Beyond Brasserie

You don't often find a cozy atmosphere and fine cuisine in the same place, but you'll enjoy both in abundance when you dine at Kitchen in West Palm Beach. 

This lovely American brasserie-style restaurant is the creation of distinguished Chef Matthew Byrne, former personal chef to golfer Tiger Woods, and his wife, Aliza, who see Kitchen as an extension of their personal kitchen. They find the best local ingredients and prepare them with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

The charming couple succeeds brilliantly with this concept, offering several options at the restaurant. There's the main dining room, which is a welcoming combination of cozy and chic, serving dinner Tuesday through Saturday; the Prep Kitchen, a bright dining area with a bustling to-go business, serving lunch Tuesday through Friday; and a Chef's Tasting dining room for private events. Dinner reservations are strongly recommended.

Wherever you're seated, start with Kitchen's version of bacon, eggs and toast - it's Asparagus, Prosciutto, Chevre and Poached Egg. Also sample the creatively delicious Crispy Eggplant, Roasted Peppers, Burrata, Arugula and Balsamic.

In addition to Kitchen's menu, there are always specials. If you're lucky enough to be there when it's meatloaf night, go for it! Made with grass-fed chuck, seared on both sides and served on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes with mushroom gravy, it's nothing short of comfort food heaven.

The fresh catch of the day can become Simple Grilled Fish, with charred lemon, olive oil, salt and parsley, or Sauteed Fish, with grape tomatoes, capers and lemon. A fine choice for meat lovers, the Charred Filet of Beef is served with garlic spinach, Danish blue cheese and crispy onion rings, and the juicy Pan Roasted 2X Cut Pork Chop is accompanied by chevre whipped potato and apple ginger jam. The chef's favorite is Chicken Schnitzel, with radish, sweet onion, mushrooms, arugula and a fried egg.

You can't miss dessert: The Coconut Cake with Lemon Curd is the best coconut cake I've ever had. But chocoholics will thrill to the divine Chocolate Pudding Pie with a Vanilla Wafer Crust. On the lighter side is the perfect Strawberry Shortcake and the just-like-home Apple Blueberry Crisp topped with vanilla bean ice cream.

Undoubtedly, Kitchen is a must-try for all local foodies. O

Kitchen is located at 319 Belvedere Road, #2, West Palm Beach. For more information, call 561-249-2281 or visit kitchenpb.com.