Piñon Grill

Piñon Grill, located in Boca’s Town Center Mall, is a gem of a restaurant that has everything you might expect from a destination site. It is supremely elegant both inside and out. The food is divine and the service impeccable. We can’t decide whether we were more impressed with professionalism of the staff or the superbly executed modern cuisine. Kudos to General Manager Craig Rubin who assigned the versatile Andrew Barrick to our table.

Vibrant blue light, posh booths, intriguing graphics and an assortment of tropical plants create an eye catching interior ambiance. Had we arrived for lunch, we probably would have opted for the manicured outdoor patio with its umbrella covered tables.

On the reverse side of the one page menu, the Grill provides a compilation of enticing libations. Dozens of wines by the glass, signature cocktails, a refined collection of scotch, bourbon, tequila and beer provide countless options, The Eggplant Meatball is a stunning opener that is utterly flavorful. It overflows with fragile eggplant encased in a divine orb and bathed by a scrumptious marinara sauce touched with fresh basil and Parmesan. It is hard to believe it is eggplant.

Cubes of grilled beef tenderloin, satiny soft and perfectly seared, are the stars of the Steak and Bleu Salad. Embellished with bleu cheese, cherry tomatoes, romaine lettuce, grapes and apples, the ensemble explodes with freshness and is energized by a to die for dressing.

Chicken Milanese, possibly the evening’s most dramatic dish, features a pair of crisp parmesan encrusted chicken cutlets placed upright to house delectable Alfredo infused angel hair pasta. A topping of arugula, onion and cherry tomatoes add zest augmented by striations of a fragrant balsamic reduction.

The Pecan Crusted Trout is flawless. The plate size filet is covered with a crunchy mantle of seasoned pecans and accompanied by a phenomenal currant-citrus chardonnay sauce.

The side of savory green beans was an unqualified hit.

For our finale, Manager Jason Cho suggested the glorious Flourless Chocolate Waffles. Partnered with a large scoop of ice cream, this treat provides a fabulous ending. We sensed a hint of wizardry in every bite.

Happy Hour takes place Monday to Friday from 4 to7 pm offering a selection of half priced drinks and a special bar menu. Saturday and Sunday,A brunch is available from 11:30 am to 3 pm. Create your own culinary adventure by having Pinon Grill cater your next private event.

Piñon Grill is open on Christmas Eve, New Years Eve and New Years Day. Call for reservations. For more information, visit www.pinongrill.com