Summer Eats for ALL

by Jody Steele

So there really is no need to cook unless you get inspired to do so! After an active summer day on the water or a game of tennis, or perhaps a few hours of lazing around reading a summer novel—the kitchen can be avoided at any time of the day.

Choices for dining abound at The Reef during these warm summer months. Erwin Pals, Vice President of Food and Beverage, explained that after an exciting and successful season of new and traditional venues, the choices continue to be ample and impressive. From early morning to late in the evening, he is sure there is something enticing for any discerning diner.

So for the first meal of the day, we tend to favor a light breakfast, but enjoy a cart ride to pick up a complimentary coffee at Town Hall, plus the music is a fabulous way to start the day. However, Reef Treats opens at 7 a.m. for a casual breakfast with a multitude of interesting drinks. Then there is a spectacular view and more formal breakfast to be savored at Gianni, also beginning at 7 a.m.

Lunch is served in a number of locations around The Reef and all are a bit different. If you want an elegant lunch, do head to Palm Court that is actually inside the Islander during the warmer months. Of course, the décor is absolutely lovely and the fare delectable. If you want to be ultra casual, lunch is great at a table around the Beach Bar or as we did last week at Buccaneer, on a pool chaise with two happy grandchildren. Other choices are the Raw Bar, open all week 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. or Reef Hut, open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Both have tiki huts and huge menus. Then there is also the Rum Runner on the golf courses 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the week for hungry or thirsty golfers.

At the end of the day, Reef Eats has become a popular choice for a casual dinner at home. Dinner can be ordered online or by phone beginning at 4 p.m. and offers favorites from all of The Reef restaurants on their menu. For those ready to have an evening out, the Burgee Bar opens at 5 p.m. and the porch is cool and the menu is extensive. If you want to plan ahead, the Islander and Gianni Ristorante requires reservations and the dinners are exquisite. Family dinners can also be preordered from Reef Hut and such specials as their tacos or lasagna are perfect for larger groups for a suitable main course.

Erwin Pals shared that all of The Reef restaurants also offer take-out and can be called during their opened published hours.

Erwin Pals, Vice President of Food & Beverage, and Port O’Call’s Wyatt Hosmer talk vintages at the Port O’Call Wine Bar.

Two new venues that were huge hits this season should NOT be missed by Members. Town Hall Waterside offers seating under the stars or a tent in a creative and casual outdoor setting. Six kitchens serve BBQ, seafood, tacos, pizza, and more and are open Friday and Saturday from 6 to 10 p.m. Port O’Call in the Fishing Village opens at 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. on the weekends. They serve wines and spirits inside and out on a beautiful patio with charcuterie boards. Somehow both of these newer venues are comfortable even on warm summer evenings. Summer eats at The Reef are certainly plentiful and cover a large spectrum of dining options.