DINING & DRINKING ON AVALAON
FROM FINE DINING TO BUFFALO BURGERS & BUFFALO MILK
There’s more to Avalon than beach buzz and happy hour if you want there to be. While you can have fun in the sun all day long there’s also quality dining to be had on the island.
A great place for a relaxed meal in an upscale environment right across from the water is Avalon Grille. Even though it is just steps away from the sand, there’s a calming element inside. This place just screams cocktail—martini most likely. Although the staff swore by its Margarita Verde (“the best margarita on the island” my server proclaimed), this mix of Patron silver, Cointreau, agave nectar, and fresh limejuice was just too sweet for me. It reminded me why I don’t drink margaritas anymore. But I was on vacation on the island and thought I’d go with a local’s recommendation. I was better off with a glass for fantastic Plantation Rum and some very impressive wine.
I started with the lovely Roasted Brussels Sprouts served with cranberries, almonds, pancetta, and honey mustard. This is a really great starter item and goes wonderfully with a nice glass of Guenoc Chardonnay—a lovely house white wine.
The impressive chardonnay also paired well with a fresh and crisp Caesar Salad, prepared simply with croutons and a creamy lemon dressing. You can add chicken and/or grilled jumbo shrimp but I don’t think that’s really necessary. Enjoy the refreshing salad as is, especially if you’re having an entrée.
Another cocktail that came highly recommended was the Saint Jameson, which features my favorite Jameson Irish Whiskey, along with St. Germain Elderflower, ginger beer, and fresh squeezed lemon. This one also slightly missed the mark, but in all honesty, while I love Jameson, I’m really particular about it in cocktails. If I can taste the Jameson, well, I’d rather just have Jameson and this drink was also too sweet for my liking. If you’re a fan of stiff, classic drinks, you can’t go wrong with a Vesper Sky Martini (Belvedere Vodka, Bombay Gin, White Lillet, shaken and served with a stuffed olive), especially in this lovely setting.
While the menu may change, you’re sure to find staples such as Grilled Pacific Salmon, Chops, Rib Eye, Filet Mignon, and Prime New York Strip. I enjoyed a lovely Snake River Farms Wagyu Short Rib, which was perfectly paired with a phenomenal Rusack Syrah from Santa Barbara County. And make sure to get the Lobster Mac N’ Cheese, which is very rich and great to share
The Avalon Grille is located at 423 Crescent Ave. Call 310-510-7494.
