Get To the Pointe!

By Auburn Cecil

                For many years, Mariners Landing has been one of the premier resort communities at Smith Mountain Lake. Since 1992, they have brought condos, homes, townhomes, and countless amenities to the east side of the lake.

                As with any multimillion-dollar project, Mariners has faced its share of criticism and resentment from neighbors who want to keep the lake secluded. Wanting to create a place where many more people could experience and enjoy our wonderful area, they have now braved even more criticism and created The Pointe. Some might call it a monstrosity, some call it progress, but for the most part, people are calling it incredible and needed.

                The Pointe is an impressive six-story condominium featuring 35 units, conference centers, reception areas and a fine restaurant. Not only will The Pointe offer everything the business group or vacation party could want, but it’s all offered with a breathtaking view. Jay White commented, “This is going to be Smith Mountain Lake’s premier location for business and pleasure.”

                From design to completion, The Pointe has taken Mariners three years to build. In addition to the building, they have a patio, pool, kiddie pools, boat slips and even a cabana at a nearby location. This center will allow Mariners to host more family vacations, couples’ retreats, weddings, special events, and conferences. The Pointe has three versatile conference and special occasion rooms that will provide many options for wonderful private events. Jay explained, “We are able to host families and groups of up to 150, and with our outdoor spaces, we can host almost any sized party.”

                Adding to everyone’s enjoyment, the Patio and the Cabana offer great places to enjoy a little outdoor dining by the pool. At the cabana you can sit by the pool and dine on a variety of excellent sandwiches and snacks. From Chicken Tender Fritters to the Spinach and Scallop salad, they feature much more than the usual snack bar fare.

                For lake residents, the Restaurant will be the highlight of the new facility. As the largest one on the lake, it has room for 169 guests and offers a variety of options for both lunch and dinner. Food and Beverage Manager Hal Clary commented, “The Chef is the key point. I can’t emphasize enough how good he is.”

                The Chef is Glenton Goodwill and he has been in the business for 33 years. Originally from Jamaica, Glenton studied at a culinary school there before working at premier resorts and restaurants including the Hedonism Resort, Tryall Golf Tennis & Beach Resort, The Grande Hotel, The Homestead, and Boonsboro Country Club. Glenton is excited about The Pointe. He commented, “This restaurant is going to be the place at SML without question. We have a very experienced culinary team and we are all very happy with the owners. They are very supportive of us and give us the chance to practice what we have learned over the years.” Chef Glenton sums it up, “I want this to be the #1 restaurant and we are going to get there. Everyday we look at what we need to do to make it.” For more information, check out our review on the next page.

Restaurant Review

By Auburn Cecil

Appetizer  5

Dinner  5

Dessert  5

Drinks  5

Service  4

Speed  4

                Restaurants at the lake offer a variety of excellent features. Many boast exquisite food. Several have gorgeous views. Some are elegantly appointed. And many have other highlights from drinks to comfort to lighting. However, few manage to combine all of those elements. The Pointe at Mariners Landing has done just that. From the décor to the menu, it has found a perfect balance on just about every level. Here are ten “Pointes” where we found the Pointe excelled.

Pointe #1: The View

                Whether you’re sitting out on the patio or at any table in the restaurant, the backdrop is extraordinary. On a peninsula, the Pointe commands beautiful views from several angles. For dinner, the evening sun sets over the mountains to the west. Don’t be surprised to find guests lingering in their lawn chairs until twilight has been replaced by countless stars. To the South, lush land and sparkling blue water intermingle at the base of Smith Mountain and create a picturesque scene that’s breathtaking all day long.

Pointe #2: The Décor

                Stained glass dividers give the restaurant cheerful highlights, while attractive cherry wood in a modern design says class and elegance. The warm glow from the hanging lamps is a subtle compliment to the natural lighting from the large picture windows. The earthy, inviting colors are contemporary yet give the restaurant a feel of traditional quality. The décor manages to be upscale without being the least bit stuffy.

Pointe # 3: The Atmosphere

                Whether you’re looking for a cool place to grab a burger, or an elegant restaurant for date night, The Pointe will suit your wishes. Their casual dining area is open, airy and inviting. The high ceilings and large, spacious sections create a feeling of freedom and breathing room. Perfect for the lake crowd, any attire fits in within this atmosphere. A couple out-on-the-town celebrating their anniversary talks quietly in the corner, a family of four enjoys a comfortable and relaxing dinner after a day on the lake, and a group of business people unbutton their suits for a working lunch.

Pointe # 4: The Service

                With the attention to detail and friendly nature of the wait staff, it was quite a surprise to learn that many of them were new to serving. Food and Beverage Manager, Hal Clary teased when he commented that The Pointe could train them right, but in actuality, that is exactly what they are doing. Chef Glenton commented, “Every day we are getting better and better.” Already they know the fine art of being helpful and attentive yet not intrusive. It’s a perfect style for those who want to dine in peace while having every need met.

Pointe # 5: The Price

                When the words “Resort Golf & Lake Community” are associated with a restaurant, you immediately think pricey, but Mariners had something else in mind. “The menu is designed to accommodate you whether you want to spend $8 or $23,” developer Jay White commented, “We wanted to create a restaurant that everyone could enjoy, so everything is reasonably priced.”

Pointe # 6: Champagne Brunch

                On Sunday from 11:30 p.m. until 2 p.m., The Pointe features an incredible brunch buffet including an omelet station and a wonderful assortment of breakfast and lunch items.

Pointe # 7: The Beverages

                If you think that a meal is not complete without a perfectly complimenting glass of wine, or if you like to end the day with a single malt Scotch out on the patio, you won’t be disappointed in the Pointe’s drink menu. Hal commented, “We have a tremendous wine list and plan to carry over 60 different wines. I also specialize in Scotches and plan to feature a couple of scotch tastings and seminars throughout the year. I even have a representative flying in from Scotland for a seminar. We should have the best beverage menu in the area.”

Pointe # 8: The Appetizers

                Some of their appetizers are traditional, some are unique such as the Seafood Martini, and they’re all the perfect start to an excellent dinner. We just have one warning: don’t ruin your appetite because the main courses are unbeatable.

Pointe # 9: The Entrées

                Crab cakes to die for, seafood expertly prepared, and steaks cooked to perfection. And that was just at our table. Chef Glenton grew up with French cuisine with a Caribbean twist. “I love to add a little something different to my dishes. I’m doing my own thing and relying on my years of experience. Fresh seafood is what I really love to cook.” His recommendation is “Start with the Shrimp Stropz, get the Crab Cake & Filet dinner with the Jack Daniels sauce and finish the meal with the Bananas Foster.”

Pointe # 10: The Desserts

                Key Lime Pie. Bourbon Pecan Pie. Crème Brulee. Lemon Chess Pie. Cheesecake. If you don’t have enough people to order them all and pass them around, you’re going to have to make several trips. Of course, with the Chef’s Special, Bananas Foster, it might be difficult to try anything else. Glenton commented, “This is my signature dessert from Jamaica. I don’t think anyone around could have anything like this.”