The sign on the front of the old Blue Bayou building announces "Coming Soon." -The Old Fish House Cafe. After the recent community controversy over unshaven bivalves, it`s a welcome relief to see a wholesome and aptly named establishment. The brainchild of restaurateurs Pete and Frankie Petrie, this newest eatery in town will be a welcome addition to Cedar Key`s casual dining scene. The big news for Cedar Keyans is the name of the man who will be responsible for the Cafe`s kitchen. Pat Hibbits of Pat`s Red Luck is back in town! Hibbits ran the Red Luck for 13 years and people are still talking about his bourbon shrimp. Even though he`s a Connecticut Yankee, subtle Southern touches appear in many of his dishes. Hibbits has been cooking since he was 13 years old, gaining experience in country club kitchens, eventually becoming a restaurateur himself in Connecticut before coming to Cedar Key. The cafe`s menu is a palate pleaser, presenting a variety of offerings for both the lunch and dinner crowd. louisiana bourbon shrimp is there along with traditional seafood platters, pot roast with mashed and chicken parmigiana. Specials such as the `Champ,` braised brisket of beef on a baguette with onions and gravy is bound to be a favorite of the carnivores. Pat`s version of New England clam chowder, his hearty zuppa de pesce with fresh seafood in a spicy tomato sauce and a soup of the day, all come from the kitchen`s stockpots. Lettuce lovers will have a choice of chef`s, Caesar or chicken salad, as well as a tempting grilled steak layered over a bed of greens.
Everything on the menu is made from scratch, the deli sandwiches layered with in-house roasted hams, turkeys and beef. Open every day from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m., The Old Fish House Cafe will offer dine in and take out options. The scenic Back Bayou forms the backdrop for the outdoor eating deck. The interior offers counter seating and tables that will comfortably seat up to 100 patrons. In addition to the restaurant, the building will also house the law office of Granville E.(Pete) Petrie and Frankie Petrie`s realty firm. The Petries are not strangers to Cedar Key. Frankie nee Hembree, was raised on the island. Her father`s party boats Sunny Skies and Miss Cedar Key will be remembered by many old-timers here. After graduating from Cedar Key School in 1961, she went on to attain a Doctorate in Educational Psychology. Pete Petrie is from Virginia originally. He is a civil trial attorney, practicing most recently in Tallahassee. Together, they bring a wealth of talent to our island community. Hibbits says his emphasis will be on quality, quantity and affordability. The Petries promise good food and good service. It sounds like a winning formula. With Spring considered the season of new beginnings, we eagerly look forward to the February opening of the Petrie`s new Old Fish House Cafe, located on the peaceful waters of Cedar Key`s Back Bayou . | 
