<b>By Pamela Brownstein</b>

Located on Sea Island Parkway on St. Helena Island, The Foolish Frog fulfills all the requirements of a memorable restaurant with beautiful views of the water and the marsh, indoor and outdoor seating, friendly staff, the option of a fun bar with a generous wine and drink selection, and above all, a commitment to quality ingredients and delicious food.

[caption id="attachment_16502" align="alignleft" width="150"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/DSC_0150.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-16502" alt="Flash fried calamari appetizer" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/DSC_0150-150x150.jpg" width="150" height="150" /></a> Flash fried calamari appetizer[/caption]

The three of us gathered for Lunch Bunch sat at a little table by the big windows, and decided a glass of wine would be the appropriate way to enjoy our lovely surroundings.

We ordered the Flash Fried Calamari and the Fried Okra appetizers and both tasted amazing. The plates were enormous, and I couldn’t stop eating the perfectly crisp little pieces of calamari dipped in sweet Thai chili dipping sauce.

For an entree, Irene had the healthy, colorful Asian tuna salad with greens, mandarin oranges, cucumbers, peanuts, red onions, thick slices of tuna on top and a ginger rice wine vinaigrette.

Nikki ordered the Mahi BLT — blackened Mahi Mahi with lettuce, tomato, bacon with Cajun remoulade on a crusty baguette — and she said it was an excellent sandwich.

I tried the Fried Green Tomato BLT special with sweet potato chips, and it was very tasty.

When our friendly server Tom asked if we were interested in dessert, we all felt so full, but we couldn’t pass up the homemade creme brulee. I love that “tap, tap, tap” sound on the top layer to reveal the creamy custard underneath. There’s a reason Chef Will McLenagan was voted Favorite Chef for The Island News’ 2014 Favorites awards.

The locally owned restaurant also often features live music on the weekends as well as a spectacular Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Foolish Frog is at 846 Sea Island Parkway, St. Helena Island. Lunch is Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; dinner is Tuesday through Saturday, 5 to 10 p.m. Call 843-838-9300 or visit www.thefoolishfrog.com.