By Steven Hicks
There are restaurants that use a family name or a distant locale that expresses their style. And restaurants with fun names using animals as characters. There are many ways to name a restaurant, and each tells a story. This one just tells you exactly what to expect: Beachside Fusion at Kiwi.
What have you learned? This place is beachside and at the Kiwi Tennis Club. But the “fusion” part? That’s special. Fusion is “the process or result of joining two or more things together to form a single entity.” In this case those “things” are cooking styles, dishes, and even the location.
You’ve arrived.
We’re lucky living here; we all know that. There are so many iconic views. The causeways, A1A, The Avenue in Viera, The Port, the downtown districts of Titusville, Cocoa and Melbourne, even the wildlife refuges. But there is another sight not enough of us have experienced, and that is the grand sidewalk entrance to Beachside Fusion at Kiwi. Just walking up to the restaurant makes you feel like you’ve arrived, and the restaurant then certainly keeps that feeling alive. You can sit inside in an intimate dining area overlooking the tennis courts. Or, you can dine al fresco under the fans and tall open-beamed ceilings of the porch between the courts.
Chef Vivian Richards has put her touch on everything.
The Mediterranean salad is simply beautiful and very large, easily a meal unto itself. We then tried the curried shrimp and the citrus-glazed salmon. This must be the fusion of excellent and superb, because both were sublime. Simple, cooked to perfection and presented with sides — grilled asparagus and seasonal squashes. As we enjoyed the fresh air of dining outside, tennis matches were being played, and friends gathered in a large group at a nearby table. At any given moment, Beachside Fusion at Kiwi can be a restaurant, sports bar, box seats overlooking a match and gathering place for a drink with friends. By the way, we noticed a tomato, basil and mozzarella flatbread being served and it looked very enticing. Try it and tell us how you liked it!
Talk about fusion!
Beachside Fusion at Kiwi is also a great consideration for events large and small. On the Friday we visited, Richards and her staff were preparing for a large wedding the next day. Every part of the club was being used, including the tennis court, where the ceremony would be held. Whether you’re looking for a bite after a doubles match, or a venue for 200 for your next party, reach out to Richards at Beachside Fusion at Kiwi; she’ll make it happen and
make it memorable.
