September 2012 Restaurant Review
PALM BEACH SOUTH
Puccini's Pizzeria
Exuberant Italian Cuisine at its Stellar Best
by Arnold Leir
Delray Crossing near the intersection of I-95 and Delray's Linton Boulevard is where you want to be when you are looking for fabulous Italian fare. High above a landscaped arch you will see, in bold letters, Puccini's Pizzeria, a name that will resonate in your psyche long after your first meal.
The main dining room is light, airy and filled with vibrant murals that are as soothing as they are charming. The polished floor echoes the blond tone of the furniture and cozy booths arranged in neat rows. A portion of the restaurant features an open kitchen which merrily hums with the aromas of pizzas, calzones and strombolis.
General Manager Dean Primavera provides a menu which is colorful, easy to read and filled with an appealing range of popular and signature Italian specialties. There are contemporary touches, such as the chicken wings offset by the rarely encountered Arancini starter ($6), a crisp rice sphere endowed with a savory center and paired with a delectable marinara.
The presentation of the Staggioni Salad ($13) is as exhilarating as the combination of ingredients. A fragrant cap of gorgonzola and clusters of walnuts enlivened by a superlative aged balsamic sits over a bounty of mixed greens, tomatoes and cucumbers. Wafers of fresh apples hug the base of the salad to provide a fantastic freshness and lively crunch. The house-crafted balsamic dressing provides another level of heightened excitement. The range of salads is just as intriguing as the list of appetizers.
Even the pizzas have a brilliance and inventiveness that point to a kitchen which possesses a mastery of colors, as well as flavors. The transcendent style of the staff comes across loud and clear in such masterpieces as the small Shrimp Scampi ($15).Tender crustaceans sauteed with garlic and white wine form a haunting topping with the aid of cherry tomatoes. The effect is peerless. There is no better scampi anywhere.
The art of balancing colors, textures and flavors continues in established favorites such as the Veal Francese ($17). The satiny medallions of veal sauteed with awesome precision deliver flavors that mesmerize the palate. A base of al dente linguine infused with a fragile sauce demonstrates once again the ingenuity of this kitchen.
A refined wine (Due Torri Pinot Grigio) and a great beer (Jai Lai IPA) are certainly the ideal accompaniments for this exquisite cuisine. Sweets exhibit the same panache. The exuberance of the silky Tiramisu ($6) energized with touches of espresso and rum call for frothy cappuccinos quickly provided by delightfully obliging staff.
Early Birds can enjoy the best for less from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Half-priced wine and two for one drafts are available from 4 to 7 p.m. For catering, ordering online. For more information about Puccini's Pizzeria, log on to www.PuccinisPizza.com
PUCCINI'S Pizzeria(Tel) 561-665-8777
1100 Linton Boulevard,
Delray Beach, FL
Lunch and dinner
Lantana Jacks
Bar & Grill
by Kelly Rabbit
W hat do you get when you mix two former employees, a GM and a V.P., of a Breaker's restaurant, and one former Breaker's restaurant mixologist, who decide to makeover a large restaurant with a super cool theme establishment perfect for dining, watching the game, hanging out, or spoiling your love interest? You get Lantana's JUST OPENED, Lantana Jacks Bar and Grill. And, seriously everyone, it's a "HOME RUN"TOUCH DOWN"HOLE IN ONE"RECORD BREAKER" not to be missed if you like being spoiled and enjoying yourself in first class, South Florida casual style.
First let me inform you, if you are not a sports fan, this wonderful establishment is still for you. So spacious, with a different feel in each of the seven dining areas, you can eat and be separated from the sport happenings altogether, if that's your preference. Now, with an abundance of flat screens, and two private dining areas for your special events, a surf themed recreation area (pool tables, darts-check out the surfboard table!), and two full bars, Lantana Jacks can accommodate every type of diner, from casual to very selective. Why? Because owners David Thall, Kevin Walters, and Charles Steadman know about catering to the discriminate as well as the laid back, casual. You'll feel well attended too, while enjoying the seaside and surf decorated environment of Lantana Jacks.
The Hostess, Marjori, met me with a warm smile. My server, Carly, came within moments of my seating, and continued throughout my meal to makes sure everything was to my liking. I decided to try one of Carly's favorites, the Lantana Nachos with Pulled Pork, only $11.00. I was in AWE of the moist, tender flavor of the pulled pork atop the freshest nachos, with all the fixings, you can find anywhere. Next, I had some House Smoked Fish Dip $9.50. I was thrilled at the chunks of fish blended with pieces of vegetables and served with sticks of fresh carrots and celery, pickled jalapeno pepper Jelly and crackle bread. I loved it! You HAVE to try this. The fresh fish lingers with a deep smokey flavor that will pull you in for more.
As I was preparing for my main dish, I enjoyed browsing the photos of vintage Lantana Jacks. Powerful memories captured in these photos adorn the walls. A treasure to see for the locals and passers-by alike. My sparkling clean table, and silverware and glasses set atop, glistened with pride to be part of David, Kevin and Charles' successful venture, it was easy to imagine. As my main dish was presented during my lunch, I was delighted with the colorful, perfectly placed selections of Seared Atlantic Salmon $15.25 with Parmesan roasted potatoes, and fresh veggies. I ate a pea first. And with one tiny pea, my taste buds awakened and from there on, the tender, perfectly seared, fresher than fresh salmon melted in my mouth. The roasted potato(a favorite of mine from my father's influence), subtly crusted from the roasting, pleased every memory I have ever had of delicious, perfectly prepared potatoes.
Since the Lantana Jacks theme is Escape the Day, I was happy to do just that. First, the Conch and Shrimp Fritter Cakes $9.75. Ascribing the unbelievable freshness to every item, this dish reached new heights in the seafood cake category. The Jacks Taco Truck, $11.25 was hard to resist with the Blend of fresh fish, salsa, romaine, Monterrey Jack cheese, and avocado-sour cream. For my finale, I had a wonderfully refreshing piece of the Key Lime Ice Cream Pie, served with a wedge of fresh lime $5.00. It was between that and the Coconut Rum Cake $5.50.
Two private dining rooms accommodate 35 or 60. The Mixologist, Charles Steadman, a top notch talent with infusing fruit and liquor, making a vast array of drinks, you have to try the golden delicious apple rum! Charles' talent is art for the taste buds!
Chris Palmer, Executive Chef, uses all fresh ingredients in his menu. All the sauces are made from scratch, and fresh herbs are used as well. From pairing to presentation, you will be delighted and surprised with the freshness and quality. Co-owner David Thall says that is their main goal.
To everyone on South Florida's eastern seaboard, Lantana Jacks nailed it! Home Run, touchdown, hole in one, record breaker. Unforgettable. Get over there, for amazing food, and some great fun! And bring the team!
LANTANA JACK'S Bar and Grill located at 308 N. Dixie Highway, Lantana. 561-847-4158 Ladies Night, Drink and Sing, Poker Night, Sunday Funday, Lunch Club card and many more events every month. See their calendar on online or call for details. Catering, banquets, team events and more!
Mugs Sports Grill
by Rocco A. Quaglia
Looking for a new place to Watch the Game and Eat Well at the same time, then look no further. It%u2019s Mugs Sports Grill. Owner Marc Brandt had a dream to build a fun place to enjoy good food while cheering on his FSU "Noles" and he's built it. There are 15 Plasma TVs along with two 103 inch projection screens to catch up on all the sporting events. With the help of Chef Andre in the kitchen, you'll enjoy a full menu featuring Fresh Meats, Fresh Wild Caught Fish, Homemade Desserts and Weekly Specials to make your stomach purr. And to make you smile, Happy Hour runs from 2pm to 2am on Mondays and from 2pm to 8pm Tuesdays through Fridays.
For starters try the Escargot ($12.95), these fine delicacies are baked in garlic butter with fresh chopped herbs, they just melt in your mouth. They come with slivers of fresh baked bread that you can paste with the savory mixture. Another great starter is the Spicy Tuna Tataki (Market), a large piece of fresh tuna is flash grilled and then sliced into bite sized pieces of heaven once dipped in the sauce. It looks good and tastes even better due to the freshness and quality of the tuna.
For entrees, check out the Surf-n-Surf ($17.95), fresh pan-seared Mahi Mahi and large shrimp served over fresh sauteed garlic spinach with roasted potatoes covered in a Cajun beurre blanc sauce. It's tasty, fresh and good for you too! If you're really hungry try the MEGA Burger ($15.95), if you dare! We'9re talking two half pound burger patties, topped with bacon, tomato, fried onions and an excellent BBQ sauce. It might be a little bit messy, but the size and fresh taste are sure to satisfy everyone's hunger. Just ask for extra napkins. Other items that might interest you, the Home Cooked BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich ($9.95), a wide variety of Burgers, Sandwiches, Chicken Dishes, Wings and Salads, too.
For desserts, try the Homemade Bread Pudding ($5.95) with a warm vanilla sauce, or the Homemade White Chocolate Cheesecake ($5.95) with raspberry sauce. Both are sure to make you smile.
On Sundays Mugs Sports Grill offers an All You Can Drink Mimosa or Bloody Mary for $12.95 from 10am to 1pm. There is a Brunch menu including Omelet's ($7-$9), Wraps ($10), Eggs Benny ($10), Crab Benny ($12) and more. After Brunch it's Game Time and Game Specials. With 12 Beers on Tap and a Full Liquor Bar you're sure to enjoy the games in style. Just in case you can't get there, Mugs offers Delivery or Pick-up service 7 days a week from 11am until Midnight. Check out the complete Mugs Menu at www.mugsbar.com Have a great time and Go Noles!!
Mugs Sports Grill
Live Well. Drink Well. Eat Better.
(954) 566-7782
2671 E. Oakland Park Blvd. Fort
Lauderdale
Located Between Federal Hwy & Bayview Drive
