New places, new dishes to conquer.
Reincarnated Prezzo back with Chef Militello’s magic
Prezzo has been slammed since opening two weeks ago. That means go early, make a reservation, or prepare to wait and drink a while. Diners have high hopes for the new Prezzo (pictured above).
If you were a regular back in the 1990s, you may find your photo on the wall of black-and-white memories next to the indoor/outdoor bar. If you remember the garlic and focaccia bread sticks, they’re back, too.
The address has changed, but the goal of quality is still primary to restaurateurs Burt Rapoport and Dennis Max. Prezzo only offers dinner for now (starting at 4:30 p.m.), with lunch and brunch on the way at some point. The Italian menu is designed by the ultra-creative Chef Mark Militello, who can claim a James Beard award as well as being a founding member of the South Florida “Mango Gang” that revolutionized our local cuisine.
If you think this paints a picture of success, we’re right there with you, hoping that’s the case.
5560 N. Military Trail, Park Place plaza, Boca Raton; 561/314-6840
Second Avocado Grill now open in PBG
Chef/owner Julien Gremaud created a must-eat-at venue with Avocado Grill when it opened in downtown West Palm Beach a mere three years ago.
It’s so popular that he just opened a second location in Palm Beach Gardens. Known for his fresh take on just about everything, Gremaud is also very involved in community events that benefit charities. And his first Grill is known as a sometime celeb hangout, which doesn’t hurt business. Chances are good his second, larger location will be just as popular because Gremaud doesn’t seem to do anything half-baked. Speaking of baking, try the chicken paillard, or of course, anything with avocado in it.
11701 Lake Victoria Gardens Ave., Downtown at the Gardens, Palm Beach Gardens; 561/’766-2430
New Loïc Bakery brings French twist to WPB
You’d remember if you’ve ever met Loïc Autret in person. The owner/baker/chef of the new Loïc Bakery-Café Bar is loaded with personality, and more importantly, a passion for what he does. He and wife Pauline have put this passion into their new café at 480 Hibiscus Street, on the corner of South Dixie Highway in downtown West Palm Beach.
Autret worked at the Four Seasons Palm Beach, the Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood and had his first café in Delray Beach. He knows his pastries, his croissants and his macaroons—and his sandwiches, avocado toast, butter brioche and more will tempt your taste buds.
This is the place to stop in and brighten your day with some delicious French cooking.
Lynn Kalber was raised in Boca Raton and has spent her life working in Palm Beach and Broward counties. She is a career journalist, with 26 years at The Palm Beach Post alone, where she wrote feature and food articles, edited the food section and wrote about wine as part of the Swirl Girls. She lives in West Palm Beach with her husband, writer and author Scott Eyman.
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