That Carolina Hospitality

Bluewater Waterfront Grill in Wrightsville Beach is the perfect spot for The PubScout and his Missus to celebrate their 40th anniversary.

When the missus and I first came to the Tarheel State years ago to scout about for a place to retire, we visited various beach communities. One of those was Wrightsville Beach, and after being wowed by the amazing blue water off the city pier, we headed for a restaurant called Oceanic for lunch.

We dined outside on the dock. it was a beautiful setting and the food was excellent, but what impressed us was the friendliness of the staff. And that of the sea gulls, for whom special wires were in place to keep them from being too friendly.

At the time, of course, I didn’t know anything about LM Restaurants, which operates the business, and of which Oceanic is just one of many scattered through the South. LM is a family-run business owned by Lou and Joy Moshakos, who have garnered many awards and great respect for their approach to the restaurant/hospitality business.

Having reviewed other LM establishments, I noted that I hadn’t yet visited the Bluewater Waterfront Grill in Wrightsville Beach.

Everyone I spoke with who had been there gave it high praise, and with our 40th anniversary upon us, I decided to give it a try, even though it was an hour’s drive away.

The missus’ sister texted us en route to advise us that parking for the Bluewater was free in the lot across from the restaurant, but there was a fee attached to the spaces on the street. As fate would have it, we chose a night when some sort of convention was gathering at the restaurant, and there wasn’t a single space open in the lot. It cost me 10 bucks to park in the street. Fortunately, it was money well spent.

Bluewater Waterfront Grill is massive, with a variety of places to dine, some in labyrinthine rooms that you may not notice at first. We opted for a high-top table in the bar area. When we arrived — 6ish — the place was relatively empty, save for the convention occupying the upper floors (and the parking lot).

But that high-top seat allowed us to meet an absolutely charming young lady named Sydni. Her smile was genuine and her service efficient and she radiated that Carolina hospitality for which LM is known.

As we perused our menus and chatted, we noticed that the place was rapidly filling up.

There must have been a scramble for street parking, but obviously the growing crowd was finding spots.

I had been advised by my local bar mistress in OIB, who had been to Bluewater, that the Kung Pao Cauliflower Appetizer was outstanding, When it arrived it looked and smelled so good that we all started digging into it before I remembered I had to take a photo. So if that photo makes it into the story and looks like the dish was attacked, it was. My bar mistress was on the money.

With Sydni’s friendly attentiveness, we ordered our entrees.

Ray ordered filet mignon, Lisa ordered salmon, the missus ordered crab cakes and, despite the presence of shrimp and grits on the menu, I opted for the shrimp scampi, and a Bill’s Wave Break IPA.

Our food was excellent and beautifully plated. My shrimp scampi was decidedly different — and astoundingly good.

During dinner, I had the chance to meet with General Manager Ashley Greene, who has been at her current post for about five years and with LM restaurants for 14.

She spoke glowingly of owner Lou Moshakos and allowed that she considered him to be like a second father to her.

Her youthful, perky, smiling friendliness belied her real age (which will not be divulged here), and she was just as accommodating as could be. She exuded that Carolina hospitality on which LM prides itself. “Uncle” Lou should be proud.

By this time, the place was getting pretty packed, especially in the bar area, but also throughout its many different dining areas. The outside porch and dock area, too hot for dining upon our arrival, was by now basking in a beautiful breeze off the water. It will be our next choice of seating when we go back — in September or October.

Upon leaving, we needed someone to take a commemorative photo of this 40th anniversary get-together. I went to the hostess’s desk where three young ladies were working to deal with the increasing crowds. I asked if anyone was available to snap a picture, and a delightful young lady named Sandy immediately and smilingly volunteered. Carolina Hospitality again.

Usually taciturn Ray commented, “Everybody in this place is so friendly!” They sure were. And well worth the 10 bucks parking charge.

Want to go?
Bluewater Waterfront Grill
4 Marina Street, Wrightsville Beach
(910) 256-8500
bluewaterdining.com