RESTAURANT REVIEW

Oceans 234

Oceans 234 should be called Heaven 123. Head straight down Hillsboro Blvd, curve onto A1A going North and just ahead on your right, prepare for THE dining experience you came to Florida for.

Some restaurants have superb food. Others become noted for outstanding locations. Others still for chefs and staff so talented, the eatery cooks on all burners. Oceans 234 is one of those places that has it all. Even though it sits on the beach so close you can get sand in your toes, it is so not beach food! Who knew? Apparently Lois Pallaria did. When she stopped into the then near dilapidated old Ranch House she saw what this property could be. And put her mind to buying a business that wasn’t for sale. What Lois wants, Lois accomplishes because bye, bye Ranch House; hello, Oceans 234, a place where people fall in love with her vision every day.

Instead of the usual deep fried beach fare with a chaser of hard liquor, so standard at most restaurants hugging our sparkling coastline, comes a breath of fresh nautical air! This fine dining establishment with a cool, sophisticated don’t-take-yourself-too-seriously-beachfront ‘tude is ... a true find! Oceans 234 marries a killer picture-perfect locale, DIRECTLY ON THE OCEAN to incredible consistently excellent food. AMERICAN food!

Opt to dine outside on the patio, or at the patio bar, and there is no window, no other side of the street to obstruct your view. It’s just you and the deep blue. On one of the days I was there, the water and sky were so blue, the winter Florida air so dry and the tiny breeze so perfect, we sat for hours watching people go by on the cobblestone path separating beach from restaurant. Oceans 234 is the dining experience we came to Florida for.

Lobster Mac and Cheese

The Chardonnay Poached Pear Salad ($11) with the candied walnuts is freaking fantastic! Enough to share, it can also be an awesome entrée. The flavors of gorgonzola, sweet, soft pear and the crunch from the nuts melt and combine in your mouth and make you want to sing, but you’re afraid if you open your mouth, you’ll lose some!

The full outside and indoor bars lend themselves to lazing away a day. If you come for their a la carte Sunday Brunch (10am-2pm) you won’t want to leave. Some people don’t. They order from the wonderfully SIMPLE, yet elegant brunch menu where a “have-it-your-way” omelet is just $8. (And the view is FREE, so is a mimosa and the fabulous Calypso steel drum band.) Add items for $1. Eggs Benedict ($12), French Toast ($8) ++. Where can you eat breakfast for this price in this setting? After brunch, take a walk, frolic on the sand and come back for dinner or just drinks and appetizers.

You’re as welcome to order drinks and appetizers as a full meal. Everything is okay here. Dining just steps from the sand is intoxicating for a romantic evening for two or a birthday get-together for 22! No matter who you share the experience with, nothing disappoints. Entrees are works of art both visually and in your mouth! Some eateries dazzle on one front or the other, Oceans 234 is multi-talented, largely due to the savvy of owner Danielle Williams,