Martini Bay

The newest place in Lake Havasu is the retro-modern Martini Bay
at the London Bridge Resort. This is the place to dress up for a
night out. As guests with children at the London Bridge Resort
we opted to sit on their outdoor patio where we could still watch
our kids in the pool. This wasn't preferred as it was quite hot and
humid during our stay in August. Ample air conditioning kept
those inside dancing all night long.

Martinis are the obvious theme here. My Shrimptini ($9) made
with vodka or gin and a splash of vermouth had the unusual
addition of Tabasco and was garnished with a large shrimp.
Though it was good, the Opal Martini ($8) made with Tanqueray
Gin, Triple Sec, orange juice and a teaspoon of sugar was better.

Eager to keep things light and lively tapas are offered by the
dozens. We ate here on three different evenings trying a
majority of the menu. The food was hit or miss, but we returned
happily for our favorites. Oysters on the Half Shell ($9.95) were
fresh and interestingly paired with a trio of salsas. The Roasted
Pork Loin ($8.50) was dry and boring. The Green Peppercorn
Sauce that topped the Pepper Encrusted Filet ($10.95) was more
like a heavy gravy far from what I'd expected. On one night the
Salmon Teriyaki ($5.95) was great, but the next night it was
overly fishy. I didn't care at all for the Pineapple Chutney the
Coconut Shrimp ($8.95) was paired with, it was warm, mushy
and lacked sweetness. The Spanikopita ($6.95) was fine, but I
suspect it came from the freezer and I was surprised to see
Bacon Wrapped Dates ($4.95) on the menu something I make
myself, and better.

We ate our way through Spanish Empanadas ($6.95), Beef
Broquettes ($5.59), Beef Wellington ($10.95), Warm Artichoke
Dip ($4.95) and the Humus Dip ($4.95). Nothing compared
though to the Zambini Gallette and the Broiled Shrimp Kebabs.
We ordered these all three nights. The Zambini Gallette ($4.95)
topped a thin pizza crust with a sweet tomato sauce, so much
fresh garlic, sliced jalapenos, sausage and a light amount of
cheese. This was hot, spicy and had so much flavor we couldn't
believe it! Next was the wonderful Broiled Shrimp Kebabs
($6.95)with large shrimps wrapped with a fresh basil leaf and
thinly sliced serrano ham. Though this was served all by itself it
didn't need any help. The shrimps were fresh and the
combination was addicting.

When all was said in done, I thought we were lucky to have this
place available to us. It just may be a little more upscale than
the "river rats" can handle.

Summer hours are Tuesday though Sunday opening at 4:00 P.M.

Located at 1477 Queens Bay in Lake Havasu City inside the
London Bridge Resort.

Telephone (928) 855-0888 ext. 4400