Something Special

Just when you think you’ve had it all where first-rate food and drink are concerned, a restaurant like Florie’s at the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach comes along and introduces you to a whole new world of culinary creativity and excellence.

The venue, which opened in December, is the first in the United States for three-Michelin-starred Chef Mauro Colagreco. If his name rings a bell, it’s because he’s also the chef patron of Mirazur, on the Cote D’Azur, which was awarded first place at The World’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards 2019. 

Translation: You’re in for a treat.

First, taste the other-worldly libations by lead mixologist Matthew Dress. He creates garden-driven specialties using, among other tools, a vessel called a porthole infuser that’s filled with spirits and botanicals (many from the resort’s garden). The drink marinates in the porthole, and, each time you pour another sip, the drink comes out differently, depending on the stage of marination. It’s magic in a glass. I thoroughly enjoyed The Marigold: Monkey 47 gin, Domaine de Canton, calendula, basil, saffron and cardamom, garnished with the namesake flower.

The magic continues with starters like Cinco Jotas’ Jamon Iberico, prepared tableside with toasted mini baguette and freshly grated tomato, and the signature Heirloom Tomatoes and Peach Carpaccio, with Sicilian pistachios, chives and ginger vinaigrette.

Those who crave an unforgettable steak must try the 10-ounce Jackman Ranch Wagyu Ribeye and top it off with the equally unforgettable Truffled Potato Mousseline. When it comes to seafood, the house specialty Seared Snapper is especially flavorful, served with the unexpected combination of cucumber, orange, coriander syrup and baby bok choy, topped with yogurt-shallot sauce.

Looking to mix things up? Florie’s offers yakitori (a Japanese method of grilling over open flame) and tandoor (a slow-roasting process usually associated with Indian food) entrées, including the Carabinero Prawn & Four Story Hill Chicken and the New Zealand Bone-In Lamb Shank.

Desserts are beyond divine at Florie’s. The White Chocolate Mousse with yuzu-mango sorbet and mango coulis is exceptional, and chocoholics will swoon over the Chocolate Tart with jasmine tea and a mandarin heart – a symbol of how this Palm Beach venue has already stolen our hearts. O

Florie’s is located at the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach, 2800 S. Ocean Blvd. For more information, call 561-582-2800 or visit floriespb.com.

Photos by Emily Hawkes and Brantley Photography