2.0-Run aground sweetly at Hollywood's Sugar Reef

Sunday, 18 May 2008

Hollywood, FL--Cosmic Eats was contemplating a run up the road to the free Red, White, and Bluegrass show on Hollywood Beach. We really wanted to see Ricky Skaggs. Unfortunately, Ricky played Saturday night. Sunday night's main event was Laurie Lewis. A very capable performer indeed just not of the caliber of Ricky. After a wee bit of cajoling, we made the trek up I-95. It was a Saturday night and what else was there to do anyway right?

Enroute, a 2004 Zagat guide offered a tasty temptation that was quite irresistible...and rightly so. Our attention was quickly diverted from pickin' and grinnin' to winin' and dinin'!

Sugar Reef Tropical Grill was already dialed into the GPS so it was clear we were north of our preferred location. With the dog in tow, we made our way down the boardwalk, stopping to oblige all the doggie lovers along the way.

We had tried to confirm that Hollywood Beach was a dog friendly place. Having been reassured that it was, the pooch took her normal position in the car. Unfortunately, we had bad intel. We were stopped by a very polite police officer who informed us that we were in violation and could very well be issued a citation. The officer was VERY nice. We told him we were just making our way to Sugar Reef and that we would have the dog off the boardwalk soon.

Thanks to the fine staff at Sugar Reef, we were able to park the dog next to our al fresco table without any problems. Within a couple minutes of our covert operation we were sipping a couple cold beers and looking at the undeniably compelling menu.

At the link above, there is an easily navigable website with links to the menu.

We started with the fresh beet, goat cheese and endive salad with mustard vinaigrette ($9.50). A basket of bread lightly toasted and judiciously spritzed with olive oil accompanied the salad which was plenty for two to share, which we did. No complaints here.

Entrees included the Tropical Fish Stew with coconut milk and green curry ($22) and the Sugar Reef Pho($19). Again, no complaints. The fish stew was hearty with an adequate balance of sweet coconut and spicy curry. In our opinion, nothing was overpowering. Like some joints that like to use their several day old fish in soups and stocks, this was not the case at Sugar Reef. Large chunks of fish were tasty and fresh.

The Pho was equally as happy at our table. Like the fish stew, this dish could have easily been overpowered by spice. Not the case. Judicious seasoning was both adequate and appropriate.

Sugar Reef bills itself as a French Caribbean grill. We wondered about the Pho and then remembered that Vietnam was a French territory. Why not take some of that influence and blend it with an island flavor? Again, no complaints here.

The wine list was tempting. When we return, we'll be sure to take advantage of the fine selection. It just seemed like a beer kind of night so that's what was in the glasses.

Service was outstanding. The included 18% gratuity was not an issue and we upped the ante a few dollars because it was very appropriate.

One notable notation at the bottom of the menu, "Remember Sugar Reef after the storm! We have a new 35k generator to run the hoods, refrigeration and AC if the power goes out."

Cosmic Eats recommends you discover this gem long before any storm comes ashore.