Flavor Palm Beach at this not so little, longstanding eatery was a good choice for the Sisters who have been here, there and everywhere this summer. At the corner of a strip mall, Cafe Chardonnay is so well camouflaged that once off the street, dining is a pleasure and with four courses served for the price of an entree, we were eager to get back into 'fighting' form.
A first course of Slow Roasted Pork Pupusas was divine. A thick, crispy tortilla loaded with meat, cabbage, cheese and a dribble of sour cream. Yum! The Grilled Peach, Serrano Ham and Manchego Facaccia, while good, didn't have the same 'adventure' to it. Both salads, Hearts of Palm and Heirloom Cheery Tomatoes and the Romaine, Radicchio, Crisp Apple and Gorgonzola, were nice, but nothing to write home about.. However, entrees are what you're paying for, and while a tad pricey, they were worth the price. The Crab Crusted Yellowtail Snapper was well cooked with(surprise!)lots of flavor, and the side of roasted pumpkin was a lovely start to the Fall season. Herbs de Provence plays a big part in the French meets Mediterranean Lamb Rack Povencal. The large portion (five ribs!) and the mustard underlay made for a tasty and satisfying meal. Rounded out with a traditional offering of garlic roasted tomatoes, onions and potatoes, this was a good night for a big appetite!
Open at 5:30, at 5:35 we were not the first diners! In the same spot for 26 years and lots of local competition (J Alexanders; III Forks; Cantina Laredo; Vic & Angelo's, to name a few) There are reasons for its 'staying power'.
The Last Word: Breaking with tradition, the Sisters each had a dessert! The Peach & Blueberry Cobbler, a little too tart for my taste, but the whipped cream was great. The Oreo Cheesecake was good, but not much like 'cheesecake'. However, one Sisters' opinion makes good leftovers for the other!
You should be a published food critic! Descriptive and honest...well done! From, your favorite cousin, star of "Who is Delsin?"
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