It’s been a busy, even shocking, few days in bucolic Palm Beach, where two of the island’s most notable restaurants are going through some major changes.
First up is the grand luxe L’Escalier at the Breakers, which has not only closed but is finished, as in forever. Next year it will be replaced by an as-yet-unannounced new restaurant. Will it occupy the same price point as its predecessor, where starters averaged $20 and entrées ran from $40 to $60? Can’t say for now, but in this economy you’ve got to wonder.
Also wondering, what does this mean for L’Escalier chef de cuisine Greg Vassos, sommelier Juan Gomez and manager Steven Spooner. I’ll try to get some answers and report back.
The other shocker is that perennial James Beard Best Chef South nomineeZach Bell is leaving Café Boulud at the Brazilian Court for a position as head chef of the Addison Reserve Country Club in Boca Raton.
Bell’s last day is June 15. No word yet on his replacement, but supposedly all will be revealed soon.
