Backstage Pass: Model Victoria Henley has a Lulu of a good time

by VICTORIA HENLEY
CTFashionMag.com

Owned by famous restauranteur, Lucy Buffett (sister of the legendary musician, Jimmy Buffet), LuLu Buffett’s offers scrumptious coastal cuisine, incomparable beach views and boisterous live music, all coming together to create a laid back dining experience unlike anything else you’ll find in Myrtle Beach.

Nestled in the bustling entertainment complex, Barefoot Landing (which features a rotating line-up of live music, seasonal fireworks and unique shopping opportunities), LuLu Buffett’s combines an en plein air atmosphere, a bright, lively aesthetic (complete with photographs of Lucy Buffett and her distinctively iconic family) and a delectable variety of chef-prepared starters, entrees, appetizers, and desserts to create a casual atmosphere that takes it food quite seriously (but doesn’t take itself too seriously.)

An extensive selection of gluten free options as well as a menu specifically tailored toward individuals with allergies is also available, ensuring that every member of your dining party, even those with stringent dietary restrictions will find something suited to whet even their most elusive cravings. Combining salt of the earth, down-home seafood classics with dynamic, contemporary new recipes, paired with a stellar selection of house cocktails and libations, LuLu Buffets sets itself distinctly apart from the rest with a unique style, which holds true to owner Lucy Buffett’s gypsy rebel persona and free spirit.

Savoring the peaceful beach views from LuLu Buffets porch dining alcove, the Backstage Pass on IHeart Radio/CTFashionMag team was given the chance to experience this delightful treasure of a restaurant and seek out the best of the best drinks, starters, soups, entrees, and beyond, which you absolutely must try on your next visit to Myrtle Beach.

DRINKS

Hurricane: A mix of silver rum, southern comfort, raspberry, liquor, and fruit juices.

Sunset Peach: A perfect southern staple, this peachy cocktail features Jim Beam peach whiskey.

Lulu’s World Famous Bushwacker: A special blend of vanilla ice cream, coffee liqueur and cruzan coconut rum, topped with rum floater.

SOUPS

As soup connoisseurs and enthusiasts know, finding quality, hearty, and satiating soup options while traveling can seem to be an insurmountable feat; however, LuLu Buffett’s offers some of the best, and finest quality soups on the Grand Strand.

Some of our favorites were:

LuLu’s famous seafood gumbo: The roux is hand-stirred “until your arms fall off.”

Shrimp and corn bisque: LuLu’s version of a coastal classic.

APPETIZERS:

Fried green tomatoes: Award-winning and served with LuLu’s Wow sauce.

Crazy Sista’s Crab Dip: Sweet Claw meat, Swiss and cheddar cheeses, green onion and Mayo. Served bubbling hot in a mini cast iron skillet, with fried flour tortilla chips.

ENTREES:

Key West Bowl: Bowl of Cuban yellow rice, island black beans and “mama’s turnip greens” topped with shrimp. Served with your choice of sauces: LuLu’s Ginger lime, mojo sauce, Lulu’s sassy salsa and Lulu’s Wow sauce.

Shrimp and grits: Mouth watering and decadent shrimp and andouille sausage in a Tasso and tomato cream sauce. Served with Gouda grits.

Fresh seasonal snapper: All entrees served with French fries, Cole slaw, and corn and cheddar hush puppies.

LULU’S ARCADE

Conveniently stationed beachside, right beside LuLu Buffett’s Restaurant and the ropes course, LuLu’s Arcade features state of the art classic and contemporary arcade games, infectiously upbeat vintage, beach themed decor, and flexible hours, providing endless opportunity for indoor fun anytime of the day, rain or shine. Featuring a friendly, helpful staff, games tailored for all ages and experience levels, and some the most whimsical and unique arcade prizes you’ll find anywhere, LuLu’s Arcade is sure to offer something to intrigue, excite, and delight the kids (and kids of all ages) in your party.

A plethora of games ranging from beloved retro classics to modern interactive simulation stations afford guests a well rounded, optimal arcade experience, and a few of our favorite games are listed below, which you absolutely must try on your gaming card during your next LuLu’s Arcade visit.

THE ICE MAN

Shoot the Super Sprayer at the zombies and power-up to unlock an intense 12 stream water cannon for more stopping power.

SNOWBALL TOSS REDEMPTION ARCADE GAME:

Take down the friendly snowmen with this winter wonderland-themed ball toss game.

LANE MASTER BOWLING ARCADE GAME

Lane Master Twin Bowling Arcade Game is a video bowling alley concept that blends the physical fun of an alley roller with the versatility of a video game. This makes it easy to have a Bowling Alley in your home

PIANO KEYS

Worthy of a standing ovation! Grand Piano Keys’ beautifully lit, attention-grabbing cabinet and marquee, along with the fun, simple game play will have aspiring musicians flocking back time and again to beat their high scores.

WHEEL OF FORTUNE

To play the game, contestants turn the spinner and hold their breath as the Giant Wheel spins round, with electrifying light and sound, as it slows and stops on a value. A stunning brunette host moves across the screen, turning letters with a smile to reveal words within challenging puzzles. As the letters are unveiled, contestants guess the phrase to win.

LULU BUFFETT’S MOUNTAIN OF YOUTH ROPES COURSE

Climb high above the trees and experience birds eye views of the viscerally breathtaking Barefoot Landing from the exhilarating, challenging, and strenuous “Mountain of Youth” ropes course. Upon being harnessed by the well trained and hospitable staff members, participants climb up winding staircases to the quad-layered ropes course, which features 26 various elements, endless opportunity for adventure, an optional free-fall exit (which poses an opportunity for extra adrenaline surges) and takes around 20 or 30 minutes to complete.

Painted in bright, cheerful tones of pink, green and yellow, featuring festive tropical themed decor, LuLu Buffett’s Mountain of Youth Ropes Course utilizes “spinning log”, slack wire simulants and various other challenges to test the balance, strength, stamina and agility of guests of all ages.