CITYCELLER
CityPlace's best dinner reservation is at the celebrity hot spot City
Cellar. Not only do they have great food but also one of the most
extensive wine selections in town. Wine manager and connoisseur Manny
Nevis is always willing to share his knowledge with the loyal customer
base that includes Susan Lucci, Celine Dionne and Long Ball Slugger
Mark McGwire. The dishes are exquisite and the menu has a culturally
diverse menu that appeals to everyone. For an appetizer I tried the
Ricotta Gnocchi italian dumplings sauteed in marina, vodka and asiago
cheese, they were out of this world. For the main course I had the
Sea Bass pan seared and finished in the oven over canne linni beans
and a red wine sauce. The fish arrived at four o'clock, and was so
fresh it melted in my mouth. Mannys recommendation of a new
Italian vintage wine just released, soothed my pallat and really complimented
the meal. For dessert I had the warm liquid center chocolate cake,
that had a cookie topped with vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce,
It was too good. As with all the BIGTIME Restaurant Groups establishments
you are allways going to have a great meal and a good time.
Located: CityPlace, 700 South Rosemary Avenue (561) 366-0071
$$$
MARKS CITYPLACE
Open since December 2000, the CityPlace location is number four for
Mark Militello. A recipient of numerous awards Militello is hailed
as the chef responsible for putting South Florida on America's culinary
map. Upon being seated in this spacious 240 seat restaurant we began
our MARKS experience by ordering a Sushi Boat that included Tempera
Maki ( salmon ), Kiiro Maki( green tea cured whitetuna), and Bakudan
Maki (crisp white shrimp). I have to say I do love Sushi and this
was by far the best Ive ever had. We also indulged in a couple
of salads. The Leaves of Romaine Caesar salad with eggless lemon and
anchovy dressing,parmesan,and focaccia Croutons was tasty, but the
Watercress and endive w/ riesling poached pear,maytagblue chees,spiced
walnuts and tarragan vinaigrette was a pure delight. I could'nt wait
for the entrees to arrive. At MARK's the menu changes daily, but some
items are usually a daily option. I ordered a favorite of the meat
lovers. The roast garlic stuffed tenderloin of beef was not only visually
alluring it was superbly cooked medium and it actually did melt in
my mouth, the side of gargonzola polentate ( potatos ) was also a
bonus treat. My guest tried out the Ginger marinated Chillean bass
with soba noodle, grilled aubergines and edamame, she gave it two-thumbs
up with a smile. After feasting like a king it was time for my favorite
part of the meal, desert. We ordered the Key Lime Cheesecake w/ macadamia
nut graham crust, guava sorbet and passion fruit coulis and the Double
Chocolate croissant bread pudding with spiced bourbon ice cream. Both
were vaporized in a minute. .
Located: 700 Rosemary Avenue. Reservations recommended,
call: (561) 514-0770 $$$$
RACHELS
World Class Men's Club & Steak House
I'd have to say one of the most entertaining dining experiences one's
ever going to have. Besides the visually stimulating ambiance that
most men enjoy ( and some women ) the food is not to be overshadowed.
We started off with some appetizers, the Shrimp Rachel is allways
consistent with its Jumbo size shrimp served with a tasty Habanero
sauce, and the Lobster Bisque had a rich creamy texture with a puff
pastry dome. Our Caeser and the Spinach salads were fresh and crisp.
Known as a Steak House It was a no-brainer to order as my main course
some beef. I ordered a 16oz. Prime Strip medium and for a side the
alacarte' Lyonnaise Potatoes. From the first bite I realized I was
eating the best steak I'd ever eaten. I never imagined a steak could
be so good. My guest went for the a more surf to my turf main course.
She was delighted by the size of the Australian Cold Water lobster
tail, that came served with a cup of warm butter ( I guess size does
matter ). For desert we finished up with a banana cream pastry. After
dinner we opted to stay and soaked up the sights. The ladies of Rachel's
rival that of any Las Vegas Cabaret. Ohh, and for anyone looking for
a great lunching destination, the daily buffet is a fantastic deal,
as its spread covers everything, from poultry, fish, Roast Beef, a
large salad bar, potatoes, soups & fresh pastries.
Located: 2905 45th Street, West Palm Beach. Phone: (561) 616-9600
.
Ask for Greg or Danny .$$$$
SPOTOS
If you haven't been to Spoto's then, I hate to say it, " You're
out of the Loop". No kidding Spoto's is one of Downtown's top-draws.
It's clientele consists of the who's who of Palm Beach, as well as
down to earth locals who know a good value. SSHH, when in town it's
singer Jimmy Buffets favorite restaurant. Spoto's menu has everything.
Obviously it's an oyster bar so definitely order some Blue Point Oysters
they're awesome as are the clams. If you're really hungry I recommend
the Dolphin sandwich (a spoto's specialty), served with homemade slaw
and potato salad, it's very filling and FRESH. If you want some meat,
the Prime Rib is consistently good. If you are in the mood for pasta,
then I recommend one of my favorites, The Penne Artichoke dish, it
is a large portion of penne noodles served with large chunks of chicken
and artichokes topped with a tomato sauce. For desert The Key Lime
pie with caramel accents is the perfect Florida desert. Oh did I forget
to mention that Spoto's has one of the only waterfront dining views
downtown.
Located: 125 Datura St. West Palm Beach- Phone (561) 835-1828.
$$