The Call of the Sea

Whiteboot Heroes of Beaufort

Special thanks to artist Sandra Roper - Shrimpers at The Gay Seafood Company

Whenever I’m in Charleston, I head over for lunch at Little Jack’s Tavern and order their legendary shrimp burger. It’s served on a decadent brioche bun and topped with lettuce, tomato, and an unusually delicious herb mayonnaise. I can taste the ocean with every bite. Owner Brooks Reitz even gave me their cherished recipe, but only after I promised to share it. (recipe below)

I also love Hilda Upton’s shrimp burgers at the popular Shrimp Shack on St. Helena Island. The greatest part about the shack is eating outdoors on rustic wooden tables with salty breezes. After lunch, I always drive across Hwy. 21, and if I’m lucky and happen to be there at just the right time, I watch the shrimp boats come in at Gay Seafood and offload the shrimp.

After all spring afternoons in Beaufort are a great time for heading out to the sea islands in search of seafood fresh from last night’s tide.  As you approach the end of St. Helena Island, turn right into the Gay Seafood Company, a special place of quiet beauty, oyster beds, and rugged sea-battered shrimp boats draped in sea-green nets.

It was there that I met Mako, an 80-year-old captain with no plans to retire.