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| The modern decor is just part of the fun at this South Beach-inspired bistro. |
As soon as we stepped into this trendy, eclectic bistro, I knew we were in for a unique dining treat.
The Eighty20 dining decor is a feast (for the eyes) in itself. Seat yourself and swivel in a dome-shaped chair, or scooch into a comfy orange booth. The orange, black and white theme creates a playful, but sleek, atmosphere. Or dine alfresco courtside by the pool and garden.
After pondering our seating choice, we were offered menus with a tempting variety of full fusion and traditional dishes kicked up a notch with a Caribbean twist.
Chef Damián Hernández oversees the Bistro's menu. He has mastered the art of blending locally grown ingredients with preparation styles from different countries. These flavorful fusion dishes are sure to please every palate.
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| Peanut Butter Chocolate Ganache...mmmm! |
For our appetizer, we chose to share the Tropical Crab Brochettes layered with seasoned crab meat, fresh avocado and shallot aioli (a sauce of garlic and oil) over paprika toast, topped with salted salmon roe. For those folks looking for some heat, be sure to try the Big Wings with Spicy BBQ sauce, or the Cheesy Garlic Quesadillas'as is, or with shrimp, Chorizo, BBQ chicken or Churrasco.
I loved the Bistro's creative salads, which had such interesting ingredients' from wonton fritters to Norwegian smoked salmon sprinkled with white sesame seeds or toasted pine nuts. My husband Michael ordered the house favorite, the Bistro Salad. This mixed green salad had flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, Manteo cheese and julienne carrots with raspberry vinaigrette dressing. I chose the Mediterranean Caprese Salad layered with tomato, bacon, porcini mushroom, and topped with grated goat cheese and white balsamic cream dressing. A meal in itself!
The Bistro's entree selection reflected Chef Damián's finest fusion creations and culinary art skills. I highly recommend the salmon fillet, served with sweet pea and prosciutto risotto, fresh vegetables and smoked tomato coulis.
For a more meat-and-potato selection, try the grilled New York Strip Steak with roasted garlic mashed potatoes and veggies with a cilantro butter sauce.
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| Churrasco steak with roasted garlic mashed potatoes. |
Got kids? They can create their own two-topping pizza or select from the children's menu.
The dreamy desserts were beautifully presented, with dabs of colorful sauces, rose-sculptured strawberries and chocolate swivel sticks. Dessert choices include many favorites with a fusion flare–Guava Cheesecake, Passion Fruit Mousse, Coconut or Cheese Flan, and Peanut Butter Chocolate Ganache. And yes, they taste as good as they sound!
The Eighty20 Bistro is located in the Holiday Inn, Carolina, which will become the Verdanza Hotel beginning Dec. 4.
See the Bistro's haute cuisine recipe for Pigeon Pea Risotto here.
Eighty20 Bistro
Holiday Inn
8020 Tartak St., Carolina
787-253-9000 ext. 3189
*AAA members save 15% on food and nonalcoholic beverages.