Thirsty Marlin: A Palm Harbor Original

Story and photos by Lisa Gallant – Tampa Bay Food Tours Taste Ambassador

I won’t say how long it has been since my college graduation but suffice it to say: a really long time. Way back then, my wonderful parents were willing to cater my graduation party according to my wishes so I chose the cedar plank salmon from Thirsty Marlin. The guests raved and it was a thrill to have the leftovers all to myself. It’s just as good all these years later: salmon cooked to perfection via its own little cedar plank, topped with flawlessly sweetened carmelized onions, and pierced with a dramatic sprig of rosemary. A trip to Thirsty Marlin would not be complete without proper respect to this wonderful creation so I stuck to my guns and ordered this dish yet again during our recent visit. It never gets old. Corn on the cob and cheesy garlic buttered green beans were splendid accompaniments.

We were celebrating a birthday and the guest of honor wanted nothing other than fresh stone grab that had just come into season. The claws produce meat that is sweet and succulent, plump and flaky – the flavor is complete enough on its own or you can dunk them in garlic butter sauce and robust seasoning. I managed to abscond with one of the claws to try for myself and I must say, it was quite the formidable competitor to my beloved cedar plank salmon.

The menu is most expansive at Thirsty Marlin – with everything from sushi to burgers, it may take several visits to truly pick a favorite. Wings are 75 cents on Wednesdays and come with plethora of preparation choices and sauce options. The fries were also a hit – soft on the inside and crispy on the outside. I heard murmurings that they were the best fries ever!

We also ordered the obligatory fried calamari and fried clams and they went fast. The conch fritters are based on an original recipe – ideal for scooping up the sweet and salty Bahamian dipping sauce.

Not a trace of the Monsoght Mahi Mahi was left over; the fresh hand cut filet is served fried, broiled, blackened or grilled on a wood charbroiler.

SCALLOPS ST. THOMAS was also a showstopper.
Fresh sweet sea scallops available fried or blackened with two tasty sides.

Thirsty Marlin has built a legacy over the years and it is plain to see why. With live music, island-inspired fare, indoor and outdoor dining, specials and happy hours, it’s easy to slip into vacation mode while not venturing far from home. If I can ever break away from the cedar plank salmon, perhaps one day I’ll try the fried green beans, the pulled pork onion ring nachos, and the Grouper Atlantis which is basically all of your seafood favorites fused together with parmesan cheese and Hollandaise sauce. Thirsty Marlin is open daily from 11am-11pm and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

https://www.thirstymarlin.com/

www.TampaBayFoodTours.com for information on local Tampa Bay area food tours.