With finalists for the 2022 James Beard Awards being announced this week—kudos to the 11 semifinalists hailing from Florida—we have delicious dining on our mind. Here’s a look at new hot spots to whet your appetite, gather around the table with friends and family over a great meal and make the most of peak harvest season in the Sunshine State. Stay tuned for the James Beard winners in June.
Maxwell’s Plum
Maxwell’s Plum, a long-shuttered, Manhattan drinking and dining establishment, has been revived in Wellington. Jenny Oz LeRoy, an equestrian who’s Hollywood royalty, hopes to recreate the same magic as her folks’ original through theatrical décor and classic fare with a twist like truffled French onion dip. Entertainment and craft cocktails add to the excitement.
maxwellsplum.com
The equestrian world’s winter capital, the bucolic village of Wellington abuts the Florida Everglades in Palm Beach County. Local life revolves around the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, home of the Winter Equestrian Festival, and the International Polo Club Palm Beach. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following links.
Lake Worth | Royal Palm Beach
The Tin Whiskey Southern Kitchen & Still
The founders of the defunct Murdock’s Southern Bistro resurfaced with the Tin Whiskey Southern Kitchen & Still in Cocoa Village. Plan to leave your diet at the door, considering the menu’s sections like Munchies, Gooey Goodness (mac and cheese) and Gouda Stuff (grilled cheese). Nearby Bugnutty Brewing Co. made the house’s blonde ale on tap.
tinwhiskey.com
Settled in the mid-19th century, Cocoa Village offers an old-fashioned Main Street experience for residents and visitors of the city of Cocoa. It’s one of the many major destinations for Brevard County and the Space Coast. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following links.
Melbourne Beach | Merritt Island
The Butcher’s Club
Top Chef winner Jeremy Ford is spoiling diners beyond his Miami home base these days. His Butcher’s Club opened as part of PGA National Resort & Spa’s makeover that extends to multiple dining outlets. Alongside prime meat cuts and sides, find crudo with green chili buttermilk yogurt and ricotta gnudi with mushrooms.
pgaresort.com
A golfer’s mecca, Palm Beach Gardens is home to the PGA headquarters, the Honda Classic and luxury golf communities, many of which attract famous athletes. The community also shines for its conveniences such as the Gardens Mall and Downtown PBG, among well-tended retail centers. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following link.
Palm Beach Gardens
Mediterranean Moment
Broward County is having a Mediterranean moment. Moréa offers al fresco seating with fire pits and classic dishes like paella and fig and gorgonzola flatbread. Moving up from a food stall to a sit-down eatery in Hallandale Beach, Jaffa specializes in Israeli cuisine. “Cheers!” in Greek, Ya Mas! Taverna opened on Las Olas.
moreadining.com | jaffamiami.com | yamastaverna.com
Broward County spans the Atlantic Ocean and downtown Fort Lauderdale and its beaches to the Florida Everglades. The expansive area offers historic neighborhoods, luxury high rises and family-friendly gated communities with a choice of in-town and suburban lifestyles. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following links.
Hallandale Beach | Hollywood | Las Olas
Mister O1 Extraordinary Pizza
Recently named Florida’s top pizzeria by Food & Wine magazine, South Beach-born Mister O1 Extraordinary Pizza is in expansion mode. Founder Renato Viola has become famous for his signature, star-shaped pies, whose eight crusty points are perfect for soaking up all the gourmet toppings. Melbourne is among new locations.
mistero1.com
Melbourne balances the historic charm of a small beach town with the urban excitement of nearby Orlando. With its prime oceanside location along the Space Coast, as well as other bodies of water like the Indian River Lagoon, it’s a fishing, boating and water sports paradise. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following link.
Melbourne
Secret Sushi
There’s still time to experience Kosaka’s omakase. The last day of the New York-based, Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant’s pop up at Four Seasons at the Surf Club is March 26. Sit at the counter or a table in the hotel’s historic Hemingway Tower for delicacies such as clear fish soup, nigiri and Kumamoto oysters.
fourseasons.com/surfside
Nestled between Miami Beach and Bal Harbour, the town of Surfside is also the gateway to private Indian Creek Island. Luxury brands like Fendi have built residential towers here, and there’s a strong local community spirit from bustling businesses along Collins Avenue to a state-of-the-art community center. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following links.
Surfside | Bal Harbour
Love, Peace & Vegetables
Learn the ways of conscious eating with spiritual nutrition counselor Marcela Benson’s new book “Love, Peace & Vegetables.” The Sacred Space in Miami is hosting her book release party with a signing, sound bowls, energy clearing and optional lunch at its Plant restaurant on March 20. After decades of studying and practicing healthy eating habits from superfoods to Ayurveda with clients, friends and family, she’s sharing lifestyle tips and over 150 vegan and live food recipes in this beautifully presented book.
marcela.love
