Flip Flops Grill and Chill Restaurant Review

Flip Flops Grill and Chill is tucked away on a sleepy side street, across from the shuffle board courts at 103 S. Pine Street in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. If no one told me about this unique gourmet restaurant, chances are I would not have found it on my own. Fortunately, we had friends visiting and a local resident recommended the place.

We met our friends for cocktails and asked our server for directions to Flip Flops Grill and Chill. Her eyes lit up as she said, "You MUST go, you'll love it. And, you know one of 'Hell's Kitchens' contestants is the chef, right?"

That was all it took to convince us to go. My husband and I are huge Hell's Kitchen fans. I used to work for a chef who acted like Chef Gordon Ramsay. He was quite the tyrant and the reason I left the food industry. As much as I would love the opportunity to learn from a talented chef, I think I'd rather hang out with Bobby Flay or Paula Deen.

We arrived at Flip Flops around 7:30pm on a Thursday evening. Although there was a waiting list, we were seated within 15 minutes. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating; however, alfresco is limited to three tables. Inside dining offers a cozy setting, beach décor, three wall-mounted TVs and a wall filled with newspaper and magazines articles featuring Hell's Kitchen contestant, Danny Veltri.

Our entire dining experience was magical. Our server was pleasant, efficient and knowledgeable of the menu. We started off with fried-to-perfection Bahamian Conch Fritters accompanied by a zesty key lime-Dijon dipping sauce.

I'll be honest, I didn't care for them. It had nothing to do with preparation. I recently watched a conch come out of its shell, roll over, and scoot along the ocean floor. Although amazing to watch, there was no way I could allow that disgusting gastropoda to enter my mouth. Everyone else loved them and practically licked the plate clean.

Flip Flops Grill and Chill menu is filled with intriguing dishes; making it difficult to decide. Entrees are served with your choice of soup or salad and a side dish. Our guests selected the Cranberry Spring Salad, while my husband and I opted for Southwestern Chicken soup.

My friend, Gail, and I couldn't resist the Tiger Shrimp Satays with Watermelon Pico de Gallo. We also couldn't resist the peppercorn bleu cheese mashed potatoes for our side selection.

Our men indulged in Mahi Mahi Gone Bananas; a combination of blackened mahi and grilled banana halves, and Chicken Bruschetta; char-grilled chicken breast smothered in garlic, tomatoes and fresh mozzarella.

The food was cooked to perfection. The presentation was simple, yet elegant, with each entree accompanied by a beautiful edible orchid. If you have never eaten an edible orchid, you simply must give it a try. Doing so makes you feel incredibly gourmet-ish!

Although the food was exquisite and the company divine, the best part of the evening was meeting Chef Danny Veltri. We dined at Flip Flops Grill and Chill on a Thursday evening. At 9pm sharp, all the patrons watched "Hell's Kitchen" and joined together in camaraderie to support our local chef.

During a commercial break, I approached Chef Danny and asked if we could snap a photo with him. He politely accepted and entertained us during our mini photo shoot. Although a bit starry-eyed from rubbing elbows with a celebrity chef, I was most impressed by the approachability and humble attitude of Chef Veltri. Instead of taking credit for our gastro-delights, Chef Danny introduced us to Chef Erik Amalfitano; stating Erik was the mastermind behind Flip Flops.

We thoroughly enjoyed our evening at Flip Flops Chill and Grill. From the pleasant greeting upon arrival, the exceptional food and gorgeous presentation, the fun and cozy environment, and the graciousness of the chefs, Flip Flops provided us with a meal experience unlike any other.

We loved Flip Flops so much, my husband and I returned last week. Seems everyone else loves the restaurant too and Flip Flops is relocating to 765 East Third Street on April 20, 2009. Previously occupied by Shells restaurant, the new location offers ample seating to accommodate hungry residents and tourists.

New Smyrna Beach is a quaint Florida beachside community, rich in history and complete with ghost tours. Infamous for being "Shark Attack Capital of the World," New Smyrna Beach welcomes more than 1 million visitors each year. While you're here, be certain to visit Flip Flops Grill and Chill. You'll be glad you did!