by Eden Colonna – Vero Vine Intern / Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts Student
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Vero Beach Hotel and Spa’s poolside lounge, Heaton’s Reef offers a full bar and menu that offers appetizers and entrees. While enjoying your meal you have an oceanfront view, live music on Saturdays, and toasty fire pits for cool and windy nights.
If you are a guest of the hotel, you are able to utilize the pool and hot tub. Otherwise, there is an open bar for seating, as well as tables and chairs available, where Heaton’s Reef servers are happy to take care of you.
I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to join Thomas Miller on his review for Cobalt. Stacy Cook, editor of Vero Vine, has given me the chance to do my own review and write about a few of the food items on Heaton’s Reef menu.
Let’s get to the food!
Fried Lobster Tacos- ($19.00)- To start off, we were able to taste two crispy fried lobster tacos. The batter on the perfectly cooked, white lobster was rich and buttery. The Arugula and chopped tomatoes added a lovely flavor and texture combination to the taco. To top it off, there was a light cilantro aioli that added excellent flavor.
Chicken Salad Sandwich- ($14.00)- I am not usually one to order a chicken salad sandwich, but I have to say, this sandwich was delightful. The chicken salad was properly dressed; light on the mayo, but not dry. It was placed under red onion, lettuce, two tomato slices and between white bread, which could have been toasted a bit more. However, the flavor combination of tarragon, scallions, and celery in the chicken salad was exceptional.
In Conclusion:
I thoroughly enjoyed these two menu items and my experience at Heaton’s Reef. While the prices are a bit above average for bar food, this is not “typical” bar food, so consider the overall value of the flavors, service, and atmosphere you get while dining here. It is unique and I would recommend it to anyone. Unfortunately, I am under the age of 21 and can’t inform you about the drinks that Heaton’s Reef has to offer. Looks like you’ll have to go try it out for yourself!
Heaton’s Reef also has Daily $5 Drink Deals
About Eden Colonna: Eden is a Sophomore at Florida Atlantic University studying Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts. She desires to pursue a career in the food and beverage industry. Eden’s energetic love for culinary arts has introduced her to Thomas Miller, food blogger and restaurant critic. Eden resides in Vero Beach during the summer and is currently interning for Mr. Miller, writing and reviewing restaurants for verovine.com.
Heaton’s Reef is open daily from 10:00am to 10:00pm. They offer a happy hour from 4:30pm to 6:00pm