Relax Island-Style at Tommy Bahama

Tommy Bahama outdoor patio

​By GERRY BARKER
North Palm Beach Life
Photos by Gerry and Pamela Barker

For over 10 years, Tommy Bahama at Harbourside in Jupiter has served up its brand of food and drink, relaxed island style. The first Tommy Bahama location to combine dining and a retail store, its setting along Florida's Intracoastal Waterway is perfect for unwinding after a hectic day. That's just what Pam and I did on a recent visit.

When we arrived, we had the option of sitting inside or dining al-fresco on their wrap-around patio. While there was a chill in the air, it was too nice an evening to be inside, so we got a table near one of their patio heaters, while a guitarist provided live music.

Our server, Andrew, got us started with two of their signature cocktails. Pam went with "Miss Sunshine," with lemon-infused Grey Goose, coconut, salted honey and pineapple, while I opted for the "Coconut Cloud Martini," a combination of Don Q Cristal, 360 Vanilla, Cruzan Coconut and coconut -- a little like an island version of a White Russian.

For appetizers, you can't go to Tommy Bahama and not order their "World Famous Coconut Shrimp" with its papaya-mango chutney, which I did, while Pam, who is a crab cake connoisseur, choose the "Lump Blue Crab Cakes." Each came with island slaw. The portions ere definitely large enough for sharing.

Andrew gave us the option of taking our time, which we appreciated,  to enjoy our drinks and starters before we progressed to our entrees. In addition to their main menu, they are offering a seasonal menu. One item from the latter caught my eye: "Black Grouper," with creole spice. The restaurant manager, Kim, dropped by and agreed that grouper was her favorite as well.

Pam decided the "Parmesan-Crusted Sanibel Chicken" looked enticing. Hers came with Yukon Gold mashed potatoes and grilled organic broccoli, while I customized my fish to also include the mashed potatoes, along with asparagus. My fish was prepared perfectly, and the herb cheese and red pepper sauce added just the right touch to Pam's Sanibel Chicken.

We topped it all off with one of their signature desserts: A slice of their Pina Colada Cake -- vanilla cake with Myers dark rum, diced pineapples, white chocolate mousse and toasted coconut. And yes, it's just as good as it sounds.

Great service, food, drinks and an island vibe that's much closer than traveling the 200 miles from Jupiter to the Bahamas. That sound you hear from Tommy Bahama is the island calling your name.

Happy hour is featured daily from 3-6 pm at the Marlin Bar, and they offer live music Thursday-Sunday. For more information, visit their website. 

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