Summer in September: Lunch on the Beach at Kokomo’s, Old Lyme
Grieving the end of summer? Here’s a fun way to extend it: have lunch on the beach at Kokomo’s in Old Lyme! We hadn’t been for a few years but heard the menu had been revised to include some of the Bahamian-born chef’s favorite dishes. We likely won’t be visiting the tropics anytime soon, so why not make pretend?
We’ve had enough lobster rolls for one season, so we were excited to start with an app of conch fritters with pineapple habanero aioli. Score! The tender, fried morsels were slightly spicy, flavorful, and studded with chunks of conch. A very good start. For our rather massive lunch, I chose the grilled Red Snapper, which arrived atop a bed of sweet plantains, with papaya slaw and shishito peppers on the side. I managed to make my way through the whole delish dish while Laura stripped her 1/2 of a Jamaican Jerk Chicken with mango salsa down to the bone.
We finished up with a slice of homemade sweet and tart key lime pie, because…why not?
With the sound as a view, toes in the sand, and a refreshing Pretty Mama in hand (Grey Goose Essence Watermelon & Basil Vodka, lemonade, seltzer, and a splash of cranberry), it’s as close as we’ll get to the Caribbean anytime soon.
Good to know: in addition to the Bahamian dishes, classic New England beach fare is on offer from burgers to lobster, plus a full raw bar and a selection of lighter salads, tacos, Buddha bowls, and Poke. Open daily, all year round.
Kokomo’s Restaurant and Beach Bar
88 Hartford Avenue, Old Lyme
(860) 390-6403
