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DOCK DINE
2 0 1 2 G U I D E T O S M L’ S W AT E R F R O N T R E S TA U R A N T S
SMITHMOUNTAINLAKE.COM
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NOW OPEN
Moreh ea
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Rt. 616
marker R37
cvs
122
Booker T. Washington Hwy
Only SML Mexican Restaurant Entirely on the Water!
Combo Dinners:
Buy 1 Get 2nd at 50% Off (expires 6/30/12)
Lunch Specials Every Day Weekend Events including Live Music. Call or visit Facebook for details.
Wednesday Night Drink Specials Free Wi-Fi
540-719-0012 2033 Morewood Rd.
(behind Magnum Boating at Indian Pointe) 72 May • June 2012 | SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKER
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DOCK DINE With the sun shining and warmer weather upon us, most Lakers are eager to be on the water as much as possible. Fortunately, the Smith Mountain Lake community offers one of the best ways to extend an on-the-water experience with a variety of boaterfriendly waterfront dining locations.
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ayRoc Marina owner Kristina Mize said customers who visit the marina’s café enjoy the convenience of a dock-and-dine eatery and indulging in food favorites. “People let loose in the summertime when it’s warm and sunny,” said Mize. “They enjoy docking to have food that’s a treat and that they might deprive themselves of the rest of the year – barbecue, burgers, cheese steaks. Summer is certainly our busy season.” Bridgewater Plaza, one of the most popular destinations for boaters at SML, offers six eateries in addition to entertainment spots and retail stores. Candice Padgett, general manager of Mango’s Bar and Grill, which hosts crowds for live music all season long, said the most common comment she hears from customers is that boating
to waterfront restaurants is a tradition. “When the good weather hits, families get on a boat and go for a ride,” said Padgett. “Since they’re already on the water, it’s convenient for them [to come to Bridgewater Plaza]. Being out on the boat and being able to stop somewhere when they get hungry, then get right back out and spend the [rest of the] day boating is what most families enjoy doing.” As waterfront dining at Smith Mountain Lake grows in popularity, so do the number of restaurants. We’ve captured highlights of four new on-thewater eateries you’ll want to add to your list of stops this summer. For a complete list of places where you can dock and dine, including contact information, in-season hours and a map to help you navigate your way, turn to pages 82-83.
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TRY THIS Crab Cakes Jumbo crab cakes filled with lump crab and served with citrus mustard sauce and choice of two sides for $17.99.
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JAKE’S PLACE AT THE HARBOUR Featuring a Caribbean-themed atmosphere and menu, Jake’s is a spacious restaurant offering indoor seating as well as an overthe-water deck for outdoor dining under colorful umbrellas. General Manager Michael Gordon said Jake’s Place, which opened in January, has a little something for everyone. “We offer Caribbean-style menu items such as the Mango Mahi-Mahi, Coconut Shrimp and the Cuban sandwich. Our Jake’s burger is great, and the steak lover will want our 10-ounce ribeye or 8-ounce sirloin. Both are meltin-your-mouth,” said Gordon, whose family also operates The Blackwater Café, an upscale, offwater restaurant on Scruggs Road. At Jake’s, patrons can take in lake views from several vantage points, including the covered porch, deck and main dining room. The extensive bar features four big screen TVs, and Gordon said events and live music are scheduled throughout the summer. Docking is available for boats and personal watercraft. Jake’s opens at 11 a.m. for lunch and dinner seven days a week.
FAR LEFT A tropical drink complements Jake’s signature crabcakes NEAR LEFT The bar area includes four large TVs and ample seating. BELOW From top, the dining room at Jake’s Place is spacious and features a view of the lake; chef Jay Ouellette and general manager Michael Gordon
JOE’S ITALIAN REST. & PIZZERIA
Chicken Seafood Steak Appetizers Pasta
Pizza Calzones Strombolis Hot & Cold Subs Buffet
Take out and dine in LAKE PLAZA · 130 SCRUGGS RD · 540-721-2422 Sunday Only: Breakfast Buffet and Menu: 8:30am-2:00pm Lunch Buffet and Menu: Tuesday-Saturday 11:30am-2:00pm Dinner Buffet and Menu: Tuesday-Sunday 5:00-till
Whether you’re looking for the freshest sushi, an extensive buffet of Chinese favorites or a little family fun at the hibachi grill, you’ll find it at one of our two convenient locations. Come visit today for the best Asian cuisine at Smith Mountain Lake.
Edo Grill & Sushi
Chinese Restaurant
Downtown Moneta (Mercantile St.)
Bridgewater Plaza (Rte. 122 at Hales Ford Bridge)
Daily Lunch Specials Sushi and Hibachi Grill Open 7 days - 11:30 am-9:30 pm
Daily Lunch Buffet Menu includes Chinese dishes, sushi and hibachi Open 7 days - 11:30 am-9:30 pm
540.297.6888
540.721.8839
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ABOVE From top, the deck at Los Machados Mexican Grill and Cantina at Indian Pointe Marina offers lake views and respite from sun under large umbrellas; the new restaurant also includes an indoor bar. OPPOSITE PAGE From top, brothers Walter, Carlos and Arturo Machados operate Los Machados; the Molcajete Mixto is presented in a bowl made of lava rock.
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Indian Pointe Marina kicked off the season with the opening of Los Machados Mexican Grill & Cantina in March. Owned and managed by three brothers – Walter Machados, Carlos Machados and chef Arturo Machados – the enterprise is modeled after Walter’s first restaurant establishment, El Tapatio, in Delaware. “I opened up my own place about 15 years ago. The recipes I use are passed down through generations of family members,” said Walter Machados. “The menu at Los Machados will be very similar [with] more original Mexican food than what most Mexican restaurants are serving.” The remodeled facility, which formerly housed Vieira’s Restaurant, will offer menu specials throughout the summer. Los Machados also has a full bar and outdoor waterfront seating. It’s open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
a passion to serve!
TRY THIS Molcajete Grilled beef, chicken and chorizo served in a choice of red or green sauce topped with cheese and green chilies. The specialty is served with rice, beans and a Mexican salad for $15.50.
LAKE INN MOTEL
Experience something fresh at SML. Jonathan’s fabulous menu includes a combination of unique American and Asian inspired dishes including Steaks, Shrimp and Grits, S.M.L macaroni and Cheese, Pasta, and Seafood, plus the freshest collection of Chinese favorites you can find. Special lunch buffet Mon–Fri 11:30-2:30; brunch buffet every sunday 11–3; half price burger special every Tuesday night from 5–9. Check out our weekly specials.
Smith Mountain Lake
45 Enterprise Lane, Hardy, VA 24101 540-721-3383 - 888-466-LAKE (5253)
www.lakeinnmotel.com
* Free Wireless High Speed Internet * Pets allowed in Designated Rooms -Extra charge * Located at Westlake Corner Rt. 122 & Rt. 616 * Centrally Located to Restaurants, Shops, Grocery, Minigolf, Children’s Activities, Golf Courses, Real Estate and Marinas * Free Continental Breakfast
50 First Watch Drive #101 • Moneta, VA 540.719.1212 • jonathansatsml.com
* Fisherman Friendly, Spacious Parking Lot * HBO, Coffee Makers, Telephones, Hair Dryers, Refrigerators and Microwaves in all rooms
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ABOVE From top, docking is convenient at Crystal Shores Marina for patrons who dine at Waller’s; owner Waller Perrow says the vibe at the restaurant is enhanced by live music five nights a week in season. RIGHT From top, indoor seating options at Waller’s include a mix of high-top tables and casual couches; the tuna tacos are a favorite menu item at the eatery.
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WALLER’S Taking its cue from the kick-yourheels-up feel of summertime at Smith Mountain Lake, Waller’s has strived to offer a carefree vibe to diners since its opening on Memorial Day weekend 2011. Owner Waller Perrow said good food, low prices and a consistent entertainment schedule is the recipe that has worked successfully for the establishment, located at Crystal Shores Marina. “I think everybody has had a blast here. It’s been a lot of fun,” said Perrow. “We have a pretty vast menu that features seafood, Boars Head meats and the one-pound Monster Burger. We do live music five nights a week in season and feature big-band music on Friday and Saturday nights.” New for this year, Perrow said, are “Walleritaville” open-mic nights and live acoustic music during the day. Wallers is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays and 11 a.m. to midnight Wednesday through Sunday.
TRY THIS Tuna Tacos Two grilled Ahi tuna tacos built to order with lettuce, salsa and wasabi drizzle for $14.
Come by and see why The Blackwater Cafe will soon become your favorite dining destination!
The Blackwater Café “Where Your Dining Experience is Our Priority”
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JOIN US - Visit our
N TH A NUAL
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Award Winning Restaurant for Best Steak, Best Burger, Seafood, Chef, Breakfast, Best Dessert, Wine Selection, Best Cocktail & Best Customer & Restaurant Service. Reservations Recommended
4730 Scruggs Rd. Moneta, VA 24121 • 540-721-4333 www.theblackwatercafe.com
website for more information and our calender of events.
SML’s Newest Waterfront Dining Destination!
tore! Jakes S t i s i V
Come enjoy a taste of the islands! 1041 Harbour Inn Lane, Moneta, VA www.jakesplacesml.com • 540-297-4732
Says Jake for come t i a vis SMITHMOUNTAINLAKE.COM
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TRY THIS Beef Barbecue Plate Beef brisket barbecue with two sides for $12.99.
Clockwise from top, the patio at Mitchell’s Restaurant features covered seating and an outdoor bar; patrons enjoy lunch inside the eatery; owners Scott and Hannah Heath; the popular beef barbeque plate with coleslaw and baked beans. 80 May • June 2012 | SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKER
MITCHELL’S RESTAURANT Located on Craddock Creek, Mitchell’s Restaurant at Mitchell’s Point Marina opened in April in the spot that was formerly Marina Cafe. The eatery features a large outdoor patio, a tiki bar for serving beer and wine and a stage ready for live music. Owner Scott Heath said he and wife Hannah have experience in restaurant management and thought the timing was right to establish their own place at Mitchell’s Point. Heath said one of the great things about the restaurant’s location – away from heavy boat traffic – is that regular customers tend to form their own community. He also noted the quick service is a bonus for boaters. “Our menu offers pizza, wings, chicken and steak dinners, subs, hamburgers, hot dogs and other types of American grill meals.
It’s not as hectic as other marina places so it provides more of a peaceful place to go,” said Heath.
MEXICO VIEJO
r i n a a M e s r o H y z a r C at SPECIALS ON WEDNESDAY Lunch/Dinner: Mon-Thu 11 am-10 pm Fri-Sat 11 am-11 pm, Sun 11 am-9 pm
THE BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT ON THE WATER AT SML! LOCATED NEAR B10
Karao call ahke or Live DJ ead to c h e sched ck ule
Dinner for 2 Choose from 1-16 Combo Dinners 99 $ only
540.719.1000
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One coupon per table. Dine-In-Only. Must present coupon at time of service. offer valid Mon-Thurs. only. Expires 08/31/12.
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