Where: 301 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, 561/922-6699
The lowdown: What this cozy Mizner Park restaurant/bar lacks in late-night sizzle, it makes up for in the kind of chic sophistication that fits Boca like a Jimmy Choo high heel. Upon entering, my friend and I were immediately struck by the elegant Amalfi Coast-inspired decor, including a “cocoon lounge” where guests can enjoy cocktails under a twisting canopy of interconnected tree branches. We opted to sit at one of tables just off the square-shaped main bar, which is cast in Italian-esque stone and warm, elegant wood. The crowd, at least on this Saturday night, seemed to skew toward middle-aged professionals, although we did notice a few families with their children. People were dressed a bit more conservatively than you see at a nightclub, but that doesn’t mean tighter, more revealing clothing would be out of place here. The bartenders and waitresses were attentive and knowledgeable, which added to the mature vibe in the room. The quiet undercurrent of piped in music helped to give the space an intimate feel, conducive to mingling, conversing—and enjoying the stellar roster of drinks created by Tanzy’s master mixologist, Adam Seger. For those seeking light bites to go with their wine or cocktail, the inspired menu features Parma (think prosciutto and bresaola) and Mozza selections.
The intangibles: Innovation is the buzzword when it comes to the cocktails offered at Tanzy. Master mixologist and advanced sommelier Adam Seger has put together a menu that appeals to conservative and adventurous palates alike—from the Lemondrop Martini (the most popular drink according to our bartender) and extravagant mojitos to cocktails created with liquid nitrogen. Most drinks fall in the $13 to $18 range, a bit steep for our pocketbooks. But in the case of the Raz Berri frozen cocktail, guests also are paying for the show. Our waiter brought a whisk and bowl to the table and began mixing together the contents of Raz Berri (Grey Goose, Chambord, Yuzu Luxe, raspberry syrup and Prosecco) with the liquid nitrogen. In liquid form, nitrogen has cooling properties that chefs and mixologists around the world are incorporating into various creations. The chilled mix was piled high in my martini glass, topped off with more Prosecco and garnished with raspberries. The combination of flavors was unlike anything I’ve ever had, and the use of liquid nitrogen gave the drink an intense chill that you can’t get from simply blending contents with ice. While the flavor of the vodka was virtually invisible amidst the other contents, each sip lingered with a subtle taste of Prosecco. While the liquid nitrogen creations are usually $18, Tanzy does offer special deals—like happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m.—where you can try these indulgent cocktails as well as explore their vast beer and wine selection for discounted prices.
Hours: Tanzy opens at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday and at 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. It closes at 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and at 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Brunch is served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
••••••••
About Emma
Emma Grubman is a senior at Indiana University studying Journalism and Marketing, and is interning at Boca Magazine this summer. In addition to her passion for writing, she loves pizza, coffee and her dog Charlie. You can reach Emma at grubmane@gmail.com.
