Inside: Riverhouse Reef & Grill

Photos:

A most accomodating restaurant, the newly opened Riverhouse Reef & Grill at the Regatta Marina offers a gulf cart "trolley" to pick you up at the front of the pier and drive you the long stretch to the restaurant.  Though, the view of classy mini-yachts, calming river, and bicyclists leisurely riding up and down the dock, is enough to make you opt for a relaxing stroll to your indoor or outside dining area of choice, and there's not a spot in the place where you can't experience the breathtaking water view.

The word "spunky" must have been invented by Webster after having met Murphy, our..well...spunky server.  She was quick to offer a cocunut bread basket with sweet cream butter, while pointing out dishes and drinks of choice.  Always a good sign when the server has tried everything on the menu vs. when you're told "I dunno. I've never had it," or worse, "I dunno. I hate seafood." 

And seafood is their specialty, although the Riverhouse can also brag about their Angus beef burgers, chicken, ribs and Mama's Meatloaf.

The Food:  The blackened Mahi Mahi ($14.95) was thick and meaty and topped with a Spicy Cajun cream sauce that included bits of fresh crawfish.  Available grilled, blackened or sauteed, all fresh fish and shells come with the option of one of four sauces:  Tropical Salsa (with fruit, red onions, cilantro and sweet chili), Spicy Cajun, Angelina (with spinach and artichoke in a white wine and lemon butter sauce), and the Lemon Dill Aioli.  By request, we tried the Cilantro Lime Aiolli (typically served with the lunchtime mahi mahi and grouper sandwiches), which was wonderful with the evening's selection, but went perfectly as a dip for the fresh Steamed Vegetable side (served with carrots, broccoli, and yellow summer squash).  

The Lobster Pot Pie ($12.99) was filled with healthy chunks of sweet lobster, peas, carrots, shallots, chives and diced potatoes filling a flaky puff pastry.  Entrees come with two sides ($1.99 per as extras).  The Asian Slaw with a sweet chili was sauce was flavorful (and unlike traditional coleslaw, sans the heavy mayo), and the Fruit Ambrosia, food fit for the gods, is best saved for dessert, with it's sugary coconut shavings and soft marshmallows mixed with a medley of citrus fruits. 

The Specials:  Arrive between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. daily, and the house wine is $2.50 a glass (the Cabernet, a slightly bold and pleasant table wine, and not the typical "buy by the gallon" nasty house wine, often served at local grills during Happy Hour).  Domestic and Imported beer run between $1.50 and $2.50.  A complete menu of signature Riverhouse frozen drinks and cocktails include the "knock you on your butt" Grape Ape (with vodka, tequila, gin and rum), and freshly muddled mojitos are priced at around $5.99 (Add a shot of poison of choice for $1.99 extra).  Lunchtime (11:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.) offers a full menu of sandwiches, burgers and entrees at $6.99.  

The Ambiance:  It's the "everbody" place, with no clearcut "crowd".  Located on the beautifully serene Manatee River, the restaurants seascape blue and aqua color scheme make it a relaxing after-work place to have a drink with co-workers, take a date for a romantic dinner, or simply meet up with friends.  An equally "all-encompassing" menu, the foods are a variety of price points, with dinners starting at $10.99 and up through $25.99 for the steamed lobster tail, and you can arrive in shorts and a T or business suit (though an in between casual attire was most common).

In short, Riverhouse Reef & Grill is the most comfortable place in town to go for a great meal. 

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The Riverhouse Reef & Grill is located at 955 Riverside Dr., Palmetto, FL.  34221.  Hours:  11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. (10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday).  Phone:  941-729-0616

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