The Grateful Palate
Reviews
Name: Lisa Bruckner
Occupation: Wine Manager
Lives In: Lighthouse Point
Restaurant Pick: The Grateful Palate
Reviewed The Grateful Palate: 10/25/12 at 8:00 pm
This upscale restaurant is located in a small strip mall that you would not give a second glance to. The restaurant is on the opposite end of the mall from a pizza joint that you can find anywhere. It’s always the oddest places where you find the best restaurants.
The entrance is very inviting. The hostess stand is immediately on your right as you enter. There was a gorgeous flower arrangement in front of the desk as well as on a side table leading to the main room. The bar is separated from the main room by very contemporary panels of glass.
There was a large party at the bar which was a bit loud when we first entered but as soon as we passed into the dining area it was muffled.
We were seated at a table that had a loveseat which was a first for us. It was comfortable but a bit low. I enjoyed the ability to sit back and “lounge” but it was a new experience for me.
We were given both the wine list and the dinner menus to peruse while we were served our choice of water.
We choose a 2006 Brunello di Montalcino from Canalicchio winery. It was a 375ml. Our waiter properly presented the bottle and poured for the tasting. We asked for it to be decanted and were nicely accommodated.
We choose to order the cheese plate for our appetizer. The tray was a great presentation with 4 kinds of cheese, Monchego 6months aged, Danish style blue cheese from Wisconsin, double cream brie and an sage infused Irish cheddar. Fresh raspberries were used as a garnish and a small bowl of figs and strawberries were there to compliment and enhance the cheese flavors. The Manchego was served at the right temperature and very flavorful. The brie needed time to reach its prime, which I must admit, we never allowed it to reach!! The sage cheddar was most unusual but in a good way. It was a green mottled color and very unique in flavor. The manchego paired best with the wine but the cheddar was the most interesting of all the cheeses.
I ordered the special which was swordfish with a truffle balsamic glaze accompanied by coucous and baby vegetables. The swordfish was the moistest and most flavorable swordfish I have ever had in my life. I usually find swordfish to be dry and flavorless. It took a big risk ordering it but I figured it was the special, so I took a chance. I was delighted!!!!
Anthony ordered the honey mustard grilled salmon with roasted garlic potatoes puree and crispy onions. It was cooked to perfection and the mustard was the perfect combination of sweet and tart.
Name: Blanca Deason
Occupation: Health Care Professional
Lives In: Jupiter/Tequesta
Restaurant Pick: Evo
Reviewed The Grateful Palate: 10/20/12 at 8:30 pm
We found parking right in front. Entering we saw an atmosphere and decor that was unpretentiously elegant and relaxed with just the right lighting. We were greeted by a friendly host and seated immediately with a choice of tables. The menu was diverse without being extensive and overwhelming. We were waited on immediately by a very knowledgeable waitress who gave us every detail with ingredients and methods not only for the specials but the other regular dishes on the menu. The unpretentious and knowledgeable sommelier guided us through several options without making us feel ignorant and recommended the precise white wine based on our likes. We were surprised by a complimentary refreshing sample size pear smoothie to awaken our palate. Our conch sliders and pan seared foie-gras appetizers arrived within minutes of placing our order. The conch sliders were a perfect spicy conch fritter with touches of micro arugula without all the batter and guilt and came nested between two perfectly fried tostones. The pan seared foie-gras, even thou a bit small, had the perfect sear and the delicate fatty taste made up for the size.
Our entrees arrived at precisely the right time after finishing our appetizers. The scallops were pristinely seared and the glaze gave it the right balance of sweet and savory. If fresh has a name, it was the yellow tail special. Perfectly cooked, it felt like it had just jumped out of the ocean only minutes ago. The basmati rice bed under the fish and Asian ginger spiced sauce was the perfect combination for the light, flaky, delicate fish. Indulgence, our dessert, was just that. An indulgence in layers of coconut, mango and passion fruit sorbet capped with a light, fluffy merengue topping. Perhaps the check could have been 10% less, but we did leave with a very grateful palate.
Name: Stephen Anthony
Occupation: Hair Artist
Lives In: Wilton Manors
Restaurant Pick: Guanabanas
Reviewed The Grateful Palate: 10/10/12 6:30 pm
A beautiful dining experience with fine, fresh food and an excellent, extensive wine list. Would definitely recommend highly!
Located in a small strip Mall on 17th Street causeway in Ft. Lauderdale. This intimate spot has an extensive wine list and delicious food. The parking lot is small, but well lit, and I had no trouble finding a spot. Upon entering you will find a warm, inviting staff and ambiance. The service is excellent with a very knowledgeable sommelier and servers. The price is moderate to high, but the portions and quality are worth every cent.
Restaurant Information
Location:817 S.E. 17th St. Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Parking: Self parking
Phone: (954) 467-1998
Website:www.thegratefulpalate.com
Restaurant Owners: N/A
Executive Chef: Hector Lopez
Pastry Chef: N/A
Type of Cuisine: International
Signature Dishes: Thai beef salad, porkbelly, wagyo burger, Indulgence.
Vegetarian Options: By request
Alcohol Served: Full
Corkage Fee: $25.00
Bottle Limit: None
Restaurant Hours:
Monday – 5 pm -10 pm
Tuesday – 5 pm -10 pm
Wednesday – 5 pm -10 pm
Thursday – 5 pm -10 pm
Friday – 5 pm -12 am
Saturday – 5 pm -12 am
Sunday – closed
Meals Served: Dinner
Prix Fix Menu: Wine dinners Take-Out: Yes
Delivery: No
Average Dinner Price Range (per person, full meal, tax, 15% gratuity, w/o alcohol): $55.00
Average Lunch Price Range (per person, full meal, tax, 15% gratuity, w/o alcohol): None
Payment Options: do you accept credit cards and if so, which ones? Visa, Master, Discover, Amex
Accept Reservations: Yes
Need Reservations: Suggested
How far in advance do you require reservations be made: N/A
Accommodations for Children: Booster seats
Dining Style: Casual/upscale
Disabled Access: Yes
Restaurant Size: intimate
Accommodate Groups: Yes
Private Dining Room: No
Tables with Scenic Views: No
Outdoor Dining: No
Entertainment: Yes