The Chimneys Restaurant
1640 Beach Blvd.
Gulfport, MS
228-863-7604
Lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday
http://www.chimneysrestaurant.com/
By Jane Feehan
The doors to The Chimneys Restaurant opened for business this month after a Hurricane Katrina- imposed hiatus. At the original site in a new and beautiful Acadian style structure, this Gulfport jewel is already attracting a steady stream of diners.
I visited on a Tuesday evening and was taken aback by how busy it was. “Curiosity is bringing them in,” said owner Dix Nord*, who with husband Peter, has run several iterations of this establishment.
I doubt it’s just curiosity. The food is good. The chef is back (along with some other staff), preparing food The Chimneys is noted for. Their shrimp crab chowder is chock full of seafood and lightly spiced – excellent. I dined on stuffed flounder – a whole fish – that tasted like it was just pulled from the water. Asparagus and a salad with a tasty Creole ranch dressing were perfect accompaniments.
This is a sophisticated, yet unpretentious place. Overheard were guests claiming the new Chimneys has the same warm, friendly look and feel of the one the storm destroyed. The only criticism would be the poor lighting after dark of the dining room. Hopefully, that will be remedied. The Nords have plans to open the porch for dining when weather permits; it’s a beautiful setting with an expansive Gulf vista. If it's the view you're after, go for lunch or early dinner. Live jazz is planned for the lounge area on weekend nights.
Dinners run about $15-30 and includes salad and a vegetable. Menu at link above. Service: Good. © 2010 All right reserved.
* Dix Nord passed away April 17, 2012 after a courageous battle against cancer.
For more information about the Mississippi Gulf Coast, visit:
Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau at www.gulfcoast.org
