What starts as an expedition quickly makes a splash in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

It's the fertile hunting grounds for scallops.

"We are going to get you enough food to eat," said Capt. Jeff Mauldin, with the Plantation Adventure Center.

Captains departing from the Plantation on Crystal River will take on the dirty work of cleaning your catch following a day on the water. When done, the scallops are marched inside to the Plantation’s dining room, where the kitchen stands ready to prepare dinner in mouthwatering ways.

"We're going to prepare your scallops for you," said Paul Cross, who is greeting guests at the West 82 Bar and Grill. "They are going to be three different ways: blackened, a little mushroom cream sauce and a little butter/lemon garlic sauce for you."

In the meantime, Chef David Bolanos at the Plantation's West 82 Bar and Grill is already hard at work. The scallops that guests catch in the Gulf will be put to good use in Bolanos' kitchen.

"First, we are going to season our scallops," Bolanos said.

Wine and garlic butter are also added as the stove heats up.

"We don't want to cook them too long since they are small and tender," the chef said.

Scallops don't take long to cook. Your order can be prepared family style where Bolanos adds some temping sides, like roasted potatoes and other accompaniments.

The meal is assembled on one large tray that is delivered to your table in grand fashion.

The presentation is everything, as Austin Newlon and his father discover. Even the flowers on the table are edible.

"It depends on how you cook it," Austin said. "Usually, mind taste kind of garlic-y."

From the Gulf to gourmet ... all in the same day.

About this Destination
Scalloping with Plantation Adventure Center

Where: Crystal River, Citrus County

Open: Monday through Sunday

Hours: Customized to your schedule.
Half day and full day excursions available.

2015 Scallop Season:
June 27 - September 24

2015 Daily Limit:
2 gallons whole bay scallops in shell,
or 1 pint of bay scallop meat per person

Phone:
1-800-632-6262

Charter Prices:
Call for reservations
Weekday prices are cheeper than weekends

Cook Your Catch Prices:
Call for reservations & costs

Address:
9301 W. Fort Island Trail
Crystal River, Florida 34429

Website:
http://www.plantationoncrystalriver.com/scalloping.htm

GPS Longitude & Latitude:
Latitude:  28.879967
Longitude:  -82.590202

Latitude:  28° 52' 47.8812"
Longitude:  -82° 35' 24.7272"

Drive Times:
From Orlando: 2 hours
From Tampa: 1 hour, 45 minutes

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