There is something groovy about exploring all the good eats Vero Beach has to offer. Whether on the mainland, or in this case, the island, I’m finding there is truly something for everyone, and at any price point. I love how the “off season” offers attractive deals at many of our eateries, sure to entice us regular folk, you know, the ones who are year-round residents.
Havana Nights Piano Bar is located upstairs at Maison Martinique restaurant inside the Caribbean Court Hotel at 1605 Ocean Drive (the south end.) Havana Nights is open for dinner Wednesday – Saturday 4:30-9:30pm. The restaurant downstairs, Maison Martinique, is open for dinner 7 nights a week. Wish to hang and eat in Havana Nights while listening to live music? No worries, they will offer you the full menu up there. They also have a separate “smaller bites” menu. This was my second visit, the first time was a Saturday night with a piano player who had us up dancing to our old favorites; Billy Joel, Neil Diamond, Elton John, and the like. Some call it “Yacht Rock.” I just call it good ol’ music that soothes the soul! This time around, I went with a couple of gal pals on a Wednesday. They were featuring Jim Leger on guitar, and he was quite good!
This idea of catering to us full timers isn’t wasted on co-owner of Maison Martinique. Colleen Carr greeted us with a warm smile, and told us she always makes room for the full time residents (her bread and butter, I suppose, to use a culinary comparison!) Another fun fact she shared is that Maison Martinique will host a New Year’s Eve bash this year that is “Roaring 20’s” themed, complete with a flowing, fancy champagne fountain. I’m already making my reservations… If you peruse the fine dining spread in the weekly 32963 newspaper, you will see an ad for this place. Like others, they are temping folks in with a Sunset Dinner menu from 5-6:30pm. This is a pricey restaurant, easily top 5 in Vero ($38-$52 per entree), but if you want to take advantage of a top notch fresh catch of the day with chef’s soup/ salad, vegetable, and starch of the day for $30, this is your opportunity. Also on this menu you’ll find Grilled Pork Ribeye, Grilled Prime Sirloin, Linguine all Amatriciana, Chicken Francese, and a Chopped Salad with Grilled Shrimp. The food is both Caribbean and French inspired.
Another thing that owners Colleen Carr and Chef Daniel Wise get right (in my humble opinion) is AMBIANCE. The cozy, retro chic rounded booths with all their bling, cozy pillows, and mood lighting is one thing that makes this place special. For me, if I’m going out to a nice spot, I crave this environment. It makes me feel prettier, fancier, and more special. There, I said it! I do not enjoy fine dining in an environment that feels one tiny step above sitting in a cafeteria, as is the case at some other places. I know I should see a professional about this, it’s on my list of things to do, don’t worry!
Maison Martinique & Havana Nights
Address: 1603 Ocean Dr, Vero Beach, FL 32963
Phone: (772) 231-7299
https://thecaribbeancourt.com/maison-martinique-fine-dining/
Lisa ~ my friends & I have been to one of your fabulous wine taste/learn gems last week @ The Cellar Door. It was so much fun and educational. It was a pleasure to meet you (Margaret Mary, CJ & Sandi) after the presentation. We are hooked on the Cellar and have been there twice since then.