CFByrne's Profile
Palm Beach County closings 2012
It sounds like The Falcon House in Delray has turned off the lights.
Breakfast recommendations between FLL Airport and Palm Beach?
I love the Dune Deck, also right on the beach... can you say Creme Brulee French Toast?
http://www.dunedeckcafe.com/
https://www.facebook.com/#!/DUNEDECKCAFE
Coolinary Cafe in Jupiter
Kind of hate to post this - because now it'll be even harder to get in...
But here's an excellent review from the Palm Beach Post that does a good job of explaining what this place is all about...
http://www.pbpulse.com/dining/2012/05/24/gardens-eatery-all-about-cool-food-combinations/
Palm Beach County Openings 2012
Rocksteady Jamaican Bistro - Now open in Boca, two doors down from Missisippi Sweets and Bistro Provence. Lunch and Dinner.
This is in addition to their existing DFB store. So I guess they are doing pretty well...
https://www.facebook.com/#!/RocksteadyJamaicanBistro
2399 N Federal Hwy. Boca Raton
(561) 465-3167
Chinese restaurant - Ft. Lauderdale
Some pix from a recent visit to Hong Kong City BBQ.
Ahhh I miss the days when I worked on W Cypress Creek Rd, about 10 mins from here. Lunch was something to look forward to every day!
Here we've got 3 dim sum dishes... one of my old "American" favs Kung Pao chicken (the best around)... and the BBQ view as you walk in!
Yardhouse - Coming to Mizner, Boca Raton - July 2012
Surprised to hear of poor service. Of course, you never know. Maybe it was a relatively new wait person who was fired later that night, and 99% of the other times it would have been great.
Or... maybe the Gulfstream mgmt is not as good as the PBG mgmt, where I've consistently had excellent service over 5+ visits.
In chain restaurants I have found it's all about the GM. Strong GM => strong staff and great service. Weak GM and it all slowly (or not so slowly) degrades. (BTW, much like grammar schools and principals).
We'll see what happens in Boca.
PS: And freaker I will try the jamabalya again, I'm pretty fussy about my jambalaya (I used to spend hours making Paul Pruhdommes' version), so we'll see if I just got lucky the one night I had it and liked - or what.
Miami - Boca to Naples - where can we stop for lunch?
Ahh yes - I see, I misunderstood. It sounds like the OP doesn't necessarily want to MEET in Boca, but just meet folks FROM Boca - someplace convenient.
In that case, definitely someplace in FLL, Sunrise, Plantation, Davie area makes much more sense as GB says.
OP - what time of day are you looking at? That could make a difference.
Miami - Boca to Naples - where can we stop for lunch?
Would be good to know where in Boca more specifically. It's a pretty big area, it could take half an hour to get from SW Boca to NE Boca... and you mentioned "not too far out of the way".
Any type of food prefered or not preferred?
Off top of my head I am thinking Henry's might be a good and safe option - although I'd have to check to see if they are open for lunch Sunday. Many (but not all) of your better restaurants will not be open for lunch Sunday.
Max's Harvest - Start Small?
I would say you definitely should plan on 2 small plates per person. (Otherwise I'd go every night for a $15 dinner!). :-)
Two small plates and a dessert will likely be just right...
Another option (if you are two) is start with a small plate each and then split a main.
Of course you can always just go in and play it by ear, order your one small plate and see how you feel...
It's hard to say because some of the small plates are considerably bigger than others. In any event, hope you have a good experience,
Fresh Conch in the Miami Area?
Fresh conch - Do you mean served in a restaurant, or at a fish market? And by fresh, do you mean "never frozen" or just "prepared really well"?
Regardless, AFAIK virtually all conch (Strombus gigas) is sourced via 5lb frozen bricks from the islands, including the Bahamas and the Caribbean.
I seem to recall hearing about a conch farming startup operation in the Keys some years back, but I've never heard about it since. These may be academic operations rather than businesses.
It appears there is a commercial conch farming operation in Turks and Caicos.
http://turksandcaicos.tc/coralreefs/conch.htm
I've had fresh conch here but only from private parties who brought it back via boat from Nassau. It was very very good - but I can't say for certain if that was because it was never frozen, or if it just happened to be some very good conch.
Palm Beach County closings 2012
RIP Spoon Fed - on the Ave in Delray (I would have to assume)...
"For Sale or Lease" signs on all the windows as of this past weekend.
Charm City Burger Company, Boca
Congrats!!!
http://burgerbeast.com/2012/05/12/riverwalk-trusts-2012-burger-battle-iii-results-and-pictures/
Ft. Lauderdale Dives
Tom Jenkins would def be high on the "Good cheap food" list. Keep in mind: Closed Sunday and cash only.
Rok Brgr downtown in Himarshee area could be another to check out. Consistently gets praise as one of best burgers in Broward if not South Florida.
I haven't been in ages so can't speak to the food, but Southport Raw Bar is quintessential FtL joint, off 17th St Causeway.
Pre-Marlins game recommendations
I'm heading down Saturday for the Mets game. I'll probably eat in the park. Any updates?
Sounds like the "don't miss it" item is: roast pork sandwich $7 at Papo Llega Y Pon.
Business Lunch in Miami on Saturday
FWIW here's a "Saturday lunch in Miami" thread from January with some good advice from many of the "regulars"...
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/830071
Palm Beach County Openings 2012
Stopped here for lunch last week and had 2 slices and soda $5 lunch special. I thought the slices were pretty darn good NY style pizza.
Service was excellent. Among other nice touches, counterman remembered my name 20 minutes after I told him when I ordered.
Looks to be a family operation, they've also improved the signage a great deal which is critical for this spot to make it.
Good to see a good slice joint near downtown Delray. Look fwd to see what others have to say about this place.
FWIW, WorstPizza also posted a generally favorable review today.
Palm Beach County Openings 2012
"Hi Way Burger" on southbound Federal Hwy, just S of Atlantic (was Foxy's Ice Cream) in Delray is now open...
Chow-worthy in Delray?
I'm a big fan of Bamboo Fire but in this case might not recommend as OP requested midscale to upscale. I'd put BF at ultra-casual. Food is great but with mom and pop staff it runs on Island Time. Grandma and teen may get antsy.
Chow-worthy in Delray?
I like Tryst. It's one of my "locals go to" place. However, indoors it's a bit more "pub" than "gastro" and might be a bit loud / hipster-scene-ish, especially for grandma. Outdoors less so, however we're getting into rainy humid season so planning on that can be risky.Tryst is also right on the Ave so there's more of the Delray "scene" right outside, as a potential positive (or not)!
Max's is two blocks off the Ave in Pineapple Grove, still within after-dinner strolling distance for sure. It's still loud but I'd say your more apt to find a mix of older folks here. Not fuddy-duddy's by any means but defintely a bit more "mature". And I'd have to rate the food above anything I've had on the Ave recently.
Chow-worthy in Delray?
Sounds like Max's Harvest could be ideal for you. See this thread, and read down to where another diner, "Erica from New York" asked a lot of questions... and then had them answered when she visited recently ==>
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/780705
Coolinary Cafe in Jupiter
I was also there again this weekend, very impressed again, even showing up when they were about to get slammed at 7:30 on Friday night.
I realize I'm very impressed by the overall staff and service. Everyone seems cheerful, energetic, casual but completely professional. They had two hostesses in front taking names and directing seating. Wait staff brought water promptly, and drinks as well. Food pacing was right on even when we mixed a bunch of apps and mains in odd order. Line cooks will hand you your plate directly if you're at the counter which is just fine with me.
As I mentioned, even during a rush the crew is still friendly and poised, the whole place moves fast, looks sharp and energetic.
Someone here is training very well indeed.
Palm Beach County Openings 2012
Mamma's Pizza Co at 401 West Atlantic Ave Delray.
This is a tough location (over by the tennis center) so I'll have to try it quickly. Their ad promises "Grande Cheese" so I guess that makes it worth a shot.
They claim "Established 1969" but no indication by who or where. Note 2 "M"'s in "Mamma's Pizza" so I assume this is NOT related to "Mama's Pizza" stores elsewhere in S Fla.
Que in Palm Beach County
it sounds like McCray's might be closing due to town permit legal issues... or moving... it's not clear, but here's the News report
http://www.cbs12.com/news/features/palm-beach-county/stories/vid_91.shtml
McCray's Backyard BarBQ beefy sendoff
MANGONIA PARK, Fla. -- He's known in Magonia Park for his sauce and meat falling from the bone. But now, the legendary local hot spot McCray's barbeque is being forced to pack up and leave. CBS 12's Josh Repp shows us the owner's final flame cooking sendoff to his patrons.
Tuesday, April 24 2012, 06:46 PM EDT
Palm Beach County closings 2012
"Neighborhoods" Sports Bar (or whatever it was) on US1 in north Boca has changed names. I don't recall the new name but I saw a new sign over the weekend.
I always thought it was an awful name. And the one time I went in there, the name wasn't the only thing awful.
Awesome ribs?? Anywhere near the Miami-ish area
John, recent posts indicate Sheila's has closed...
But the good news is they're supposedly reopening "at 406 Southern Blvd. (Southern at Dixie)."
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/592534
Fresh Market
Rumor Dept...
FM may be coming to Linton and Federal in Delray...
"According to merchants in the mall now anchored by Carrabbas Italian Grill, Las Vegas Cuban Cuisine, Panera Bread and Seaview Optical, a complete revamp is planned with the addition of a 20,000-square-foot Fresh Market. "
Would be nice for locals to not have to drive 10 miles down to WF on Glades...
World-Class Pizza in Delray? Scuola Vecchia Pizza E Vino
Fried Pizza - Sounds kind of weird at first.
But don't knock it until you've tried it. Check out the article in today's NYT.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/18/dining/the-montanara-pizza-with-a-deep-fried-crust-comes-to-new-york.html?_r=1
And if you're in South Florida, you can check out one of these beauties at Scuola Vecchia Pizza e Vino in Delray Beach.
If your standard for"good pizza" is that you get "filled up" from two cheap slices, go somewhere else. If your standard is incredible sauce, crust, and toppings, go here.
I like to get one fried as above and one traditional - the Keste with Prosciutto and Arugula rocks.
Their pizzaiolos have been mentored by Chef Roberto Caporuscio, the American-chapter President of Associazone Pizzaiouli Napoletana, famous for Keste on Bleecker St NYC and now his own Don Antonio by Starita uptown on W 50th.
...
Coolinary Cafe in Jupiter
Wife and I dined here Saturday afternoon. Terrific all around. If you like Little Moir’s or Leftovers, you will love this place. And if you haven't been to any of them, now's a good time to start. I'm attaching some photos...
* As Gator mentioned, the store features a crisp and clean decor, not at all "Florida Fish Shack" as Leftovers comes close to. Probably about 10 tables, but also a very large dining counter in front of the open kitchen, ideal for foodies. There's also another counter/bar in the rear but I'd only eat there if all else was in use. In this photo you can see Chef Tim out talking to the diners seated at tables – a good sign as we walked in. And if you’re at the counter you can chat all you like with the experienced cooks and chefs - they were all very happy to talk about the food and prep as much as you like, even as they’re flying around during a slam. Service was prompt and courteous. Nice chilled water in bottle brought immediately (no charge). I enjoyed the background music, I’d call it “acoustic adult rock”, at just the right volume.
* My wife loved her soup, this was “Cheesy Potato and Leek Soup”. I had a few spoonfuls and it was as tasty as a great lobster bisque, but of course, no lobster.
* For my app I chose a special, Tandoori Duck with a Watermelon and golden Beet salad and a lime honey yogurt. Wow. Fantastic. Just a subtly hint of the tandoori seasoning but all else packed with tremendous flavors. My wife is not a big duck fan, or should I say WAS not a big duck fan. She is now. Gorgeous fresh beets too.
* For entrée, Mrs CFB selected off the menu the Boneless Southern Fried Chicken with Grilled Lemon, Coleslaw and Jalepeno Cheddar Waffle. She was not disappointed and neither was I when I stole nearly half of it. It’s totally different but somehow this reminded me a bit of Leftover’s ultra-popular Panko Fried Oysters over Greens.
* I ordered a special entrée, the Berkshire Pork Shoulder, Basmati Rice, Coconut Curry Milk, Cauliflower Salsa. Terrific fork-tender chunks of pork almost reminded me of an Indian inspired lamb stew. And the bell peppers and onions complemented the rest perfectly.
*Oversized cappuccino along with bread pudding provided a very nice finish.
I only wish this was closer to Delray. I’d be there several times a week.
Delray Affair Weekend - BBQ, Conch, Traffic Abundant!
Some friends were there Thursday night April 5 so AFAIK they are still open and doing well. I don't think they've been open on Sunday afternoon for Delray Affair in the past.
Soft Shell Crabs
Yes - cod and capers will cook anything from the fish market.
"Because they are of seasonal and unpredictable availability, we have not made them a menu item. However, we do have a Market Plate option where you can purchase anything out of the case and we will cook it for you. You could opt to have the soft shells you purchase fried or sauteed and served with your choice of a side."
