Felix A.
Yelp
Really happy to post a new review for The Peninsula or that it's under new management and has had a bit of a renovation. Note this is a review of the bar and restaurant only -- the hotel isn't welcoming guests to stay just yet, as renovations are still under way.
Mel and I stopped in on a Friday evening after a few beers at O'Maddy's, looking forward to trying their food and cocktails. We were not disappointed! We started with the Smoked Mahi Spread, which is served with thick slices of toasted sourdough and garnished with slices of pickled jalapeño--delicious! Mahi flavor is always so subtle, so adding the jalapeño gives it a nice kick, while the sourdough provides great crunch to every bite.
Just as we were finishing that dish, our first round of cocktails. We both went with drinks out server recommended that were not on the menu: Mel went with the Mezcal Old Fashioned, while I ordered the Smoked Old Fashioned. Both were excellent -- the Mezcal one stands out because it's lighter, brighter, and more lively on the palate than the Mezcal Old Fashioneds they used to serve at the old Sea Dog Cantina in Gulfport (now The Drunken Taco), while the Smoked Old Fashioned benefits from a lovely presentation: our server brought it to us in a corked bottle with the smoke trapped inside, so the beverage could absorb as much of that flavor as possible right up until it's poured. Order it and see for yourself!
As for our dinners, Mel came out the winner this evening. She went with the NY Strip, which comes sliced and served on a bed of Goat Cheese polenta, chimichurri and roasted cherry tomatoes-- well seasoned, perfect temperature, excellent overall. My dinner choice, the Seaside Shrimp n' Grits, was very good, too--the shrimps were large, fresh, and flavorful and the mushroom and peppercorn gravy added a unique earthiness to the dish as a whole--but if you have the choice, go with the steak, especially if you're a steak lover.
We wrapped up our meal with chocolate churros, another splendid recommendation from our server. Their spin on this Latin sweet treat features a Mexican chocolate dip for the churros that's got some sneaky heat to it -- nothing crazy as far as spiciness but just enough to be felt. Loved it, would definitely order it again.
All in all, we had a wonderful date night experience at the "new" Historic Peninsula. Looking forward to more great things from this Gulfport Waterfront District icon as they continue to renovate and refine their guest experience.