While in town for work, some colleagues and I decided to grab lunch. Not a lot of choices in Port Isabel, so one colleague suggested Pirate's Landing. Said colleague said she frequented this place while in town on other ventures, so we all decided to give it a try.
We all strolled right in. Very festive coastal themed area, well kept looking restaurant. A look that probably appeals to tourists.
We all were seated promptly, and presented menus. Our drink orders were taken and we were left to peruse the menu. Our drinks came in decent time, along with some honey drizzled rolls that were pretty tasty. Only one person, so it was just enough. They were pretty tasty, and wish more were offered.
Looking at the menu, it was quite busy. Meaning there were too many things to choose from, and the organization and flow of the menu was a tad confusing. I was in the mood for fried shrimp, but their menu did not have it on there. Or, I missed it.
I opted to go with the bacon wrapped shrimp. Shrimp wrapped in bacon, jalapeño, and cream cheese on top of a bed of rice. Also on the shrimp was some sort of raspberry glaze. I chose fries, and a salad as my side. Having second thoughts about the salad. I changed it up and got fries and onion fries. I wasn't really hungry for two sides anyhow, so I was not really concerned with the second side. I'm also picky about my salad and did not know about the freshness of the salad.
After a long wait, our food arrived. My plate was presented just like the menu. Busy. This was to be expected, so not a biggie. Time to dive in.
While planning my method of attack, I tried the fries. A crisp, well seasoned waffle fry. Delicious. Then an onion fry. Bad mistake. Soggy, limp, and bland. Eh, no harm. I should have stuck with the salad. Now, for the star of the plate, the bacon wrapped shrimp.
First bite into the shrimp in. The bacon was chewy, the cream cheese sweet, then the burn of the jalapeño. I was waiting for the taste of the shrimp, but it never came. I saw shrimp in there, but my mouth was too on fire to catch the taste of the shrimp. I reached for my drink to douse the flames of the jalapeños. I ate about three more of them, and had the same results. I threw in the towel and gave the remaining three to my colleagues. All of them agreed the jalapeños packed quite the punch.
Overall, I was quite underwhelmed by my dish. That is to say that it was not bad, I just had higher expectations for a $21plate. I also expected the shrimp to be more well balanced between sweet, spicy, and delicious. I have had bacon wrapped shrimp before that did not light my mouth on fire, like this one did. Maybe they forgot to remove the seeds? Not sure. But, overall, not bad. Just underwhelming. Also, feed the onion fries to the sea gulls.
I do not regret my choice to come eat here, but I cannot say I will be back. The service was great, the food was just blah. This to me was a one and done type place. If you are here feel free to try it, but please do not go out of your way to try it.
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