Big Shrimp ‘N, Mt. Pleasant, SC

Big Shrimp 'N Success

I have never been to the “Blessing of the Fleet” that’s held in the spring and was surprised to find out that local shrimp is not used during the event.  So because of this it was decided that there would be a Big Shrimp ‘N in the Old Village of Mt. Pleasant to celebrate the splendor of our local shrimp. And celebrate they did. 

I convinced my husband, much to his chagrin, to head over early (5:15ish).  The folks promoting the event estimated that 1,000 people would attend so I wanted to get there before the crowd.  Since it was the first time for Big Shrimp’N, I wasn’t sure what to expect.

The event started at 5:00 pm and was held on the lawns of the Alhambra Hall. There could not have been a more gorgeous setting.  The tents were set up near the water and we were also able to view a stunning sunset while we were there.

Tickets were $1.00 apiece and most dishes were one ticket.  Two days ago Groupon had a 50% off deal on coupons so we bought $25.00 worth for $12.50.  We thought this was a great deal – just think, dinner for two for $12.50.

Unlike the nickel and diming of the Taste of Charleston where samplings that used to cost $2.00 now are up to $4.00 and $6.00, this event was economical and worth every penny! 

All samplings were one ticket or $1.00.  I couldn’t believe it.  So off we went to start our tasting adventure.

Our first stop was at Shem Creek Bar & Grill where they were featuring Mama’s Homemade Shrimp Salad. There must be something very wrong with “Mama” because the salad was mushy and tasted awful. We were off to a very bad start.

 Mama’s Homemade Shrimp Salad

We then stopped at 17 North where we sampled Shrimp Corndogs with House made Champagne Mustard and Green Tomato Ketchup.  These were good, but the mustard and ketchup samples were so small that we could barely get any on the dog itself.

Shrimp Corndogs

As we milled around lines began to form.  At about 6:00 I would say that there were about a few hundred people there. Everyone looked like they were enjoying themselves as the wandered around, tasting some food, sipping beer and listening to the some good live music.

Vickery’s sampled Shrimp Tequila Ceviche which was good but not great.  It was at this point I began to wonder if I could eat another bite. But onward we went.

Shrimp Tequila Ceviche

Strolling around with tickets in hand we stopped at Graze. Their offering was very different and one that I almost voted #1.  Their Sweet Corn Waffle Topped with Local Shrimp Gravy to me didn't sound that appetizing, but it was terrific. Well done.

Sweet Corn Waffle Topped with Local Shrimp Gravy

Bricco Bracco sampled Shrimp Roasted Tomato Bruschetta and Polenta Crostini.  Although we like that restaurant this was not their best showing. The shrimp topping was fair and the crostini was like a hockey puck.

Shrimp Roasted Tomato Bruschetta

Lines were really beginning to form by now and with no exception Page’s Okra Restaurant had the longest line.  Deciding that “Shrimp on a Roll” didn’t sound like that much we decided to stand in line to see what the hub-bub was about.

Shrimp Sausage

What a weird concoction. Somehow they got the shrimp to look like a hot dog with a little seasoning in the roll. Not particularly my cup of tea, but everyone seemed to love it.

Red’s Ice House was my #1 pick.  Their “Killer Shrimp” was just that.  They were sautéing it to order and four very spicy, nice size shrimp were served.  These were the highlight of the night.

Making Killer Shrimp

Killer Shrimp

But the creative dish of the night goes to Finz. They served Brazilian Shrimp and Alligator in a Tomato Rum Sauce. Now THIS was as tasty as it was interesting.   Nicely garnished with cilantro and crème fresh it was up there as one of our favorites.

Brazilian Shrimp and Alligator

Iacofano’s served a very fresh Shrimp Seafood Risotto topped with Balsamic Glaze & Roasted Peppers served on an edible spoon.  Yum-O. It was my husband’s #1 pick.

Shrimp Seafood Risotto

Gullah Cuisine served Gullah Rice and a Seafood Casserole.  We opted only for the Casserole and it was bad. ‘Nuf said.

Seafood Casserole

Also among my least favorites was Vino’s Burgers.  A Smoked Shrimp Burger it sounds as bad as it was.

Smoked Shrimp Burger

By this point the crowd had swelled and I honestly could not eat one more bite.  Even though we had started sharing items after about the third restaurant, we had had enough.  We still had 8 tickets to use, but couldn’t do it so we gave them to a family in line for tickets.  

Since we had arrived there early our parking spot was close and it was an easy out.  As we were leaving a long line of cars filled Old Mt. Pleasant. Without a doubt the event was a success and I can’t wait to see who won best dish.  

 

We gave Big Shrimp 'N  4 out of a possible 5 plates.  The only downside was the no-see-ums.