe and launching Chef Erik’s Swordfish Grill, Rodriguez can be at the moment the chief chef at a extremely popular high-end restaurant shut by — so his plate is full (no pun meant). However ardour for meals runs in his veins.
“I’ve this in my blood,” he mentioned about his upbringing in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. “All people round me was a cook dinner, a chef or one thing within the kitchen. My grandma and my grandpa had been restaurant homeowners, and once I was 9 I began catering with my dad for 200 individuals. Then I spent two years in culinary faculty.”
With the brand new grill, Rodriguez and Stanczyk needed to focus simply on swordfish, since only a few locations within the Keys supply that.
“Not lots of people promote swordfish,” Rodriguez mentioned. “And folks need it — they’re already stopping by, after seeing our new signal by the street, asking about after we’re opening. Individuals say that it’s a tough fish to cook dinner, however I’ve by no means had an issue with swordfish earlier than.”
On a current Sunday afternoon, Rodriguez introduced over a dish that might be on the Swordfish Grill’s menu: three fish tacos. Slabs of parmesan-encrusted meat, topped with microgreens, spilled from the handmade tender tortillas.
“I like individuals to depart right here comfortable,” he mentioned.
The particulars: Chef Erik’s Swordfish Grill will launch with an opening-night get together on Friday, Feb. 28, from 5 to 7 p.m.
“There might be loads of swordfish to strive,” mentioned Rodriguez, along with charcuterie plates and different small bites. The mini-restaurant might be open each Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 5 to 7:30 p.m. The chef’s different eatery, the PR Cafe, is open each day from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. and supplies espresso and breakfast sandwiches to go along with the wonderful views. Ask Edna to make you an espresso: It is going to knock your fishing boots off.