When it comes to dining at the super posh Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa, most of us go straight to infamous 3030 Ocean. Hey, with celebrity chefs running the kitchen (formerly three times James Beard nominee and New Times "Best Chef - 2009" Dean Max, currently his protégé, Hell's Kitchen contestant and our pick for "Best Chef - 2014," Paula DaSilva), it's no wonder.
That being said, the stunning oceanfront property offers even more in the dining department, such as casual beachside eatery Sea Level Restaurant, which recently added new chalkboard specials featuring an array of locally sourced ingredients.
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While the chalkboard has always been there, the eatery is now using the specials to showcase the best of what Florida has to offer.
"The chalkboard started simply as a straight-up specials board," says chef Jason Connelly. "But as I've honed the menu at Sea Level, the chalkboard became a place for me to create menu dishes that profile the amazing product available right here in South Florida."
Although the restaurant is known for its casual American fare (think burgers, fish sandwiches, chicken wings, etc.), Connelly is now incorporating farm-fresh ingredients from producers such as Paradise Farms, Farm House Tomatoes, Michael Borek Farms, Joyce Farms, and even fresh herbs straight from the onsite garden.
Prices range from about $9 to $36 (nothing rings in at over $40) for apps and entrées.
Recent seafood specials include day boat scallops with corn, jumbo lump crab risotto, English pea, and chili oil. Prawn with tomato-apricot chutney and herb coulis is another. And wahoo poke topped with edible flowers, a potato crisp, avocado mousse, and chipotle aioli is a frequent addition.
Vegetarian options are also present in items like the yellow beet ravioli with goat cheese, red beet puree, micro fennel, and pistachio. And carnivores can dig into dishes, such as the New York strip topped with a quail egg and served with a butternut squash purée, baby vegetables, potato, shishito pepper, and chimichurri.
Items change daily; some are offered through lunch and dinner service.
Sea Level Restaurant & Ocean Bar is located at 3030 Holiday Drive in the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa. Call 954-765-3041, or visit harborbeachmarriott.com
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