Tuesday May 13 2008
Press Journal
by Kathy Oristaglio
What a fabulous experience when any restaurant seeker - especially a devoted foodie - discovers a unique dining treasure where the atmosphere and menu are infused with creative energy, the staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the owner inspires an attitude
of light-hearted fun and community spirit. Undertow restaurant is such a gem.
In an unassuming storefront in downtown Vero, executive chef and owner Kitty Wagner has created a "must experience" dining sensation. In the roomy main dining room flanked by a full bar and open kitchen, brightly painted walls decorated with surfboards and
original oils by Porter Mills mix happily with assorted wood tables. Chinese lanterns and colorful throw pillows scattered among Moroccan-Style banquettes. Outside, a private walled patio offers al fresco dining. It's a stimulating environment designed
to lighten the spirit and whet the appetite.
Fresh, original and unarguably tasty, the eclectic menu at Undertow includes signature dishes such as Spicy Thai Lobster Bisque, Sauteed Mahi Mahi with fresh Blue Crab Mango Salsa and Seared Rare Ahi Tuna over crunchy Asian Slaw. A luncheon special of pork tenderloin quesadilla prepared by lunch chef Pat Thesz was truly inspired, especially when accompanied by Wagner's savory pineapple black bean salsa.
"Our cuisine is light, clean, California-style with creative flavoring and Asian influences" said Wagner, describing her restaurants varied offerings.
The former sous chef for Windsor and later owner and executive chef of The Blue Starfish on the island, Wager has a devoted clientele who have followed the culinary artist across the bridge to her hew digs. Offering live bands on the weekends, acoustics on
Wednesdays, special wine dinners on the patio, Undertow attracts a cross-section of diners seeking excellent cuisine, an inspired wine selection and lively, nighttime entertainment.
Lunch is served from 11 to 3 p.m. Dinner seating begins at 5 p.m. and goes until whenever. "If people are still coming in, I'm still cooking" said Wagner, who confessed to preparing dishes at 11 p.m. on the previous Saturday night for late-night patrons.
Wagner cheerfully opens Undertow to local groups,such as the Surf Rider Foundation and book clubs, and often plays host to special events, parties, and receptions. "This is a lot more fun" said Wagner. "I wanted a restaurant for the community, where everyone
can come." Community spirit indeed reigns at Undertow. When it was discovered that the city lacked a robust recycling program for commercial businesses, Undertow staff implemented their own program for the restaurant. Undertow supports numerous charities, from the
Children's Home Society to the United Way, with donations of gift certificates, wine or food. Wagner professed a special affinity for food-related charities, such as Our Father's Kitchen.
"Being a chef, I like being able to donate food" she said.
With Undertows tasty offerings, the recipients are lucky diners indeed. As is anyone who sails across Undertows threshold.
Open Monday through Saturday for lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Tuesday through Saturday for Dinner beginning at 5 p.m. Undertow is located at 1931 Old Dixie Highway, in Vero Beach. For more information, reservations, or event schedule call (772) 770-0977
LOCATED IN:
HISTORIC
DOWNTOWN VERO BEACH
1931 OLD DIXIE HWY
VERO BEACH, FLORIDA 32960
(772) 770-0977
HOURS
LUNCH MON-FRI 11-2PM
DINNER TUES-SAT 5:30PM-LAST CALL
(772) 770-0977