Finding golf and treasure in the South Padre Island area

On a mission to sample great barbecue, Mexican and seafood on this golf trip to the South Padre Island (Texas) area, we hit the jackpot last night with Cap’n Roy’s (1313 Padre Blvd.) on the island before today’s round at South Padre Golf Club.

The owner, Cap’n Roy,was a fisherman of 35 years who’s played a little golf in his time and recites his own poetry. He has a few home-spun recipes, plus he hired authentic Vera Cruz chefs to prepare some of the tastiest dishes you’ll find anywhere. And I mean anywhere, regardless of price.

What drew us to the place was its award-winning Camaronitas Diabolitas, which are marinated bacon-wrapped shrimp with pineapple cream cheese and jalapeno, wrapped, rubbed, smoked and glazed. Incredible. It’s served with fumi salad, which is a type of coleslaw – sans mayo, with sesame seeds and almonds – that goes perfect with seafood.

The little restaurant also serves a variety of Mexican dishes, seafood platters, fish and shrimp. Cap’n Roy told us to come back and try something different next time. He said we wouldn’t be disappointed. I have no doubt.