Nibbles + Bites

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The Waterman Fish Bar Brings Ocean Delights to Cornelius

by Tony Ricciardelli photography by Shrimp & Grisettes

The Waterman Blackened Seafood Platter

Left: Culinary Director Chucc Landry Center: The Waterman Fish Bar Outdoor Patio Right: The Waterman Shrimp Po Boy

If you’re hankering for salty air, undulating waves, the sound of the surf and strolls in the sand, you’ll have to spend a few east-bound hours behind the wheel to quell those yearnings. If dining on fresh ocean fare is your mission and you’re not keen on eating the “seafood” offered at fast-food chains and meat-oriented restaurants, there are options. You can pick up a bag of frozen fish sticks at your local supermarket and bemoan the experience, or you can visit The Waterman Fish Bar in Cornelius, one of several establishments operating under the High Tide Hospitality Group. The company prides itself in serving farm-to-fork oysters and its partnerships with coastal fishermen. The company procures only responsibly sourced fish and non-threatened species.

The Waterman Fish Bar in Cornelius opened in April 2022. Its introduction to the lake area drew seafood lovers and restaurant enthusiasts alike. During its first month, Waterman’s customers waited an hour or more for seating. It was a good start that continues 10 months later. The kitchen routinely shucks 30 bushels of oysters per week, amounting to more than 100,000 oysters to date; it serves about 1,000 pounds of fish per month. The word “Waterman” is an appropriate tribute to the workers — fishermen, oyster farmers and others — who work the waters, braving the elements to provide fish to non-local fish locations.

The restaurant accommodates 110 indoor guests and offers seating for 98 in the outdoor patio, which includes a firepit and is dog-friendly. Customers can also enjoy a seat at the bar which has a big screen tv and a 360-degree view of the surroundings.

Culinary Director Chucc Landry oversees the menu and recipe development for six restaurants in the High Tide Hospitality Group. He’s a man wearing many hats: coaching his kitchen staff, managing food procurement, maintaining vendor relations. Landry, who hails from New Orleans, recounts his arrival to the Lake Norman area.

“For me, it was like migrating to another country,” he says. “The customs, culture, common food pairings and culinary styles were different. I had to learn North Carolina food preferences, and now I add my own New Orleans spin to those dishes.”

The menu’s raw bar is a customer favorite with changing daily options including oysters from Beausoleil in New Brunswick, Canada; Delaware Wilds of Delaware Bay; Rochambeau in Nandua Creek, Virginia; Malpeque on Prince Edward Island, Canada; and Deer Creek at Hood Canal, Washington. Fresh catch choices include salmon, cod, swordfish, shrimp, scallops, trout and catfish. Waterman also boasts several shareable seafood choices including Crispy Calamari and Voodoo Shrimp. The menu is unpretentious and varied.

The bar features more than 20 beers from local breweries and bigbrand brewers alike, including Catawba Brewery, Sugar Creek, Ass Clown, Narragansett, Michelob and Heineken. The Espresso Martini is a popular cocktail which includes Smirnoff Whipped Cream Vodka, Café Lolita, Irish cream and Pure Intentions Cold Brew. More than a dozen white and red wines are available.

The restaurant holds “Community Nights” every third Wednesday of the month; 20 percent of the earnings are donated to non-profits, and the restaurant has a vision for expanding its community support with additional donations, raffles, youth team sponsorships and more.

“We value all clientele and cultures patronizing our establishment. They’re not only our guests, they’re also our community. It’s about making connections and building relationships,” says Brand Director Alex Flores. “Guest feedback is important, and we listen closely to our customers. We want to be known as ‘the local seafood spot.’ The company operates on the belief that ‘a rising tide lifts all ships.’ It’s a metaphor that translates well to the relationships we foster with area residents, businesses and non-profits.”

Indira Holder, Assistant General Manager at The Waterman Fish Bar, was so impressed with the restaurant that she knew she had to pursue a career there.

“The Waterman was the first restaurant I visited when I moved to this area,” says the culinary school graduate. “I was taken with the staff, the service and, obviously, the food, so I applied for a job, and here I am running the front of the house.”

Perhaps you’ll develop the same affinity for good service, authentic seafood dining and community when visiting The Waterman Fish Bar. Check them out.

The Waterman Fish Bar is at 9615 Bailey Road, Cornelius. For more information, visit www.watermanclt.com/lkn or call 704.237.3247.

Protecting Our LKN Community with »

JEWELRY COVERAGE: NEW & ANTIQUE

Whether you are gifted new jewelry from a loved one, become engaged, or have valuable antique jewelry passed down to you, you’ll want to think about insuring any expensive pieces on an insurance policy.

Most Homeowners policies limit coverage for jewelry to only $1,500 for theft on premises, which is where scheduling or listing your valuable jewelry on your policy becomes beneficial. You may also put these items on their own separate policy, known as a Personal Inland Marine policy. Scheduling your jewelry ensures you get the full appraised value of the item after a covered loss – even if it is mysteriously lost, which we know can easily happen with such small pieces of jewelry.

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Allie Biechler

Personal Lines Account Manager

Allie is our Personal Lines Account Manager who is eager to learn the world of insurance and tailor coverage options for clients.