Living 2 Eat |

Restaurant review from dear friend and foodie Robin Spillias…

It was a rare night all around in Tallahassee…my husband Will and I had a date! We went to grab some food before we went to a “film;” yes, not a typical movie theater movie, but an awesome documentary (”Stranded: I Have Come from a Plane That Crashed on the Mountains”) at All Saints, the Tallahassee Film Society’s ultra cool railway station theater. Anyway, we decided to try a new place (at least for us) called Bird’s Aphrodisiac Oyster Shack. And oh my, my … do not let the name keep you away if you do not love oysters … they are a specialty item on a menu that boasts only four singular main food choices. Four! Oysters, hamburgers, chicken sandwiches and grouper sandwiches. It sounds crazy, but like the proprietor told us, “when you only do four things, you better do them all great.” And he did not disappoint.

The menu is set up for you to be able to make hundreds of combinations through their spice, rub and marinade choices and then your toppings. We started with a dozen oysters. Now I am a very picky oyster eater after spending nearly 10 years in Charleston, SC, attending countless oyster roasts and even going out in the intracoastal and chucking fresh oysters into the boat bed … a nice dry heat and they pop delicately and fresh in your mouth.  The Aphrodisiac oysters were delectable and fresh from the Apalachicola Bay. We ordered a half dozen raw with and a half dozen baked with garlic, parmesan and chopped tomatoes. Even an oyster hater would be impressed! We were thinking we should have ordered more, but when the rest of our food came, we were glad we didn’t show our gluttony.

 I ordered the chicken breast sandwich with jerk  spice and the regular lettuce, tomato and mayo toppings. When it came out – with the best seasoned fries I have EVER had – it was spilling over the sides of the soft bun. I had to check to see why they put two breasts on my sandwich – I thought maybe I won a prize .. or maybe the chef peaked his head out and thought I was cute! But the singular breast was the juiciest – without being watery – sinfully aromatic and tasteful chicken sandwich I have ever eaten. A chicken sandwich .. no big deal you are thinking when you order it, but I was almost teary eyed with admiration for its taste and size. I could not finish it (the next day I was remorseful for being a wimp!)

Will, in his quest like Ben to find the very best burger in the world, ordered the $6 hamburger and topped it with ketchup and mayo. Did he come up for air? Barely. It was the thickest and best burger he’s ever had, all for $6.  The meat was grilled medium to perfection, not a dry spot on its delectable outside, and an even flavor through and through. He broke out his phone and started texting the masses about its unmatched taste, all the time wondering whether he was going to take the plunge and try the $9 burger next time we visit!   The onion rings were sweet and fried to perfection, not overly breaded … the tears in his eyes echoed my sentiments of the chicken sandwich.

We washed our food down with a couple of cold drafts in plastic cups as we watched the musician of the night setting up. The ambiance at Bird’s is casual, casual … it feels like a college hangout, but equally caters to middle aged locals like us. For kicks, there is shuffle bowling in the corner, hundreds of photos to look at of friends, family and patrons on the surface of the bar, and friendly owners and staff to talk to before the place gets too crowded.

We hated to leave our new found “place” and vowed to tell everyone about it! Don’t they say “under promise and over deliver?” Bird’s does that and so much more! When you find your way up here in the “Big Bend” of Florida, head downtown and take advantage of the “four best things” to eat in Tallahassee! 

The Capital Grille

Legacy Place – Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

561-630-4994

www.capitalgrille.com

 Earlier today, I dined with some folks at The Flagler Steakhouse.  Our table included a stunning view of The Breakers’ beautifully manicured golf course.Located in the heart of beautiful Palm Beach, Florida, this establishment is part of The Breakers — an internationally known five-star resort.

In my quest to sample every hamburger in the USA, I ordered “The Flagler Burger” which is probably the juiciest burger that I have ever eaten.   My order arrived a perfect ‘medium’ and was quickly topped with nothing but ketchup and yellow mustard.   The meat was flavorful, extremely juicy and succulent.  By far, one of the best gourmet burgers that I have ever eaten.

My guests ordered French onion soup to start and both raved about it.  I have tried this before and found it to be wonderful.  The flavor of the soup is always rich and robust with a hint of sugar.  

One of my guests concluded his meal with THE BEST dessert in Palm Beach… “Cookies and Milk”.  This childhood favorite includes four nice thick freshly baked chocolate chip cookies surrounding a glass of ice cold milk.  The aroma of this dish is enough to conjure up childhood memories.  

Our server, Tim, was terrific and made sure our glasses were never empty.   Prompt, courteous and always attentive.   He made our visit perfect and I so appreciated it because one of my guests was a first time visitor.

Simply put, The Breakers hits a home run on this meal!  

No trip to the Los Angeles area would be complete without a bite to eat at The Blvd.   

Located within the world famous Beverly Wilshire, The Blvd is a place to see and be seen, this sophisticated all-day dining spot features lofty ceilings and large windows overlooking the fashionable intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Rodeo Drive.   This hotel has been the backdrop for many movies including the Richard Gere and Julia Roberts hit, Pretty Woman.  

Remembering that I love a burger at five star places, The Blvd’s offering is chopped prime sirloin with foie gras mousse and sautéed wild mushrooms atop a freshly baked bun, and served with fries.  I do not remember the fries, but I can tell you the burger is luscious.   This burger is gourmet and has an extremely smooth consistency.  

Over the years, I have dined there many times (all business luncheons) and always see famous and infamous alike.   Al Pacino was seated at the table next to mine, Ben Stein in the bar area, and attorney Roy Black hosting a party of 12.    Again, you will see celebrities each and every time;  however, this is NOT the place to ask for an autograph or gawk.   But, if you are quick, you can snap a picture with your cell phone camera!

If you go, mid-week lunch is a great time.   Mid afternoon during weekends will allow for a lively experience.   Valet parking is easiest.

You have not lived until you have visited the this hotel! 

Over the past five years, I have been blessed to be able to frequent one my favorite hotels in the world… the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point, California.  The hotel propety is breathtaking as it is situated beachside along the pristine Pacific Ocean stands California’s only Mobil Travel Guide Five-Star Resort. 

When the hotel is in full season and rates at their highest, I stay elsewhere.  However, I do stop into the hotel and follow my usual routine… order a big juicy hamburger at “Motif“. This European-style cafe features eclectic dishes and international mineral waters. Scenic indoor and outdoor dining and weekend entertainment make it ideal for breakfast and lunch.    The weather is always beautiful and I can sit for hours and enjoy a nice meal and bask in the nice cool California sun.

Being a meat-and-potatoes kind of guy, I am forced to eat my fair share of French cuisine, but when at five star properties, I love to order a hamburger.  Burgers at elite places use wonderful beef that is perfectly seasoned and served with fresh lettuce, tomato and onion.   Biting into a gourmet burger is heavenly because the meat is juicy and when combined with mayo, ketchup, mustard and tomatoes, it can be a perfect mess that is evidence of one terrific meal.  

Note:  I cannot stand Grey Poupon or the other fancy mustards.   Good ole’ yellow mustard is key to a burger or hot dog.   Five star properties rarely serve this;  but, I have found that yellow mustard is served in the hotel’s employee cafeteria.   With a nice smile and friendly request, the server will retrieve the yellow mustard.  At Ritz Carlton hotels… they will require the server to squeeze the mustard from the packets and into a saucer before presenting to the guest.   So, order the yellow mustard when you order the burger.

If you are in the Southern California area, you MUST visit this hotel.  

www.stregismonarchbeach.com

Being a native Floridian, I find myself enjoying the air conditioning more than the sunshine — at least during June, July and August!  However, there is one thing I love to do during the summer, enjoy a big juicy burger and Key Lime Pie at The Breakers Beach Club.

The Breakers is an incredible hotel with a rich history.   This five star resort property has hosted kings, queens, presidents, monarchs, celebrities (famous and infamous) and a lot of rich folks.   And a poor one… me, when I stayed there once several years ago.

My fellow ‘foodie’ Chris Burton and I discovered this heavenly hang out several years ago.  Since that time, we meet up and spend a few hours at the Beach Club eating a delicious burger made from some of the finest beef in the United States.   The Breakers knows that the key to any burger is the beef, and they don’t skimp.   The burger is one that drips when you bite into it and you could walk away messy… the international sign of a good meal!

No meal is complete without something sweet.  And nothing better in Florida than Key Lime Pie.  The recipe at The Breakers is both sweet and tart.  Somehow, they have found the perfect combination to insure the guest finishes every bite with a pucker.  I am partial to a graham cracker crust and I believe theirs has a bit of brown sugar added because it is a dessert in itself.   Trust me on this, Chris and I eat every bite and then findourselves tempted to order two more.

Because The Breakers Beach Club is limited to Members Only, I call my friend Paul Leone (CEO of the hotel) and he makes a temporary allowance for me.  If not, Grace (the gatekeeper) will kindly send you to the main hotel.  So, plan ahead… and do not try to sneak by Grace!

www.thebreakers.com