Shireen's Favorite Things

Lighthouse Grill 1994 Overseas Highway, Marathon Florida 33050

After spending an amazing day exploring Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club, I was ready to enjoy a relaxing dinner at the Lighthouse Grill (one of the best things about the property). The nautical-themed restaurant has the most gorgeous view; perched-up slightly above the marina, smack dab in front of the ocean.

Before I sat down, I meandered over to the docks to enjoy a full view of the sunset. You can easily see it from the restaurant, but I’m an explorer at heart and wanted to get a closer look at the early evening glow.

Man, there’s nothing like a sunset in The Keys. The sky paints itself these glorious pastel colors and just before the sun slips below the horizon, it radiates an exquisite amber color. It’s breathtaking and the best kind of light in which to take a selfie. Ha ha! (In all seriousness, though, if you’ve never seen a sunset in The Florida Keys, you’ve gotta put it on your bucket list.)

After walking around the docks, I headed back to the restaurant and chose an outdoor table to best capture how color-rich the evening was. I started Spotlight with three drinks: the Rum Punch, Gin Basil Martini and Jalapeño Cucumber Martini. The trio of cocktails came from the outside bar; it has a great laid-back feel to it.

They were all refreshing and the perfect way to quench my mini-vacation thirst, but the Jalapeño number, WOW, it knocked my socks off! Made with Jalapeño-infused Tito’s Handmade Vodka, fresh cucumber and Simple Syrup, it was to-die-for.

I liked it because it had a kick to it but also, it was different. Food and drinks, just like fashion, are built around trends, so I like it when a Mixologist or Chef thinks outside the box. This drink was the perfect example of just that.

Before dinner, I got a quick tour of the kitchen by Executive Chef Trevor Scott and saw the fresh ingredients used to make the appetizers and main courses we are featuring on the blog (which was really cool and definitely a first).

For starters, the Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail was clean and simple. The plate was dressed in tomatoes and being a total tomato lover, I couldn’t have asked for more. The Sweet Soy Tuna Tartare was yummy and fresh (made with Key Lime, shallot and cucumber).

Even though the Lighthouse Grill is known for its fresh seafood, Chef Scott also knows how to whip up a killer steak! The Dry Aged New York Sirloin (made with Worcestershire and served with mashed potatoes) was spectacular. The meat was cooked to perfection. It’s one of the best steaks I’ve ever had. The Beef Tenderloin was good, too (made with cabernet demi and wild mushrooms, served with fingerling potatoes).

The most interesting dish of the evening was Shrimp Veracruz (made with Saffron Risotto Croqueta and heirloom tomato “Veracruz” relish). A-MAZ-ING. I’ve never had risotto that’s been deep fried and the relish added just the right amount of spice. This is a must-try if you’re an adventurous foodie.

Instead of dessert, I opted to sit with my handsome photographer (James) at the outdoor bar and have another round of the Jalapeño Cucumber Martini. It was the perfect way to end the evening and yes, the sunset was everything I thought it would be — and then some.

Whether you’re staying at the resort, driving to Key West or boating your way through the Gulf of Mexico, the Lighthouse Grill is a great place to stop and refuel yourself in more ways than one and that’s why it’s one of my favorite things.

Lighthouse Grill is located at the Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club in Marathon Key (Mile Marker 48) near the famous Seven Mile Bridge. There’s plenty of parking at the front and back of the property. If you’re on a boat, even better: they have a state-of-the-art marina.

Open daily from 11am-11pm. Lunch is served from 11am-3pm. There’s a Happy Hour Menu from 3-6pm and Dinner is served nightly from 5pm-10pm.

Reservations are accepted, but not required: 305-434-9039
www.lighthousegrill.com
Twitter: @lighthousegril1 – FB: Lighthouse Grill – IG: @faro_blanco_resort