Where to Catch a Sunset in Stuart
Stuart, Florida has no shortage of waterfront restaurants, but if you're looking for a sunset I've got two spots you're going to love.
First of all, The Sailor's Return is a new restaurant that opened in December of 2009. The owners spared no expense when designing the patio, it's obvious this is where you will want to spend your time if you go. Brick pavers in the floor are laid out to look like rays of sunshine, and a stylish fountain with mosaic tiles completes the decor. But the backdrop of pink clouds as the sun sets is a show stopper.
As a bonus, the food at Sailor's Return is top-notch.
The Sailor's Return
thesailorsreturn.com
625 Southwest Anchorage Way
Stuart, FL 34994
(772) 872-7250
The second great spot for snapshots of the setting sun? The Deck Restaurant.
This place is cool because you can pick out a steak and cook it yourself on grills that are set up in the dining room. But honestly, the best thing to do at The Deck is order a rum runner (delicious!) and take a seat outside looking out at the sail boats.
Then breathe in... instant vacation.
Deck Restaurant
www.deckrestaurant.com
307 Northwest North River Drive
Stuart, FL 34994-1151
(772) 692-1203
Pizzalley's in St. Augustine
OK, I've got a real insider's tip for those of you planning a trip to St. Augustine.
Pizzalley's has become a must-visit for me, whenever I'm in the area. I was first turned on to the place a few years ago, when asking a local where to grab a snack at happy hour. He leaned in close and started giving me cryptic directions - "find the guy giving out pizza samples", "go through the restaurant and out the back door", "look for a bearded guy playing the guitar"...
With no street names or maps of any kind, we followed his clues and found the jackpot. It was exactly as he explained, Pizzalleys has two parts to it - a small pizza parlor with a few booths, and through the kitchen to the other side... a full-sized sit-down restaurant with a nice, shady patio.
On the patio is where you'll find live music, and a solid happy hour crowd. Best of all - a free slice with your drink at happy hour!
Pizzalley's Chianti Room
117 Saint George Street
St Augustine, FL 32084-3609
(904) 825-4100
Pizzalley's has become a must-visit for me, whenever I'm in the area. I was first turned on to the place a few years ago, when asking a local where to grab a snack at happy hour. He leaned in close and started giving me cryptic directions - "find the guy giving out pizza samples", "go through the restaurant and out the back door", "look for a bearded guy playing the guitar"...
With no street names or maps of any kind, we followed his clues and found the jackpot. It was exactly as he explained, Pizzalleys has two parts to it - a small pizza parlor with a few booths, and through the kitchen to the other side... a full-sized sit-down restaurant with a nice, shady patio.
On the patio is where you'll find live music, and a solid happy hour crowd. Best of all - a free slice with your drink at happy hour!
Pizzalley's Chianti Room
117 Saint George Street
St Augustine, FL 32084-3609
(904) 825-4100
Date Night at Abacoa
I'm always looking for new places to spend a night out. When you're tasting unfamiliar dishes, and discovering new music, you're practically guaranteed a memorable time.
That's exactly what Abacoa in Jupiter served up last week - a change of scenery, and a romantic date night. This bustling town center packed with local college kids is a fun place to party.
We started our night at Little Moir's Leftovers Cafe where the food was spectacular. The restaurant was full of large groups and families with multiple children, but as a party of two we were seated immediately!
If you visit Jupiter and Abacoa, you're going to want to put Leftovers Cafe on your agenda. They specialize in fresh seafood, prepared with different crusts and served with a variety of unexpected accompaniments. Take for example the parsnip-crusted grouper over melon and pineapple, with... banana dressing.
Sound bizarre? It's hard to imagine what many of these combinations would taste like, and the menu changes twice daily, but trusting the chef is worth the risk. My fish sauté was delicious, the flavors all meshed perfectly, and it changed my opinion of wilted greens forever. Paired with the right ingredients, they actually enhance a dish.
After dinner, we ventured over to Rooney's Irish Pub for some drinks and live music. Amber Leigh was playing a lively set of bluegrass and Irish tunes. Amber's energy and stage presence were captivating. She entertained us with the mandolin and the electric violin, backed by a band that included her father on the guitar. Already enchanted by our night out, the icing on the cake was a surprise fireworks show provided by Roger Dean Stadium. What more can you ask for?
