Indulge Your Senses With Excellent Outdoor Dining
Let’s face it; there simply aren’t many restaurants in Gainesville where you can dine outside in peace and quiet. There are a few spots dotting the chain-food landscape, but most are marred by parking lot views, noisy streets, bus fumes, and even loud TV’s perpetually tuned to ESPN.
So, where can you “dine” on world-class food, outdoors in peace and quiet? Try dinner . at Thornebrook. (Yes, dinner. with a period.) With an 800-square-foot wooden deck and veranda, dinner. offers outdoor dining at its best. Located between Thornebrook Chocolates and the Gainesville Women’s Fitness Center in Thornebrook Village, dinner. has the largest and most private veranda and deck in town.
The veranda (outside the main door leading to the deck), with its Euro-inspired, red and white bistro canopy, provides covered, shady dining. The redwood deck hosts umbrella covered tables offering a bit more sunshine. Natural tree-lined landscaping and lush potted greenery surrounds both open-air spaces: no cars, carbon monoxide fumes or mindless media to be found.
You may have already heard about Chef Israel, a favorite chef of locals in “the know”, who creates dinner. ’s fresh, seasonally inspired European fare. Israel relies on local vendors for fresh vegetables, herbs and seafood. With an avantgarde seasonal menu, it’s a pleasure to experience culinary fare you would only find if you ventured to Europe, without the hefty airfare. You don’t have to venture far across town. dinner. is only about 15 minutes from the Mall, 34th Street or University Avenue. dinner. also hosts wine tastings and other outdoor events. Past wine tasting themes have included Tuscan Reds and Spanish Wines. More events are planned for the summer and rumor has it that there will be seafood bakes, jazz music, art shows, champagne brunches and more in the future. The spacious outdoor area is also a perfect venue for wedding receptions or other private gatherings.
The owners of dinner. invite local artists to utilize the deck space for showings. Drop by to check for upcoming events, view art, sip wine, or catch a sunset (or full moon). Add to the equation, feasting on luscious appetizers such as the antipasti or todie- for desserts such as dinner. ’s signature melting chocolate cake, and you have the perfect date-night diversion.
Unique entrees and fast service also make dinner. a popular lunch respite for professionals—it’s close to the office, delicious and healthy. Hot-pressed sandwiches, fresh salads and gourmet entrees range from just $7 to $12. All dishes are prepared a la minute, and the service is still fast enough to get you back to the office on time.
Lunch is served from 11:30 to 2:30 p.m. The kitchen opens for dinner at 5:30, but you can always forgo rush-hour traffic and arrive at five, sit outside for an aperitif or pressed coffee and catch up on your reading.
dinner. ’s atmosphere is peaceful and relaxing whether you are inside or out. With the spring weather upon us, dinner. is truly the best restaurant in Gainesville where you can unwind, celebrate spring and indulge your senses.
Visit dinner. in Thornebrook Village or call 377-0996 for directions or for information on hosting your next event. Find directions and upcoming events by visiting their Web site at http://www.dinneratthornebrook.com.