Culinary Cloud Nine
Posted on 04/22/2016 | About Boca Raton, Florida
A beloved and long sought-after vacation retreat for travellers across the globe, The Palm Beaches and Boca Raton are a spectacular haven for those who want to experience “The Best of Everything.” Surprised? This special part of South Florida has an impeccable list of all-encompassing superlative experiences that include world-class accommodations, opulent resorts and spas, championship golf courses, pristine beaches and enlightening cultural attractions and festivals perfect for family fun and romantic escapes. While the area’s 47 miles of white-sand beaches, 125 miles of waterways, and 170 golf courses often capture center spotlight, there is also a critically-acclaimed culinary scene that includes a seemingly endless lineup of superb chefs and restaurants, cafés and food-centric events.
No matter where you turn, history and art come to life with a unique tropical twist in The Palm Beaches and Boca Raton, Florida’s “Cultural Capital.” Here historic buildings and landmarks tell terrific tales of the region’s remarkable past, while a surprising and lovely collection of top-tier museums, performing art venues and restaurants provide a luxury vacation experience unlike any other. When it comes to dining out, guests visiting this indulgent seaside sanctuary will discover an almost infinite and diverse food scene ready to satisfy any palate.
A Taste of the Extraordinary
In The Palm Beaches and Boca Raton, fine food and wine is a way of life. With restaurants ranging from elegant to casual, five diamond to hidden gem, the region’s gastronomic reputation attracts the talents of up-and-coming and world-renowned chefs whose masterful techniques create a feast for all the senses and an adventure beyond mere taste alone. Whether it is authentic French and American nouveau fare or something with an Asian or Caribbean flare, foodies have plenty of tantalizing options to choose from when dining out here. From highly sought-after Sunday brunches to the finest three- and seven-course dinners (and beyond), dining out in The Palm Beaches and Boca Raton will not disappoint.
Celebrity chefs like Michelle Bernstein, Daniel Boulud and many others have brought their love and expertise for food preparations to new restaurants throughout The Palm Beaches and Boca Raton. As well, long-standing restaurants are finding inventive ways to keep things fresh and flavorful, from growing their own vegetables on-site to allowing guests to select virtually every ingredient of their meal.
A fitting way to unwind and relax after spending a day beneath South Florida’s golden sun is with a beautiful dinner and a bottle of wine. If that sounds like your type of evening, then look no further than Michelle Bernstein’s at The Omphoy. Michelle Bernstein’s at The Omphoy offers guests a chic dining experience combined with a floor-to-ceiling view of the Atlantic Ocean. Each world-class dish is paired with a selection of outstanding wines, individually selected to complement Chef Bernstein’s flavorful creations. A 2008 James Beard Foundation award winner, Chef Bernstein was victorious over Bobby Flay on Food Network’s Iron Chef America series and brings her expertise to each dish at the luxurious Omphoy Ocean Resort. Open for dinner only, the menu focuses on fresh seafood and reflects a clean, unforgettable Mediterranean flavor. When it comes to creating inspiring French cuisine, few culinary masters do it better than Daniel Boulud. Led by Chef Boulud and Executive Chef Jim Leiken, Café Boulud, in the heart of the Brazilian Court Hotel & Beach Club, presents a fantastic menu and equally compelling atmosphere that combines the best of French-American food in a casually elegant style. The menu highlights Boulud’s four muses: La Tradition covers classic French dishes, while Las Saison features courses in harmony with the season. Le Potager offers the bounty of the vegetable garden and Le Voyage is an interpretation of various world cuisines. In just under five years the restaurant has become one of Palm Beach’s most coveted dining destinations. The lounge is a must for cocktails before dinner, and the terrace and private dining rooms are strikingly suited for entertaining in style.
If you want to glam it up, Angle at the Ritz-Carlton Palm Beach provides an enchanting ambience worthy of the red carpet. The wonderfully contemporary, American supper club features locally grown ingredients and harvested South Florida specialties, line-caught fish, dry-aged prime beef, classic appetizers, distinctive cocktails, craft beers and award-winning wines. Angle’s warm and inviting space has sleek and urbane décor — chocolate velvet walls, glowing candlelight and mirrors. An under lit onyx and amber Chef’s table uniquely features the Far Niente Experience with flights of wine, chef’s plates and taste makers dinners — a true foodie indulgence!
Should you prefer a more relaxed lunch or dinner while you are out shopping or exploring The Palm Beaches and Boca Raton, consider heading over to Pistache in West Palm Beach. A Parisian-style bistro with a Mediterranean twist, Pistache in downtown West Palm Beach showcases innovative interpretations of classic French dishes, including a sweet potato and coconut-crusted mahi-mahi and the croque-monsieur, the French version of a grilled cheese. The charming restaurant has an upbeat, European flair and boasts cozy seating with numerous red leather banquettes. Giant antique mirrors give the feeling that the restaurant has always existed here. Be sure to enjoy some sunshine on the outdoor patio which overlooks Centennial Park, the fountains and the Intracoastal Waterway.
Festival Bites
Just like its gorgeous beaches, waterways and golf courses, the culinary landscape of southern Florida is truly remarkable as well. To celebrate the region’s vast bounty of fresh seafood and its insatiable appetite for all things edible, The Palm Beaches and Boca Raton are always ready to welcome those who appreciate fine food and wines with a diverse array of events and festivals that celebrate its talented chefs and renowned restaurants.
Proving that wintertime in the tropics never tasted so good, the Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival is certain to melt away any winter worries with its international menu of gastronomic delights. Considered by many to be the festival to be seen and seen at, the 2016 Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival will be held December 8 -11 in many exquisite venues around town over the course of five days. This star-studded, epicurean extravaganza will feature many dynamite Food Network personalities, authors, wine makers, mixologists and local talent in a magical series of dinners and parties. Best of all, the Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival events will benefit the James Beard Foundation with half the net revenues donated to local scholarships, helping to further nurture and preserve America’s diverse culinary heritage and future.
One of the most popular events in the area for food lovers is Boca Bacchanal. This festive event celebrates and enhances the appreciation of wine and food by bringing together world-class chefs and vintners who offer their finest specialties and provide the entire community with a delightful opportunity to support the heritage, education and historic preservation programs of the Boca Raton Historical Society. Taking place April 8 & 9, 2016 in various spots around Boca Raton, this one-of-a-kind event of delectable dinners will present many of South Florida’s best chefs in unparalleled atmospheres. Festivities kick off with the Vintner Dinners and the following evenings feature delectable pairings of featured chefs and vintners as they serve multi-course dinners and sensational wines. The Grand Tasting takes place on the final evening at the Mizner Park Amphitheater where food lovers are cordially invited to taste creations prepared by local restaurants and take a sip from a large selection of distinct wines.
For a taste of the best local dining, the Flavor Palm Beach festival showcases a dynamic range of tasty delights that can be found throughout The Palm Beaches and Boca Raton. Held during the entire month of September, the 2016 event will be held throughout various restaurants in Boca Raton. Featuring everything from surf and turf to burgers and fries, Flavor Palm Beach along with local restaurants invite all to enjoy a three-course lunch for $20 and/or dinner for $30 or $35 (per person). This is a wonderful opportunity to discover new restaurants and try ones you may have heard about. For the entire month of September attendees can sample dishes from nationally known steakhouses and bistros, as well as many Palm Beach favorites.
Whether it's savoring south Florida, a romantic escape to Mexico's Rivera Maya or exploring the flavors of Europe on a breathtaking cruise, we have an impeccable menu of vacations that will satisfy your need for travel, while not taking a big bite out of your wallet.For more information on other culinary adventures, please feel free to reach out to one of our Travel Consultants.
