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The SCENE Magazine

Sundance Grill II has the Ambience to Suit Any Mood

Nov 02, 2018 02:32PM ● By John Ennis
Nestled among the trees in the Waterford Harbor Marina, Sundance Grill II (800 Mariners Drive in Kemah) is accessible by car or boat and offers water views with spectacular sunsets and plenty of outdoor seating options. The palapa area is heated in the winter and cooled by large fans in the summer; the tables on the deck by the pool have individual umbrellas to shield the sun. Surrounded by sailboats, there’s not a bad seat in the house – or “outside the house,” so to speak. The dining room also offers views of the marina and there are several areas available to host weddings, rehearsal dinners, Christmas parties, reunions, anniversaries, corporate events, or any private party. Banquet packages can be customized to fit your needs and/or budget. Paula Price has been the event coordinator for more than four years, and she works closely with clients to ensure their event goes smoothly and their guests are happy. 

“I love being a part of making a memory that will be cherished forever,” said Price.

Owner Hans Mair was born and raised in Salzburg, Austria, and worked as a chef in the Bahamas for many years; as a result, the menu at Sundance Grill II offers a variety of items from German dishes (like the Weinerschnitzel or Jaegerschnitzel) to Caribbean fare (such as Shrimp or Crab Compechana or the Shrimp Bimini). Mair has been in the restaurant business for 48 years, working as the operator of Houston’s legendary fine dining establishment, Vargos until 1995 when he opened the first Sundance Grill in Seabrook. Located in the Kemah/Seabrook channel, the original Sundance Grill was a local hot spot for more than 13 years until Hurricane Ike blew in and destroyed the venue beyond repair. Luckily, Sundance Grill II was already in full swing by that time, and Mair was able to concentrate all of his efforts on the remaining location at Waterford Harbor.

“We value our customers, and customer service is our number one priority. While we pride ourselves on offering a fine dining experience and serving only the freshest ingredients and highest quality of food, we also want our guests to feel comfortable and enjoy a relaxing atmosphere as well,” said Mair.

 Now in its 13th year, Sundance Grill II has been a popular destination for special occasions like Mother’s Day, Easter, Valentine’s Day, birthdays and anniversaries, but with their daily specials (Spaghetti & Meatballs on Mondays, Steak and Shrimp on Tuesdays, Shrimp Platter on Wednesdays, Prime Rib on Thursdays, or the Catfish Platter on Fridays) and happy hour specials Monday through Friday, Sundance Grill is also affordable. They have a group of regulars who come in just about every day of the week. The Champagne Brunch on Sundays has been popular for many years. Guests enjoy the four-course meal with champagne or a mimosa, and they also have a Sunday Brunch menu with items like the popular Eggs Benedict, Hanzee’s Crab Cakes or the Steak and Egg entrée. 

Head chef, Rigoberto Coreno, has been working at Sundance Grill since they opened 13 years ago, operating a kitchen responsible for catering the events and banquets, as well as cooking for the regular restaurant guests. Mair has tremendous respect for Coreno’s cooking skills, “Rigoberto is an amazing chef, and I am honored to have him running the kitchen,” said Mair.

Although Sundance Grill is known for their outdoor patios and breathtaking views, guests enjoy sitting inside, especially during the colder months, and listening to live music by Mack Hayes (Thursday through Saturday starting at 4 p.m.) Whether you want a casual lunch outside on a gorgeous day, or a romantic evening inside by the fire, Sundance Grill has the ambience to suit your mood. 

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