February 25th, 2010
Michael R. McCarty’s…Restaurant…Review…On the Island…Palm Beach…Florida…
“We should look for someone to eat and drink with before looking for something to eat and drink, for dining alone is leading the life of a lion or wolf.” by a Greek Philosopher, BC 341-270
With that in mind 5 friends got together on Tuesday evening, in Palm Beach, and 4 elements were about to happen in equal manner; the service, the drinks, the cuisine and the overall ambiance.
When we visit Delray, a lot of times there are friends scattered around, visiting other towns in the area. Such was the case so in order to make it easier for everyone, to dine together, we decided on Palm Beach; equal distance to all.
A few years ago I went to Michael McCarty’s and thought that would be a fun place to have dinner. Michael R. MCcarty’s is located on 50 Coconut Row in the Royal Poinciana Plaza. The tel. is 561-659-1899. Website is www.michaelrmccartyspalmbeach.com. Reservations are not required, but I think you should, especially in the height of the season. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and brunch on Sundays. The attire is supposed to be business casual but I saw a wide range of attires. I think resort casual would be the word. Blazers are not required, as well. The way to describe the food would be American with other influences.
The owner of the restaurant is Michael R. McCarty’s, someone I do not know. He has been in the restaurant business since his 20’s. Originally, on this location, there was a watering hole called Dempsey’s. Michael R. McCarty’s opened his restaurant and has been doing very well ever since.
I love restaurants with open porches for gathering. This is the first thing you see at Michael McCarty’s. Those awnings amidst the trees and the green heavy wicker chairs make you just want to sit there all night. Cocktails are served on this porch, as well as lunch and dinner. On this particular night it seemed that it was mainly cocktails, people just waiting to go and eat inside.
The entry way and ambiance were definitely British Colonial. You could picture this restaurant in any of the Caribbean Islands; the West Indies. The dining area was large with plants breaking the seating arrangements. Green and tans were the colors. The bar was large, to the side, and seemed to be well attended on that evening.
It would not be Palm Beach if you did not find a splash of pink. Michael McCarty’s has Rory’s. It has pink patent leather banquets, aubergine walls and a bar. Usually, this room is for private parties and looked like a fun place. It is also used when the restaurant is crowded. On Tuesday, the restaurant was comfortably crowded and this room was not needed.
We had a round table in a cozy corner. We all took our readers out since the restaurant is very dimmed lit. I like it that way but if you need reading glasses, you better have them with you.
Blake was our waiter. Friendly and the spitting image of James Taylor. We were surprised that he did not know who James Taylor was or Carly Simon for that matter. Can you imagine that? Oh, well, I guess I am dating myself. Nevertheless, Ross mentioned a few tunes and he seemed to recognize some and told us he would check it out. Blake was very attentive throughout the evening and he was quietly funny, if there is such a description.
We started with cocktails and wines and some of us wanted appetizers. For my appetizer I started with a steamed artichoke. It was a very good size and the dipping sauce had a hint of vinegar. Another friend had the trouffled fries, perfectly cooked with trouffled oil.
For our entrees, I had the special which was grouper. I substituted the mashed potatoes for the sauteed spinach and asparagus. Another friend had my same dish but with the potatoes. Blake told us that the calf liver was thin and cut in-house. Two of our diners were calf liver aficionados so that is what they got. The next friend ordered the chicken Madeira.
The experience was that the portions were good. Not too big or small. But, actually the chicken Madeira was a pretty good size. The grouper was very tasty and flaky and well seasoned. The calf liver got a rating of good but some had had better in other parts of the country; good nevertheless. Cindi thought her chicken Madeira was very tasty; tender.
For dessert Blake suggested Graeter’s Ice Cream. This ice cream comes from Cincinnati and I had never heard about it. Loving ice cream the way I do, then that was the perfect choice. Mocha Chocolate Chip. The ice cream was very creamy but I think I really liked the chocolate chips best. Nice chunks of semi-sweet chocolate. I thought it was good but no different than some of the good ice creams on the market. We all have our favorites. Graeter’s was established in 1870, family operated, a French Pot process to create irresistible creaminess, 2 gallons at a time.
Our relaxed conversation and laughter continued, at the same time enjoying some decaf capuccino.
We parted ways after hugs and promises to see each other again. Dinner with friends; priceless!!
See you soon….
Tags: American Food, Delray Beach, Florida, Full Bar, lunch and dinner, Palm Beach, Restaurant, Restaurants, review, Reviews, Sunday Brunch
Had a late afternoon lunch of a scrumptious
cheeze souffle but left without my perscription
glasses. Caution, don’t leave anything behind. You’ll never see ‘it’ again.
I’ll never go back.
Janet
That’s too bad!! I always think that nobody would take prescription glasses. Too bad. So sorry. G