Even with chilly temps here in the Northeast, you can escape to the beach even if it is only for a few hours.  Right in our area in Old Greenwich Ct. you can escape to the Beach House Cafe.  A recent entry to the restaurant scene in our area, the Beach House owners have crafted a warm, comfortable beach house themed eatery that reminds one that they are on vacation at some beach locale such as Martha’s Vineyard or Montauk.   Glass French doors open to two dining rooms with white wainscoting walls, beautiful custom woodwork, soothing artwork and custom booths that make you feel you are on a fine sailing vessel.  There is also a beautiful horseshoe shaped bar surrounded by walls of small glass windows.  The mood is decidedly upscale but comfortable beach house. Outdoor seating is available when weather permits.

The owner Kane Xu brings his years of restaurant experience to this new eatery (formerly at Nuage in Cos Cob) and has injected new life and culinary energy into Beach House.  Our experience was very positive as we sampled some of the fine craft cocktails as well as the signature dishes available.

The bar features a full list of beers from the bottle ($5-$12) and draft ($7-8) and includes domestic, import and craft brews.  Wines are available by glass and bottle with 17 available by glass ($9-$15) and are from California, France and Italy.  Cocktails are a must and we sampled two of the specialties including the Coconut Mojito and the delicious Blood Orange Margarita.  What better place to have beach drinks?

We began our dinner with samples of The Organic Salmon Summer Roll, a rice paper roll with sashimi salmon, cucumber, avocado, spicy mayo and tobiko(fish roe).  A very light and  healthy tasting roll.  We followed with the Yellow Fin Tuna Flat bread which  was a delicious combination of sashimi tuna, spicy mayo, avocado and tomato on a small flatbread.  This combo of fresh tuna, cool avocado and the hint of spice was very satisfying.

We followed up with a hearty and healthy Spicy Seafood Soup, served in an attractive bowl.   The dish of calamari, shrimp, mussels, and tilapia floated in a spicy tomato broth that though flavorful, it never overwhelmed the wonderful taste of the fresh variety of seafood.  Very good dish on a winter evening (or anytime).

Grilled Octopus was next and was the meat was tender and lightly grilled and served with veggies, aged balsamic glaze and drizzled with garlic lemon olive oil.  This was one of our favorite dishes of the evening.

 

The Seafood Risotto was delicious  and I am a big fan of the blend of fresh seafood and the comfort of a good risotto dish.  Lobster, scallops and shrimp was complimented by a fabulous truffle champagne butter which really made this dish burst with flavor.

If you are a lover of food from the land, do not despair as beef, chicken, pork and salad dishes are on the menu.   We sampled the Crispy Duck which was surprising light, not gamey, and buttery soft as it was served with a tasty orange soy glaze and carrot ginger puree.   A very nice dish.

Appetizers run from $10-17, salads from $8-$13, Main courses $15-$35.

Beach House Cafe has also opened in South Norwalk (SoNo) and I am hoping to visit that location soon so stay tuned.

With Long Island Sound right down the road from the restaurant, why not escape to the Beach House?  See you there.

Beach House Cafe

220 Sound Beach Ave Old Greenwich Ct    tel 203.637.0367

website:  http://www.beachhousecafe.com/

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