With credit and apologies to the Bard... Two households (more like moods) both alike in dignity (up for debate), in fair Verona (North Palm Beach) where we lay our scene... One is a morning person, one is decidedly not a morning person. Yet, like in Verona, we come together over . . . going out to breakfast. It is what we do, quietly, allowing each other space to handle morning in our own independent way. So, when we landed at Another Broken Egg at Harborside in Jupiter the other morning, it was a lovely experience. Easy on this non-morning person. Friendly staff seated us at an umbrella-topped table outdoors, as requested, even offering us the option of another table if we were not completely satisfied with our seating location. Although modestly busy, we learned Sunday Brunch brings a crowd and a potential wait of over an hour. Our server was helpful with suggestions when she learned this was our first visit, and offered to put in an order of biscuit beignets so they would be ready at the appropriate time. Sounded good to us, and they were delicious when they arrived, hot and covered in powdered sugar, at the conclusion of our breakfast. Coffee, served in a stylish mug,which is available for purchase, was bold, hot and the cream was ice cold. Perfect for kick-starting the morning. Our breakfast of eggs, potatoes and English muffin was more than ample. The absolute best part was the homemade sausage pattie. Perhaps because they were not overly busy, we were not rushed in the slightest, and even had the opportunity to chat with our server about the restaurant. We have a few favorite breakfast places around the Palm Beaches, and Another Broken Egg has been added to our list. Our household may be divided when it comes to-be or not-to-be morning people, but it is united in our newly found affection for Another Broken Egg. -- Pam April may bring showers, but it also brought a fun customer appreciation event at the new state-of-the-art Braman BMW of Jupiter dealership. The evening began with valet parking, which was a bit jammed-up, then a cool flute of champagne and smiles completed our welcome. So, let's break it down: The new general manager, Tony Giodano, and his crew mingled and chatted with the guests about how the new digs are: 56 percent larger with a 39 percent larger showroom. There are 50 percent more bays, and the service shop is air conditioned. Sounds good to us. However, the event was not just about the stats or looking at the great new autos. No, it was an evening of fun and great entertainment. The musical duo, LucaBella, provided perfect background music for enjoying the new atmosphere. Actually, they were so entertaining we took time to just listen, watch and appreciate their talent. Braman should definitely keep them on the list for future events. Also on hand were Celine Pelofi, Ms. United States, who was wearing her crown, busy greeting guests and having her photo made. She was very, very nice. Variety is always the spice-of-life they say, so from music to the Mentalist, Mike Mooney, the evening was filled with variety. As always, Braman holds nothing back in the hospitality department. The wide variety of hors d'oeuvres on hand included Nantucket and brie panini, crab meat stuffed mushrooms and chicken roulade. Cocktails, water and soft drinks were in abundance. Congratulations on the facility. The official Grand Opening will be later this year, but you don't have to wait until then to pop in. As I said, the Braman folks are consummate hosts. Find them at 1555 W. Indiantown Rd. Jupiter in Jupiter. -- Pam A sailboat navigating the tranquil, early morning waters of the IntraCoastal makes for a picture postcard, social media moment. Photo by Pamela Barker.
More pictures from the Braman EmKo Event. There was a time in our lives when we lived in the penthouse in a converted fancy-pants department store. As I enjoyed telling my friends, as a child I had always wanted to live in a department store ... so, as an adult, I did. It was truly great, just a little different than I had imagined as a day-dreaming kid. No racks or display cases to linger over, but classic buildings have a certain allure to me. Well, that nugget of useless information brings me to a Braman event we attended on Saturday in West Palm Beach. EmKo. To quote the front of their brochure -- "Welcome To Modern Creativity." Sitting in their facility, a nice red wine in hand, this converted building felt very alluring. You could feel the art. You could also see the art in the lobby straight away in the form of a giant, gleaming, silver panther. In this space, which has been converted from housing a classic car venue, we discovered an enchanting venue of a very different sort. Having an appreciation of converted spaces, this one conjures images of beautiful warehouses which have been transformed into groovy-chic (I made that term up, but it fits) spaces for dining, living, shopping or artistic endeavors. EmKo seems to offers all that, with the exception of the living part. Let's break it down. JEREVE: The culinary studio. In French, Jereve means, "I dream." Was this the intention here? I did not ask because I was too busy enjoying myself. Jereve is fine dining, with exquisite decor and inviting indoor and outdoor seating. Fun to see is the open concept kitchen, which was a-buzz with activity during our visit. Turning attention away from the bustle of the kitchen, the sculpture garden offers a sense of peace and solitude while dining al fresco. For further investigation on our part is their mentoring and apprentice program for those up-and-coming chefs. UNTITLED: I guess you don't need one when it is obvious what you offer. Untitled is a coffee and juice bar, open Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. B.A.B.-Back Alley Bakery offers house-made baked goods. The rotating menu offers items ranging from European pastries to nostalgic American desserts. These may be carried out or they invite you to enjoy them under the umbrellas on an adjacent deck. B.A.B. also provides freshly baked goods to Untitled and Jereve. KOEL FLORA: Did the word flora give it away? Perhaps, but Koel says they offer out-of-the-ordinary, modern works of floral art. A.I.R: Artist Independent Republic is a contemporary art venue, providing an outlet for unknown artists who may need a bit of an assist getting launched. Go see for yourself, it's all right there, in a converted building, on Dixie Highway in the Flamingo Park area. EMKO. --Pam When you are invited to a caviar tasting, it is probably a good idea to have some knowledge of the delicacy. We were recently invited to a tasting by the good people at the French Gourmand in North Palm Beach. To say we have limited knowledge of fish eggs on toast is giving us way more credit than we deserve. Yes, we know what it is. Yes, we have had it before. Yes, the number of times could be counted on one hand. Still, last Friday, palates all ready for sampling, we arrived at the lovely boutique shop at Crystal Tree Shopping Plaza. Let me tell you, we entered mostly ignorant of the vast world that is caviar, but confident in the knowledge that we would leave there with one of our favorite French Champagnes in tow. Win-Win! The crowd bustling around the shop was lively, and as usual (the shop frequently holds tastings of food and drink) there was plenty of wine and champagne to be sampled. That just never gets old. But, we were there for the caviar, so after a few hugs with our favorite guy, the manager, Laurent, and a few nibbles of delicious items at sampling tables, it was time. So, there I went and stepped right up to the caviar tasting display. I knew the nice gentleman waiting to serve had my number. He knew I knew nothing about the tiny bins before me. But, he politely asked the dreaded question..."Which kind would you like?" My silence and blank face revealed everything in a split-second, so his accented voice went on, "I'll give you Russian. You look like you would enjoy it and it is my personal favorite." He was right. Although I sampled the Russian variety, I have learned that approximately 80% of caviar sold in the United States comes from Northern California where they have a no-kill method of extraction which is also used in Germany. My sample of black caviar was served on toast with a bit of Creme Fraiche (which I love), and mild salmon. It was delicious...and quite expensive. As for my partner in tasting? You have to check with him; we are independent spirits when it comes to food and drink. The moral to my story? I am too much of budgetary-peasant to afford Russian Caviar, and if you can not get the best, why get anything? On the other hand, if you get invited to a caviar tasting. go. If you live in the Palm Beaches, go see the people at the French Gourmand -- they will tell you everything you need to know. If you don't, have a tasting at home for your friends just because it is something different to do. If Russian or Northern California Caviar just does not set your palate on fire...have a French Champagne tasting at home. It goes with everything and looks fabulous in the perfect flute! -- Pam How would you like to go fishing and support a worthy cause at the same time? For the second year, North Palm's St. Clare Catholic School is hosting the St. Clare KDW Invitational Fishing Tournament April 23. Organized by Capt. Greg Bogdan, the tournament is "a family-friendly event with a separate kids’ prize category, kids’ dock party, awards ceremony, silent auction and raffle. Tournament participation includes an awards ceremony and dinner (“Bash at the Buc”) at the Buccaneer Restaurant on Singer Island. Two tickets to the Captains’ Meeting and “Bash at the Buc” are included with each boat entry. Tickets to the “Bash” available without tournament entry." Complete information and entry forms are available on their website, here. Speaking of fishing, you can see Gerry's latest exploits over on his blog. Here's a special traffic advisory that affects travel on US Highway 1 in North Palm:
"The North Palm Beach Police would like to advise all who travel US Highway 1 that beginning on Wednesday April 13, 2016, Florida Power & Light will be replacing light poles along US 1. This project will be conducted Monday through Friday from approximately 8 am until 5 pm for the next couple of months and will impact traffic along US 1. The North Palm Beach Police will have officers assigned to the project area to assist with traffic control. We ask that you please be patient during this process and consider possible alternate routes to minimize any delay you might encounter. Thank you all for your continued patience while we work together with FP&L to facilitate the light pole upgrades." The fishermen were out in full force Tuesday morning at Juno Beach,
with lines cast up and down the sand. Good luck, guys! It was also a beautiful early morning on the IntraCoastal ... |
ABOUTExploring what to see and do in North Palm Beach and the South Florida area. Your hosts are Pam and Gerry Barker. GERRY PRONOUNCED GARYArchives
November 2024
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