‘Watts for Dinner’: 844 Gulf & Prime – Shiny and new (and delicious)
So much excitement! Our next dining destination is 844 Gulf & Prime on Marco Island. As you probably know, this is our first visit to the recently opened fine dining establishment on Bald Eagle Drive.
We knew that nighttime dining would be super crowded, even at this time of year. Islanders love a new place to dine. We noticed that the restaurant opens at 3 p.m. for happy hour and that walk ins were welcome. So off we went.
We arrived shortly before 4 p.m. to find the parking lot almost full. Not surprising. Well, maybe a tad. We decided to sit at a high-top near the bar with a view of the road and parking. Between the time we arrived and left, around 6, the place had filled to capacity and “creative” parking was taking place.
“At 844 Gulf & Prime, we offer a dining experience like no other,” reads their website. “Our chefs have crafted a menu that is full of delectable dishes that will leave your taste buds begging for more. We pride ourselves on using only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients in all of our dishes, ensuring that every bite is bursting with flavor.”
Things got off to an appetizing start with the “Salmon Poke Nachos” ($10) from the “Small Plates” menu. Only small plate items are available until dinner starts at 5. A larger version of this dish is available under the traditional appetizer’s menu called “Sharing is Good” ($18).
The fresh, top-notch salmon has avocado, cucumber and sriracha cream and served with crispy wontons, similar in shape to tortillas.
Also, during happy hour, we enjoyed drinks, including the “Hibiscus Kiss” ($17) and the “Don Jeremiah" ($17).
The Kiss is elderflower liqueur, pear liqueur and Prosecco. It comes in sugar-coated flutes perfect for licking.
The “Don Jeremiah” is vanilla vodka, passion fruit liqueur, passion fruit puree, lime juice, vanilla simple syrup and Prosecco.
Both drinks were a huge hit at our table. The Kiss was super bubbly and the Jeremiah was so fruity it tasted like it was good for you. And it was! At least for me.
As 5 o’clock rolled around, we opted for a full-sized appetizer, the “Montrachet Crispy Goat Cheese” ($17) with a chilled mango sauce. Absolutely incredible. And this is really a sharing -size dish. I highly recommend it.
For my main entree, or should I say “Maine” entree, I selected the “Lobster Madagascar” ($36). It features Maine lobster meat in a tarragon Madagascar vanilla sauce with pappardelle. The pasta is thick and flat. The lobster is plentiful. An absolute masterpiece both in appearance and taste. I highly recommend this dish as well.
My dining companion had the Lake Erie Walleye ($33). The fish is pan seared and served with sweet onion and thyme puree, roasted tomatoes and squash, spinach and extra virgin olive oil. The vegetables were the hit of this dish; and the fish, cooked to perfection. Just watch for soft bony material from the fish.
The service was prompt, attentive and overall outstanding! The atmosphere is upbeat and the decor is modern, but in keeping with Marco Island. If this keeps up, I see wonderful things for 844 Gulf & Prime. Happy eating!
More‘Watts for Dinner’: Expanded dining, all-day breakfast highlight changes at Summer Day
AndHey Marco Island, looking for a place to eat?
Prices indicate time of visit and may vary. This newspaper pays for all meals related to dining reviews. We do not solicit or accept free food.
If you go
844 Gulf & Prime
- 844 Bald Eagle Dr, Marco Island
- 239-544-9844
- 844gulfandprime.com