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It was with a great sense of anticipation that Ronnie and I set off for our first dinner assignment this season and it couldn�t have been to a better place than Horizons Restaurant in the Clarion Resort Fontainebleau Hotel. This has long been one of our favorite restaurants and with good reason. First, you can�t beat the location. The Clarion, at 101st Street on Coastal Highway, is set right on the oceanfront and you�ll find the restaurant on the Terrace floor overlooking the beautiful Atlantic.
��� We were shown to our window-side table by our gracious hostess Dianne and were then promptly greeted by our server Dan, here for his third summer. No matter how many times I visit this restaurant, turned night club after 9:30, I pause in awe to appreciate my beautiful surroundings. Lovely floral arrangements and large palms adorn the spacious room that features several banquette tables in addition to the tables lining the floor-to-ceiling windows. My attention was immediately drawn to the view � tall palms swaying before my eyes, and the last rays of the setting sun turning the strands of wispy clouds on the horizon to many shades of rose and amethyst. My wish for later? That the clouds would not obscure the rising moon.
��� Time to come down out of the clouds because Dan is telling us about the night�s Chef Specials. Each and every night Chef Tom Emerson presents a collection of dishes guaranteed to please in every category. This night the appetizer of Oyster Fritters was the hit and was � sold out! That�s okay, though, it left me open to try something new � the Crab Dip. Yes, Horizons now has a Crab Dip and it is superb! Five full ounces of jumbo lump crabmeat are mixed with a blend of three cheeses � Swiss, Parmesan and Cream Cheese � baked golden brown and served with toasted rounds. I highly recommend this one � delicious!
��� It amazed me that as extensive as the menu is, the chef still offers so many choices for special entrees each night: Grilled Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo with broccoli and red peppers, Pesto Shrimp (grape tomatoes, spinach and penne pasta tossed in a creamy pesto sauce), Snow Crab Legs and Seared BBQ Pork Loin. See what I mean? Lobster is always available and new this year, not only broiled, but also available Tempura battered.
��� The Fresh Catch of the day? Mahi Mahi. The operative, and imperative, word here is FRESH! That�s all I needed to hear � Mahi Mahi for me, and I ordered it blackened. I changed my sides from baked potato and broccoli to their new Crispy Potato (flash dipped in the fryer) and fresh asparagus. The moment my fork pierced the delicately spiced coating and the juices flowed, I knew I was in for a treat. Moist and flaky, it was fresh indeed. As the season progresses you�ll find several Fresh Catches offered on the menu.
��� A moment here to mention that the kitchen is still ably presided over by Executive Chef Helmut Bauer, doing a marvelous job for the past 23 years. Chef Emerson found his way back to Ocean City after serving in many restaurants, most notably with the Disney organization, before hiring on as Horizons� sous chef. Congratulations to him on his promotion to Dining Room Chef.
��� Manager Richard Heubeck is deservedly proud of Horizons� staff and its award-winning wine list. Horizons is applauded in three prestigious magazines: Heubeck is most gratified at receiving the distinction of Best Wine of all Mid Atlantic Hotels and Restaurants by �Sant� Food & Beverage magazine as it is the only competition judged by peers alone; and they are one of six named nationwide. High praise indeed. Horizons wine list has received an award from Robert Parker�s �Wine Enthusiast� magazine the past 4 or 5 years and this year earned the �Unique Distinction� title. Last, but not least, they have been recognized for 13 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.
��� What did Ronnie have? No, I didn�t forget him; he had beef, of course. But not just any old beef. Horizons serves only the finest Certified Angus Beef. The 12-ounce Delmonico Steak suited him this night, accompanied by a fresh baked potato and broccoli. When I could interrupt him for a comment, he proclaimed it was �cooked just right, juicy and full of flavor.� Okay, wonderful. He�s happy and saving room for dessert. Yes, was thinking about dessert, too. And as we�re waiting for the dessert tray, I spot a pink disk rising from the edge of the world. Hooray, the clouds have parted to reveal the rising moon, and as the night darkened, it shone it�s pearly light across the waters. Just too beautiful for words and one of the reasons I love dining here. Of course the food is the top reason; you won�t believe this menu � the best of everything!
��� Over coffee, Ronnie and I enjoyed German Chocolate cake for him and Chocolate Fudge Cake with Butter Cream topping for me. Ummm, so good! Desserts are consistently scrumptious, prepared by Desserts By Rita; so all your favorites, Lemon Lust, Rita�s Delight, Carrot Cake, and more, are still available.
��� Horizons features not one but two large bar areas, one by the dance floor and stage where top bands provide excellent dancing music each and every night with legendary DJ Batman presiding from the DJ booth. The other spacious bar features several large flat screen TVs for sports viewing. Also, down three steps you�ll find Breakers Pub, open for lunch and lite fare with TVs and Keno; and adjoining the pool area and large Pool Bar. Outside, Lenny�s Beach Bar & Grill is in full swing with delicious grilled burgers and more, chair-side beach service and entertainment on the deck.
��� As always, the Clarion Fontainebleau offers the most awesome Prime Rib, Crab Legs & Seafood Buffet to be found anywhere � a perfect choice if you want to try everything!
��� Cudos to owner Dr. Lenny Berger and his incomparable staff for consistently offering the highest standards in service, atmosphere, wines and cuisine to create one memorable dining experience after another. Hopefully you�ll take my advice and visit soon because now the only thing missing is you.
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