Solaire Restaurant + Bar

The Solaire restaurant is located in the hotel on Ocean Street that was started by two physicians. You know, a "pair of docs"? Forgive me for going for the easy pun. It's in the Hotel Paradox back around by the pool.

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We got there for happy hour on a Sunday at 5pm. They run Sun-Thu from 4-7pm. The pool was packed and Oscar, the maitre'd said the live music had just finished. Quite the happening place!

Happy hour prices was $5 for each appetizer, house wine and well drink. We thought the Moscow Mules were included, but they were not. Luckily, the management was feeling generous that day and we got the HH price. Score!

First up was the BBQ Chicken Wings (normally $12) and Roasted Cauliflower Gratin (normally $6). The wings had a good spicy sauce where you could taste the cayenne pepper. But only five were served - $1 each? Maybe more came with the non-Happy Hour serving. Other sauces were Sweet Chili, Teriyaki, Fire or Salt & Pepper. Our favorite was the gratin, with its generous melted cheese and sauce. We asked for a side of bread just to sop it all up!

Next was the House Ground Meatballs (normally $10), which had a forged mushroom daube with onions and celery in a stroganoff-type of sauce. It was very good and we fork-fought for each bite. Not really, but it was delish.

The coup de grace was this huge plate of fried calamari. It contained thinly sliced lemons, green beans and chopped basil on top. Normally, this was $13 on the menu, but what a bargain for $5! The dipping sauce was lemony and light - perfect for the crunchy, tender bites.

The hotel is really decked out. Artwork on the walls and nice tables and chairs. If you haven't seen the inside yet, you should check it out. It was a sunny day with pool people walking in and out by the bar. Cabanas are only $250 for four hours... be the rockstar!

Scores out of 10:
Food: 7
Service: 8
Atmosphere: 8
Value for price: (during Happy Hour) 8
Overall: 7.75