On the day that Florida's Urban Meyer altered his plan to resign as football coach, News-Journal sports writer Brent Woronoff, his wife, Mary Jo, and friends Linda and Phil dined at Flip Flops Grill and Chill in New Smyrna Beach.
Merely coincidence. Football was not even on our minds. There was not a television in sight on this NFL Sunday evening as we were seated in the spacious restaurant, formerly a Shell's Fresh Seafood. Another competition did enter our thoughts, however.
Flip Flops, after all, is the bistro in which chef Danny Veltri whipped up dishes when he was chosen to compete on Fox's reality show, "Hell's Kitchen." Just before Veltri was declared the champion last spring, the cozy little eatery off Flagler Avenue moved to these new digs.
While the restaurant's name doesn't seem to fit the more elaborate setting, you get the sense that the gracious staff here would welcome diners to the stylish establishment whether they were wearing beach attire or business suits.
So what is the menu like?
Eclectic. Burgers, pita pizzas, salads, gourmet entrees and sandwiches. There are lots of fresh seafood choices, and a Caribbean theme with dishes such as Jerk Chicken Skewers, Wahoo with Mango Salsa and Mahi Mahi Gone Bananas (lightly blackened mahi-mahi with grilled banana halves, tomato relish and a Key lime-coconut sauce).
You could also choose all-American fare such as a New York strip steak with garlic-herb butter, Philly cheese steak or jumbo lump crab cakes. Or you could emulate another TV reality show -- "Man vs. Food" -- and try the Big Flippin' Burger: four half-pound Black Angus burgers topped with everything imaginable including a condition -- "no sharing, no substitutions."
What did your party order?
We stuck with entrees. Linda chose the Chicken Bruschetta (chargrilled chicken breast, topped with fresh mozzarella, diced tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil and extra-virgin olive oil, drizzled with a balsamic reduction ($17). Phil picked a half-order of baby back ribs with a citrus barbecue sauce ($14). Mary Jo selected chargrilled salmon with a Champagne citrus sauce ($17). And I ordered mahi-mahi with fresh peach salsa ($17).
Did you enjoy your dinners?
We all cleaned our plates. Phil's ribs were tender and succulent. The salmon, with the charcoal-grilled flavor, was scrumptious. I enjoyed my fish, but I didn't think the salsa added much to the dish. Linda said her chicken could have been served a bit warmer. Mary Jo and Linda substituted the cranberry spring salad for the house salad and were delighted by their selection. Mary Jo said sharpness of the blue cheese and sweetness of the dried cranberries made for a delicious contrast. But even the house salad with a variety of field greens was first-rate.
The best side was easily the German-style potato pancakes, which were among the best potato pancakes I've ever tasted, and in this category I'm a seasoned veteran.
How was the service?
Perfect. Friendly, helpful, attentive and right on time. Even though the menu states, "Please be patient, our food is made fresh to order and may exceed the normal wait time," we had no waiting. Moments after we finished our salads the entrees arrived. Not much time between dishes to chat, but we made up for it lingering over our dinners.
How were the prices?
Very reasonable for fine dining. Sandwiches ranged from $8 to $12. The most expensive entree was the 16-ounce New York strip at $29. Our bill, which included a holiday apple cider and four coffees, came to $91.44 with tax, not including tip.
Flip Flops Grill and Chill
WHERE: 725 E. Third Ave. (building in front of the Publix plaza on beach side), New Smyrna Beach
PHONE: 386-424-0161
MISC.: Complete wine list, credit cards accepted, live music on most nights
