Timoti's among the nation's best seafood dives

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm

Reporter-News Analyst

Coastal Living magazine has named Timoti’s Seafood Shak at 21 N. 3rd Street in Fernandina Beach one of their 22 favorite seafood dives in the country. The reviewer stated, “In just one year of operation, Timoti's (pronounced TIM-oh-tees) has earned a fiercely loyal following for its local and wild-caught seafood—especially fried shrimp and fried clam strips.“

Tim and Theresa Poynter

Tim Poynter, who along with his wife and partner Theresa, owns and operates both Timoti’s and Café Karibo on North 3rd Street in Fernandina Beach’s downtown historic district, said that he learned about this latest distinction from a restaurant patron. “Right away we went out and bought a copy of the magazine. And when we opened it, there we were!” Tim said.

In addition to being a hit with fresh seafood lovers, Timoti’s is popular with the younger set who head off for the pirate ship at the rear of the property as soon as their parents allow. No doubt the pirate ship helped Timoti’s get mentioned favorably in a recent Parents Magazine. This year the outside seating area is also equipped with fans that blow a cool mist over patrons as they enjoy their seafood.

"Some of the best around" staff members including  Carlin Catanzaro Manager, far left,  Brian Poynter (far right)

Carlin Catanzaro manages Timoti's and has been a force in reshaping menus and service over the first year.  She heads a staff that includes Tim and Theresa’s son Brian and others whom Tim has called "some of the best around."The staff is composed of young people who are efficient, friendly and look like they are having a good time, even when they are caught up in a busy period.

While Coastal Living’s reviewers know their food, they are a bit geographically challenged, listing Timoti’s under Gulf Coast restaurants on their website www.coastalliving.com. In fact, among all their listings nationwide, Timoti’s is the only Atlantic Coast Florida “seafood dive” that made their list. See the May 2013 issue for the complete list.

May 18, 2013 12:06 p.m.