Caliza gives fine dining an aquatic edge

Caliza gives fine dining an aquatic edge 

By Deborah Wheeler

debbie_wheeler@link.freedom.com

Alys Beach has brought a new intimacy to fine dining with the opening of Caliza.

The dining experience at Caliza is alfresco, but in the shade of a portico overlooking the mesmerizing edgeless Caliza pool, there are only 10 tables and six booths on the portico.

Olivier Gaupin, director of food and beverage, created a menu centered around fresh coastal cuisine with French and Southern influences. A well-rounded selection of boutique and French wines compliment the menu.

Gaupin's artistically prepared cuisine is designed to complement the café's romantic ambiance and create a special dining experience.

While the menu is not extensive, selections from sea and turf offer something for most appetites.

Appetizers of sea scallops, heirloom tomato salad, or moulard duck confit set the stage.

Entrees range from a chilled seafood sampler, grilled tilefish, snapper, fish and chips, grilled filet, New York strip, or Piedmont free-range chicken.

There are only two dessert offerings on the menu, but less is more when it's a choice between flourless chocolate cake served warm with kalhua cream or key lime pie prepared with fresh squeezed limes and topped with Italian meringue.

Caliza fine poolside dining is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings from 6 - 9 p.m. Reservations are required. Call (850) 213-5700.