Recently we took a trip to Hilton Head Island. We have a bonafide beach baby and he had not had his feet in the sand in nearly a year. This makes year four that we have visited the island and it was perfect as usual. We lucked out with the weather and they have a lot to do for families with wee tots. I penned a kid friendly piece on the island for Red Tricycle last year and you can see it here. However, this post is dedicated my favorite subject to the food and drink of HHI.

It is not a secret that we Pinkeltons like to eat. When we travel we really like to eat. All bets are off when you leave your zip code/area code or time zone and  I believe to really experience a place you must eat all that they have to offer. This especially holds true when you go anywhere near the coast because seafood is God’s gift to us all, and who is going to say no when presented with said gift? Not this girl. I recently lost ten freaking pounds just so I could eat tons of food on vacation while wearing a bathing suit and not look like 20 pounds of crap in a ten pound bag while doing it. Here is a list of a few things I stuffed in my face…..

Plantation Cafe and Deli’s New York Eggs Benedict  – I love to try different versions of eggs benedict while we are on vacation and this meal was so tasty. Crispy corned beef hash is a guilty pleasure of mine and that is what is added to this dish to give it the NYC moniker. I proudly cleaned my plate and had about three cups of coffee. My stomach was full and I was wired! A great way to start the day.

Holy City Clementitious – This pale ale made with Jarrylo hops and fruit flavors is great for the beach/pool with its light taste and aluminum can packaging. As usual I fell in love with this drink only to learn I will not see it in Georgia anytime soon. This beer was made exclusively for Harris Teeter grocery store which are nowhere to be found in our state. XOXO…until we meet again this time next year.

Steamer Seafood’s Sizzlin’ Seafood Dip – This is shrimp, crabmeat and cheese served with tortilla chips. The only way it could be better would be if it was sprinkled with fairy dust and a unicorn brought it to your table. If you are looking for something a little lighter I also highly recommend their Charleston She-Crab soup.  Yum!

He’Brew Bittersweet Lenny’s R.I.P.A.  – To say this is hop forward would be an understatement. This American Double IPA packs a punch which is why it is so fitting that they names it after Lenny Bruce. It went down easy with a malty smooth finish which is a bad thing  considering its high alcohol content.

Aunt Chilada’s Grilled Shrimp Tacos – This spot belongs to the Coastal Restaurant and Bars (CRaB) group the Hilton Head area. I would love to try the others but this one is right on target every time. When  the kid asked for crab legs their menu offered a kid’s portion with a side of fries. What four year old wants crab legs? Our young foodie, that’s who.

My grilled shrimp tacos were some of the best that I have ever had. I believe that shrimp tacos only need three ingredients: good shrimp, fresh pico and a great Baja sauce. These fit that requirement perfectly. I may have to call them and see if they can throw a few in a Fed-Ex box and send them to me for lunch.

It is possible that I didn’t gain back the ten pounds that I lost before visiting Hilton Head? Possible, but highly unlikely.

What did you eat on your summer vacation?