On the Road to a Fishing Village

This week, we visited the fishing village of Cortez, Florida. While many enjoy a Caney Fork River trout meal or a Center Hill Lake fried catfish sandwich, the abundance of fresh seafood from the Gulf of Mexico elevates dining to a new level.

Cortez is a charming, historic fishing village renowned for its fresh Gulf seafood. If you’re craving authentic, fresh-from-the-Gulf seafood in a laid-back setting, Star Fish Company is a must-visit.

This dockside market and casual eatery serves daily catches like fried grouper, stone crab claws, and shrimp, all sourced directly from local fishermen. Grab your food at the window, find a picnic table overlooking the water, and enjoy the relaxed vibe of this working fishing village. Note: it’s cash only.

On a recent visit my party enjoyed a delicious Cortez Fish Chowder, a hearty tomato-based chowder full of the catch of the day’s seafood and vegetables. I also had the delicious grouper sandwich, no visit to Florida is complete without a grouper sandwich which can be fried, grilled or blackened.  All served along side a traditional hushpuppy and pineapple coleslaw. 

Founded in the 1880s by fishing families from North Carolina, Cortez remains one of Florida’s last true fishing villages. Its rich maritime heritage lives on through sustainable fishing and local traditions, making Star Fish Company not just a restaurant but a taste of Florida’s coastal history.

So, whether you drop your line at Center Hill Lake’s 18,000-acre reservoir, trout fish the Caney Fork River, or cast from the banks of one of our beautiful nearby state parks, know that across our great nation, the spirit of outdoor adventure and the joy of fresh, local flavors connect us all.

Star Fish Market and Dockside Restaurant

• Location: 12306 46th Ave W, Cortez, FL

• Hours: Tue–Sat 11:30 AM–8 PM, Sun–Mon 11:30 AM–3 PM

• Cash only, outdoor seating with waterfront views

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Jiffy Cornbread  Hush Puppies

Ingredients:

    •    1 box Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix

    •    1/4 cup self-rising flour

    •    1 egg

    •    2 tablespoons grated sweet onion

    •    1/3 cup buttermilk or milk

    •    1/4 teaspoon salt

    •    1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

    •    Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

    1.    In a medium bowl, whisk together the Jiffy mix and self-rising flour.

    2.    Add the egg, grated onion, buttermilk (or milk), salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir until combined.

    3.    Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 360°F.

    4.    Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes total.

    5.    Remove hush puppies and drain on paper towels. Serve warm.

You can omit cayenne or onion if preferred. Buttermilk gives richer flavor, and cast iron works best for frying.

This recipe yields crispy, light hush puppies with a sweet cornbread taste, perfect as a side for fried fish.

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Spicy Pineapple Coleslaw 

Ingredients:

• 14-16 oz coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)

• 1 cup pineapple tidbits (drained)

• 3/4 to 1 cup mayonnaise

• 2-3 tablespoons sugar

• 2 tablespoons vinegar (white or apple cider)

• Small can of diced jalapeño peppers 

Instructions

1. Drain pineapple, reserving some juice for the dressing if desired.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, and pineapple juice until smooth.

3. Add coleslaw mix and pineapple tidbits to the dressing; toss to coat evenly.

4. Add diced jalapeño, 

5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to let flavors meld.