We started with a glass of Prima Terra Pinot Grigio for me and a Lemon Blueberry Martini for Eileen. Clean and medium bodied, the wine was terrific. The martini was delicious—tasting very much like a liquid lemon drop, with sugar on the rim of the glass. What a fun treat! Our server suggested that we try the Shrimp and Grits, a special that evening, and Tuna Sashimi, both popular appetizers. Delicious and savory, the perfectly cooked shrimp were served with a mound of “gourmet” grits, containing whole corn kernels and southern-style gravy. The tuna was sesame-seared, and the flavors perfectly balanced, with a ginger soy sauce, and served with cucumber carrot sambal, an Asian-inspired slaw.

For our salad courses, we decided on Spinach Salad and Arugula Salad. The fresh spinach leaves were served with warm port and bacon vinaigrette, French feta cheese, shiitake mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes. The feta was amazingly creamy, and the dressing divine. The arugula was served with gorgonzola cheese, apples, pecans, extra virgin olive oil, and balsamic vinegar, all pairing well with the peppery greens.

We ordered seafood and beef entrees so that we could share a surf and turf dinner. My Sea Scallops, seared and served with a sherry vinegar cream sauce over garlic-mashed potatoes with arugula and leeks, were gorgeous. The piece de resistance was white truffle oil drizzled over the dish. Along with a chilled glass of Camus Conundrum, an outstanding white wine from California, this dish was absolutely fabulous.

Eileen’s Grilled New York Strip Steak was wonderful as well, served with roasted shallot and gorgonzola butter over a potato leek pancake with haricot verts. Prepared with “Big Flavor Crust,” a combination of cracked peppercorns, coffee beans, and garlic, the steak had great flavor. The pancake soaked up the beef juices, but was still crispy, and the green beans were beautifully fresh. Paired with a glass of Kenwood Jack London Cabernet, this was a truly fine steak dinner.

The dessert offerings at The Beech Street Grill are all superb, but being chocoholics, Eileen and I decided to share a slice of Chocolate Truffle Torte with Crème Anglais. Creamy and rich, it was perfect for nibbling while we enjoyed a glass of Oriel Sauterne, a dessert wine from France. What a lovely meal! Since The Beech Street Grill is located in the heart of downtown Fernandina, my friend and I were able to take pleasure in an after-dinner stroll. Owned by Chef Rick Erickson and Sommelier Liz Smiddy, the Beech Street Grille is all about quality and attention to detail, and it shows in each and every menu offering.