“I feel like I’m on vacation, but I practically live down the street,” says a diner enjoying a bushwhacker at The Waterfront, the latest restaurant in partners “Panini” Pete Blohme and Nick Dimario’s ever-expanding empire.
Tucked at the end of a winding residential street, the site of the former Lake Forest Yacht Club has been transformed into a new bayfront space with a huge, expanded deck made for lingering over sunsets and a boat dock for those arriving by water. The establishment feels like both a holiday getaway and quintessentially Mobile Bay all at once.
Upon entering, guests are welcomed to calming sage-green walls and cheerful, colorful murals of oysters, blue crabs and nautical motifs. The cold bar is located at the front of the restaurant so that patrons can see the culinary team at work. “I wanted to give the dining room a sense of motion and activity,” says Dimario. Despite the location’s spaciousness, the interior is thoughtfully divided to create a more intimate ambiance.
Outside, the large, covered patio is nestled up against the banks of the Bay, offering sweeping views of the water and downtown Mobile off in the distance. “We have live music on Sunday nights, and once football season comes, we are going to have a big outdoor TV and fire pits,” says Blohme. “I want to get some seafood boils going out there,” adds Dimario.
The menu features classic dishes with international influences. The bestseller is their twist on the bacon cheeseburger, elevated to a gourmet delight with a garlicky, herbaceous and creamy goat Boursin, balanced with sweet strawberry jam oozing from the sides of the bun. Locally sourced Gulf shrimp, fresh oysters, and crab feature alongside sandwiches and appetizers. A fresh and local approach, infused with global inspiration, is the theme.
“We had just found out that we weren’t going to be able to rebuild Ed’s on the Causeway when Lake Forest reached out to us,” Dimario says. “We jumped at the opportunity.” As diners sit outdoors, enjoying their meals while watching a mesmerizing red and orange sunset reflected on the water, it becomes apparent that this opportunity extends beyond just Blohme and Dimario. It encompasses all of us who live here, reminding us that we are all merely a winding road away from paradise.
Left Cast Iron Roasted Oysters. Right Southern Charcuterie
On The Menu
Cast Iron Roasted Oysters
Fresh, plump Gulf oysters are roasted in a cast iron skillet with kale, crispy bacon, and a generous dose of butter and garlic. A squeeze of lemon makes the rich flavors pop, and the crusty bread that accompanies it is ideal for dipping.
Southern Charcuterie
This smorgasbord is made for sharing! Fried Conecuh sausage with spicy Creole mustard, creamy white pimento cheese, roasted cauliflower and tangy, house-made pickles are served with wonton chips.
Seafood Goblet
Lightly grilled Gulf shrimp, hearts of palm, fresh veggies and chimichurri are crowned with lump crabmeat, avocado and a hint of lime juice.
Fit for royalty!
Fish Of The Day
Today, it’s buttery grilled amberjack topped with mango salsa and a refreshing drizzle of key lime aioli. The generous portion of fish sits atop yellow rice with pigeon peas and is paired with charred okra.
The Waterfront • 1 Yacht Club Drive • 626-9329 • Mon- Sun 11:00 a.m. – 9 p.m.
