These photos might make you hungry. New Mexican restaurant opens on Hilton Head
What does it feel like when your plans to open a new restaurant are nearly derailed by a worldwide coronavirus pandemic?
“It was nerve-wracking,” said Hugo Gonzalez, the owner of Blue Laguna Grill and Cantina, which opened June 1 on Hilton Head Island. “We were about to freak out, honestly.”
The 27-year-old made a big move to Savannah from White Bear Lake, Minn., and had started working toward opening the Mexican restaurant just in time for life as we know it to change because of COVID-19.
Instead of giving up, Gonzalez recruited family members to get the renovations done. When the painters couldn’t work, they decided they would have to finish the painting themselves.
The paint isn’t the only change to the space that formerly housed Tequila Sunrise in South Island Square Shopping Center at 841 William Hilton Parkway. A wall that divided part of the restaurant into a private room has been taken out to make the dining area feel more open.
And the family aspect of the business didn’t stop with renovations.
“My mother and I run the restaurant. Everything is family-owned,” Gonzalez said. The kitchen staff and servers are family members, too.
The menu at Blue Laguna includes a broad assortment of burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas and tacos that are mostly in the $10-15 range. A create-your-own combo lets you customize your plate.
Among the restaurant’s specialties are Molcajete Mexicano ($23), described as “steak, chicken, shrimp, pork and homemade chorizo, with grilled onions, tomato, nopales (cactus), toreados peppers with our salsa verde, covered with melted cheese, rice and beans and a side of corn or flour tortillas.” There’s also a seafood version with grilled tilapia, shrimp, scallops and mussels for $26.
Just in case it wasn’t clear by the previous paragraph, those dining at Blue Laguna can expect large portions.
Several reviews on Google noted the generous servings relative to the prices. “Please increase your prices so you stay in business!” posted one reviewer. Others noted the friendly staff and the drinks, including the fruit punch tequila and margaritas.
Gonzalez said the staff also is taking extra care with presentation so meals look as good as they taste.
He recommends the bacon-wrapped Laguna Shrimp Poppers ($14) as an appetizer followed by Fajitas Fuego with the flaming melted cheese ($12 for one or $19 for two).
Everyone on staff is wearing a mask, Gonzales said, adding that a hand sanitizer dispenser has been installed near the front door. Outside seating is available for both lunch and dinner, and curbside pickup is also offered.
If you go
What: Blue Laguna Grill and Cantina
Where: 841 William Hilton Parkway in South Island Square Shopping Center (behind Lucky Rooster and next door to Island Bagel)
When: Open for lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m. features two-for-one margaritas.
Call: (843) 682-6222
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BlueLagunaGrill
Website: https://www.restaurantji.com/sc/hilton-head-island/blue-laguna-mexican-grill-and-cantina-/
This story was originally published June 11, 2020 at 1:26 PM.
