I am a big fan of “Staycations” and not far from me is the perfect venue. Hammock Beach Resort offers up some of the best amenities around and with the newly unveiled Atlantic Grille, there is no reason to leave the property until your return trip home.
Hammock Beach Resort, situated on two miles of pristine Atlantic shoreline has launched it boutique hotel experience with the Lodge at Hammock Beach offering accommodations that offer unobstructed views, and direct beach access, plus oceanfront dining at the newly renovated Atlantic Grille, led by Executive Chef Kevin Luque. The restaurant offers the freshest seafood available.
It was one of the best seafood experiences I can remember. We started with the Chilled Seafood Platter; stacked with East Coast Oyster, Gulf Coast Oyster, Poached Shrimp, Cedar Key Clams, Stone Crab Claws, Seaweed Salad, Chardonnay Dipping Sauce, Mignonette, Fresh Horseradish, Cocktail Sauce, Lemons Saltines. The oysters were delicate and slightly brined. Stone Crab sweet and was complimented by the dipping sauce.
Staying with the sea food the Charred Octopus, and Sunchoke Bariqoule proved to be a nice change of pace from the single tentacle of octopus served at many restaurants. This stew like dish provided an interesting combination of flavors and textures. Served with the perfect slice of rich crusty bread made for dipping.
Not ready to leave the seafood yet, Seared Scallop, Horseradish Tomato Compote was the next logical choice, and a good one it was. The scallop so very sweet, tender, plus cooked to perfection.
Feeling fishy we ventured into the Macadamia Crusted Corvina, with Coconut Rice and Wilted Spinach. I can’t recall if I have eaten this fish in the past, but I found it very palatable, it had a mild, sweet taste with firm, large flaked flesh. The coconut rice was a good choice of starch to showcase the flakiness of the fish.
Our last dish of the night a stunning Warm Chocolate Falling Cake, with Chantilly Cream, Vanilla Ice Cream, and Raspberry Sauce. This is a dish you must taste to believe how very good it is. Well, warm chocolate should say it all, but it was a step above. The chocolate so rich and satisfying combined with the lightness of the chantilly cream was the perfect storm of food.
This is more than a Two Thumbs up experience. Indulge yourself and take the short drive south and make it a delightful weekend adventure.
