Get away at Gracie Rae

ST. ANDREWS, FL - In the shade with the wind blowing my hair, I almost forgot how hot it has been outside. Eating at Gracie Rae, I remembered reasons I live here: the waterfront views and the succulent seafood.
   
The casual restaurant on the back side of Shrimp Boat is named after a fishing boat, where visitors and locals once ventured into the water off Bay County. The story, dating to the original Shrimp Boat Restaurant in the 1950s, is on the Gracie Rae menu. Although the boat rests at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico after catching on fire, Gracie Rae is again bringing fresh seafood to those who visit her.
   
I had dined at Gracie Rae Bar & Grill before, ordering the Shrimp & Crabmeat Greek, a massive salad for $12.99. Fresh greens topped with Roma tomato, Kalamata olives, peppers, cucumbers, feta cheese and homemade dressing provided the bed for the hearty helping of seafood.
   
It might just have been the best salad I have ever eaten. But this week, I decided to see just what else I had been missing, so I ordered a Real Po Boy at $10.99.
   
I chose fried oysters; other choices included fried shrimp, grouper or scallops. The soft fresh baked french bread with creole mayo, red onion, lettuce and tomato enhanced the seafood. The creole mayo was so good that I dipped my fries (lightly seasoned) in it. Next time, I might order some extra sauce on the side.
   
I had thought about topping my sandwich with Mexican bottle caps, fried jalapenos, for an extra $1.50, but I decided to show a little restraint. It had never occurred to me to fry a jalapeno, but what a great completely indulgent idea! I imagine the bottlecaps also would be good on the Cheeseburger in Pair-A-Dice, $8.99.
   
Gracie Rae offers plenty of chances to set taste buds on fire, with jalapeno baked Apalachicola oysters, hot wings and Cajun spiced grilled shrimp. Other Cajun influences include the Low Country Gumbo and Conch Fritters with Creole aioli.
   
Most of the menu items are about $10, with kids' entrees at less than $5.