I'd like Cafe LaPlaya even if the food wasn't fine - which it was. Few local restaurants boast such sumptuous beachfront views. Even at this time of year, when sunsets are too early to coincide with dinner hour, there's a sense of place. Gourmet regional cuisine. Efficient but a bit detached.
Some items tend to be pricey, but the view is priceless.
After dark, expansive windows showcase silhouettes of swaying palms and round patio tables on the terrace surrounded by oleanders. Although the atmosphere was extremely lively in Soleil Lounge adjacent to the dining room on the night we visited, not much noise drifted to our table. The dining room is classy, done in a colorful tropical motif befitting Executive Chef Randall Cox's sophisticated menu that combines classic continental cuisine with Floribbean flourishes, resulting in flair to spare. We started off with two of LaPlaya's signature frozen specials. Wicked, icy concoctions in tulip glasses with fruit salad garnish seem to go with the islandy ambience.