Poolside Dining Experience at Alys Beach

[Alys Beach]

New Poolside Dining Experience at Alys Beach
Alys Beach, Florida – (May 19, 2008) – Beginning this Thursday, Alys Beach invites guests to enjoy a unique new poolside dining experience at “Caliza.”

“Eventually, we’ll be able to offer locals and out-of-town guests a bustling Town Center full of unique shops, restaurants and other amenities to enjoy,” said Jason Comer, Alys Beach’s Town Founder. “But in the meantime, we want our friends and neighbors to become a true part of our community. That’s why we hope everyone will come and enjoy the Caliza dining experience.”

Now open for its first full season, Caliza’s architecture is punctuated with arched colonnades, fountains, cabanas, tropical gardens, three pools and a restaurant, which will now be open to the public for dinner every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 6pm until 9pm.

“Caliza is a dream of a place,” said Andrés Duany, well-known designer of hundreds of new towns around the globe, including the local communities of Seaside, Rosemary Beach and Alys Beach.

“30A is blessed with a diverse selection of excellent restaurants, and we think Caliza will add something very unique to this mix,” said Comer. “I hope it demonstrates to first-time visitors just how fully committed we all are to South Walton’s exciting future.”

“Our goals at Caliza are to use only the highest quality ingredients and to provide the highest possible levels of service,” said Chef Olivier Gaupin, Alys Beach’s Director of Food and Beverage. “The setting is already exceptionally beautiful, and we want the dining experience to be just as extraordinary.”

Before joining Alys Beach, Chef Gaupin was Executive Chef for WaterColor and WaterSound resorts, at a time during which the world-class resort was awarded a coveted 4-Star rating by AAA. Prior to moving to Florida, Gaupin was Executive Chef for numerous other award-winning restaurants, including Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Atlanta, where his restaurant was awarded 5-Stars by AAA and named “Top Restaurant in Atlanta” by Gourmet Magazine.

Gaupin said that Caliza’s dinner menu will generally emphasize fresh local seafood, including items such as Apalachicola oysters, and local snapper and shrimp, but will also feature the highest quality steaks and other selections, often with a French or Southern twist.

Reservations are strongly recommended. To make dinner reservations, or for more information about Caliza, please call (850) 213-5700.

ABOUT ALYS BEACH
One of the most beautiful new towns in the world, Alys Beach is located on Scenic Highway 30A in Florida’s panhandle, along what The New York Times said “may be the best beach in the continental U.S.”

Alys Beach’s extraordinary architectural vision drew inspirations from both Bermuda and the family courtyard homes of Antigua, Guatemala. When complete, the town will be home to over 600 villas, row houses, courtyard homes and family compound retreats, as well as numerous restaurants, parks, pools and shops. All homes in Alys Beach are built to Fortified…for safer living® building standards, as designated by the Institute for Business & Home Safety, and are also built to the Green Home Designation Standard of the Florida Green Building Coalition. In April, Forbes.com named Alys Beach America’s “Best Spot for the Design-Savvy.”

“Alys Beach may be the most truly innovative community under construction in the United States today, and it will eventually be imitated everywhere,” said Andrés Duany, who was ranked one of the Top 5 most influential people in home building by Builder magazine.

For sales or rental information, please call 866-481-8387 or visit www.alysbeach.com.

[kurt]

Looking forward to it! Please post menu if possible or email to me. Thanks!

[tistheseason]

I love the idea of getting to hang out by this pool and have dinner. I can't imagine a better setting!!

[robertsondavies]

Dear Alys,

Are folks reprimanded if they come for dinner in casual florida attire (i.e. swim trunks, crox and golf shirt) and then take a post dinner dip in the pool?

[Uncle Timmy]

Dear Alys,

Are folks reprimanded if they come for dinner in casual florida attire (i.e. swim trunks, crox and golf shirt) and then take a post dinner dip in the pool?

Well, that is the safest way to extinguish your Bananas Flambe.

Just be careful not to dress in Florida casual ala Alys -all white if planning a dip in the pool...........that could lead to Bananas Expose.

[Miss Kitty]

Well, that is the safest way to extinguish your Bananas Flambe.

Just be careful not to dress in Florida casual ala Alys -all white if planning a dip in the pool...........that could lead to Bananas Expose.

Hey UT!

Great attire for wallflowers visiting Alys Beach! Has anyone had dinner at Alys, yet? I am so waiting for a report!

[olive]

Hey UT!

Great attire for wallflowers visiting Alys Beach! Has anyone had dinner at Alys, yet? I am so waiting for a report!

Sadly, I haven't even tried it yet! Hoping to get a chance this weekend!

[tistheseason]

Sadly, I haven't even tried it yet! Hoping to get a chance this weekend!

Well, YOU had better. We need a full report! And we thought we could rely on you to give it to us!

[olive]

Well, YOU had better. We need a full report! And we thought we could rely on you to give it to us!

I know. I ashamed.

[NoHall]

Good lord...I can barely afford to look through the bars of the gate at that pool. It's gawjus...

[ameliaj]

We've got reservations already made at Caliza for our trip down the first week in June. Sure would love to read a review/get recommendations before we go. If not, I'll gladly be the first to fill you all in.

[scooterbug44]

I wish they would post a menu and more info - I love that pool!

[Roadroo]

I wish they would post a menu and more info - I love that pool!

Me also, we need to see a menu!!! Alys Beach, can you please, please post a menu for us hungry locals to graze over until we get a chance to dine with you.

[tistheseason]

We've got reservations already made at Caliza for our trip down the first week in June. Sure would love to read a review/get recommendations before we go. If not, I'll gladly be the first to fill you all in.

I knew we could count on you ameliaj!! Please be sure to post a review!

[Gypsea]

Thanks for opening Caliza to the public. Can't wait to try it!

[Alys Beach]

BEGIN:
Tuna Tartare: Celery Remoulade / Arugula / Boquerone / Garlic Croutons 16
Old Fashioned Tomato Salad: Heirloom Tomatoes / Grilled Corn / Shaved Onions / Fava Beans / Basil Garlic Pesto / Fresh Squeezed Lemon / Shaved Parmesan Reggiano / Crispy Bacon 12
Grilled Peaches and Smoked Duck: Honey, Lemon Glazed Duck Breast / Grilled Peaches / Crunchy Spicy Pecans / Frisée / Shaved Parmesan Reggiano 11
Farmer Jones Spring Lettuce: Assorted Baby Lettuces / Grapefruit / Avocado / Shaved Onions / Chives / Dijon Vinaigrette 9

SHELLFISH:
Oysters on the Half Shell: Served on Ice / Shallot Lemon Mignonette / Cilantro Lime Cocktail Sauce 7
Fried Apalachicola Oysters: Curry Remoulade / Fennel, Onion Slaw 7
Chilled Half or Whole Lobster: Basil Garlic Mayonnaise / Frisée Salad / Shallot Bacon Vinaigrette 20 / 36
Fresh Apalachicola Peel and Eat Shrimp: Served on Ice / Fresh Squeezed Lemon / Cilantro Lime Cocktail Sauce 14
Fruits de Mer: Served on Ice / Oysters / Spiny Lobster / Local Shrimp / Sherry Stone Clams / Shallot Lemon Mignonette / Cilantro Lime Cocktail Sauce 35

SEA:
Local Snapper: Grilled Whole / Squeezed Lemon / Tarragon Shallot Remoulade / Frisée Salad / Shallot Bacon Vinaigrette 27
Fish And Chips: Local Fish Fry / Homemade Potato Chips / Sea Salt /
Tartar Sauce 24
Classic Bouillabaisse: Tomato Saffron Broth / Grilled Country Bread / Saffron Garlic Mayonnaise / Shrimp / Scallops / Clams / Mussels / Selection of Market Fresh Fish 33

LAND:
8oz Filet: Grilled / Pommes Frites / Béarnaise Sauce or Pepper Sauce / Frisée Salad / Bacon Shallot Vinaigrette 31
10oz New York Strip: Grilled / Pommes Frites / Béarnaise Sauce or Pepper Sauce / Frisée Salad / Bacon Shallot Vinaigrette 30
Piedmont Free Range Chicken: Pan Roasted / White Asparagus / Pee Wee Potato / Mediterranean Olives / Basil / Shallot / Tomato and Caper Relish 25

SIDE:
Pommes Frites: Sea Salt Seasoned 4
Homemade Chips: Sea Salt Seasoned 3
Grilled Asparagus: Provencal Relish 4
Haricots Vert: Sautéed with Garlic / Shallots / Chives 4

SWEET:
Lemon Buttermilk Chess Tart: The Southern Standard / Buttery, Rich and Sweet 7
Florida Strawberry Soup: Cinnamon Citrus Red Wine Base / Vanilla Shortcake / French Vanilla Beans 7
Flourless Chocolate Cake: Served Warm / Kalhua Cream 7


* No Substitutions Please / A Five dollar charge for all split orders
* 18% Gratuity added to parties of 6 or more
* Eating raw or uncooked fish, shellfish, eggs or meat increase the risk of food borne illnesses
* Menu is subject to change

[ItzKatzTime]

What a wonderful place to dine....so romantic. I would love to dine on the WHOLE chilled lobster by the pool with grilled asparagus....then the flourless chocolate cake....yum! And a wonderful bottle of champagne.....awwwww!

[scooterbug44]

Grilled peaches, lobster, chocolate cake!

[JB]

BEGIN:
Tuna Tartare: Celery Remoulade / Arugula / Boquerone / Garlic Croutons 16
Old Fashioned Tomato Salad: Heirloom Tomatoes / Grilled Corn / Shaved Onions / Fava Beans / Basil Garlic Pesto / Fresh Squeezed Lemon / Shaved Parmesan Reggiano / Crispy Bacon 12
Grilled Peaches and Smoked Duck: Honey, Lemon Glazed Duck Breast / Grilled Peaches / Crunchy Spicy Pecans / Frisée / Shaved Parmesan Reggiano 11
Farmer Jones Spring Lettuce: Assorted Baby Lettuces / Grapefruit / Avocado / Shaved Onions / Chives / Dijon Vinaigrette 9

SHELLFISH:
Oysters on the Half Shell: Served on Ice / Shallot Lemon Mignonette / Cilantro Lime Cocktail Sauce 7
Fried Apalachicola Oysters: Curry Remoulade / Fennel, Onion Slaw 7
Chilled Half or Whole Lobster: Basil Garlic Mayonnaise / Frisée Salad / Shallot Bacon Vinaigrette 20 / 36
Fresh Apalachicola Peel and Eat Shrimp: Served on Ice / Fresh Squeezed Lemon / Cilantro Lime Cocktail Sauce 14
Fruits de Mer: Served on Ice / Oysters / Spiny Lobster / Local Shrimp / Sherry Stone Clams / Shallot Lemon Mignonette / Cilantro Lime Cocktail Sauce 35

SEA:
Local Snapper: Grilled Whole / Squeezed Lemon / Tarragon Shallot Remoulade / Frisée Salad / Shallot Bacon Vinaigrette 27
Fish And Chips: Local Fish Fry / Homemade Potato Chips / Sea Salt /
Tartar Sauce 24
Classic Bouillabaisse: Tomato Saffron Broth / Grilled Country Bread / Saffron Garlic Mayonnaise / Shrimp / Scallops / Clams / Mussels / Selection of Market Fresh Fish 33

LAND:
8oz Filet: Grilled / Pommes Frites / Béarnaise Sauce or Pepper Sauce / Frisée Salad / Bacon Shallot Vinaigrette 31
10oz New York Strip: Grilled / Pommes Frites / Béarnaise Sauce or Pepper Sauce / Frisée Salad / Bacon Shallot Vinaigrette 30
Piedmont Free Range Chicken: Pan Roasted / White Asparagus / Pee Wee Potato / Mediterranean Olives / Basil / Shallot / Tomato and Caper Relish 25

SIDE:
Pommes Frites: Sea Salt Seasoned 4
Homemade Chips: Sea Salt Seasoned 3
Grilled Asparagus: Provencal Relish 4
Haricots Vert: Sautéed with Garlic / Shallots / Chives 4

SWEET:
Lemon Buttermilk Chess Tart: The Southern Standard / Buttery, Rich and Sweet 7
Florida Strawberry Soup: Cinnamon Citrus Red Wine Base / Vanilla Shortcake / French Vanilla Beans 7
Flourless Chocolate Cake: Served Warm / Kalhua Cream 7


* No Substitutions Please / A Five dollar charge for all split orders
* 18% Gratuity added to parties of 6 or more
* Eating raw or uncooked fish, shellfish, eggs or meat increase the risk of food borne illnesses
* Menu is subject to change

I have no words for that menu, other than....oh my.

[tistheseason]

That sounds delicious!! Can't wait to try it!

[Gypsea]

The menu looks wonderful!

[ameliaj]

What a wonderful place to dine....so romantic. I would love to dine on the WHOLE chilled lobster by the pool with grilled asparagus....then the flourless chocolate cake....yum! And a wonderful bottle of champagne.....awwwww!

Kat,
That sounds fabulous. I think I might have to have a nice Chardonnay instead of the champagne (don't want that big ol' headache).

[Indigo Jill]

I had the pleasure of dining with an absolutely wonderful group at Caliza at Alys Beach this past Saturday. Alys Beach recently opened this private venue to the public on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings so everyone that wants to has the opportunity to experience the Alys Beach lifestyle for a night.

As expected, it was just delightful - the ambiance, the food, the service - all were top notch. I can't articulate how stunning the architecture and decor is at Caliza Pool and won't do it an injustice by even attempting to describe it here. You have to experience it first hand yourself - trust me on this one. What I loved was that dinner service is held in one of the covered coves next to the pool so you are dining al fresco but are still protected somewhat in the event of a stray shower. It's just a magical ambiance.

Director of Food and Beverage, Olivier Gaupin (yes, my other half!), who is single-handily manning theCaliza stove at the moment, has created an incredible menu that can be best described as Coastal Cuisine with French and Southern influences. Local specialties from the Gulf are featured on the menu (see the full menu below) - oysters, shrimp, Snapper, and a to-die-for classic Bouillabaisse. Also found are Filet Mignon, NY Strip, Piedmont Free Range Chicken and the best homemade pommes frites and chips seasoned with sea salt. Chef Olivier has high standards and only uses the freshest and highest quality products available which shines through in the finished product. Complicated food it's not which is what I think makes it absolutely fabulous.

In all honesty, it was really hard for me to choose from the menu. I was torn between pretty much everything and wished I could've sampled it all. I settled on Tuna Tartare ($16) for my first course which was made with raw, sushi-grade tuna tossed in a celery remoulade and served with a little lightly dressed arugula salad, Boquerone (Spanish Anchovy) and garlic croutons. One word - YUM! The tuna was incredibly fresh and I adore celery remoulade (remoulade is like the French version of tartare sauce - a mayo-based condiment). It was a generous portion but it's a light dish - a perfect starter that leaves you ready for the next course.

For my main course, I had the Local Snapper ($27) which was grilled and served atop a frisée salad with shallot bacon vinaigrette and a tarragon shallot remoulade. The delectably fresh Snapper was grilled perfectly - it was flaky and moist and went beautifully with the remoulade. I totally recommend it. Two of my dinner companions had the Fish and Chips and raved about it. The homemade pommes frites and homemade chips are served in these adorable little white boxes lined with paper - such a beautiful and noteworthy presentation! Two others had the Bouillabaisse, another had the Piedmont Free Range Chicken and another Half Lobster. Everyone really enjoyed their food - most made the clean plate club! It was an excellent meal through and through and I don't think there is anything on the menu that would cause one disappointment that they had ordered it.

I couldn't believe it when I realized we had been at the table for almost 3 hours. It was yet another reminder to me that there are few greater pleasures in life than sitting around a table with great people, excellent food and wine and a stellar ambiance - life is good!

Caliza is open for dinner on Thursday, Friday and Saturdays from 6-9pm. Reservations are limited and required. For more inforamtion or to make a reservation, call please call (850) 213-5700.