Renato’s
87 Via Mizner
561-655-9752
www.renatospalmbeach.com
Surrounded by French doors that open to a Mediterranean courtyard in historic Via Mizner, there is an old world European grace to Renato’s that is unparalleled. The dining room is enriched by lovely table-settings, verdant hues and a prominently placed ivory-colored piano that comes to life at night. Its charm is derived not simply from its decor, but from an overall romantic sense that captivates diners and leaves each one with a lasting memory.
Executive Chef John Jones says his menu is traditional yet innovative. “I use daily specials to keep the traditional dishes contemporary. One of our best-selling items has been a simple, classic grilled tuna with a papaya and mango salsa. I use new twists that make fish items our most popular dishes.” His signature lunch plate is a marvelous lobster salad with a blend of distinctive flavors—bitter watercress and sweet mango and papaya with honey-mustard dressing carefully drizzled on top. Other fish dishes include yellowtail snapper with Key lime oil emulsion, sesame crusted ahi tuna and cold poached salmon. As for the classics, Chef Jones presents a host of savory selections such as linguine tossed with black olives, capers, garlic and fresh tomato sauce; Manila clams in garlic and white wine sauce; and a delectable gnocchi with pesto.
In the daytime, the restaurant is resplendent with sunlight and when the doors are open, the sea breezes are a gentle backdrop to light conversation and courtyard intimacy. Either way, dining indoors or out, Renato’s offers a serene and consistently fine dining experience.
Leopard Lounge
363-654-5800
www.chseterfieldpb.com
Located in the Chesterfield Hotel.
Our famous Leopard Lounge is one of the hottest night spots in Palm Beach and a favorite with the locals. Beautifully decorated with its unique hand painted ceiling, leopard print carpeting, elephant-head bar rails and many other jungle-like touches make this an elegant and enchanting yet playful venue to meet with friends, family and colleagues.
An array of entertainment is on offer every evening from classical guitarists to show tune vocalists so you can dance the night away in style. Our well stocked bar offers a wealth of drink including a fine collection of cocktails, cognacs, grappas, whiskeys and bourbons, that our bartenders will prepare to perfection and will even create your own from your favorite ingredients upon request.
Fire Rock Grille
105 S. Narcissus Ave
West Palm Beach
Tel: 561-655-7869
Fire Rock Pizza celebrates its oven.
And why not? Coal ovens were the glory of the kitchen of many a Northern pizzeria, before they were banned. But the coal oven is the latest trend in South Florida, with restaurants proudly displaying them popping up in Boca Raton, Wellington and now, West Palm Beach.
Inside, the place has a hip, urban feel, with exposed brick. A large bar across one end affords a view of the pizza oven, while the restaurant’s Intracoastal vistas are some of the best anywhere.
But the food’s the focus.
The coal oven is so hot, it makes a crust instantly light and crispy. It’s also so hot, the restaurant has to partially cook toppings before putting them on the pizza, says owner John Ries, who frequently tosses the dough himself for those heavenly pies.
Fire Rock offers 15 specialty pies. Our server recommended The Don ($11.95 for a small). The crispy crust was loaded with Italian sausage, pepperoni, onions, peppers, mushrooms, olives over a spicy tomato sauce and topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It was just the right decadent blend of ingredients.
We also tried a Tuscan ($11.95). It had a nice combination of meaty portobello mushrooms, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, sweet caramelized onions, and mozzarella and goat cheeses atop that tasty sauce. And the Johnny’s New Yorker ($11.95) also had a good mix, with plenty of sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, olive oil and fresh basil.
That coal oven also gives an extra depth of flavor to fries ($4.95), hand-sliced slivers of potato fried, then tossed in the oven with Italian spices. And the semolina-crusted onion rings ($4.95) are among life’s guilty pleasures—crispy rings cooked with spice-laden breading and fried to perfection.
If you’re there early enough, forgo dessert for some of the complimentary cookies on a plate by the door. Ries bakes them from his grandmother’s recipes.
PALM BEACH FISH MARKET & BISTRO
3815 South Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33405
Tel: (561) 835-0300 & (954) 673-1074
Bistro: Monday-Saturday 11:00-3:00 and 5:00-10:00 on Friday and Saturday
Market: Monday-Saturday 10:00-8:00 and Sunday 2:00-8:00
Nestled in the heart of Antique Row lies a Fish Market & Bistro with the freshest seafood in Palm Beach. This owner-operated establishment offers lunch and dinner, catering, gift baskets, gourmet goodies, and wines.
www.pbfishmarketandbistro.com
RHYTHM CAFÉ
3800-A South Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33405
Tel: (561) 833-3406
Tuesday-Saturday 6:00-10:00 PM
Enjoy fine dining in a converted 1950’s drugstore. Favorites include pan seared duck breast with blackberry cabernet sauce, crabcakes with Cajun sauce and homemade desserts. We also have a great selection of wine and beers. Open all year.
www.rhythmcafe.cc
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