Coconut Shrimp & A Lifeguard House
If you could celebrate your birthday anywhere in the world, where would it be? For me, the first thing that comes to mind is the beach, and Monday night was no exception. 
Monday I turned the big 22 and celebrated with a birthday dinner on Clearwater Beach. On the way there, my sister Sarah and I cranked up my summertime playlist that includes songs like Miley’s “Party in the USA and Sublime’s “What I Got.”
Our destination was Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill, a yummy seafood restaurant on Clearwater Beach. Famous for their Grouper Sandwiches and Stone Crab Festival, I knew Frenchy’s was the perfect place to celebrate my birthday.
When we arrived, we had about thirty minutes until the sun went down. One of my favorite things about the beach is that everyone–locals and tourists alike–is appreciative of a gorgeous sunset.
They sat us at a high top near the bar where a local artist sang and played Dave Mathews Band covers. He was so good!
First up we had side salads – Sarah got the Caesar and I went with the House. Being a simple kind of gal, I ordered their standard Italian Dressing. Not having very high expectations, I dug into the salad and was instantly in shock at how great it tasted!
This was no ordinary Italian dressing. Nope, something about it was fifty times better than any other dressing I’ve ever tasted. Maybe they added sugar to it… or maybe I’m just weird.
Best. Salad. Dressing. Ever.
For my entree I went with the deep fried and delicious Coconut Shrimp. Usually I go with their Grouper Reuben sandwich, but when I saw these on the menu, I had an insane Forrest Gump moment. More specifically, it went a little something like this:
“Dey’s uh, shrimp-kabobs, shrimp creole, shrimp gumbo. Pan fried, deep fried, stir-fried. There’s pineapple shrimp, lemon shrimp, coconut shrimp, pepper shrimp, shrimp soup, shrimp stew, shrimp salad, shrimp and potatoes, shrimp burger, shrimp sandwich. That- that’s about it.”- Bubba (Gotta love him)
Whoever thought to dip fried shrimp in orange marmalade is an absolute genius. If it’s you, and you’re reading this, I’m pretty sure we’re soul mates.
As well as the 8 tasty shrimp, my meal came with mixed veggies and a fresh fruit cup. Don’t you love it when restaurants offer healthy sides like that?
After dinner, my sister and I then held an America’s Next Top Model photoshoot on a lifeguard house.
We then thought it was a good idea at the time to make Sand Angels.
Not such a good idea when you decide to go into Publix afterward because you have a random craving for popsicles.
Sand. Everywhere.
Overall, it was the best birthday and I’m so glad I could spend it with my sister at the beach.
Random question of the day: Do you like sand angels or snow angels better?
Aww, looks like a great birthday! Aren’t sisters the greatest?
I would definitely opt for a snow angel, me and the sand don’t get along so well!
Happy Belated Birthday and congrats on graduation!!!!!!!!!!!!! Glad you had an amazing time celebrating both events
Hmm.. SAND ANGELS! Living in the tundra, I really don’t like snow angels much anymore. I am trying to escape to the south.
What a great sounding way to spend your birthday! And I’m def a sand angel kinda gal!!
Sand angels better. I hate snow.
Happy Birthday! Looks like a fun place to celebrate.
Happy belated birthday! Looks like you had a great day!
Sand angels for sure!
Haha, I’ve done the same thing at that lifeguard station!
oh, what a perfect night! you deserve it girl
That sunset is pure art, thank you so much for sharing it with us. Brightenend my day!! <3
awww I’m so glad you had a good time with your sis! fyi: the beach pics totally made me jealous, not gonna lie.
Gotta love ANTM shoots
That show is hilarious!
<3 jess
xoxo
Happy birthday girl!!! Hmm I think there is a certain mysticalness (not a word i know ;P ) about snow angels but SAND angels represent nice warm weather and the freedom that summer brings, so im going to have to go with sand angels!! =)
sand angels all the way! (even though i’ve never done it) just bc i love warm weather.
happy bday!!!
Happy bday!!
That looks like a great birthday! As for snow or sand angels… I’m from Colorado but temporarily misplaced in Florida so I love them both but I’d have to go with snow as my favorite… They’re just too classic.
Hahahaha – such lovely pics!
Looks like you´ve had quite a birthday celebration… LOVED IT!
Have a wonderful day, love!
Brazilian XOXO´s,
Gabriela
BEST bday dinner!! i love when dressings are surprisingly DELICIOUS they can make or break a salad for sure!
love your dress!
This sounds like the most perfect birthday ever!! I am loving your blog so far!
Thank you girly! Can’t wait to read yours
Hey! I just found your blog and its great! I loooove coconut shrimp!
Coconut shrimp was a favorite of mine growing up
I seriously must’ve coconut shrimped myself out though – it’s been a LONG time since I’ve had it.
What an awesome birthday – you two are stunning
I love snow angels the best, but I do love the sand! I love your pictures!
I love your summertime playlist! So fun.
Also, sand angels are soooooooooooooo much better. Summer is 10x better than winter!
That sunset photo is beautiful… now I miss the beach
It looks like you had a great time – happy belated birthday!
What a great blog!! Happy Belated Birthday
It looks like you had a wonderful evening out and a super yummy dinner! Love the pics
I prefer sand angels…ahhh I love the sun and sand….
XXOO
Awh, so fun! Happy Belated Birthday. The restaurant looks so cute and I love the photo shoot on the lifeguard tower.
Happy belated dear!! Oh how I would have loved to spend my birthday on the beach. Love Frenchy’s–that and Crabby Bill’s are a must when I visit
Thank you girly! I really wish I could have been here when you were in Clearwater. You must come back and visit and we have a beach day+ eat at Frenchy’s.
SNOW angels are way better! hah sorry girl
I live right near this place im going to have to check it out!
Dana <3
http://happinessiswithin.wordpress.com/
That’s so neat! I love finding local bloggers. We’ll have to have a bloggy meetup one day
what an awesome restaurant on the beach. when i was in mexico, i went to this local restaurant on the beach and the sun was setting as we were eating. it was soooo perfect! looks like you had tons of fun girl!
Happy late bday & congrats on being a grad! Love your sand angels.
Looks like a fun birthday! I enjoy snow angels lol..being from Canada.
Getting sand in your hair and other body parts just does not seem enjoyable lol