Randy Montalbano’s Seafood and Catering – Hot Lunch

Trying to distinguish yourself from other poboy shops in town is a pretty thankless task. This ubiquitous sandwich is often done satisfactorily, but rarely does it rise above a level somewhere near fast food. Randy Montalbano’s poboy and seafood shop on Florida Boulevard stands out immediately if for no other reason than its unfailingly chipper and helpful staff.

But Randy Montalbano’s has more going for it than enthusiasm. Its boiled shrimp poboy is not only a much needed re-imagining of the fried variety. It comes served on excellent bread and properly dressed, neither swimming in condiments nor bone-dry. This spot has a bit of a reputation for potato salad, too. Its spin on this picnic staple involves boiling the potatoes in crawfish boil and then mincing in green olives, among other refreshing taste contrasts.

12740 Florida Blvd.

272-7900

Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Sunday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

(for boiled seafood in crawfish season)

When I stepped into the back to see the crawfish being cleaned before their date with the infinite there were employees de-veining shrimp and shucking oysters. In short, Randy Montalbano’s is a great sandwich shop and a full-service seafood market that is not afraid to let you kick the tires and check the place out. Clean, friendly, quick and very tasty.

For more by Frank McMains, including blogs from his trip to China, click here.