Seasons 52 - Waterfront dining in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

Seasons 52 ( a Darden Restaurant)

11611 Ellison Wilson Rd. (on the Intracoastal at PGA Blvd.)

Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33408

561-625-5852

www.seasons52.com

Monday-Friday: Lunch - 11:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

                              Dinner -4-10 p.m. (11 p.m. on Friday)

Saturday: 11:30 – 11 p.m.

Sunday: 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

By Jane Feehan

Location, location, location.  That’s one attribute Seasons 52 can claim in Palm Beach Gardens. Staffers tell me this is their only restaurant in the nation (and there are many) that sits waterside.

But there's many more reasons to visit this establishment than its proximity to the Intracoastal.

Menus change with the seasons. Dishes are both kind to dieters (usually below 500 calories) and palate pleasing. It’s also inexpensive. Two can lunch for $20 or enjoy dinner for less than $50 (without alcoholic drinks). Desserts are divine – low calorie and delicious. Few endings to a meal can be as guilt-free as they are at Seasons 52.

Seasons 52 offers a terrific selection of wines, great service and a sophisticated décor dominated by wood, stone and earthy tones. With a large bar overlooking a deck dotted with tables and the adjacent Intracoastal Waterway, Seasons 52 gets busy early, especially during winter months. Reservations suggested. Copyright © 2010. Jane Feehan. All rights reserved.

Other Darden Restaurants: Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Longhorn Steakhouse, The Capitol Grille,
Bahama Breeze. For more information about Seasons 52 and these other full service eateries, visit: www.darden.com




Tags: Palm Beach Gardens restaurants, waterfront dining in Palm Beach Gardens, waterside dining in Palm Beach Gardens

Saving sea turtles one by one - Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Juno Beach, Florida

Loggerhead Marinelife Center

14200 U.S. Highway One

Juno Beach, Florida 33408

Open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. and

Sunday, 12-4 p.m.

561-627-8280

 www.marinelife.org

By Jane Feehan

What began three decades ago as one woman’s quest to learn about and protect sea turtles along the northern Palm Beach County coast has evolved into a cutting-edge research facility and veterinary hospital with an exhibit hall that draws visitors from around the globe.

Today, the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach provides a temporary home to rescued sea turtles with injuries and disease or tiny hatchlings who have lost their way to the ocean after emerging from beach nests. One in a thousand lives to sexual maturity. With these odds it’s no surprise that green sea turtles and leatherback turtles are endangered species; loggerheads are in a threatened status.

On a recent visit I saw a recovering female loggerhead in one of the center’s tanks with gashes to its shell from boat propellers (see photo above). A much younger and smaller Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle – a species most often seen in Gulf of Mexico waters and also endangered – was rescued from the sea floor with fishing lines and a two pound weight wrapped around one of its flippers. Most of the flipper of another hapless creature was missing; it probably served as a small appetizer for a shark.

The travails of each turtle are posted at the tank in which they recover. Most of the patients are returned to the sea. About 200 rescued hatchlings were recently released several miles off the Florida coast. The center encourages any who find injured or stranded sea turtles to contact them.

According to the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, the northern Palm Beach County coast is one of the most active turtle nesting (May through October) beaches in the world. Hats off to the center for the work they do and the interest they generate in ocean conservation and sea life. This should top the list of things to see - and to support - in Florida. It’s a nonprofit organization that survives on donations and the help of committed, well-informed volunteers.

The Loggerhead Marinelife Center hosts events, field trips and a variety of children’s programs. There is no entrance fee but donations in any amount are suggested. The facility, which also has a wonderful aquarium with living coral and tropical fish (see photo), is currently expanding to include more exhibits. Picnic tables are available – some with an ocean view. Copyright © 2010. Jane Feehan. All rights reserved.

Restaurant TVs: Dining and politics?

By Jane Feehan

In today’s politically charged world, a widescreen television at a dining or drinking establishment can be a portal to controversy.

On a recent visit to a restaurant – not a sports enclave – I noticed all five televisions were tuned into baseball, football, reruns of car racing – the whole sporting gamut.  We asked for some news – CNN or FOX – but were told the owner wouldn’t allow it. Seems choosing either CNN or Fox would generate controversy.

There’s probably some truth to that. Enter other establishments where management offers one cable news channel rather than another and it often comes off as an identifier of their political bent, intentional or not, as a few conversations reveal.

Blue-red, black-white, right-left, CNN-FOX – it’s a growing universe of dichotomies that’s increasingly uncomfortable, one we're confronted with even while dining. For the most part, we’ve worked through male-female divisions of days gone by; perhaps we’ll soon be able to build bridges across today’s issues.

Copyright ©2010. Jane Feehan. All rights reserved.

Sing for your lunch at Jupiter Beach Resort and Spa - Jupiter, Florida

Jupiter Beach Resort and Spa

Sand Bar, and 

Sinclair's

5 North A1A

Jupiter, Florida 33477

561-746-2511

866-943-0950

www.jupiterbeachresort.com

By Jane Feehan

Jupiter Beach Resort and Spa, the only hotel on the beach in Jupiter, offers some great venues to enjoy the outdoors. I stopped in recently for a poolside lunch – the Sand Bar – and was favorably impressed.

The setting - tables shaded by umbrellas amidst sea grape and other tropical flora and a bar decked out with comfortable wicker chairs – provides an island-type backdrop for relaxation or socializing.  Topography obstructs a view of the ocean from dining areas but there's plenty to make up for it: entertainment. A musician with a terrific repertoire of jazzy tunes played guitar, sang, and enlisted the singing talents of wait staff and patrons. 

Lunch, from their restaurant (Sinclair’s) kitchen, earns kudos also. Food is fresh, not expensive (average $9-12), and well prepared. Pick from a selection of sandwiches, seafood and salads – it’s all here.

Service is good. Call about outdoor hours of operation; they vary, depending on weather and the sea turtle nesting season.

The Jupiter Beach Resort and Spa (Summit Hotels) hosts weddings with a fabulous view of the ocean, not far from the pool; four were held the weekend we visited. Once a Holiday Inn, then a Hilton property, Jupiter Beach Resort recently underwent a multi-million dollar renovation, perhaps placing it on the roster of finer hotels in the Palm Beach area. (Thanksgiving dinner served as buffet or off the menu. Check their site. It runs $29-39.) Copyright© 2010. Jane Feehan. All rights reserved.  Enter city in search box on right for more restaurants in area.



Tags: Palm Beach area beach hotels, Jupiter hotels, oceanfront hotels in Jupiter and Palm Beach. Thanksgiving Jupiter.

Where Small Crowds Flock: Hog Snappers Shack & Sushi - Tequesta, Florida

Hog Snappers Shack and Sushi

279 S. US 1

Tequesta, FL 33469

561-972-4723

Open Monday-Saturday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Sundays 11 a.m - 10 p.m. (May change in summer)

By Jane Feehan

Tucked away in a strip shopping center along US 1, Hog Snappers could be easily missed except for sighting a small crowd waiting to get in.  The place has been a hit since it opened August, 2009.

Sushi earns high marks but their signature hog snapper sandwiches ($8 ) served on house made ciabatta bread also deserve applause. Portions are fresh – and huge. They also serve salmon, lobster cavatelli, paella, chicken, steaks and even ribs for dinner.  Skip the paella – not good. But the crab cake I supped on was outstanding; it wasn’t like any I’ve eaten before. Set atop a bed of coleslaw, accented with just a few tiny pieces of bacon and drizzled in a fantastic remoulade, it was enough, with a salad, for a meal. Much of the lunch menu is available at dinner hours, a good thing for the budget conscious.

The caveat here is the atmosphere. With cement floors, just a few tables*, lots of noise and a bit of smoke that drifts into the dining area from an open kitchen, Hog Snappers Shack and Sushi is short on comfort.  It’s not for quiet, leisurely dining. Crowds waiting to get in  ramp up the pressure to turn tables (for dinner arrive before 6 p.m.). For good food at reasonable prices, Hog Snappers is on the list.

Wine and beer served. Dinner entrées average $23, lunch $8. Service: good. Casual but think twice about bringing active children.  Copyright © 2010 Jane Feehan. All rights reserved.  Enter city in search box on right for more restaurants in area.

*NOTE: Hog Snappers has recently expanded and has added another bar ... a GOOD thing!

Tags: Tequesta dining, Tequesta casual restaurants, Tequesta seafood restaurants, Jupiter restaurants, 

Puttin' on the Ritz at Temple Orange - Ritz Carlton Palm Beach

Ritz Carlton Palm Beach -CLOSED JULY 1, 2013 to operate as a Preferred Hotel Group property,Eau Palm Beach Resort and Spa

Preferred Hotel Group 

http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/PalmBeach

 By Jane Feehan

To borrow words from composer Irving Berlin: Now, if you're blue … And you don't know where to go to … Why don't you go where fashion sits … Puttin' on the Ritz …

Those were the lyrics I had mind as soon as I stepped into the Ritz Carlton of Palm Beach for lunch at their Temple Orange.  This elegant hotel with its shimmering lobby overlooking the azure blue Atlantic will put anyone in the mood for puttin’ on the Ritz. 

We took our seats at Temple Orange on the covered terrace, the best place to dine in the Palm Beach area when the weather is spectacular. With a great view of the pool and ocean beyond, a light breeze and low humidity, the atmosphere could not have been better.

Even a few bumps in the food – tasteless, watery hummus served with pita and flat bread – and a dry shrimp salad wrap – didn’t mar the occasion. Others in the party were pleased with their seafood, salad and dessert choices. Lunch entrées average $20 – not bad in this setting. Drinks can rack up the bill at $15 for a Mimosa and more for a good glass of wine, but one shouldn’t expect to count pennies here; it’s the Ritz.   

Chef’s choice at Temple Orange is breakfast, either buffet or order-from-the-menu. Dinner transitions to an Italian theme. Service: outstanding. Reservations for this casual indoor or outdoor restaurant recommended. Copyright © 2010 Jane Feehan. All rights reserved.

Sala Thai in Jupiter: Dining with Asian balance and detail

Sala Thai

Jupiter Square

103 S. US 1, B-5

Jupiter, Florida

561-747-6944

561-747-6981

Lunch – Monday-Friday: 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Dinner seven days 5-10 p.m.

By Jane Feehan

Blend atmosphere, spice-done-right, cooked-to-order, and you’ve got Sala Thai.  This place is really good – whether it’s for lunch, dinner or group event.

Bring patience with your appetite; food comes to the table a bit slowly but it’s worth the wait. Thai cuisine is known for balance and detail and it's here. Besides the typical selection at a Thai restaurant, there are a few other palate pleasers such as fried rice with crabmeat or sausage, fried tofu, fresh fish and a good selection of desserts.

Reasonable prices make Sala Thai a popular spot for lunch, especially with locals. For about $8, one can dine on an appetizer, small salad and entrée for the mid day meal. Dinner comes for just a few dollars more.

Full bar where dining is also available. Service: good. Take out offered. Copyright ©2010. Jane Feehan. All rights reserved.

Tags: Thai restaurants in Jupiter, Jupiter dining, Asian food in Jupiter, Asian restaurants Jupiter

Captain Charlie's Reef Grill - where seafood sings in Juno Beach

Captain Charlie’s Reef Grill

12846 US Hwy 1

Juno Beach, FL 33408  (near the split in the road)

Lunch: Monday- Saturday 11:30 A.M.- 3 P.M.

Dinner: Sunday – 5-9:30 p.m.

Dinner: Monday-Friday 5-10 p.m.

561-624-9924

By Jane Feehan

Captain Charlie’s Reef Grill – known to most as “the Reef” - tops many lists for best seafood in the area. The focus is on fresh food, great wines and a convivial atmosphere generated by owner Ross Mathison.

Reef Grill

Ross knows fish. His menu features lobster, clams, shrimp, and fresh fish every day that’s grilled, blackened, sautéed, broiled or fried. The Reef also serves up grouper cheeks, the most coveted part of that fish - excellent. Panko fried scallops rank as some of the best I’ve eaten. Throw in a few of Ross’s creative touches such as mixed vegetable garlic cream, citrus vinaigrette, spicy marinara, or blueberry teriyaki and - presto – the seafood almost sings. And about that housemade ice cream: it's unmatched in South Florida. 

His wine inventory may also be unmatched. Ross Mathison ranks second among purveyors of wine in Palm Beach County, just behind the Breakers Hotel.

Sit at the bar to watch cooks in the open kitchen and, if Ross is there, engage in some lively conversation that may include food prep secrets, wine histories and his world travels. Or, rub elbows with sports greats or some very interesting locals. No cell phone zombies here. One thing is certain, no one is rushed from their seat at the bar – and that’s a good thing. Casual, unpretentious atmosphere. Service: good. Expect a wait after 6 p.m. Copyright © 2019. Jane Feehan. All rights reserved.

Tags: Seafood restaurants Juno Beach, grouper cheeks, Jupiter, Florida, casual dining, best seafood Juno Beach, Reef Grill Juno