Bud N’ Mary’s Marina has heart-stopping sunset views that can’t be beat. Some would even say they are the best in the Florida Keys — a land with many can’t-be-beat sunset views.
And according to Bud N’ Mary’s staff, the charter fleet also provides the best sportfishing in Islamorada, the “Sport Fishing Capital of the World.” Athletes, movie stars and even a president or two have been known to hop on Bud N’ Mary’s boats for a day of dropping lines.
And now, the tourist hot spot is about to put another feather in its cap: Chef Erik’s Swordfish Grill, set to open officially at the marina with a party for the public on Friday, Feb. 28. The small, nine-table eatery will be open in the evenings on Thursdays through Saturdays, providing dishes that highlight swordfish.
And chef Erik Rodriguez makes possibly the best fish tacos around.
But with all their accomplishments, why is the Stanczyk family, the owners of Bud N’ Mary’s, taking a stab at opening a restaurant? The Swordfish Grill is modestly sized, and it will only be open part of the week, but it’s still a restaurant. And just ask Gordon Ramsay — that industry is not for the faint of heart.
Bud N’ Mary’s owner Richard Stanczyk (known as “the chief” by a few close friends), has a few thoughts about that.
“Things are pricey now in the Keys,” he said. “And we’re the little guys standing with the giant resorts. So we wanted to create an evening business that’s relaxed and good to bring families to. They can eat, feed the tarpon, then look at the views from our upper deck. It’s a unique location, being at a working marina.
“We’re not looking to create a high-end restaurant,” Stanczyk continued. “It’s more like an attraction. And Erik and his wife and family are lovely. Erik wants to have his own business, so it’s a good situation for him.”
In addition to both running the marina’s cafe and launching Chef Erik’s Swordfish Grill, Rodriguez is also currently the executive chef at a very popular high-end restaurant close by — so his plate is full (no pun intended). But passion for food runs in his veins.
“I have this in my blood,” he said about his upbringing in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. “Everybody around me was a cook, a chef or something in the kitchen. My grandma and my grandpa were restaurant owners, and when I was 9 I started catering with my dad for 200 people. Then I spent two years in culinary school.”
With the new grill, Rodriguez and Stanczyk wanted to focus just on swordfish, since very few places in the Keys offer that.
“Not a lot of people sell swordfish,” Rodriguez said. “And people want it — they are already stopping by, after seeing our new sign by the road, asking about when we’re opening. People say that it’s a hard fish to cook, but I’ve never had a problem with swordfish before.”
On a recent Sunday afternoon, Rodriguez brought over a dish that will be on the Swordfish Grill’s menu: three fish tacos. Slabs of parmesan-encrusted meat, topped with microgreens, spilled from the handmade soft tortillas.
“I like people to leave here happy,” he said.
The particulars: Chef Erik’s Swordfish Grill will launch with an opening-night party on Friday, Feb. 28, from 5 to 7 p.m.
“There will be plenty of swordfish to try,” said Rodriguez, in addition to charcuterie plates and other small bites. The mini-restaurant will be open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 5 to 7:30 p.m. The chef’s other eatery, the PR Cafe, is open daily from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. and provides coffee and breakfast sandwiches to go with the amazing views. Ask Edna to make you an espresso: It will knock your fishing boots off.
