Ranch's Polo Grill sizzles with annual shrimp boil

It’s been years since Polo Grill and Bar owner Tommy Klauber worked in New Orleans, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t miss the sights, sounds and spices of the Crescent City.

Now, Klauber is once again bringing a little Cajun flair to Lakewood Ranch. Klauber and his good friend, Spyder Broussard, a native of Louisiana, will host the fourth annual Spyder Broussard Low Country-East County Shrimp Boil from 6:30-10:30 p.m., July 16, at the restaurant, 10672 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch Main Street.

“The shrimp boil is a summertime event that celebrates the community and allows people to get together in a really casual, fun way,” Klauber said. “This is the fourth year, and every year, it’s been just a kick. We don’t serve our regular menu. It’s all about people having a good time.”

The event will feature live music by the Gumbo Boogie Band and an authentic Cajun-style buffet complete with Oysters Bienville, Gumbo Ya-Ya, crawfish corn dogs, boiled shrimp, boudin (sausage), beignets du monde (fried dough) and more.

“One thing that any real Cajun knows is boudin,” Klauber said. “It’s a really unique American food. If you look at different parts of the country where they have signature dishes, they’re known for their boudin, and that’s really a very special thing.

“The flavor of New Orleans and its special dishes like beignets, shrimp and gumbo — all of those things are really deeply routed in my cooking past,” Klauber said. “I worked in New Orleans for years, and I just love those flavors and the music. We thought it would be a fun thing to do in the middle of the summer when there isn’t a lot to do. It’s the perfect time for people to come out and kick back.”

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].

Fourth Annual Spyder Broussard Low Country-East County Shrimp Boil
WHEN: 6:30-10:30 p.m., July 16
WHERE: 10672 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch Main Street
WEB: www.pologrilland bar.com
RESER-VATIONS: 782-0899, Ext. 2