Estel’s Re-Opens: Familiar, Delicious but With a Few Upgrades

Estel’s Dine by the Sea has been closed for over a month – and many residents of San Pedro have been jonesing for the fry jacks, the BBQ and the comfortable breakfast-all-day spot where you can sip your coffee with your toes in the sand.

Well…just a few days later than originally planned, they are open.  Today was the first day.  And a few days ago, I showed you a construction zone…after working until midnight last night, they were ready to open.

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And manager and son of the founders Estrella and Charlie looked very happy indeed.  Here are the pictures that I took.  I was going to post them on Facebook, but there were a few too many.  And any Facebook album over about 5 pics?  I pass right by.  So here’s what I saw and ate today.

Here’s Charles.  He said he’s been dreaming of this bar area for about 6 years.

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The area used to hold the “family table” basically one large dining room table where anyone could sit.  But a bit confusing to newbies.  This huge bar area is much more inviting…

And Charles now says he is able to stay open like a bar…until midnight.  He’s thinking dinner…maybe a few nights a week…but he’s not making any promises.  Yet.

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It’s a GREAT spot for the evening – right on the beach, beautiful lit.  It will be just about perfect for an event like the Lighted Holiday boat parade.IMG_5652

All the art is front of center – Estel’s is almost a gallery now!IMG_5653 IMG_5654

And the original floor has been unveiled.  Sand on the patio and that which is tracked in inside…IMG_5656

Just as I requested CONCH SOUP!

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But I had a bit of breakfast.  I HAVE MISSED YOU FRY JACKS!  I think they tasted better than ever…IMG_5659

And dipped them in my friend’s conch soup.  Spicy, cilantro-y with sweet tender conch.  SO GOOD.IMG_5660

AND, on the table, Marie Sharp’s New Edition smoked hot sauce.  This is my favorite flavor of hers BY far.  I need to know when this special edition is over…if ever…so that I can buy a case.  I’m not even a big hot sauce fan but add this to eggs…or rice when you are cooking it and it is DELICIOUS.

marie sharp

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