All Entries Tagged With: "Restaurants"

Palm Beach Gardens Restaurants Win Florida Trend’s Golden Spoon Award

Two of our local restaurants were crowned winners of Florida Trend’s Top 20 Best New Restaurants. Both located in Palm Beach Gardens, III Forks at Midtown PGA and Amazonia Brazillian Grill in Legacy Place were both listed as restaurants worth checking out. See our review of III Forks. We haven’t returned there, but we have heard nothing but great reviews from friends and acquaintances. Check out Palm Beach Post critic, Charles Passey’s review of Amazonia.

We haven’t visited Amazonia yet, but feel free to leave your own review in our comments section. We’d love to hear your thoughts.

Dining Out in Jupiter at Samantha’s

By Susanne Quirk

We dined at Samantha’s in the Jupiter Shoppes this weekend.  It was our first visit there although Samantha’s has been around for a couple of years.  I was eager to go because close friends of ours had recently dined there and raved about the place.  I don’t mind saying that they are quite the critics when dining out.  Their reviews carry weight with us because they dine out almost nightly and have acquired a long list of restaurant recommendations in the process.    They won’t hesitate to give you a detailed critique along with their recommendation! 

Samantha’s is quietly tucked away in the Jupiter Shoppes located next to the now defunct billiards place.  Inside and outside dining is available.  The restaurant is very cozy and intimate.  There are not many tables and that is a nice change from the mega chain restaurants that are flooding the area and can be so difficult to get into.  The seating is limited and I would advise making reservations.  We did not have reservations, however the hostess was very pleasant and fortunately was able to squeeze us in.   

The menu is extensive and I wanted to provide it here for you.  So, I searched online and in my search I also found some great reviews consistently making claims that the calamari is to die for.   We didn’t have an appetizer to give you our thoughts on that, but we did have dessert.  But before I get into that I’ll go over our entrees first.  I had the usual Filet Mignon and I was quite impressed.  It wasn’t my preferred Oscar style but I was pleased with all 11 ounces encrusted with Gorgonzola, Roasted Garlic Cream & Red Wine Reduction - all for $38.   Great price since we’ve paid more than that for smaller portions.  My steak was so big I didn’t pay too much attention to the mashed potatoes and seasoned vegetables.  

Dessert was the best part of the dinner.  I perused the dessert menu and found a delicious bread pudding loaded with vanilla bean ice cream, bananas and drizzled with caramel.  Pure heaven!

We enjoyed everything about Samantha’s.  The food was great, the service was top notch and I can’t wait to go back for the dessert. 

There’s a great website for those who dine out frequently www.SouthFloridaDines.com.  This website is packed with restaurant reviews, menus and more.  They also offer gift certificates at discounted rates.

Dining Out In Jupiter, Florida

By Susanne Quirk

We hit another steakhouse Saturday night. It was a long day, I wasn’t feeling well and I was ready to refuel my body with a big, fat, juicy Filet Mignon. So, we headed out to our favorite place in the area. I’m hesitant to say exactly where because Joe doesn’t want anyone to know about our favorite place. It is our little secret and he would rather keep it that way to avoid a long wait. So, I won’t say just yet.

We have been going there for a few years now. Tony, our favorite waiter, is always there to serve us and knows we like booth seating! The cost is on the high end, but it is worth every penny. You are guaranteed to get a great steak every time. In fact, in season many call in advance to reserve a prime rib (barrel cuts only). Joe loves the end cut and if we are not there early enough we miss out. That’s not a problem since there are so many other entrees that are just as tasty.

The menu is a la carte. For appetizers, I’ve had the Colossal Shrimp Cocktail, Lump Crab Cocktail and the Stuffed Shrimp. All were very good. Other appetizers include Soup du Jour, Oysters Rockefeller and more. They offer a wide variety of salads – the Beefsteak Tomatoes, Sweet Onions and Buffalo Mozzarella is delish! Entrees include your typical steakhouse fare with an assorted selection of meats and seafood. I’m a creature of habit and a Filet Mignon – Oscar’d works for me. For those who have not experienced a Filet Oscar, it is jumbo lump crabmeat piled high, topped with bérnaise sauce and then topped with a few crisp asparagus. Just a quick mention about sides – the Lyonnaise Potatoes are the best. It’s a great experience.

Any guesses yet? No, it’s not Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. They do have a similar menu but we prefer our restaurant. The steak has been more consistent in quality and taste and the restaurant is easy to get in and get out. If you haven’t guessed yet, our favorite steakhouse in Jupiter is Barrymore’s Restaurant.

Give their menu a try and let us know what you think.

Hidden Gem In Jupiter

By Susanne Quirk

Today, I was out running errands and was reminded of one of Jupiter’s hidden gems, Dune Dog Cafe. A casual cafe that reminds me of Jimmy Buffet, Key West and Margaritas. Don’t get me wrong – it is definitely a great family place. It is a place where every local has dined (embarrassed to mention if you haven’t) and a must visit for every tourist, family or friends visiting the area. If you’ve been to Jupiter, then you’ve been to the Dune Dog.

The Dune Dog Cafe is tucked away off of Alt A1A in Jupiter. An open, outdoor cafe where the relaxed atmosphere makes me feel as though I should be kicked back on a boat listening to Jimmy Buffet. A nice little reminder you are in paradise! And the icing on the cake? Thursday night is lobster night for $15! Can’t beat that. They also have your usual fare – hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, etc. Let us know about your hidden gem.

Celebrate Halloween at PGA Commons

PGA Commons is celebrating Halloween today at 4:00 p.m.

Spooky schedule:

4-6 p.m. – Trick-or-treating for youngsters at participating stores and restaurants

5-7 p.m. – Family-style dinner specials at Oakwood Grill, Spoto’s Oyster Bar and Vic & Angelos

7 p.m. – Pet Costume Parade

Be safe and Happy Halloween!