November 16th, 2014

The Brunch, Circle Room, The Breakers Palm Beach, Palm Beach, Florida, The Palm Beaches…Always A Special Occasion! A Sunday Affair!

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!

November 15th, 2014

Destination? HMF, Palm Beach Eats, The Breakers, Dine, Wine, Share, Hot, Hot Hot!!, New Years at HMF!!, Palm Beach County, South Florida

Going South?  Way down south where it is warm and sunny and the palm trees sway….A beautiful hotel, The Breakers Palm Beach, iconic, historic…dining at HMF!!

HMF has only been at The Breakers for a few years.  It is located at One South County Rd., inside The Breakers.  You do not have to stay at the hotel to enjoy HMF’s dining.  Tel. 561-290-0140.  Website?  http://www.hmfpalmbeach.com.  The restaurant is open daily from 5 p.m. until 1 a.m.  Sunday through Thursday they serve food until 11 p.m.  Friday and Saturday, they serve food until midnight.  Stop by have a drink, something to eat and stay awhile.  It is a fun place to be.

Taking in the scene, Cindi and I noticed the staff’s dress code.  Some had dresses in the same style, but different colors, then, another completely different style for others.  Loved them, had to ask.  The dress code is a classic and elegant look.  The dresses were made to order for all of them.  The make-up and poof….all shown to them so that there is a uniform polished look.

Dining at HMF is an adventure with shareables for the table, served in a tapas style.  The available seating is conducive to friendly conversation while the music in the background sets the mood for the evening.

There are over 1,000 varieties of wines from around the world, along with crafted drinks.

Warm nuts served the moment you take your seat.

Mixing and matching and ready to share the following:

Brussels Sprouts

Tuna, Salmon, Eel, Shrimp, Spicy Tuna Roll

Tuna Tataki with a Passion Fruit Ponzu

As you can see from my plate the sharing portions were substantial.

There were a few things that we wanted to try; HMF was worthy of another visit.

Inspired by the Food Truck Craze…even at The Breakers the enticement of well seasoned and ethnic foods come to play.

Wild Boar Empanaditas (turnovers) were awesome.  Served with a spicy sauce.  Really, don’t miss these.

The Wagyu Slicers were one of my favorites.  Served with smoked bacon, caramelized onions and antique cheddar. Wagyu cattle has intense marbling and is known for its quality.  It also demands a high price.

And the final order of Margherita Pizzette…well done, just like I like it!!

New Year’s celebrations are everywhere but they told me that at HMF, the scene is one of those you do not want to miss.  First of all, HMF will be open for regular dinner from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m…..just in case staying up late is not your thing.  Then, they will close at 8:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m in order to get HMF party ready!! Reservations for seatings at 9 p.m., 9:30 p.m., and 10 p.m. are available.

The price for New Year’s at HMF depends on where you want to sit.  The bar, the comunal table, the private dining room, the loggia…..best is to visit http://www.hmfpalmbeach.com/happenings/#nyel15.  For more information, please call 561-659-8466, ext. 7262.

Note:  A beautiful setting, great food, and a good friend…..Priceless!