Polo Grill and Bar set to kick off 10th anniversary celebration with Cajun Classic

Polo Grill and Bar, a Lakewood Ranch-based restaurant serving American cuisine with a global soul, will “Let the Good Times Roll” in celebration of its upcoming 10th anniversary with its annual Spyder Broussard Low Country-East County Shrimp Boil & Fish Fry on July 15.

The event, which also began 10 years ago, will be held from 6:30 - 11 p.m., at the restaurant at 10670 Boardwalk Loop in Lakewood Ranch.

The Spyder Broussard Low Country-East County Shrimp Boil & Fish Fry pays homage to the time Polo Grill and Bar proprietor and chef Tommy Klauber spent working in New Orleans years ago, as well a tribute to Houma, La. native, Spyder Broussard, Klauber’s good friend and the uncle of his wife and fellow Polo Grill and Bar proprietor Jaymie Klauber.

“Jaymie’s uncle is about as Cajun as you can get,” says Tommy Klauber.

Every summer, for as long as they can remember, the Klaubers hosted an authentic shrimp boil for family and friends at The Colony on Longboat Key. The cuisine coupled with the laughter and quality time they spent together served as inspiration for the annual event.

“It’s made an impression,” says Tommy Klauber. “People love it. People ask all the time about it.”

As in years past, newspapers and rolls of paper towels will don the tables as guests are encouraged to kick back and relax while celebrating the flair of the Crescent City.

This year’s menu once again features a wide variety of Cajun delicacies, including boiled shrimp with sweet corn and andouille sausage, Gumbo Ya Ya Acadian with Popcorn Rice, fried catfish, Baked Oysters Bienville, Cajun Ratatouille, Beignets du Monde and more.

In addition, Tommy Klauber has a company in Lafayette, La., overnight him boudin sausage, a classic white Cajun sausage that’s often paired with rice.

“It’s a real Louisiana delicacy, and unless you’ve ever had it at our place or in Louisiana, then you’ve never tried this sausage,” says Tommy Klauber. “It’s just delicious. People go crazy for that too.”

The event will feature live music by the Gumbo Boogie Band, who will bring the zydeco sounds of New Orleans to Lakewood Ranch. Reservations for the event, which costs $37.50 per person, are required.

“We put a lot of special little details into the menu,” says Tommy Klauber. “We want to be authentic, but not completely authentic. We’re not sticklers but still create a great product.”

The Spyder Broussard Low Country-East County Shrimp Boil & Fish Fry will serve as the kickoff for the Polo Grill and Bar’s 10th anniversary. In the coming months, the restaurant plans to kick off its $10 lunch promotion as well as various lounge parties in preparation for its big 10th anniversary party on November 1.

About the Polo Grill and Bar
A new breed of American eatery, Polo Grill and Bar pairs imaginative food and wine with caring hospitality, comfortable surroundings and exceptional value. Serving American cuisine with a global soul, Polo Grill is often referred to as "the living room of Lakewood Ranch" by locals.

Created by renowned restaurateurs Tommy and Jaymie Klauber, Polo Grill and Bar is designed to be unique, offering a rich ambiance, superb food and outstanding personal service. The executive chef, Jaryd Hearn, serves only the freshest seafood and the highest quality of meats and produce. Committed to sourcing local sustainable and organic foods, everything from the sauces, soups and dressings through the delectable desserts are fresh and house-made. Polo Grill is a proud member of the Sarasota-Manatee Originals. For more information, visit www.PoloGrillandBar.com or call 941-782-0899.