Salt Creek Grille   

Distinctive, Craftsman-style architecture, earth-toned decor and an open kitchen give this restaurant a warm, inviting quality. You can drop by for a mesquite-grilled burger and a beer, or you can enjoy a romantic evening in one of the high-backed, comfortable booths. The customers are a mixed bag -- some locals, some tourists off the nearby luxury resorts and even a few celebrities. The first thing you see after climbing the steps to the entry-way is a side porch with a lovely outdoor fireplace surrounded by benches. Relax by the fire while waiting for your table, or bring your cappuccino or brandy outside once you've finished dinner. During warm weather, many people opt not to go inside at all; instead they dine on the expansive outdoor patio adjacent to the porch. Inside, the mesquite grill in the center of the exhibition kitchen is definitely a focal point. A glass partition separates the bar from the dining room. With its award-winning wine list and killer martinis, the bar is a pleasant place to spend an hour or two -- especially during Thursday evening Martini Madness, when martinis are on special for $5. When hunger comes a-calling, you'll begin to feel the lure of the mesquite grill. Almost all of this restaurant's best items, including a double thick pork chop and half-pound burgers (ground daily), are cooked on it. However, there are exceptions such as the delicious seared Hawaiian onaga. Finish your meal with their apple pie, laced with caramel and Tahitian vanilla. On Sunday, enjoy brunch a la carte or from the buffet.