Over the years, Executive Chef Clint Boutwell has perfected his signature steak preparation technique, which has earned The Oxford Eagle’s “Best Steak” award for 9 of the past 10 years. Photo courtesy The Grillehouse.
East River Smokehouse has been sold to Restauranteur Clint Boutwell, a chef who currently owns six Mississippi restaurants, including three steakhouses. Boutwell aims to open an outdoor daiquiri bar on the waterfront deck by July 4 and an indoor upscale steakhouse by September, following a total interior renovation.
Boutwell, who has resided in Gulf Breeze for about a year, is now hiring staff for Mango Mary’s, a daiquiri bar named after his daughter, who will be helping with operations this summer. The bar will also serve Southern-style seafood, feature 4-5 daiquiri machines and offer live entertainment and cornhole tournaments.
He plans to temporarily shut down the interior restaurant during a total renovation. “I’m going to gut this entire place and use lighter colors.”
Alise McCreary, right, vice president of operations for The Grillehouse Restaurants, is on site, helping plan for the opening of Mango Mary’s the the impending renovation to the East River Smokehouse building.
Boutwell’s passion for food and restaurants were nurtured in his Grandmother’s kitchen and enhanced through culinary classes, including an internship with Emerils in New Orleans.
His existing restaurants include three locations of The Grillehouse located in Tupelo, Southhaven and Oxford, Mississippi. “I’m good at steakhouses. It’s my forte,” he said.
Boutwell went on to point out that the soon-to-be fourth The Grillehouse restaurant will not be an a la carte restaurant. “Each steak will come with two sides and still cost less than the big steakhouses in Pensacola. You’re gonna get a lot of value for the money.”
Additionally, other popular dishes will include Boom Boom Shrimp tossed in a creamy Asian sweet chili sauce and Grilled Thick-Cut Bacon Slices topped with pepper jelly and goat cheese. Other menu favorites include smoked gouda mac & cheese and a blue cheese wedge with marinated tomatoes, bacon and a sweet balsamic reduction.
The wine list will feature high-end wines, such as Caymus, served by the glass, plus there will also be a custom cocktail menu.
For more information check out http://thegrillehouse.com
Mango Mary’s is now hiring staff in anticipation of their July 4 opening. Email Manager@MangomarysFL.com to apply.
