(August 31, 2006)

One of the problems with dining in Round Rock is the lack of owner operated restaurants. Things up here in the land of Dell tend to get a little “chainy” if you know what I mean. And that’s why if you like seafood with a little bit of a Cajun twist you should make it a point to visit Pacific Star Oyster Bar at 351 W. Taylor ave in Round Rock. It’s not pretentious: in fact, a pretentious Cajun restaurant would be kind of an oxymoron, no? It’s just what it should be: comfortable and inviting.

And so when you head over to Pacific Star and you want to emulate mois, start with the Crab Fingers. These lovely little blue crab claws are deep fried but absolutely irresistible. I can go through an order like a hungry shark blasting through chum. And you must try the Oysters on the Half Shell. They are sweet and succulent. And at $6.95 a dozen, I often get two dozen. Now I love Eddie V’s oysters as well, but you can get about maybe two of them for $6.95.So Pacific Star is the value oyster king! And also try the Catfish Nuggets. We’re talking essential comfort food here. So they’re caloricly challenged. So what? They’re crispy and have serious little bursts of flavor. Go for it. And try the Gumbo while you’re at it. This has a mild, pleasant roux and while it may not be my favorite in the city (could have a little more zap to it), it holds its own.

And please don’t leave without at least one member of your party ordering the Oyster Po Boy. They call this sandwich the Peacemaker in New Orleans and for good reason. Who would want to mix it up when you can be chowing down on this instead? It’s simple: served on a fresh French roll with lettuce and tomatoes and mayo. And it rocks.

The entrees at Pacific Star are pretty much what you would expect: a mixture of deep fried seafood favorites and Cajun classics. Catfish enthusiasts will appreciate the Whole Catfish. It’s got a little bit of a muddy flavor to it which is characteristic of these bottom dwellers. But you gotta love it. And the Pacific Star Platter is similar to what you get at those on the coast tourist-trap places in S. Texas. But with a huge exception. This platter is good. Fried shrimp, oysters, catfish, crab, hushpuppies. And not greasy. Cher, my cup do run over! I also like the Stuffed Whole Founder.

Crab meat, bread crumbs, celery and onions, spices and of course butter make up the stuffing. And when the two combine, it’s just way cool.

Finally, the pies de resistance, the Crawfish Etouffee. This has an almost immediate rush from the rich, dark roux. Fans of blonde etouffee may not be as crazy about this, but I love it. I could eat this dish until I inflicted bodily harm on myself: that’s how much I like it.

So there you have it food fans. Pacific Star is on 351 W. Taylor. Take the exit off I-35 that says Rte 79 and Dell Diamond. This place is all about great value and darn right decent chow. The kids will be comfortable here and mom and dad can enjoy a cool one while wolfing down some oysters. It’s win win, and we can use a little of that.

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