Kicking Off Restaurant Week at Leopard Lounge

More About Restaurant Week Here

Shrimp Cocktail

Salmon Entree

Vanilla Brulee

Palm Beach Restaurant Week is officially underway, and we celebrated by asking our friends, Bill and Eileen, to join us for dinner at one of our favorite dining spots, the Leopard Lounge and Restaurant, at Palm Beach's Chesterfield Hotel.

Aside from the food, the restaurant itself is a feast for the eyes. Gold fixtures, leopard prints, black lacquer walls and a hand-painted ceiling evoke an age long past. It also features a tropical outdoor patio, where we were tempted to dine under clear skies and a bright moon, until the hostess told us the mosquitoes were out in full force. Maybe next time.

Inside, we had our choice of tables. Only two other couples were there that night, so social distancing was no problem. For the record, all hotel personnel were masked, which we appreciated.

For Restaurant Week, the Leopard Lounge was offering a three-course dinner for $45. To begin, we all ordered cocktails while we finalized our menu choices.

Diners can choose from three starters:

• Caesar Salad: Focaccia Croutons, Anchovies, Shaved Parmesan
• Maryland Style Lump Crab Cake: Chili Lime Mayonnaise
• Traditional Shrimp Cocktail: Tomato Horseradish Sauce

Among us, we tried all three. The crab cake got raves, but so did the salad and the shrimp cocktail, which featured three large shrimp.

The Entrée choices were:

• Pan Seared Salmon: Mashed Potatoes, Sautéed Spinach, Lemon Bechamel Sauce
• Petit Filet Au Poivre: Mashed Potatoes, Sautéed Spinach, Fried Shallots, Brandy Au Poivre Demi-Glace
• Chicken Curry: Jasmine Rice, Popadoms, Mango Chutney

This round was a split decision; three of us chose the salmon, while one went with the filet. Again, both were delicious. In fact, the filet was judged to be "one of the best I've ever had." The mashed potatoes were also a hit.

And then came what's always my favorite part of any meal, dessert. Two choices here:

• Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée
• Brownie a la Mode: With Vanilla Ice Cream

Another split decision, with the majority opting for the brulee and one going with the brownie. You can't go wrong with either one.

Bottom line: We enjoyed great food in a great setting, and Restaurant Week is off to a great start! One thing to note: The gratuity is included with the bill.

Leopard Lounge and Restaurant is located at 363 Cocoanut Row on Palm Beach. You can get all the details about Restaurant Week and participating restaurants HERE. -- Gerry Barker