Stuart, A Treasured Town
By Suzanne Wentley
With flowering trees lining the streets, egrets in the air and a friendly population, charm abounds in Stuart, an understated yet sophisticated city just 45 minutes north of West Palm Beach.
Photo Courtesy of City of Stuart
Stuart’s rich history – based on a past of treasure ship wrecks on its beaches and a unique geography that wraps itself around the St. Lucie River – proves an attraction for residents throughout the nation and world, who drive through the city’s roundabouts and visit its many waterfront parks most often in the wintertime.
But even during the less-crowded summer months, the appeal of Stuart – the “Sailfish Capital of the World” – reaches far beyond its excellent fishing, unspoiled beaches and quiet but vibrant art culture. Thanks to the influx of high-class, seasonal visitors, this city has also established an award-winning, elegant-yet-casual dining scene.
Photo Courtesy of Martin County Chamber of Commerce
“Martin County has always been exclusive and high end, with visitors coming from all over the world with very discerning palates,” said Gary Guertin, the chairman of the Martin County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. “Whatever we do, we’ll do first class. And we’re understated Stuart casual. The rules are different here. We’re not Palm Beach.”
Indeed, in Stuart, the dinner dress and atmosphere are as relaxed as the warm ocean breeze. Named the “Most Beautiful Small Town in America” in 2008 by the non-profit America in Bloom, this city is a gorgeous spot for the ultimate weekend getaway. Many visitors tend to stay at the beachfront Hutchinson Island Marriott Beach Resort and Marina, 555 N.E. Ocean Boulevard, (772) 225-3700, or opt for one of the charming bed and breakfasts, like Inn Shepard’s Park, located downtown at 601 S.W. Ocean Boulevard, (772) 781-4244.
From Riverwalk Cafe & Oyster Bar
From the Inn, stroll along the Riverwalk, a boardwalk that meanders along the St. Lucie River near the picturesque Roosevelt Bridge to discover the Riverwalk Café and Oyster Bar, 201 S.W. Saint Lucie Ave., (772) 221-1511. With large bay windows overlooking the sidewalk and a cozy bar featuring 140 wines – half available by the glass – regulars love the variety of fresh oysters, USDA-certified prime beef, wild salmon and crab cakes, which are made only of jumbo lump crab meat. Chef and Owner Steve Feder ensures that everything is fresh and without chemicals or processing that can cloud the taste of even the best prepared dishes. Intimate and great for dates, this 50-seat restaurant has been a popular spot for 12 years.
Around the corner downtown is The Lyric Theatre, a renovated playhouse built in 1926 that features top musical and theatrical performances throughout the year. Many take in a show before wandering over to The Flagler Grill, 47 SW Flagler Ave., (772) 221-9517. Honored by Wine Spectator every year since 1999 and the Wine & Enthusiast in 2007, this restaurant is as well known for its lengthy wine list as its exceptional menu. Signature items include the Reef Tuna, Yellow-Tail Snapper and New York Strip, and the Pear salad, made with vanilla-scented seasonal pears and warm goat cheese, is also divine. Owners Paul and Linda Daly often sport tropical shirts and greet each guest with a smile.
Another popular and sophisticated dining option right in downtown is Gusto Italian Cuisine, 301 Colorado Ave., (772) 287-3334, where the professional staff is as authentically Italian as the cuisine. With thick accents under a chic chandelier lighting the often-packed dining room, servers offer daily specials and a hearty menu including Rack of Lamb and homemade pastas. The Risotto ai Funghi and the Grilled Calamari Steak appetizer are also favorites, said Owner Maria Amato. Those in the know also request a homemade limoncello to wash down their meal. Save room for a cannoli – unless you would prefer to stroll over to Kilwin’s Chocolates and Ice Cream, at 31 S.W. Osceola St., (772) 223-6446.
Families would enjoy a trip to the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center on Hutchinson Island before stopping into Renato’s Italian Ristorante, 3720 SE Ocean Boulevard, (772) 219-9600, for a delicious lunch. Located in Sewall’s Point, a small, peninsular town on the way to the beaches, Renato’s is a long-time favorite for authentic, homemade cuisine. Sicilian owners Renato and Josephine Maira offer a variety of northern and southern Italian classics for lunch and dinner, including popular dishes like the veal marsala, paninis and zuppa de pesce. Chef Renato, and their son, Alberto, who is also a chef here, make all the pastas, salads and sauces from scratch. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during the busy winter season.
From Encore Restaurant & Lounge
Encore Restaurant & Lounge, 2875 SE Ocean Boulevard, (772) 286-6612, is a great way to end a peaceful day at one of the unspoiled beaches – especially one near the historical House of Refuge Museum at Gilbert’s Bar, which explains the area’s history of ships filled with gold wrecking along the area reefs. Just over the bridges from the museum, Encore Restaurant & Lounge Owner and Chef Kyle Green offers a variety of entrees and popular tapas, small plate items, from the Roasted Garlic Stuffed Eggplant Ravioli to Duck Confit Pizza to Grilled Brie with strawberries, citrus fruit, toasted cashews and honey. Live music is often featured on the patio, also where Iron Chef Mondays – held the first Monday of the month – is a fun, interactive cook-off featuring secret ingredients like carrots, tuna or goat cheese.
Another restaurant that’s perfect to enjoy the warm evening breeze here is Ian’s Tropical Grill, located about 10 minutes north at 1205 N.E. Dixie Highway in Jensen Beach, (772) 334-4563. At Ian’s, guests can chose from intimate indoor booths and tables surrounded by wine cork-covered walls or a seat in the peaceful palm garden. Owners Paula and Eric Grutka boast the “best fish on the Treasure Coast” with a menu that changes daily based on whatever is freshest from local farms and fishing boats. A winner of the Wine Spectator award for the past seven years, Ian’s is known for its Surf and Turf with New York Strip medallions and grilled shrimp with a bleu cheese cream and cabernet reduction. The Day Boat Scallops, Kobe Beef and duck breast from Maple Leaf Farms are also winners.
Also in Jensen Beach is 11 Maple Street, at 3224 N.E. Maple Street, (772) 334-7714, a top-quality dining experience tucked in a historic home along another waterway in Stuart, the Indian River Lagoon. Owner Margie Perrin is proud to be named one of the top ten local eateries by the annual Zagat survey, thanks to an eclectic and extensive wine list and small plate dinners. They are known for the pan-fried conch in balsamic vinegar and wine and the elk tenderloin with Portobello mushrooms.
Are you searching for traditional yacht club excellence? The Harbor Grille at Harborage Yacht Club, 955 NW Flagler Ave., (772) 692-4000 ext. 3, is now offering lunch and dinner to non-members. Reservations are suggested as the club hosts private members only functions from time to time. Chef Mark Muller grew up in Stuart and offers some of the most mouth-watering options overlooking a 300-slip marina across the St. Lucie River from downtown. His Corn Chowder was recently named best soup by Taste of Martin County, an epicurean event that raised funds for a local charity. Opened in the last year, the Harbor Grille is proof that the culture and dining scene in Stuart is only improving as its history deepens.
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