It’s been a beautiful day on the Delta channel.
The sun has begun to make its descent toward the horizon, and the tummies that occupy your watercraft are rumbling. While burgers and chicken fingers are Delta staples, tonight, you’re craving something with a little more…class.
That’s where Waterfront Grill comes in. Situated on the edge of Tower Park Resort where levee meets lapping water, the restaurant opened its doors in just May of this year, and already it’s made quite the impression on boaters and residents alike. “This is a whole new concept for the Delta; it’s not your typical Delta-fare,” says Flora Jackson, General Manager at the Waterfront Grille. “People who have been coming to this resort for years tell us that our menu is unique for the area.”
Not that anyone’s complaining. Just one look at some of the dishes that come careening out of the kitchen at the Waterfront, and you, too, will be struck by the impression that you’ve stumbled upon something special.
“We have an incredible menu, and nothing pre-done. Everything is freshly prepared,” says Flora. Captain at the helm of a catering business for four years, it’s safe to say Flora knows a thing or two about quality cuisine.
Take their popular appetizer, the Ahi Tuna Watermelon Ceviche: Ripe pink watermelon cubes intermingle with the freshest Ahi Tuna, adorned with the contrasting green onions and accented by ginger, lime, chamoy, and olive oil, making this dish is both delectable and picture-perfect. Not only is it a crowd favorite, but it’s one of Flora’s favorites, too.
“We take a lot of pride in our presentation,” she explains. “If that means it takes us a little more time to get the food out, that’s okay—I want customers to experience both the quality and the beauty of our dishes.”
And beautiful they are, inside and out. While their fish is undoubtedly excellent, their steaks are of the finest quality, too. The Hangar Steak, poised amidst a bed of fingerling potatoes and drizzled with flavorful chimichurri, holds a particular place in the hearts of both patrons of the Waterfront Grille and the Chef himself.
“It’s a beautiful cut of meat,” says Chef Hascher. “It’s not very common because not every butcher butchers that way, but it’s the most flavorful, tender cut on the cow. It’s just perfect.”
Then there are the entrees that take aesthetic qualities of waterfront dining to new heights, like the Bacon Wrapped Jumbo Shrimp. Resting on a soft, savory bed of mushroom risotto, bacon-wrapped jumbo shrimp take center stage, frosted with an avocado relish and juxtaposed by a backdrop of watermelon radishes.
And what’s a good dinner without a good drink? Sip on specialty cocktails such as the Watermelon Margarita, Strawberry Blond, or a Delta Breeze while you’re having dinner on the Waterfront Grille’s picturesque deck, enjoying the latter drink’s namesake as it tousles your hair. Come imbibe on Saturdays when there’s live music; an experience made all the richer by the finest waterfront view around.
“Our Happy Hour also offers foods like chicken wings, sliders, garlic fries for the bar,” adds Flora. “It’s important to us that we accommodate our customers while still serving our high-quality food.”
So, whether you’re out on the water hunting for a fresh menu to explore, or a land-bound local looking for some elegant eats, the Waterfront Grille at Tower Park is a must-visit. For a Delta dining experience that’s different than anything you’ve ever seen, bring your friends, significant other, or whole family out to the water and taste unique creations too beautiful to eat—but too delicious not to.
Taste the Difference:
Waterfront Grille
14900 W. Hwy 12, Lodi
(209) 354-8706
TowerParkWaterfrontGrille.com