Summer Staycation Ideas: Hotel Edition, Part 2
Hello my Dear Foodie Friends,
Today’s post is about an amazing tropical oasis located in the Grandview Heights Historic Neighborhood of West Palm Beach. It’s called the Grandview Gardens Bed & Breakfast and is owned and operated by Peter Emmerich and Rick Rose. (They also own and operate Palm Beach Vacation Rentals). Rick is a third generation Floridian born and raised in the Palm Beach area and is the official historian and tour guide for the Worth Avenue Association. I had the pleasure of meeting Rick a few years back while taking his tour.
Nestled in a tropical garden on Howard Park across from the West Palm Beach Armory Art Center, this historic 1925 property has been carefully restored to reflect the original Spanish Mediterranean architecture inspired by many famous architects in South Florida over the last century.
It’s conveniently located within walking distance of Grandview Public Market as well as other great dining and entertainment destinations such as Rosemary Square (formerly known as City Place).
There are 5 luxurious and spacious suites (each approximately 400 sq. ft.) at the B & B and all are accessible with a private entrance and French doors opening to private terraces overlooking the swimming pool. Each guest suite is individually decorated to reflect the style of the Spanish Mediterranean house and features a king size bed or two queen beds, a desk, a walk-in closet and a sitting area with sofa and arm chair. All rooms feature: En suite bathroom with bath/shower combination, Air conditioning and ceiling fans, Cable TV and Radio, Direct dial telephone, High speed internet access, including wireless, Tea and fresh coffee making facilities, complimentary bottle of water, Refrigerator and Hairdryer. In addition to the B & B Suites, guests can also choose from 5 superbly renovated historic vacation rentals which are located adjacent to the Bed and Breakfast. These 2 and 3 bedroom vacation homes are ideal for families looking for spacious, fully furnished rentals with self catering kitchens.
I got to stay in the Royal Poinciana Suite. From the moment I arrived, I knew I was in for the royal treatment as I stepped through the doors and was warmly greeted by name and told they were expecting me. I was shown around the lovely home and told about breakfast in the morning before being escorted to my suite. The room was very well appointed with the finest of amenities listed above as well as nice bathrobes which came in handy. The service was definitely top notch. On my second day, I decided to take a dip in the very inviting pool and before I knew it, a float “mysteriously” appeared beckoning me to hop on followed by a glass of ice water that one of the staff brought for me to enjoy when I got out of the pool. Talking about attentiveness- I left the room to attend a brief meeting at The Breakers in the morning and returned back to the room within one hour to find that the room had already been tended to. Wow, now that’s service!
Breakfast is of course included at the Grandview Gardens B & B and I took advantage of it on both days. A nice assortment of fruits, yogurts and granola as well as eggs, bacon and toast along with choice of coffee, tea and juice were offered. Everything was delicious.
Bikes are available for guests to use during their stay, although I didn’t take advantage of it this time. I just might have to do that on my next visit back. I did venture off to Darbster’s for dinner on one of the nights I stayed. I’ve been to this place once before and remembered how unique it was and was looking forward to going back. It also has a tropical oasis vibe found in a most unusual location directly under a billboard under I-95. It’s a Vegan restaurant, and although I do not lead a Vegan lifestyle, I am always down for good food and good creative food is what they specialize in at Darbster’s. I absolutely adore their Palm Cakes. Other dishes I got to try were the “Tuna” Club served on flax bread, butter lettuce, tuna (pulled almond), dill mayo, eggplant bacon, avocado, tomato—served with a side house salad. I swear I couldn’t tell I wasn’t eating real tuna. It tasted so yummy! The flax bread was definitely a new taste/texture for me. Bread is a weakness of mine and since I began doing the Keto Diet a couple weeks ago, I am mindful of staying away from bread, so this flax bread was a cool alternative. I also got to sample the Barley Risotto which was made with barley, oyster mushrooms, shitake mushrooms, butter, garlic, cashew goat cheese, Arugula, cherry tomatoes, cashew Parmesan cheese. This dish was very tasty as well.
Contest: How would you like to win an autographed copy of Rick Rose’s Palm Beach The Essential Guide To America’s Legendary Resort Town? One lucky winner will be selected on Friday, August 30th. All you have to do for your chance to win is TAG @RickRoseWPB #GrandviewGardensBandB and @SavorOurCity #Staycation (Instagram) and tell us who you would bring with you on your Staycation at the Grandview Gardens B & B in West Palm Beach, FL and WHERE you are coming from. Good Luck!!!
To wrap this all up, I loved my little Staycation in West Palm Beach and would highly recommend you visit each of the places I mentioned here in my post. Just click on the links below for more info.
Grandview Gardens Bed & Breakfast
Until we eat again…
I send you delicious wishes, xo
3800 Ocean Offers So Much More Than Stunning Views
Hello Foodie Friends,
I am excited to share with you part one of a two-part series on my experience at the Marriott on Singer Island. I had been invited by the property’s PR firm for quite some time now to come experience a meal at their signature restaurant, 3800 Ocean and I finally was able to make that happen. Let me tell you, it is well worth the 45-minute drive it took us from South East Boca. Speaking for myself and I’m guessing that many of you might fall into this category as well, when it comes to deciding on where to dine, hotel restaurants may not be on the forefront of your mind with the multitude of choices that abound. Well, I’m here to set the record straight and possibly get you to rethink this notion forever more. 3800 Ocean at the Marriott Singer Island is as good as it gets and shouldn’t just be enjoyed by visiting guests, but by us local foodies as well.
The Marriott Singer Island has several dining experiences available:
- 3800 Ocean: Ocean views share the spotlight with South Florida’s abundant harvest at the resort’s signature restaurant. The 3800 Ocean menu reflects a “collective kitchen” inspired by the cultural backgrounds of each of its chefs – from New England and Long Island to Mexico and Jamaica – who bring their own personal influences to a rich bounty of local seafood and produce. Complementing the menu is an extensive wine list. Elegant interiors and an expansive covered patio give guests a choice of dining environments. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Kitchen Table: This one-of-a-kind experience, for groups of no more than five, takes diners with adventurous palates into the 3800 Ocean kitchen for a five-course menu created on the spot by the executive chef. The dinner typically spans three hours and is priced at $69 per person, with cocktail and wine pairings on request. Available Thursday through Saturday evenings; reservations required a minimum 24 hours in advance.
- 3800 Ocean Lounge: An inviting gathering spot for guests and locals, the lounge serves a casual lunch menu daily, exotic cocktails and bar fare every evening, and happy hour Monday through Friday.
- Reef Tiki Bar: A casual menu of Pacific Rim cuisine is offered on the beach, complemented by cocktails handmade with fresh juices. The resort’s signature Coconut Island Breeze is served here in a fresh cracked coconut and is a popular choice at the bar’s Bubbles on the Beach happy hour. Open for lunch and happy hour daily.
- Lagoon Cantina: Fresh-made margaritas, Mexican specialties and grilled fare are the draw at this poolside, Caribbean-style cantina. Open for lunch to resort guests and spa members/guests only.
- Ocean Breeze Café: Starbucks drinks, pastries, salads and wraps are served to guests seeking a quick bite on the go.
In case you’re not familiar with Singer Island, it’s a peninsula (barrier island) on the Atlantic coast of Palm Beach County, Florida, in the South Florida metropolitan area. Most of it is in the city of Riviera Beach, but the town of Palm Beach Shores occupies its southern tip. The Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa is Palm Beach County’s only all-suite beachfront hotel, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Intracoastal Waterway on the other, it offers a wealth of opportunities for adventures on land and sea.
3800 Ocean has a VERY extensive & impressive wine list along with a whole lot of hand crafted cocktails and bourbons to choose from. For starters, we tried the seafood ceviche and the tostones rellenos. Both were superb dishes. I could have stopped right there (along with the glass of New Zealand Sauv Blanc) and had been a happy camper, but wait…there’s more…
Even though I was already quite stuffed, I just had to make room for what has to be one of the most creative desserts I have ever had. The S’mores pot de creme. Take a look at this beauty! House Made Marshmallow, Graham Shortbread, Chocolate Pot De Crème, Biscoff Malto (OMG, Yum!!!)
After lunch, we were given a tour of the property which we really appreciated. The grounds are gorgeous and although non hotel guests are invited to dine at 3800 Ocean, you must be staying at the property in order to access these other areas:
Later this summer I will be coming back to stay overnight in order to fully immerse myself into all the amenities that this lovely beachfront property has to offer. Stay tuned for part two of this feature highlighting this hot staycation destination.
Until we eat again…
I send you delicious wishes, xo
Denise
BRIO’s Bringing It This Holiday Season
Jingle All the Way to BRIO Tuscan Grille this Holiday Season my Foodie Friends! BRIO Palm Beach County Locations Present Delicious Holiday Features, Gift Card Deals and Unlimited Cheer
The holidays are just around the corner and BRIO Tuscan Grille will be celebrating in a big way! From seasonal entrées and desserts to gift card incentives, there is something for everyone. BRIO is the perfect gathering spot for friends and family throughout the holiday season.
Oh what fun it will be to eat, drink and be merry at BRIO Tuscan Grille this holiday season! Following jubilant Tuscan tradition, BRIO locations in Palm Beach County will revel in the holiday spirit, welcoming guests to gather ‘round the table to indulge in special seasonal fare. In addition, BRIO is happy to “give the gift of BRIO” to its guests, with bonus gifts for guests who buy $100 in holiday gift cards.
BRIO Palm Beach County locations are at The Shops at Boca Center in Boca Raton, CityPlace in West Palm Beach, and The Gardens Mall in Palm Beach Gardens.
The restaurant just rolled out a few new delicious and indulgent holiday favorites, including a mouthwatering Broiled Main Lobster Tail with Creole Shrimp Pasta, a Surf & Turf of Beef Medallions with jumbo shrimp & Romano crusted eggplant served with white cheddar polenta and for dessert, a Chocolate Layer Cake with Candy Cane Gelato.
BRIO will also offer a two-course prix fixe menu for New Year’s Eve, starting at $29.95.
Seasonal Entrées & Desserts
“Indulgent cuisine is one of the most exciting parts of Tuscan holiday tradition, and we at BRIO are pleased to present these seasonal dishes infused with delicious flavors,” said BRIO Culinary Director & Chef Alison Peters.
Broiled Maine Lobster Tail & Creole Shrimp Pasta with angel hair, spicy cream sauce, capers, red peppers, green onions and basil ($25.95)
Surf & Turf — Grilled-to-order beef medallions, jumbo black pepper shrimp over Romano crusted eggplant and white cheddar polenta ($28.95)
Chocolate Layer Cake with Candy Cane Gelato — Decadent chocolate cake, milk and white chocolate mousse, fudge ganache frosting and candy cane gelato ($6.95)
The perfect accompaniments to a Tuscan-style holiday meal, BRIO’s select white and red wines include the delightful Sketchbook Cabernet Sauvignon (Mendocino, California) priced at $10.95 per glass/$40 per bottle or the truly exquisite Hess Shirtail Chardonnay priced at $9.95 per glass/$38 per bottle.
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New Year’s Eve
Guests can celebrate New Year’s Eve in style at BRIO, which will offer a two-course prix fixe menu, including one of the above entrées, along with guests’ choice of soup/salad or petite dessert, starting at $29.95. The two-course prix fixe menu will be offered 12/30/16 to 1/2/17.
Gifts for Holiday Party Guests
What is a holiday party without a takeaway gift? Now through Jan. 15, 2017, hosts and guests in parties of 10 or more will receive a $10 off bonus gift for a future visit to BRIO in January or February 2017. The promotion applies to parties hosted Sunday–Thursday.
Gift Card Bonus Offer
With all of the excitement the holidays bring, everyone needs to give themselves a gift! Through Friday, Dec. 30, 2016, BRIO guests who purchase $100 in BRIO gift cards will receive a $20 bonus gift, valid Jan. 1–March 15, 2017. This promotion is available at all BRIO restaurant locations and online at www.BrioItalian.com. And yet another plus — personalized BRIO gift cards and e-gifts are available!
During the holidays, reservations are highly recommended at BRIO for both private parties and individual guests. Guests can now make reservations online for all BRIO restaurants by visiting www.BrioItalian.com. For a list of locations, please visit www.BrioItalian.com.
I tasted these new featured holiday dishes (compliments of BRIO, although all opinions are my own, as always) at the BRIO located at The Shops at Boca Center, 5050 Town Center Circle, Suite 239, Boca Raton, FL 33486.
BRIO offers lunch and dinner, as well as a special children’s menu; brunch is offered Saturday and Sunday until 3:30 p.m. The 8,800-square-foot restaurant has indoor seating for 260 guests and al fresco dining for 100 on its outdoor terrace, as well as a full-service bar that seats 40. BRIO also offers a private dining area that seats 16–48 guests. The restaurant is open Sunday 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m., Monday–Thursday 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m. For more information, visit www.brioitalian.com. For reservations, call The Shops at Boca Center restaurant at (561) 392-3777.
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Santa Claus is Sharing Holiday Joy During Breakfasts with Santa,
Including Fun-Filled Activities, at Palm Beach County BRIO Locations in December!
Who/What:
Ho, ho, ho! Santa is making special visits to BRIO Tuscan Grille locations at CityPlace and The Gardens Mall to listen to Christmas wishes and spread holiday cheer. Guests will enjoy a delicious plated breakfast and holiday activities including face painting, holiday crafts, cookie decorating, ornament making, and Christmas carolers. Santa Claus will be visiting tables collecting wish lists, and will also take photos with guests (be sure to bring cameras!)
BRIO’s breakfast will be plentiful with delicious items for both adults and children. Choices on the adult menu include:
- Eggs, Home Fries & Bacon: Scrambled eggs, bacon, brunch potatoes and brioche toast. Turkey sausage on request.
- Berries & Cream French Toast: Honey, cinnamon, sweet cream cheese stuffed French toast, fresh berry compote, and Applewood bacon
- Sicilian Omelette: Cherrywood smoked ham, bacon, Fontanini sausage, caramelized onions, tomato compote, Mozzarella, Provolone and Parmesan cheeses. Served with brunch potatoes.
- Ham & Biscuit Benedict: Two poached cage free eggs, Cherrywood smoked ham, housemade biscuit and hollandaise. Served with brunch potatoes.
Children’s selections include Kids’ French Toast served with maple syrup and fresh fruit; and Kids’ Scrambled Eggs served with bacon and fresh fruit.
All meals include choice of coffee, tea, soft drink, milk or juice, muffins and yogurt parfait.
Reservations are required for the Breakfast with Santa events.
When/Where:
Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016
9–11 a.m.
BRIO at CityPlace
550 South Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach, FL 33401
(561) 835-1511
Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016
9–11 a.m.
BRIO at The Gardens Mall
3101 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
(561) 622-0491
Cost:
$11.95 per adult; $5.95 per child
How:
Reservations are required. Call your local BRIO or visit www.brioitalian.com to reserve for this special Santa event!
Until we eat again…
I send you delicious wishes, xo
Denise
Bistro Ten Zero One
CHOCOLATE MOLTEN CAKE / vanilla bean ice cream with candied walnuts, fresh seasonal berries with red sorrel
Oktoberfest at Bistro Ten Zero One
Bistro will host an Oktoberfest party in its back outside area on Wednesday, Oct. 19 from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Guests will enjoy a Bavarian-themed menu, along with Oktoberfest-themed beers from six local breweries. Cost is $35 per person, if purchased in advance, or $40 per person, if purchased at the door. Tax and gratuity are additional. Visit bistro1001.com to see the full menu and to RSVP.
Live Music Fridays
Bistro Ten Zero One will now offer live music in the bar and lounge area every Friday evening from 5-7 p.m.Raid the CellarDine at Bistro Ten Zero One on Friday evenings from 5-10 p.m. and enjoy 50% off select bottles of wine.
Daily Happy Hour
Get happy every day of the week at Bistro Ten Zero One with the restaurant’s new happy hour. Available seven days a week from 4-7 p.m., guests will enjoy $7 appetizer specials and drink specials ranging from $3 to $6.
Bistro 10.0.1 Xpress Lunch
Refuel midday with Bistro 10.0.1’s Xpress Lunch and get in and out in less than an hour. Guests will select an item from Bistro’s special lunch menu – all of which are priced at $12 and include a choice of soup, salad or house fries. This Xpress Lunch menu is available Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Highlights include the Bistro Burger made with Manchego cheese, caramelized onion and truffle aioli; a Garden Fresh Panini with grilled vegetables, goat cheese and sun-dried pesto; a Fish BLT (fresh off the hook) with avocado, bacon, lettuce and tomato on sourdough bread; and more. See the menu.
Fresh, local ingredients creatively prepared and presented. I will definitely be back and I hope you have become inspired to check them out as well.
Until we eat again…
I send you delicious wishes, xo
Denise