Local Observation / SALUTE

Between the coast road and Higg’s Beach where volleyball players float midair, is a welcoming restaurant, wide like grandma’s arms, named Salute. The roof is a broad blue canopy and does not impede the remarkable view. Seating is largely indoors and sheltered but there are also tables around the perimeter and since most often the weather is flawless tourists gratefully stare out to sea and relax at the sight of nature. And those volleyball players!

Sand, surf, palm trees and that’s before you’ve even tried the drinks, madness like coconut rum mojitos or vodka with blueberry and lemonade. On weekends mellow bands play discretely but they get less of a look in as it’s hard to compete with the view, the weather, the atmosphere. And then there’s the food; upscale deluxe by-the-sea.

Salute is the concept of a couple of North Carolina brothers who, from a very young age, liked food. It seems no matter what paths they ventured they would always return to each other. One brother, Richard, tried the Peace Corps, and then following in his own father’s footsteps, experimented with the world of journalism. There is the other brother, slightly younger and quite a bit naughtier, for example going to college only to be tossed out, he would’t tell me for what, but he was grinning.

Brother Dan bussed tables since 14, was on ‘the line’ at 16. He does what he does because it’s his passion. The brothers, and business partner Ms Sue Ann, are the magnificent trio behind the huge success of Salute, regardless of weather or time of year this place is humming.

Food is sublime, for example sautéed sea scallops with mushroom and garlic crostini, lemon snapper with cream sauce and spinach. They even bottle their own water, Blue Heaven Spring Water.

Salute has the best location, charming attentive waitstaff and delectable food. Insider secrets include what’s not on the menu such as grouper and shrimp cake with chipotle mayo, apples and arugula.

Ask Salute why they do what they do and they’ll tell you, ‘We love it!’ You’ll taste the love in every bite.