January 16th, 2015
Darling….You look Marvelous!! The Breakers Palm Beach, located at One South County Rd., Palm Beach, FL 33480 is turning 119 years old today!! This iconic hotel has so much history. It has gone through ups and downs…a life well lived and continues to do so, getting better as the years go by.
In November I stayed at The Breakers with my friend, Cindi, for a couple of days. Having a few posts left to be published on our amazing days, pampered with impeccable service, what better day than on its birthday to finish my posts? In Rehoboth Beach the sun is out and it looks like it should be 80 degrees. Oh, no. Thirty degrees, I think. That’s okay, the Delaware Beaches are year-round regardless of the weather. I am just visualizing, that’s all!!
Even though The Breakers has plenty of restaurants available to guests and the public, they also have a couple of restaurants that are only for their Guests and Club Members.
Poolside Dining? The Ocean Grill was our choice for lunch. Beautiful views, outdoor dining, watching the palm trees do their thing. By the way, The Ocean Grill has a Gluten Free Menu!!
We had an appetizer of Avocado Fries. Avocado spears lightly fried.
Maine Lobster Roll. Lobster on a butter toasted brioche bun. The Avocado Fries were so good…a side order of those, as well.
And, a Lobster Club Salad is what I wanted, with bacon, avocado, tomatoes, celery and a light vinaigrette dressing.
And what could something so simple be so good? Warm chocolate chips cookies and milk for dunking for our sweet ending.
For more information about The Breakers Palm Beach, please visit http://www.thebreakers.com.
Talk to you later!!
November 16th, 2014
I have been writing posts from The Breakers Palm Beach. Having stayed for a few days, this historic and iconic hotel offers everything you can imagine under the sun and palm trees. Special attention is given to even minute details.
It was so sunny and warm in Florida….but I am enjoying the coolness of the fall weather at the Delaware Beaches at the moment and tomorrow rain!! How exciting!
One of the readers on my Facebook page of AboutMyBeaches commented that in the late 80’s she had lived in Florida and would attend The Brunch at The Breakers Palm Beach….for over 25 years this fabulous brunch is still ongoing every single Sunday.
The Breakers Palm Beach is located at One South County Rd. Tels. 561-659-8488, 888-273-2537. To check the information on The Brunch, please visit http://www.thebreakers.com/restaurants_lounges/Sunday_Brunch.
The Brunch takes place at The Circle Room. This room is so pretty; elegant, hand painted ceilings and a view of the water. No photos were taken of the room while The Brunch was taking place….privacy to those enjoying their Sunday. The harpist was playing on the background.
The Brunch is $100 per person plus tax and service charge. Children 3 years of age to 11 are $45 plus tax and service charge. Under 3? Complimentary brunch.
Sunday Brunch at The Breakers is always special. The dress attire? Daytime resortwear.
A brunch is eaten during the late morning; a combo of breakfast and lunch. Having brunch with me last Sunday were my friends, Cindi, Michael, and Jeff. We were starting our brunch adventure at 11 a.m. Please note that while attending The Brunch, there will be no rush, stay awhile, if you will. And, so we did….until 3 p.m. We paced ourselves, a little drink, here or there….amazing conversation, and plenty of laughs.
A must? A Bloody Mary, and Mimosas, as well.
The Brunch is comprised of stations, all with an immaculate presentation. And, all chef attended, as well.
This feast has everything from the traditional brunch menu, to seafood, lobster rolls, pate, caviar, eggs benedict, you name it, they had it.
This photo shows a display with roasters stacked up….a decoration. But, the dainty lobster rolls were great!! They made their way to my plate.
 
I decided that I was not going to have the traditional….Cindi was not either. We were immersing ourselves in the seafood; lobster tails, stone crab claws and sauces. Michael and Jeff were going all out.
The eggs benedict looked tempting…but I resisted.
I grabbed some of the Orange Chicken Ponzu. It just looked too good to pass. Ponzu is a tangy soy based sauce made with citrus fruits. Very tasty.
I did have some slices of the prime rib…rare and delish!
Domestic Caviar, along with salmon, and smoked fish…in memory of my husband, John.
Up to this point we were doing so well. We really had been pacing ourselves. These were my plates.
The pate was divine. The Orange Chicken Ponzu in the glass was so good, along with the rest of the pate, smoked fish and loster rolls.
We were comfortably satisfied….but how could we not have dessert? Living dangerously……we made our way to decandence!! There were over 30 desserts. First of all I was just truly in awe about the fact that every Sunday they offer The Brunch. They told me that the bake shop is open 24/7. I believe it. Everything is made in-house, except the truffles, I think.
The mini waffles dipped in chocolate.
These cups caught my attention immediately. A discussion…were the chocolate cups bought or made in-house? Had to ask….made on the premises.
I was not the only one taking photos. The dessert station was over the top. Check some of the other desserts. Words are not necessary, don’t you think?
I love custards so I went for the desserts that were made with custard. They were just out of this world.
Writing and posting photos of The Breakers has been fun. The hotel has a comfortable elegance. Just like any other hotel, the prices reflect the time of the year. One thing that never changes is the price of The Brunch. It is very popular and exceeded my expectations. One for the Bucket List? I think so!! Checked.
 Room with A View!
March 31st, 2014
Arriving in Singer Island, Florida for a little Spring Get-A-Way found us looking at grey skies. That was not going to deter Cindi, Madelon and I. We were determined to enjoy our stay to the fullest.
Our first stop just as soon as our luggage was dropped off (mine was lost to be delivered later in the evening) was to have a late lunch at Paris in Town, Le Bistro located at the Gardens on 11701 Lake Victoria Gardens Ave., North Palm Beach, FL 33410 Tel. 561-622-1616. Website? http://www.parisintownbistro.com.
This restaurant is casual and was opened after their first restaurant, Paris in Town Le Cafe opened years ago and became an institution in North Palm Beach. They serve lunch, dinner and Sunday Brunch. We arrived late in the afternoon and even though we waited a bit to be served, our lunch was very good.
We were all thirsty after our trip so Bloody Marys were a good way to start.
The Smoked Turkey with Apple and Brie hit the spot.
The King Henry Chicken Salad was fresh and delicious.
My Nicoise Grilled Tuna Salad….sorry I must have been I don’t know where but I forgot to take the photo. The tuna was fresh and was cooked medium rare….just to my liking.
Paris in Town Le Cafe is located at 11460 U.S. Highway 1, at PGA Blvd., North Palm Beach, FL 33408 Tel. 561-626-6017 Website? http://www.parisintowncafe.com. This is my favorite of the two. Quaint, a bistro serving, crepes, paninis, salads and pastries. They open Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Sunday from 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
What brought us to this location was their Macaroons. The regular size and the minis. They are so colorful and gorgeous. Did you kow that the French Almond Macaroons are taking over the top spot as a favorite dessert….more sought after than cupcakes!
Macaroons go well with coffee, lunch, brunch, afternoon tea and even for snacks. They are more expensive due to the fact that they are labor intensive. You have to have the technique down for a macaroon to be delicious. The filling, the coloring…chocolate and fruit preserves, preferably from France add to its cost. Ground almonds are expensive and it is a key ingredient to this delicate pastry.
We hope the recipients of these macaroons enjoyed them…just one goes a long way.
Talk to you later.
April 30th, 2013
The headquarters for Barrett-Jackson are in Scottsdale, Arizona. “The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions” has a trade mark. In addition to their auctions in Scottsdale, they have annual auctions in Las Vegas, Reno, and Palm Beach, Florida. And that’s the one that I attended. Believe me, I only know how to drive a car, so I was really following my friends who had flown from Denver, Colorado, not only to visit me, but to attend the 11th Annual Palm Beach Auction. Even though they had plenty of snow in Colorado, they, actually, did not care they were in somewhat sunny South Florida…palm trees? Pleeease, sun, sand, sea? Maybe later…
If you are a bidder for this auction there are several procedures to follow, including letters from your bank acknowledging the fact that you do have available cash to purchase an automobile.
A Gala on Wednesday evening. The auction started in earnest on a Thursday and ended on Saturday…that’s where the high end cars could be found.
 Waiting for Saturday! The numbers are in for the Palm Beach auction: $21 million in gross sales, which were over the 2012 sales. Almost 55,000 car fans attended the event even though the weather was not cooperating. People did fly from all over. And, more than $1.8 million raised for charity.
I had to laugh, when I arrived on Friday, the parking was jammed packed. On that day I qualified as a senior citizen…what? Yes, at the Barrett-Auction in Palm Beach, if you were 55 you were a senior and admission was $8.
The South Florida Fairgrounds are located off Southern Boulevard in West Palm Beach. The area is mostly agricultural; the Fairgrounds promote trade, entertainment, and historical heritage.
There are 10 acres designated as a historic park. It is called Yesteryear Village. This park transport visitors to a time when schools were located in one small building and houses did not have running water. People had goats, chickens and sheep in their backyards and life was, definitely, simple. There are tours available and you can call 561-790-5232 to get more info. Or, visit the website http://www.southfloridafair.com.
So, I followed the fans into the massive building.
The entrance had new cars and a store atmosphere.
Bidding goes all day long. Cars are brought into the main room with plenty of auctioneers on hand.
Visitors can go on the grounds and visit the individual tents. And, also visit other buildings housing gorgeous automobiles.
I told you already that on that Friday it was a little rainy, so it was a bit trying for those that had to handle the cars and get them in the line up.
Following are some of the cars that caught my eyes:
The BMW Isetta was built by BMW in 1955. It was an Italian designed micro car. In 1955, it was the world’s first mass produced car, with about 161,728 sold. It was one of the most successful and influential city cars in the world. It was also called the Bubble Car because of its shape.
The 1967 Lincoln Continental Convertible Light Blue. Only 2 cars with that color combination.
The 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air, 4 Door Custom Sedan.
The Morgan. Manufactured by the Morgan Motor Company. It is British. All cars are assembled by hand. Approximately a 2-year wait, with at times being a 10-year wait.
I, then, went into one of their showrooms. Climate controled and not wet. The 1969 Jaguar XKE Convertible was beautiful.
The DeSoto. This was a U.S. manufactured car. The DeSoto was a division of Chrysler from 1928 – 1961.
The interior of some of these cars also caught my attention, as well. Some had the same color inside and out.
The Dodge
The Town and Country Chrysler
The 1958 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible will bring memories of the t.v. series Route 66! It had a black convertible top and the optional hardtop.
Another car that captured me completely because its features was the 1955 Nash Stateman Super. It had the original hide a bed seats and window air conditioner.
The 1963 Rambler American Custom, 2 Door Hardtop was a blend of Southern California and surf culture. The car came from the estate of Mike Marshall, who owned the car, and was a well known and respected local surfer, surfboard shaper and surf historian in Southern California. It came by way of the Surfing Heritage Foundation.
You could have spent hours looking and testing and eating….then it was back into the auction.
The crowd got excited as the bidding for the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible got competitive.
All for charity…the winner was Rick Hendrick, the NASCAR team owner….$1,000,000.
The proceeds of this particular sale benefitted the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. It is one of 41 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the United States. The only hospital in Michigan dedicated exclusively to fighting cancer. It is among the nation’s best cancer centers, with more than 100 cancer treatments that no other hospital has. It is the only major cancer center in the U.S. named for a woman. More info? Please visit http://www.karmanos.org.
Besides the Corvette, 5 other vehicles were sold during the auction for charity, including a 2009 Ford F-150 King Ranch Super Crew Pickup onced owned by former President George W. Bush. It sold for $350,000, with proceeds benefitting the National Guard Youth Foundation.
Around the same time next year, Barrett-Jackson will be back in Palm Beach. Check their website http://www.barrett-jackson.com for more info. Talk to you later.
Note: Some info. for my post was taken from the Barrett-Jackson’s press release.
March 18th, 2012
I had to get out of town, pronto. Streets blocked in Delray and the traffic was at a standstill. There was a St. Patrick’s Parade to attend to. North on A1A is where we went. Palm Beach, our destination. On a gorgeous day like Saturday, the scenery was very much appreciated.
No parking on Worth Ave.; we kept on going past the Breakers and took a left right on Royal Poinciana Way. We stopped at Nick & Johnnie’s. You cannot miss it; right on the corner. The actual address is 207 Royal Poinciana Way, Palm Beach, FL 33480. Tel. 561-655-3319. Website? www.nickandjohnniespb.com.
Nick & Johnnie’s was not particularly crowded. It was also going to be a late lunch. We chose a table on their street side open air balcony. A few drinks were ordered and I was checking the restaurant out as we waited. Large bar and open air rooms. I liked it. I had been there before, but this was the first post to be written. I had forgotten if I had liked it before or not. Hmmm….I guess I would find soon enough.
My drink arrived. It was a “Green” Drink; not just for St. Patrick’s. It was made out of spinach, Kiwi, lime, parsley, kale, pineapple and apple. I took a sip and liked it. Offered to my friend; his answer? That’s different. When someone says that, I figure they did not like it. My husband thought it was good too. It was earthy and refreshing, if there is such a thing.
We were hungry and ordered immediately, by-passing any appetizers.
Our friend ordered the Fish & Chips – Local fish. The catch was pompano. It was beer battered, fries, and a Key Lime tarter. It looked beautiful. I hoped it tasted as good as it looked. He said it was moist and with just the right about of batter. The fries were nice and crispy.
My husband had the grilled salmon, with grilled asparagus, lemon and a bearnaise sauce. I am usually the one ordering salmon in every restaurant. The thing was that those fish tacos were calling my name. He said the salmon was perfectly cooked and seasoned.
Years ago I had for the first time fish tacos in San Diego, California. All those years ago and I never have even gotten close to getting others as good as those in San Diego. Guess what? On Saturday, at Nick & Johnnie’s I did. Again, they used the local catch, pompano. It was called San Felipe Fish Tacos. Everything was outstanding, starting with the fish, perfectly grilled, the cabbage, the pico and the white sauce. A side order of arugula salad with a lime dressing was the perfect addition to my dish. The tortillas were also homemade. If they are consistent with this one; they will have a winner.
No dessert, we were comfortably full. It is worth mentioning that all portions were very generous.
We all agreed that it was one of the few times, out to eat that we all liked everything we had. It was a nice afternoon…
Note: Nick & Johnnie’s offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Sunday Brunch, as well. Check the website since they also have entertainment. You can find them on Facebook, Linkedin, and Twitter.
Note: When the drinks first were ordered, the rum requested was Myers. Myers and Tonic. The drinks did not taste right. To the bar my husband went. Talking to the bartender; just give me Myers and Coke. We don’t have Myers. Then, why didn’t you have the server say you did not have any, instead of passing a lower grade of rum instead. She sounded offended that the drinks wanted to be changed. Should not have happened. Customers know what they like.
Talk to you later…have a good one!!
July 7th, 2011
South Ocean Blvd. is the road I took to Palm Beach this evening from Delray Beach. Also known as A1A. Driving north on this road is a total treat, especially at this time of the year, when you have it all to yourself to enjoy. At some point during the drive trees appear like a canopy over the road; that ocean view was amazing; the water was calm and blue. A passing car here or there, a byciclist or two.
It can get mighty crowded in Palm Beach County during the height of the season. But, tonight is was priceless. The landscaping was to die for; it always is so perfect.
I was meeting a friend for dinner. Our choice of restaurant for this evening was the Palm Beach Grill. It is located at 340 Royal Poinciana Way, #336, Palm Beach, FL 33480. Tel. 561-835-1077. Website? www.hillstone.com/#/restaurants/palmbeachgrill.
Palm Beach Grill is part of the family of restaurants called Hillstone, based in Los Angeles and in business since 1976. Hillstone has 12 restaurants throughout the country, all unique and different from each other. Their website is www.hillstone.com.
We met at the bar, which by the way, was comfortably crowded. Patrons were also eating at the bar. You can find a little bit for everyone on the menu. You can access the menu on the above mentioned website. Palm Beach Grill is also sensitive to people with food allergies, so please notify your waiter or waitress.
I liked the decor. It was simple with a slight edge to it; at the same time a sophistication in an understated way. Soon our table was ready. It was an open booth; very comfortable.
Then, we met Amy. She was going to take care of us. Always great to see a smile on someone’s face; friendly chat and knowledge of the menu. Having worked in the restaurant for years, she knew it well. We took all her suggestions.
A special appetizer this evening was the steak tartare. We saw someone at the bar with it. We decided to order it and Amy thought it was a good choice.
It came with toast points which were beautifully arranged. We told Amy that we loved it and the Chef should consider putting it on the menu as a permanent feature. It was that good. Steak tartare was first served in French restaurants in the early part of the 20th century.
My friend ordered for his main entree the Pan Fried Yellow Tail Snapper with the Chef’s dressing, thick sliced tomato and cole slaw. He was thoroughly impressed on how good it was. I took a bite of the cole slaw. Fantastic. We asked Amy and she said the cole slaw is made to order; green onions, sour cream; so fresh with just the right amount of dressing.
My choice was the branzino. This is the European seabass. It is a silver-skinned fish. Sometimes also called Mediterranean seabass, bronzini or branzini. Branzino is the name given in Northern Italy. It came with sauteed spinach. Very well seasoned and very much enjoyed, as well.
We also ordered hand cut French fries. Could not help it. Very thin, served with two sauces. Nice and crispy, just like I like them.
I know we had enough food already, but Amy suggested we try the Hot Fudge Sunday with Sloan’s Ice Cream. She though it was the smallest of the desserts. Are you kidding? It was a good size sundae, which I ended eating, practically all by myself. I felt guilty, but I consoled myself with the fact that I have not had a sundae in such a long time.
Palm Beach Grill has an open kitchen. A pretty big one too. It was so busy, but graciously they told me I could take pictures.
Then, the grilled artichokes captured my attention. They were gorgeous. Amy had told us that they were delicious. It was between the tartare or the artichokes. Next time; they are a fixture on the menu.
Palm Beach Grill is open 7 days a week. Reservations are strongly recommended. We came in with no reservations but we would not have been so lucky at the height of the season.
I really enjoyed it so much. The unexpected dinner with a good friend; it is always what I look forward to.
Talk to you later….I found quenepas at Publix…I will tell you later…
April 8th, 2011
I got some information regarding the celebration of Earth Month by the City of Delray Beach. Delray is inviting the community to participate in “green-themed” activities and events throughout the month of April.
Earth Day on the Avenue will be hosted by the City of Delray Beach. It will take place on Saturday, April 9th. There will be so many things for kids to do throughout the day. All ages will have fun. Guess what? An all day free, family friendly event. And, here is a little teaser.
Saturday, 4/9 – The Great American Beach Cleanup. Sponsored by the Sandoway House Nature Center. 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m., at the City’s Municipal Beach.
Delray’s beach is one of its primary assets. It is a wide and unobstructed beach. The water is warm and clear.
Volunteers are requested to participate in the nation’s largest community improvement program to collect trash and debris in an effort to promote a cleaner and safer City beach. Supplies will be provided and community service hours will be awarded.
Volunteer registration will be held at the Sandoway Park, located next to the Nature Center, at 142 South Ocean Blvd. at 7:00 a.m. More info?, please call Patrick Morehouse, Site Manager at 561-274-7263.
Also please note that the Sandoway Nature Center has Shark Feeding from Tuesdays to Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. and on Sundays at 1:30 p.m. Their website is www.sandowayhouse.org.
Saturday, 4/9 – Petting Zoo at the Delray Green Market from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Families will be able to visit with farm animals and learn about their roles in the environment. The Delray Green Market is located at SE 4th Avenue just south of Atlantic Ave. This market has also introduced a recycling program. Form more info., please contact Lori Nolan at 561-276-7511.
The Delray Green Market is one of my favorites when visiting Delray. Baked goods, flowers, music; just strolling early in the morning is very relaxing. If you decide to go, pick up their cookbook. It has very good, easy recipes by locals.
Saturday, 4/9 – Earth Day on The Avenue will continue at Old School Square Park, located on Atlantic Ave. It is east of the Old School Square Cultural Arts Center. It will begin at 9:00 a.m.
It will be a kid friendly event and will include Planting with the Mayor, Environmental Storytelling & Music, Buttons the Clown Goes Green, Marine & Land Animal Encounter & Awareness. Recycled Art Projects & Activities, Alternative & Eco-Friendly Transportation Rides, Water Resources Preservation, Grow & Go – Take Home a Sunflower, Locally Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Refreshments, Prizes and Giveaways. You might not need more info., but if you do then call Jennifer Buce at 561-243-7138.
You know that Delray Beach is known for its trendy boutiques, unique shops and gourmet restaurants and cafes. During Shopping on the Avenue, beginning on Saturday, you will receive a reusable tote bag with purchase at participating Downtown Delray Beach stores. Please note that it is while supplies last. More info? Please contact the Downtown Development Authority at 561-243-1077.
Sunday, 4/10 – Yoga with Live Music at The Colony Hotel, located at 525 E. Atlantic Ave. It is $20. Visit www.yogafox.com or call them at 561-703-1236 if you wish to get more information on any of their classes.
Tuesday, 4/12 – At the Old School Square Outdoor Entertainment Pavilion, you will find the Falconaires United States Air Force Academy Band. Time? 8:30 p.m. Bring the family, blankets, friends and chairs. It will be a concert for the entire family.
The Falconiers is one of the 2 premier jazz ensembles of the Air Force. They bring the sounds of the Big Band Jazz; cultivating our national heritage through its indigenous music genre, jazz.
The Pavilion is located on 51 N. Swinton. More info? Please visit www.oldschool.org.
Boyton Beach, Florida
The town of Boyton Beach is located north of Delray; just a few miles. I just got an e-mail from Art-Sea Living Gallery and Studio. This shop is located at 1628 South Federal Hwy. Tel. 561-733-2600. Website? www.art-sealiving.com. The store opened in 2003 and for the past few years they have been at this new location. I have not been at this location but I understand that it is so much bigger and she has expanded all her programs.
Today, Friday, 4/8 and Saturday 4/9 it will be her last Trunk Show of the season. On Friday it will be from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. There will be a Meet & Greet with wine and yummy treats. On Saturday, it will be an all day show, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. In the morning you can enjoy coffee and donuts and in the p.m., wine and treats.
The store will have artistic handmade creations. Artists will have show specials. You wil also find handpainted gourds and painted emu eggs. You can enter a raffle, as well.
For more information on the whole store, classes, and camps please visit the above mentioned website.
And if you happened to be in the Palm Beach area you can check Barrett-Jackson auction events which is there through Saturday. For the schedule, please visit www.barrett-jackson.com/events/palmbeach/schedule. You might even see one like this; but I have a feeling you won’t. A Bugatti? Who knows?
Have a great week-end…..talk to you later……
February 25th, 2010
“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….
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