
Ever wonder if your kids are listening? Absorbing? Growing in their values? All it took was a fried grouper sandwich with secret sauce to confirm Trey maturely grasps the concept of expressing gratitude (clearly I should improve my cooking skills!) Trey visited the restaurant 6 days straight, often alone ("You can come mom, but I like my independence") and developed a camaraderie with the owners of Lee Be Fish Company. Near the end of our trip he was unusually talkative to me, raving about the delicious food and the personable staff. Ron showed him the numerous written reviews from prior customers, usually 1-2 lines about the exceptional fresh seafood and Trey was compelled to do the same.
My parent's condo is next door to the small shopping center, Shops of Olde Marco. These shops have been present for decades; in my mind the building seemingly unchanged since 1975. As the island grew and hotels built on the beach coastline, less traffic ventured to the quiet north, inter-coastal region. Shops in this area have been known to struggle for business, particularly in the off season. Routinely we return year after year to discover a favorite store has either moved or closed. Fortunately Trey gave a huge boost to Lee Be Fish Company this past week. The secret is out however, as checking online, Lee Be's is listed as the second favorite restaurant out of 105 in Marco Island. The restaurant is basically a hot grill and stove-top and a fish-cleaning station. It is about the size of an office. You eat outdoors among the palm trees on the tropical patio shared between store-owners. http://shopsofoldemarco.com/
Religiously, Trey walked to the shops and ordered lunch from Tammy, Lee, and Eddie. If Lee wasn't there it was because he was 70 miles out, fishing in the gulf , hence the name "Lee Be Fish(ing!) Company." Last March they closed shop for nearly 3 weeks as poor weather and heavy winds curtailed safe fishing practices. They only cook what they catch, and if they can't catch it, the store is closed.
My parent's condo is next door to the small shopping center, Shops of Olde Marco. These shops have been present for decades; in my mind the building seemingly unchanged since 1975. As the island grew and hotels built on the beach coastline, less traffic ventured to the quiet north, inter-coastal region. Shops in this area have been known to struggle for business, particularly in the off season. Routinely we return year after year to discover a favorite store has either moved or closed. Fortunately Trey gave a huge boost to Lee Be Fish Company this past week. The secret is out however, as checking online, Lee Be's is listed as the second favorite restaurant out of 105 in Marco Island. The restaurant is basically a hot grill and stove-top and a fish-cleaning station. It is about the size of an office. You eat outdoors among the palm trees on the tropical patio shared between store-owners. http://shopsofoldemarco.com/
Religiously, Trey walked to the shops and ordered lunch from Tammy, Lee, and Eddie. If Lee wasn't there it was because he was 70 miles out, fishing in the gulf , hence the name "Lee Be Fish(ing!) Company." Last March they closed shop for nearly 3 weeks as poor weather and heavy winds curtailed safe fishing practices. They only cook what they catch, and if they can't catch it, the store is closed.
Trey's Google Review: Lee be fish is by far the best restaurant in all of Marco and one of the best restaurants in Florida. My family and I rent a condo in the Marco island Inn Villas which is next door to the shops of Olde Marco, so everyday I was here I got something from Lee be's which was 6 days in a row. Everyday I went I ended up getting the Fried grouper sandwich with a side of Fries which is both fresh and delicious. My dad got the fish taco one day and said it was amazing. Also one day when I was in the pool a lady told me the shrimp tacos were to die for. One day I was there, Larry, who is in charge of keeping everything clean and up to shape in the shops, was there and asked if I had tried the Shrimp. I hadn't so he told Eddy who is one of the cooks to grill me up some so he did. I tried them and they were just as good as the Grouper sandwich. It was the best shrimp I have ever had. The workers are both fun and courteous. Tammie who works the counter is a very fun person to talk to. If she had the time I would bet she'd talk about fishing all day with you. Eddy who is one of the cooks and works the counter when Tammie's not there is very friendly and helpful. He's funny and interacts with his customers. I can't wait to return to Marco and eat all their Grouper Again. I highly recommend you go to this restaurant. ----Trey Larson
The kids spent a lot of time at the Shops of Olde Marco. The other main attraction at the end of the shopping center was next to Joe's Hideaway. A 10 foot tall lumber post with a hook in the center, a string hanging from the top of the post, and a metal ring attached to the end of the string. Swing the ring on the string until it catches the hook...you're the winner! Simple, inexpensive fun and entertainment (pre KIK's, snapchats,ooVoo and instagrams!)
Express gratitude for the big and small things in your life. Recognize those who make a positive difference in your life...celebrate those who do what they love and in the process make the world a better place. Share your positive experiences and in so doing you discover your own abundance. We will forever celebrate fresh, fried grouper sandwiches and the kind people who prepare them for us. Thank you for reading.