Local Flavor

It’s in to be out, according to many in Vero Beach. While there are any number of places to grab lunch outside — Casey’s is one of our favorites — or have a drink with a view — the Riverside Cafe calls your attention to the sunset with a clanging bell — there are also several restaurants that take advantage of our gentle climate and offer very fine dining al fresco. Here’s a rundown on a few of our personal choices.

The Brasserie is under new ownership and offers pleasant outside dining in the Portales de Vero building on Ocean Drive. It’s open daily for dinner from 5 p.m., for lunch from 11:30. Roomy and airy, the porch provides a setting almost as flattering as the rosy interior walls. The atmosphere here is congenial, the service friendly and the seafood is especially well prepared. Authentic oysters Rockefeller and potato-crusted grouper are popular favorites. The wine list is long and varied and recommendations are made to suit each menu listing.

Flare’s has a tiny inside dining room, but its terrace is its main focus. In the heart of the Village Shops, Flare’s serves lunch from 11 a.m. to 2:30 and dinner from 5 till 9 p.m., both graciously presented under an attractive striped awning. Jeff Riggs, chef and owner, produces unique dishes in the open kitchen.  His specialties include Pacific Rim delights such as Maui style crab cakes served with wasabi aoili. The prices are reasonable (all entrees are $19.95) and the portions immense — sometimes too big for the plates. And it’s the only restaurant we know where you can window shop while you dine — showcases for several of the area’s elegant shops display their wares at the terrace’s circumference.

Read the entire article in the March 2002 issue