If you’re looking for the best of the best, look no further than Fager’s Island on 60th Street bayfront. From creative light fare like Cuban Fish Tacos and House Smoke Fish Plate, to exquisite fine dining recipes, such as Swordfish and Pan Seared Atlantic Salmon, the options are endless at Fager’s Island.
    Recognized by its long pier and gazebo that extend into the bay and are visible from the Route 90 Bridge, Fager’s Island is bordered by an endless deck that spans for a block along the sandy beach dining area and toward the two-story fine dining restaurant. Fager’s is a popular destination on Monday nights, when its World Famous Deck Party brings bands, deejays, drink specials, and an outstanding BBQ. For $6.75, you can enjoy beef barbeque, ribs, chicken, sandwiches, baked beans, and Cole slaw. Twisted Teas and Corona Lights are only $3, and Orange and Grapefruit Crushes are discounted too. The party starts at 5:00. This Monday, June 11, DJ Batman will spin tunes from 5:30 ‘til 9:30, followed by DJ RobCee on the deck and rock and dance band The Rockets on stage at 10:00.
    Fager’s also presents Jazz Brunch each Sunday until 3:00 with smooth musician Everett Spells. Frittatas, French Toast, Eggs Benedict, and Creamed Chipped Beef are just a few of many features on the menu, which is coupled with $5 Mimosas and Bloody Marys.
    I’ve had the distinct pleasure of dining at Fager’s Island many times over the years, including brunches, Monday BBQs, light fare dinners, small plate offerings, and fine dining. This week, I experienced something that I had never before tried at Fager’s Island—fire pit dining. On a gorgeous, breezy evening, my dashingly handsome date, Joey Steward, and I were seated at a fire pit surrounded by palm trees. Fager’s helpful manager, Mike, lit the fire pit for us, creating the perfect heat temperature to keep us comfortable as the sun descended into the bay.
    For our appetizers, Joey and I ordered the Baked Accomack Oyster Sampler and the Chicken Livers and Water Chestnuts in Bacon from the fine dining menu. The Oyster Sampler includes Rockefeller, Chesapeake, and Bienville oysters that are oversized, baked, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. I highly recommend this dish. The Chicken Livers is the longest running appetizer on the menu, circa 1976! It’s Joey’s favorite starter dish.
    I’m a seasoned fan of craft beer, and Fager’s Island has plenty of local brews on tap, including Evolution, Fordham, Dogfish Head, Burley Oak, Clipper City, and Flying Dog. I selected In-Heat Wheat for my beverage. With tastes of clove and banana, this beer is a perfect summertime refreshment. Joey asked our server, Amy, which frozen drink she recommends, and she suggested the Mango Tango. Joey offered me a sip, and I agree it’s a must try.
    For our main courses, I ordered the Shrimp Salad on French Bread off the light fare menu, and Joey selected the Herbed Bleu Cheese Crusted All Natural New York Strip Steak with a Crab Cake. Words cannot adequately describe the tranquility of dining on steak and seafood next to the orange flames of a warm fire pit while gazing at the sunset on the bay. The swaying palm trees add privacy to the fireside seating, creating an intimate, romantic setting. As much as we enjoyed each other’s company, Joey and I plan to share a six-seater fire pit with friends at Fager’s very soon. Our meal was fabulous, as is the service and atmosphere.
    Other entrées on the fine dining menu at Fager’s Island include Surf & Turf combos with filets and crab cakes, Cold Water Maine Lobster Tail, Prime Rib with fresh shaved Horseradish, Crispy Roasted Duckling, Organic Chicken Breasts Thai Curry Style, and Swordfish Italiano—grilled with fresh spinach, garlic, shallots, chopped tomatoes, basil oil, and pine nuts over risotto.
    Also on the fine dining menu, scrumptious starter dishes are Fresh Mozzarella, Ripe Tomato, and Basil Leaves; Fried Green Tomato Topped with Blue Crab; Flash Fried Calamari & Shrimp; Bacon Wrapped BBQ Shrimp; Fried Oysters; Blackened Scallops; Clams Casino; Seared Tuna; and Lobster Tempura. I recommend the Beef Tenderloin Kabob in Worcestershire Glaze and the all lump Crab Bake with creamy butter. Both appetizers will make your mouth water.
    Additional top features of the light fare menu are the Crab Melt with jumbo lump crabmeat served open faced on an English muffin with tomato and cheddar cheese, and the Pulled Chicken Taco Roberto—organic chicken, grilled onions, slaw, salsa, and cilantro. Healthy options include the Powerhouse Wrap, Broiled Swordfish Filet, Grilled Salmon BLT, and Fried Green Tomato BLT. Or, you can go for the juiciest burger on the menu and try the Kitchen Sink Burger topped with bacon, mushrooms, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, cheese, fried onions, and jalapeños.
    The house specialty on the light fare menu is The Islander—house roasted turkey breast, deep smoked ham, Swiss cheese, romaine lettuce, and Russian dressing on thick-sliced soft rye. Fresh, organic salads and chop salads are available too.
    For dessert, Joey and I shared a warm slice of Bourbon Pecan Pie. Lemon Lust and Chocolate Kiss Cake are two more sinful temptations at Fager’s Island. My shrimp salad sandwich platter was garnished with a humongous slice of fresh cantaloupe, which is like an extra dessert for me. Fager’s also presents top-shelf wine, martinis, and other spirits.
    You can order from the light fare menu after 11:00 a.m., and fine dining begins at 5:00 pm with early bird specials available by request before 6:00. Both menus include options for children, such as a single crab cake, cheese tortellini, and a grilled banana and peanut butter sandwich. In fact, a happy baby munched on dinner from the comfort of his high chair in the sand at the table around the palm tree from us.
    Strings of lights, gazebos, reggae music, and lively staff add flavor to the ambiance at Fager’s Island. The palm trees block the wind, keeping the outdoor areas comfortable into the night. On Thursday nights throughout the summer, check out Tribute bands paying homage to Chicago, Neil Diamond, Pink Floyd, U2, Billy Joel, ‘80s hair bands, the Beatles, Journey, Elton John and more.
    Check Fager’s advertisement in Coconut Times for upcoming events. You can find Fager’s on Facebook, visit www.fagers.com  or call 410-524-5500 for more information. I’ll see you on the deck.