A visit to Horizons Restaurant and Ocean Club Nightclub in the Clarion Resort Fontainebleau Hotel, located at 101st St. on Coastal Highway, is always a pleasure and this time even more so as hubby Ron and I had not dined out together in a long while. Feeling very ‘Continental,’ we arrive at nearly 9 p.m., which means, happily, that the band is about to take the stage. This is transition time when Horizons also becomes the Ocean Club. Popular band Arizona is performing an early set with laid-back songs such as a Fleetwood Mac tune being sung by lovely Bea . I’m in Heaven.
    We usually sit at a window table as we love to gaze out over the palm trees to the rolling ocean beyond but since the music is beginning, we opt for a comfortably cushioned banquette table nearer the stage. As we gaze around the spacious room, we are impressed anew at the lovely decor and sophisticated table settings. Our server Doug greets us warmly and apprises us of the specials for the evening.
    I had no doubt that Ron would order his perennial favorite, stuffed mushrooms, while I chose the Roasted Tomato Soup as my appetizer. To say it was delicious is an understatement; creamy with just the right amount of spiciness, it was topped with roasted shallots and bits of sour cream - heavenly. Ron kindly offered a taste of his mushrooms and it was every bit as good as I remembered, and plenty enough for two. (He enjoyed them again the next day.)
    Maybe because of my recent trip to N’awlins, the Cajun Beef Tips & Shrimp caught my eye on the Chef’s Specials menu. Baby shrimp and tender beef tips were plentiful throughout a mixture of grilled onions and cherry tomatoes in a cajun cream sauce that was tossed with penne pasta. Absolutely superb!
    Ron ordered the New York Strip Sirloin that was prepared medium-rare to perfection and served with baked potato and a vegetable medley. I can tell you he enjoyed it just as much the second night at home and I loved having the rest of his vegetables to add to my pasta dish. Yummy!
    Food and Beverage director Richard Heubeck joined us over coffee and told us, after Ron’s favorable comment on the beef, that they are now using Vintage Natural Beef® which is aged 18 to 20 days. It is indeed succulent and flavorful.
    I told Richard that I was impressed with the extensive Chef’s Special menu, in addition to the regular menu, which boasted six scrumptious entrées: Roasted Half Chicken, Salmon, Broiled Halibut, Soft Shells Crabs, Snow Crab Legs and the cajun dish I had. He explained that they like to showcase the talents of their wonderful chefs by offering more chef specials each night. Chef Paul Bryan is joined by Sous Chef Shawn Reece who is a local boy returned back to the area. After culinary school in Virginia, he worked at the famous Nage Restaurant in Washington, D.C., and after returning to the shore, added Kitty Hawk and Solstice to his resumé. These specials change nightly but if there was something you really loved and you don’t see it, just ask and if they have the ingredients, they will make it for you. Along those lines also, if you have a special event or want to impress your lady love with a bouquet of flowers, just call ahead and they will arrrange everything for you.
    Now, mentioning Snow Crab Legs reminds me to tell you about the Famous All-You-Can-Eat Prime Rib, Crab Legs & Seafood Buffet. This incredible buffet promises the “finest from land and the freshest from sea” and they live up to that promise. In addition to the items in the title, also offered is Steamed Shrimp, Oysters & Clams on the half shell, Catch of the Day, Seafood Newburg, Seafood Fettuccine Alfredo, BBQ Baby Back Ribs, Maryland Fried Chicken, Lasagna and more; plus, an array of side dishes, salads, fruits & vegetables and fresh baked rolls, cakes & pies. This incredible feast is available Fridays and Saturdays from 5-9 p.m. ($3 off before 6 p.m.). This weekend a Sunday Buffet is added and beginning July 1, daily from 4-9 p.m.
    Let me tell you about a few of my other favorites on this fabulous menu. The Crab Dip is to die for. Jumbo lump crabmeat is combined with a three-cheese sauce (Swiss, Parmesan and Cream Cheese), baked golden brown and served with toasted rounds. Magnificent!
    I have often enjoyed the Ocean Club salad that is chilled fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, mushrooms, onion, almonds, Mandarin oranges and seasoned croutons. This, of course, is a carry-over from the old Ocean Club which we all still miss but little delicious things like this keep the memories alive.
    Horizons has a long history of accolades for their wine list from three prestigious magazines: “Wine Spectator,” “Hospitality Magazine” and “Santé,” and, in fact, 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 seven years and has earned the “Unique Distinction” title. Last, but not least, they have been recognized for 15 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; such as the Chateauneuf du Pape, Barton & Guestier or the Cabernet Saubignon, Jordan, that is recommended to accompany the New York Strip Sirloin.
    Another of my favorite entrées is the Jumbo Crab Cakes that are among the best of the best and far more preferable to me than all the fuss of cracking your own; although that can be fun when you have the time and energy. Or you can go with the Imperial Crab “Maryland” that is prepared from a classic recipe and is oh so tasty! I also love the Orange Roughy Annapolis that is topped with crab Imperial and baked to a golden brown. You can tell I am a seafood lover but I must remind you again that the beef here is the best and you can enjoy land and sea with the Surf and Turf entrée.
    Our desserts were wonderful as well: Ron had a scrumptious cheesecake and I had Miss Jean’s amazing Bumbleberry pie. While we devoured our desserts, we talked with Richard about the opening of Lenny’s Beach Bar & Grill this weekend with entertainment by Arizona at 4 p.m. on the deck adjacent to the outdoor bar, Friday-Sunday. On June 14, Lenny’s Beach Bar & Grill will begin opening seven days a week at 11:30 a.m. as well as the outdoor pool; of course, you might want to wait ‘til it’s a little warmer for that but it will be very soon.
    I hope you’ll take my advice and visit this wonderful restaurant/night club and also the Breakers Pub that specializes in overstuffed sandwiches, great appetizers and a raw bar. You won’t miss any of your sports events, either, because both restaurants and their three bars feature big flat screen TVs and Keno is offered as well.
    And if you’ve never experienced breakfast at Horizons, you don’t know what a luxurious breakfast is (7 a.m.-noon). The magnificent Sunday Breakfast Buffet is available every Sunday year-round from 7 a.m.-1 p.m.
    No matter the time of day or night, you can always count on Horizons Restaurant and Ocean Club nightclub to provide you with the utmost quality in food, service and entertainment. For reservations call 410-524-3535 or visit www.clarionoc.com.