Inspiring And Inspired Dining

It had been a languorous afternoon in the Forbes Five-Star Spa Palmera at The Boca Raton property. (Yes, in Boca Raton, Florida). I made my way to Cloister, the heart and social hub of the resort, beelining to the glorious Palm Court, where I knew I would leave the afternoon’s green juices in the proverbial dust.

I chose a satisfyingly delicious drink aptly named The Grand Century, the creation of which was sheer choreography by an adept bartender. A languid amalgam of Don Julio 1942 Añejo Tequila, Grand Marnier Cuvée du Centenaire, and blood orange, it celebrates the resort’s 100-year birthday. Served in a uniquely decorated glass, emblazoned with an etched monkey, it goes for (gulp) $100—but you get to keep the glass! (The monkey is Johnnie Brown and references one of star architect Addison Mizner’s favorite pets.) And not coincidentally, Mizner is responsible for the core structures of the resort as well as beaucoup de Boca’s glam and glitz.

Dining at The Boca Raton is a full-time job: There are nearly 20 different restaurants and bars, so I had to choose carefully. The top notes:

Sadelle’s feels homey, located in the bosom of Cloister, with its pulsing heartbeat. It is particularly busy (and cheery, with palms and white wicker), at breakfast. Everything you order is larger than your plate, be it pancakes, waffles, a Nova-laced bagel, or the famous, breakfast tacos—and the pièce de resistance, the braised-to-perfection Grapefruit Brûlée, with mint and lemon zest. Genius.

You’ll feel as if you are eating al fresco at Harbor House, even if you are dining indoors, in the capacious, airy structure. The blue-and-white maritime color palette reinforces the nautical theme. I had one of the best salads, ever. I’m scheming to bribe the chef to get my paws on the dressing recipe of the Prasini salad—a luscious combo of shaved romaine, dill, mint, scallions, and feta, tossed with that nectarous lemon vinaigrette. (Check out the soft-serve ice creams!)

You’ll find more gustatory memories-in-the-making at Marisol, located across the Intercoastal on the resort’s property, at Beach Club—a short shuttle away. Fine dining, with seductive Mediterranean flair, is served up here. The mezze (including mouth-watering spreads) are memorable; the raw bar and shellfish tower, enticing; the breadbasket, overflowing and varied; and the main courses, delectable—everything from shawarma lambchops and savory kabobs to poached, broiled, and seared seafood.

Principessa Ristorante, an Italian gem, offered a view that made me feel as if I were in Lake Como and a menu that practically spoke Italian. The corn ravioli were a toothsome surprise-sweet corn, sheep’s milk ricotta, chive, Pecorino Romano. And the Tuscan chickpeas, English peas, and oreganata vinaigrette transformed my go-to, pedestrian salmon into ambrosia.

Sadly, I did not have time for the rest of the restaurants (the Japanese Bocce Club is beckoning me); but another alluring draw for next winter is the annual Artisans Wine and Food Weekend, a celebration of cuisine and philanthropy. This year, more than $400,000 was raised for Place of Hope in Palm Beach and the Napa Valley Vintners Youth Wellness Initiative. Next year, I want to be part of the eating and the giving. You’ll want to, also!

Additional info: thebocaraton.com
Photos Courtesy of The Boca Raton