Part II in the South Florida Series

Island Way Grill                            

Phone: (727) 461-6617
20 Island Way
Clearwater Beach, FL 33767  

                          On Saturday night August 10, I arrived here with my Florida connections. They were so stressed out about where to take "The Dish" to eat that after a few glasses of Chopin Vodka on the rocks, it really became easy!

Mr. Benman, "The Dish", Mr. Norton

                       We were seated at this amazing restaurant on the patio with an unbelievable view of the water and Clearwater Beach. The weather was perfect and so the antics began. You see hanging with these two guys is always an adventure. On the left you have the Benman and on the right you have the Norton. We have been friends for 20 years and somehow no matter where we are, we always seem to find each other in various parts of the world.

Our servers name was Michael and his mannerism and approach did not seem common for this establishment.

He was very quick to offer his advice on wine and based on the cost of the bottle he was offering, it clearly was an upsell. 

We chose a really nice wine that was not much less, but one that we were more familiar with.

Michale offered us the specials and asked if we had any questions. The Benman asked about the swordfish and was told that it was not very popular and that most guests returned it to the kitchen. 

We ordered appetizers, three different ones to taste.

We ordered the Beef Carpaccio  with truffel oil and capers, arugula and grape tomatoes. 

What we thought to be a pink plate was actually the most amazing shavings of beef I have ever tasted. In addition to the compliments offered with this beef was shaved Parmesan Cheese.

The oysters were only a half dozen and for "The Dish" that was a tease. 

 

I have to tell you that so far, this place rocks. 

The only item that I was not very impressed with was the Sushi roll that we had. It was basic for someone who eats sushi like a kid likes "Mickydees". 

The presentation was clearly wonderful and done with love by the chef.

Now comes the fun part.

The Benman says he is going to challenge our server Michael and order the Swordfish K-Bobs. 

I decide on a Mahi Mahi special only to later find that they are "out of" the Mahi Mahi. 

My new choice was the Red Snapper topped with Blue Crab and Lobster Veloute.

 

  These amazing chunks of delicious Sword Fish are lightly seared in Ginger oil and served with jasmine rice. They had a delicate crust on the outside and a very moist and tender inside. PERFECT! It seems our server was wrong!

My dish came out presented in an amazing way. Served with julienne fresh vegetables and mashed potatoes. The fish was cooked just the way I like it. Slightly crispy on the outside with the center being flaky and moist. The Blue Crab and Lobster sauce added a nice richness to the dish without making it heavy.

The Norton ordered the Panko Crusted Tuna served with an Asian flair and  accompanied by Wasabi Mashed Potatos and the fresh Julienne vegetables. This again was a well cooked fish that looks as good as it tastes. 

When it comes to food this restaurant which is owned by Baystar  Restaurant group is right up there with some of the finest dining in New York. They own their own fleet of dayboats that brings in most of their seafood daily. 

When it comes to Wine they do not lack in anyone's taste. 

Visit their website at Island Way Grill  

Be sure to visit here when you have the opportunity! 

 

Mr Benman

 

 

 Enjoy from 

                                "The Dish with Dean"