The Hideaway Café is appropriately named. If you didn’t know it was there, you definitely wouldn’t spot it from the road, and you certainly wouldn’t see their sign. But let me tell you, it’s worth finding.
Tucked away on the second floor of the Rainbow Bend Resort on Grassy Key (mile marker 58 oceanside in the Florida Keys), Hideaway Café serves breakfast and dinner to lucky hotel guests and to those-in-the-know. I discovered it by asking some locals where to eat while I was staying at Hawk’s Cay Resort.
As you park, you’ll be wondering, “Is this right?” Rest assured, if you’re in the parking of Rainbow Bend, you’ve arrived. Then, as you trek up the concrete steps, you will surely think this is a dive, but you’ll be wrong. Small, yes. Unassuming, yes. Fab food and oceanfront views? Oh, yes. And the staff greets you like you’re a long, lost relative; they’re very happy to see you. Upon being seated inside (in air-conditioned comfort), or on the jalousie-window enclosed patio with faint sea breezes, you’ll be given a basket of warm, French bread.
Settle in. Have a look around. You’ll see Keys-casually dressed couples sitting comfortably at white linen clothed tables, sipping wine by candlelight. It’s a welcoming sight. Now, peruse the menu and you’ll find a good variety of fresh seafood dishes, pasta, chicken and beef. You’ll also find some unexpected choices (for a little place in the Keys), like delightful French Onion Soup ($8). My favorite appetizer is the escargot, but think way outside the familiar flat dish with little individual butter pools for each snail. I’m talking Escargot á la Edison ($9). These tender delights are cognac-flamed then arranged beautifully on a plate with creamy cognac, garlic, and pepper cream sauce - and perfectly julienned vegetables. So tasty and full of flavor, you’ll be tempted to order a second plate.
Main courses include a plethora of local seafood from lobster to hogfish. You’ll also find standout dishes, like Roasted Whole Duck á la Hideaway ($29), Full Rack of Lamb with herb coating ($32), and amazingly tender and flavorful aged steaks. As a Libra, I find it extremely difficult to decide. Ever time. Luckily, the waiters are always eager to offer their expert recommendations.
One of my favs is the Hideaway Seafood Special ($28). It’s their catch of the day (hogfish many times), sautéed francaise style and topped with large shrimp and sea scallops. Divine. Seafood Puttanesca is another winner ($26).
Now, about those steaks…they age their own, and the chef’s special is the nearly two-pound Rib Steak. You’ll also find Chateaubriand, NY Strip, and you will love the Filet Medallions á la Beurre Noir. Filet slices flambéed with cognac and garlic ($28). You just can’t go wrong. And forget everything being a la carte! Entrees include choice of house or Cesar salad, potato, and vegetable of the day (think broccoli with hollandaise or green beans with tomatoes).
If you saved room for dessert, treat yourself to either the Bananas Foster or their homemade cheesecake. Sigh.
Hideaway Café does offer a kids menu, although I’d rather NOT have my kids in tow at this romantic of a place, but it’s nice to know that they do, in case you absolutely have to ($9-$10). That reminds me, they have beer and wine!
So, next time you’re looking for a romantic spot to dine that’s off the beaten path, FIND the Hideaway Café. Reservations are highly recommended. Call 305-289-1554.
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