Seaside Special

The moment you enter Oceans 234 in Deerfield Beach, you know you're about to experience something special.

At this popular restaurant, guests receive a warm welcome from staffers before enjoying the sophisticated décor and tantalizing cuisine. And let's not forget that it's located right on the beach, offering views of sunbathers, sand and surf along the iconic pier.

Stop by the bar first for a drink and some socializing. The crowd is friendly, the cocktails are classic and plentiful, and the wine list is impressive.

Then, start your meal with The Smoked Fish Dip, with house-pickled sweet peppers, pickled onions, pickled jalapeño, cucumber and everything-spiced flatbread.

Seafood abounds, thanks to the raw bar and sushi selections. Generously portioned shrimp and crab cocktails, cold water oysters and middle-neck clams are all excellent choices, in addition to the Jalapeño Hamachi.

Salad fans will thrill to the creative options, including the Greens + Poached Pear, with candied walnuts, radish, red onion, goat cheese and balsamic vinaigrette, and the Beets + Blue, with roasted beets, blue cheese crumbles, spicy pecans, pickled onions and arugula.

The entrées at Oceans 234 are perfectly varied - offering something for everyone - and the one-of-a-kind side dishes are must-haves. They include Grilled Cauliflower Steaks, Potato Croquettes, Truffled Mushroom Risotto and Crispy Bacon & Caramelized Shallot Brussels Sprouts.

Entrée favorites include the Thai Pesto Grilled Snapper + Shrimp, served with jasmine rice, sautéed spinach and red coconut curry, and the Lobster Mac N Cheese, comprising half a lobster tail over rigatoni and a just-right creamy cheese sauce. Also, try the Skirt Steak "Lomo Saltado," with Peruvian-style peppers, onions, tomatoes, yuca fries and aji verde.

Definitely don't miss dessert. I can't say enough about all the delectably executed confections: The Chocolate Trilogy features double-stuffed Oreos baked between chocolate chip cookie dough and fudge brownie, with vanilla ice cream and chocolate ganache; the Key Lime Pie has a crisp macadamia crust, meringue brûlée and blueberry lime compote; and the Blood Orange and Vanilla Crème Brûlée is finished with fresh berries.

After dinner, we kicked off our shoes for a walk on the beach - just another appetizing option Oceans 234 has to offer. O

Oceans 234 is located at 234 N. Ocean Blvd., Deerfield Beach. For more information, call 954-428-2539 or visit oceans234.com.