McCoy’s Oceanfront – Oasis for Seafood in Pompano Beach
An invitation to discover McCoy’s Oceanfront restaurant at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort & Spa, was also an opportunity to catch-up with a friend who’s a working new mom.
Beyond the spacious dining room, the beachfront restaurant and lounge extends outdoors and pool-side to a tranquil oasis. Dining al fresco takes on an easy island tropical vibe, and even has a fire pit for relaxed cocktail lounging.
McCoy’s Oceanfront cocktail menu pays homage to its Prohibition-era rum-smuggling namesake. Bill McCoy, an American sea captain, operated a legal floating liquor store by keeping three miles off shore; within international waters. Unlike other bootlegged spirits, he never diluted the alcohol, hence the phrase “the real McCoy”.
As I recently adopted old fashioneds as my new “go-to” drink, I was instantly intrigued by McCoy’s Hand Crafted SMOKING OLD FASHIONED. This delish muddled cocktail is made with Marriott Pompano’s Woodford Reserve blend of 90.4 % Straight Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey, and garnished with highly-addictive dark red Italian Amarena Cherries that bites sweet, but finishes tart.
Woodford Reserve Kentucky Bourbon Whiskeys are “Double Oaked”, meaning matured twice in separate, charred oak barrels. The second barrel is deeply toasted before a light charring, and why my old fashioned was called “Smoking”. It had notes of caramel and vanilla, and the fruity taste of pear and banana, with a rich, warm oak character throughout.
We shared two outstanding starters from Executive Chef Daniel Gerety’s menu. First, PAN SEARED SEA SCALLOPS with McCoy’s Rum Butter Sauce topped with Tropical Salsa made with fresh Pineapple. This appetizer was finished almost as soon as it was placed on the table, and deserves to be a main course. Thankfully, we could scoop up the remaining sauce with the dish’s triangular Crispy Yucca logs. In my opinion, this tropical root vegetable is typically bland and pasty, but Gerety’s were perfectly seasoned and lightly fried.
Next, arrived a colossal morsel of Panko Crusted Warm Breaded Goat Cheese with a grilled slice of Garlic Crostini bread and a Petite Salad with Golden Grapes and dressed in Sherry Vinaigrette. Because of the portion size, we were able to fully appreciate the tangy creaminess of the goat cheese, instead of just fried breading.
As my main course, I ordered the FARRO RISOTTO with Diver Scallops and Gulf Shrimp. The wild-caught shellfish was served on a nutty Farro Risotto with Pancetta, Sweet Peas, Oyster Mushrooms and Parmesan Reggiano. The springy, al dente texture of the farro (or wheat spelt grains) was a great alternative to the traditional creamy, high-starch Italian rice. This dish was so amazing, that it was to no surprise to learn it is McCoy’s Oceanfront’s most popular menu item.
Not to be overlooked was my friend’s very elegant meal, Five Spice Grilled Tuna in a Sesame Ginger Glaze on top of a Crispy Rice Cake and served with Baby Bok Choy. The mammoth fresh tuna steak was perfect grilled and wonderfully seasoned with a Chinese spice rub comprised of five spices, -Star Anise, Cloves, Cinnamon, Sichuan Pepper and Fennel Seeds.
McCoy’s Oceanfront may excel in seafood, but there are many exciting meat entrees on the menu as well, such as the Braised Short Rib. A generously portioned cut of beef rests on top of pan-roasted Haricot Verts and Caramelized Fennel Mash of Yukon Gold Potatoes. This meaty dish is topped with a sweet and rich gravy of Cabernet Wine and Oyster Mushrooms and contrastingly crowned with a dollop of thick and spicy Horseradish Cream.
We ended our dinner by sharing the intensely Chocolate Lava Cake served with HIGH ROAD’s Vanilla Fleur De Sel Ice Cream. Making this sweet finish extra special -as well as many other of the menu’s dessert is the craft High Road Ice Cream. Made in Marietta, Georgia, this high-end gourmet ice cream is renowned for its innovative flavors, such as Malted Maple Cinnamon and Brown Butter Caramel.
McCoy’s Oceanfront is located inside the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort & Spa at 1200 N Ocean Blvd, Pompano Beach, FL 33062. For reservations, or more information, visit: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/fllpm-fort-lauderdale-marriott-pompano-beach-resort-and-spa/