Few people likely remember that years ago Pirana Grille, 241 N. U.S. 1, Ormond Beach, was Williams Fruit & Gift Shop, a bright and shiny fresh orange and souvenir stand. Over the years Staff Writer Audrey Parente has chronicled the evolution of the spot, through several different restaurants. But she hadn't been there for a while and decided to check out how the place is faring these days.
She asked former News-Journal editor Laurence Bennett to meet her for a menu sampling, and on a recent cold evening found a warm reception from a cheerful staff, at an updated sports bar with half-a-dozen big screen televisions and a huge menu.
How was the appearance?
White cloth table covers with yellow cloth accents, clean white linoleum flooring, bright windows and good lighting made the place a pleasing restaurant with a fully stocked polished wooden bar.
What did you order?
The menu offered lots of standard sports bar fare, including 21 Angus sirloin burger choices. But it also had a dinner selection of fish, steak dinners, dinner salads and personal pizzas.
We shared a coconut shrimp appetizer and Greek salad. Four fat and hot deep-fried coconut shrimp and a generous salad -- made with romaine lettuce by my request -- proved filling and would have been enough. But we had already each ordered an entree as well.
What entrees did you order?
It was a fish kind of night for us. I ordered grouper -- the real deal -- grilled with fresh vegetables, which arrived as a bountiful plate. I nibbled but asked for a to-go box. Bennett chose Fish of the Day -- sole -- grilled with veggies. He nibbled, too, and got his own box.
Anything else?
Well, yes. I just drank water, but Bennett hadn't finished his Yuengling beer, so we decided to hang out awhile longer and tried apple and Key lime pies for dessert -- because the red velvet cake on the menu wasn't available. Pies: not so special. Or maybe we really were too stuffed to appreciate the warm apples and heavy Key lime filling.
How much did it cost?
Yuengling beer, $2; coconut shrimp appetizer, $5.95; Greek salad $8.95; grilled grouper with veggies, $12.95; grilled sole with veggies, $8.95; apple and Key lime pies, $2.75 each. Total with tax and tip: $55.90
Pirana Grille
WHERE: 241 N. U.S. 1, Ormond Beach
HOURS: 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. (food 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.) daily
PHONE: 386-673-3336; piranagrille.com
MISC.: Parking in front and back. Major credit cards accepted.
