There’s never a bad time for a margarita, so mark your calendars now for our next DINE Happy Hour event. Join us at 5:30 for a taste of Mexico with authentic dishes from Cantina Laredo served in a sophisticated environment. Don Julio has agreed to sponsor our event so be prepared to please your palate with this lightly sweet and pure agave flavor in your favorite Margarita.
Where: Cantina Laredo, 4635 PGA Blvd, Palm Beach Gardens
When: Wednesday, March 3
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Cost: $10 – includes 1 Don Julio margarita and a selection of complimentary hors d’oeuvres.
Space is limited so be sure to RSVP and prepay in advance.
Wine, Dine, and Design is the first annual cultural event of its kind in Palm Beach Gardens. The affair on March 20th will encompass an interior design showcase, art, food, wine, and more. Mingle with your neighbors and world renowned wine makers while browsing the decorator showcase and enjoying live music and dancing.
What: Wine, Dine + Design
When: Saturday, March 20, 2010, 3:00 – 8:00 pm
Where: Store Self Storage and Wine Storage, 11010 N. Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens FL 33410 561-627-8444
Cost: The design portion of the event is free, as well as the live music, dance, art exhibits. The food and wine showcase, where you will have access to tastings from the vintners and area restaurants, will take place from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. Tickets for this portion will cost $25 until March 7, $30 at the door (if available). Buy your tickets today.
This event will go to benefit the American Cancer Society and Damon Runyon Cancer Research Society.
Join DINE at Vic & Angelo’s for Happy Hour. Vic & Angelo’s — located in PGA Commons — combines Old World dining with modern day hipness. Surround yourself with the aromas of coal-oven pizzas and earthy olive oils in this first-class enoteca. You will love the lively atmosphere, the sumptuous cuisine and of course, the great company.
Where: Vic & Angelo’s, 4520 PGA Blvd, Palm Beach Gardens
When: Wednesday, January 20
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Cost: $10 — includes an Ultimat Vodka cocktail and a selection of complimentary hors d’oeuvres
Be sure to sign up early and prepay, as this will be a popular event and I need to give the restaurant an accurate count to ensure plenty of food and drinks for the group.
Hors d’oeuvres to be served include:
Sicilian Chicken Wings
Eggplant Parmigiano
Calamari Fritte
Baked Clams al Forno
Grilled Sausage and Peppers
Follow Vic & Angelo’s
By Sarah Spicer
I am about to share with you a secret. There is a gem of a restaurant in Palm Beach Gardens that is quiet, cozy and a true escape from reality. This restaurant, well-known, loved in its neighborhood, and is host to local residents and big-name celebrities alike. As one of those little jewels that you prefer to keep for yourself and select chosen few, frankly, it is so tremendous I can’t wait to share with our close friends of Dine Magazine. This secret: Talay Thai.
Tucked back in the corner of the LA Fitness Plaza just outside of PGA National, Talay Thai is an escape from not only the mainstream and chain restaurants, but also from the day-to-day frenetic culture of our lives. The décor is entirely Feng Shui, detailed with ornate artifacts, paintings and statues originating from Thailand. (There’s even a gong! Yes, it’s tempting.) The colors are warm, soothing, and even though the space is large, it projects a solace that is warm, welcoming, and intimate.
Owner and Chef Charlie Soo is genuine and personable and quite the character. He is humble, fun, easy going, serious about the details of his food and service, as well as very generous through his community charity work. He opened Talay (meaning “sea”) Thai just one year ago. He initially was discovered in this area through the catering services he provided the Masters tournament a couple of years ago—they loved it so much they invited him back to cater the Championship Dinner the following year; which explains the location of his restaurant directly adjacent to PGA National.
Chef Charlie Soo comes from a culinary background; his family owns a restaurant in Midtown Atlanta that has filled the bellies of such celebs as Janet Jackson, Usher, and Germaine Dupree. Charlie has lived and worked in major cities across this country—including, LA, Denver, and Atlanta, and of course, Thailand. What I find very interesting is that as recently as 2001 Chef Soo was actually working as a banker. After leaving that job, he took a position working at Legal Seafood in West Palm Beach where he learned about seafood and the best ways to prepare and cook it. And he knows how to cook!!!
The menu is authentic Thai, but in Charlie’s words it’s “Thai at the next level.” There is a bit of a French influence in the cuisine which in all honesty is a magnificent pairing! Many Thai restaurant experiences in America associate Thai food with that being “spicy-to-the-point-of-sweating.” This is not the case at Talay Thai. Now all you “spicy” lovers out there, keep reading! You’ll still get the opportunity to turn up the heat, but it is a balanced menu that offers wonderful combinations of blended flavors.
Shrimp Curry, photo by Gabriela Sarraf
My absolute favorite dish was the Maple Leaf duck breast. This is mostly where I noted the French influence. The duck was delicate and tender, seared medium, and served over a bed of veggies with Thai flat bread. There was a slight oak flavor to the meat which added to its richness. What made the dish was the creamy Thai peanut curry sauce. It was a superb balance; not too much cream, not too much curry. There was almost a hint of nutmeg to the sauce which, when matched with the oak flavor and the silkiness of the duck, reminded me of a warm, hearty fall meal. Pair this with a bold cabernet and I guarantee your stress and worries will melt away.
According to Charlie, the “nuts and bolts” of the restaurant are Pad Thai and curry. He really does have a talent with curry. I myself am a fan of curry and order it often. In fact, I’ve had several experiences where curry ends up being the main flavor that the entrée is built around, which can be overpowering to the point of ruining the other ingredients contained in the dish. Charlie has a knack for utilizing the curry to compliment his specialties. When combined with his presentation, all of your senses are engaged in your dining experience!
Shrimp Fried Rice
The boneless yellow tail snapper from the keys was presented with two snapper filets served on the whole fish which had been flash fried so the tail wrapped around and stood up off the plate—quite an impressive arrangement! (Think of those Asian-style paintings where the fish is jumping out of the water and the tail is wrapped around towards its head.) With this entrée he added a light basil sauce (utilizing hydroponic basil grown locally in Jupiter), fresh veggies, over a plate garnished with fresh, fried basil leaves. The sauce was an interesting compliment to the yellow tail; refreshing, almost minty, not too salty, not too spicy and finished with a hint of garlic. The yellow tail was lightly seasoned and wonderfully tender. I recommend this with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a buttery Chardonnay for a lovely summer dish.
There is a broad and deep variety of menu specialties from which to choose that will complement the preference of a multitude of palates. Even if you don’t necessarily consider yourself a “culinary adventurer” you will discover something to satisfy and quench your dining experience. It is worth checking out, if not for the ambiance alone. Talay Thai has more to offer than just the great food. With Wii tournaments once a month in the large bar area, and the friendly, welcoming ambiance of the dining room, you won’t just be a guest, you will become a friend, and like me, you will want to keep this secret to yourself…but can’t wait to tell the world.
Talay Thai is located at 7100 Fairway Dr #63 in Palm Beach Gardens. For more information, visit them online at talayonpga.com or call (561) 691-5662.
Photo by ginnerobot @ flickr
Dine Magazine and Secrets Piano Bar & Grill present a sumptuous Valentine’s Day brunch. Secrets Piano Bar & Grill — recently recognized for hosting the best dining events in 2009 by the Palm Beach Post — features the talented Chef Joe Angelucci. Chef Joe will create a fantastic spread of traditional brunch favorites with a modern twist like the Grand Marnier Brioche French Toast. Pair these gourmet delights with a complimentary glass of bubbly and you are all set for a cozy Sunday afternoon.
To add to the “feel good” sensation, a portion of the profits will be donated to Project Linus — a 501 (c)3 dedicated to providing a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets.
What: Bubbles & Brunch
When: February 14
Time: 10:30 am – 2:00 pm (Reservations are now only available for the 1pm time slot.)
Where: Secrets Piano Bar & Grille at Windsor Gardens Hotel, 11360 US Highway 1, North Palm Beach
Cost: $29.95++ per person or $55.00++ per couple
Please call Kyle at 561.768.3001 to make your reservations.
Please note that gratuity is not included with your payment right now. A tip is appreciated on the day of the event.
MENU:
Omelet Station
Smoked Salmon Display
Eggs Benedict, Applewood Bacon
Corned Beef Hash, Breakfast Potatoes
Breakfast Breads & Pastries
Grand Marnier Brioche French Toast
and more
One complimentary Mimosa or Bellini per person
Add a bottomless Bloody Mary for only $8