It’s been a long time since husband Ron and I had the pleasure of dining at Horizons so we were both excited to return to this beautiful restaurant located in the Clarion Resort Fontainebleau Hotel on 101st Street, overlooking the ocean. This location has so much to offer that I would love to come stay for a few days just to experience it all.
    Horizons Restaurant features elegantly appointed tables, including banquette seating, that is so comfortable. The decor is a feast for the eyes with lovely floral arrangements and the most glorious view of the ocean. A large dance floor accommodates the many fine dancers who come out to enjoy some of the best musical groups around. The multi-level bar area is perfect to view the entire setting.
    You’re still part of the restaurant in the next area of Horizons, a comfortable lounge and bar featuring several TVs to catch all your favorite sports action. The next room, a few steps down, is yet another bar called Breakers Pub where you may also watch your favorite sports shows, play KENO and partake of an excellent pub menu, plus a great raw bar.
    As you exit the doors from the Pub, you’ll find yourself in an area that includes an indoor pool, another bar, and balcony seating that is covered but open to the ocean view and breezes. On the next level down you’ll find Lenny’s Beach Bar & Grill where you may order your favorite cocktails, have delicious food hot off the grill, hear great live music every day, and, new this year, a fabulous outdoor heated swimming pool, complete with a hot tub for the “big kids.” The best feature of this pool is that because of its positioning between buildings, it has plenty of sunshine all day long. The kids will love the water shower. And if you want to hit the beach, you’ll enjoy the same great service right at your beach chair.
    What we came to enjoy this night, of course, is the wonderful cuisine of Horizons. A new era of culinary delights has dawned at Horizons with the arrival of Chef Paul Bryan. He comes to us most recently from Harrah’s in Atlantic City and has a background in French and Asian cuisine. Chef Bryan is versatile in new style culinary cuisine, presenting his food, including an expanded seafood menu, with a French flair. He likes to match components of the menu with the starch and vegetable fresh in season, such as spaghetti squash and summer pears and peaches.
    “I like to bring creativity to the plate,” Chef Bryan says, and indeed after talking with him, I found that his food reflects his affable manner and creative flair. For instance: we began our meal with a Portabella Mushroom creation. One large Portabella laid on its top was filled with a bed of spinach, topped with fresh crab meat and a thin layer of cheese, perfectly baked and oh so delicious.
    Next, we were treated to a sample entrée that included a large piece of blackened Tuna with a mango salsa on a bed of broccoli, topped with Jumbo Shrimp and accompanied by parmesan cheese potatoes. Also on the plate was a perfectly prepared 8-ounce filet that seemed to disappear as Ron proceeded to thoroughly enjoy his meal. My fisherman said the tuna had “excellent color - prepared well.”
    My plate was a wonder to behold with a really large piece of Rockfish, that had been rubbed with blackening seasoning, sitting atop a bed of spinach and a version of shrimp scampi in a glaze that was so wonderfully tasty. Bits of mango in the sauce offered a sweet and refreshing complement to the blackened spiciness. It was just magnificent from presentation to the last bite.
    On your visit you might want to check out the incredible, and famous, All-You-Can-Eat Prime Rib, Crab Legs & Seafood Buffet. This is a great way to please everyone in the family with a selection of food that leaves nothing out. The Prime Rib is exceptional as is the Glazed Virginia Baked Ham. Enjoy Crab Legs, spicy Steamed Shrimp, and Oysters & Clams on the half shell to your heart’s content. The Catch of the Day is the best fresh fish available or you might like to try Seafood Newburg, Seafood Fettuccine Alfredo or Pasta with White Clam Sauce. It even includes BBQ Baby Back Ribs and the best Maryland Fried Chicken; even Lasagna. I told you, something for everyone. Bring the kids; children’s prices available. This is so popular, it’s a good idea to call for reservations - 410-524-3535.
    After 9 p.m. the lights go down and you’re suddenly in the classiest, most beautiful nightclub in O.C. - The Ocean Club. This night we listened to the wonderful talents of New Censation. Other regular bands there include long-time favorites First Class, Arizona, Power Play and On The Edge, among others.
    By this time I had finished my delicious glass of Reisling and was excited to see the dessert tray which included a New York Cheesecake, a rich Chocolate layered cake, homemade Carrot Cake, Lemon Cheesecake, White Fudge Cake and Black Forest Cake. Ronnie went with the Cheesecake and I had the White Fudge Cake and a cup of coffee with Baileys. You didn’t hear anything from us until every last bite was gone. Horizons still proudly presents Desserts by Rita in addition to sherbets, ice creams and seasonal fruits.
    Manager Richard Heubeck is deservedly proud of Horizons’ staff and its award-winning wine list. Horizons is applauded in three prestigious magazines: “Wine Spectator,” “Hospitality Magazine” and “Santé,” and has received the distinction of Best Wine List for Hotels and Resorts in the Mid-Atlantic region by “Santé” Food & Beverage magazine. Horizons wine list has received an award from Robert Parker’s “Wine Enthusiast” magazine the past six years and has earned the “Unique Distinction” title. Last, but not least, they have been recognized for 14 years running by “Spectator” for their phenomenal wine list. Whether a connoisseur or novice, just ask Richard for recommendations to complement your dinner or you can rely on the menu-recommended wine with each selection.
    The steaks and prime rib are all Certified Angus Beef. Other entrées include Chicken Horizon, crowned with crabmeat and topped with sauce Béarnaise and almonds; Shrimp Scampi, Jumbo Crab Cakes, Imperial Crab “Maryland,” Lobster Tail, Orange Roughy Annapolis (stuffed with crab Imperial), and Orange Roughy Chesapeake (seasoned with old bay and lemon pepper).
    The salad selections still include two favorite classics: The Ocean Club and Hearts of Palm. And the Appetizers showcase our Eastern Shore seafood.
    Don’t forget that Horizons is open for breakfast every day with a buffet that just can’t be beat; and the Deluxe Sunday Breakfast Buffet extends ‘til 1p.m.
    Owner Dr. Lenny Berger and his excellent staff can be proud of the wonderful job they do at making sure everyone has a memorable experience at any one of their facilities each and every time. Let them show you what first class hospitality is all about.