Did you ever know about one of those restaurants that you just didn’t want to tell others about because you want to keep it just as it is?  Well, I have two.  After much reflection (and the realization that this place is not really a secret, it’s just too far out of the way for most people) I have decided to share one.

To many people, Florida means tourists, theme-parks, beaches, vacations, etc, but there’s a lot more to it.  And, even though it is almost completely surrounded by water, for whatever reason there is (to me) a surprising lack of good, authentic, non-frozen food seafood restaurants.  I grew up in Louisiana just outside of New Orleans, which means that I have a love of seafood.  All of my favorite dishes contain something from under the water, and I have a particular love for the fried fishes. 

All right, enough stalling, the name of the place is…no, no, I’m not ready yet.  Let me set the scene.  About a half hour south of Daytona Beach, is a place called New Smyrna Beach.  It’s easy enough to get to, just a few minutes east of I-95 and like most of the beaches in eastern Florida, is actually separated from the mainland by a waterway.  There are only two bridges to New Smyrna Beach, both near the north end of the island.  Well, if you travel all the way to the south end of the island, about 20 minutes, you will find my restaurant.  The island at that point is only about 200 yards wide, you can stand on the main road and can be in either the Atlantic Ocean or the intercostals waterway within a minute.  Nestled on the intercostals side of the waterway is…no, still not time. Now, if you like white linen tablecloths and nice silverware…well, they don’t have that.  If you like your food with a beautiful presentation and a garnish, well they don’t have that, either.  If you like a quiet, romantic atmosphere, well (you get the picture).  So what do they have? If you want a dock to pull up your boat and rental kayaks, this is your place.  If you want an amazing view of unspoiled Florida, this is your place.  If you want great seafood, reasonable prices, relaxing atmosphere, friendly service, cold beer, huge menu, exposed rafters, generous portions, and the possibility of spotting dolphins or manatee swimming by, well, then this is really your place. To tell you how much I enjoy this restaurant, it takes me nearly an hour to get there, and I go about once a month.  My children particularly love going, it is the one place that I take them where it seems appropriate for them to get up from the table to go wander between ordering and when the food arrives.  They usually go sit on the dock and look for fish under the water while on the lookout for other sea creatures.  It’s a great place to take a group of old friends for an evening, and the sunsets over the intercostals are spectacular.  (I’m going to share another secret, every time I have seen either dolphin or manatee, it has been right at sunset.) All of this comes together to make for a unique and unparalleled experience that will not be for everyone.  If it sounds like your thing, chances are you will love it.  If it doesn’t sound like your kind of thing, give it a try, you may be surprised. 

Okay, you’ve hung in this far, you deserve to know. It’s J.B.’s Fish Camp, in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.  If you have the opportunity, take a little trip and remember to bring your camera

Now I’ve shared with you and I am always on the lookout for more, it’s your turn to share with me.  Do you have any one-of-a-kind restaurants that you will share? (It doesn’t matter where, I am always traveling).