Like the onset of cold fronts and cooler temperatures, the quickening pace of restaurant openings says “season” is just around the corner.The latest example comes from West Palm Beach, where Matthew Byrne, former private chef to Tiger Woods, and wife Aliza have opened Kitchen (319 Belvedere Rd., 561/249-2281) in the space once occupied by cult favorite Vagabondi.
The redone space has a clean, modern yet comfortable look, with white walls, dark wood floors, long black-and-white striped banquets, and a black “feature wall” decorated with white plates and pithy sayings. There’s also a 10-person chef’s table in back of the restaurant.
The menu features the kind of high-end comfort food that seems a perfect fit for a chef who made his culinary bones at well-regarded Philadelphia restaurants like Jack’s Firehouse, Le Bec-Fin and Bistro St. Tropez. At his own eatery, Byrne is walking the local, seasonal, organic talk with product like Farmhouse heirloom tomatoes, Murray chickens and Bush Brothers beef.
Among the results are starters like a tower made from alternating layers of beets and blue cheese, topped with microgreens tossed with walnut oil, as well as entrees like chicken schnitzel with radish, sweet onion and arugula, crowned with a fried egg. Homey desserts include chocolate mousse and strawberry shortcake.
Kitchen is open for dinner only, Tuesday through Saturday. Check ‘em out.
