The number of summer dining specials at great establishments increases dramatically with things such as prefix menus and half off bottles of wine to name a few. For the rest of the month of August, Tarpon Bay at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point in Bonita Springs is one of them.
The Summer Treasures Dining Special includes three courses (really four if you count the amuse bouche which is much more than a bite) and a bottle of wine.
My evening began with a nice, cold dirty martini while listening to the hum of jazz music coming from the alcove. Speaking of music, the restaurant puts on a killer Jazz Brunch on Sundays.
The amuse is a ceviche of the chef's choosing; there are eight on the menu. On the particular night I dined, the selection was salmon with sweet chili, almond and cucumber on a crisp plantain chip; it took the edge off and got us excited about the next course.
Diners have two choices for each of the remaining courses. Next up was a 'naughty' (my description, not the chef's) roasted corn bisque topped with a corn fritter or a 'nice' spinach salad with citrus filets, feta cheese dust, red onion and Champagne vinaigrette. I opted for the naughty; it was sweet and decadent.
The meal comes with a bottle of wine, made by the famous Michael Mondavi exclusively for Hyatt. I was pleasantly surprised that my options weren't white or red, rather several whites and several reds. In other words a pinot, cab or merlot, to which we selected the pinot noir. It was fruity and easy.
The entree course is a surf and turf with options; we love options. A petit fillet comes with either blackened shrimp or the catch of the day. The filet is cooked to your preference then topped with an herbaceous chimichurri and served over a bed of southern grits with a side of perfectly steamed, fresh vegetables.
For me, the portions sizes were perfect; enough to be filling but not so much that if you didn't wear stretchy pants you would be uncomfortable. It also helped that the dessert was on the lighter side.
Gluten-free, the mango and strawberry shortcake with coconut cream in a martini glass. Cheers!
The Seafood Treasures dining special for two continues through August 31st and it is $90. Although Tarpon Bay is at the Hyatt, non-guests are welcome and your parking will be validated. Stay and enjoy the beautiful grounds, listen to music and maybe even continue indulging with smores around the fire pit or an after dinner drink.
