Palm Beach is known for landmark institutions, none being more infamous than The Breakers Hotel. Since opening in 1904 (followed by a fire and reconstruction in 1926), the location has been a destination for families like the Rockfellers and Vanderbilts, and sees a slew of elite guests each year. Named to the National Register of Historic Places, simply walking into the hotel lobby makes your envision the opulent, turn of the century parties encased by a soaring ceiling and ornate details.
Just past the lobby you will find the dazzling Florentine Room, where the well-heeled has gathered to indulge and dine for decades. Formerly serving as the ballroom, HMF pays homage to resort’s founder and Palm Beach pioneer Henry Morrison Flager and offers an eclectic, world inspired menu. The sheer size of the room brings grandeur to celebratory meals, while the well-distanced tables make it the perfect enclave for business dinners and entertaining clients.
The wine menu is beyond impressive, with a selection of over 2,000 bottles, many showcased in a massive glass display. As you are pouring over the list of custom crafted cocktails and spirit-free specialty drinks, sweet warm cashews are dropped at your table, allowing you to nibble while you settle in. Knowledgeable and friendly, the staff will enthusiastically share details on their favorite dishes, or if you are willing to relinquish control, you can ask the chef to choose for you.
If sampling small bites is your preferred way of ordering, spend some time with offerings from the “field” and “food truck” portions of the menu, described as a movable feast. Duck Bao Buns with Blood Orange Ponzu and the Shitake Mushroom Potstickers dressed with water chestnuts are two savory favorites, while the Hamachi Roll in soy citrus and Robata Grilled Artichokes served with green goddess dressing have a lighter, zestier taste.
Large bowl dishes are filled with flavor, offering filling portions of Wood Roasted Chilean Sea Bass, Chinese Shrimp Fried Rice and Orecchiette Tuscan Duck Sausage with wild mushrooms.
If robata is more your style, pizza (pizzette), salmon and steak grilled over binchotan charcoal are just another feature of the menu.
And just when you think you couldn’t possibly take another bite, you see the dessert menu which features a quote from Mae West;
”You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”
And so...
The Warm Heath Bar Toffee Cookie, which arrives bubbly hot, topped with Tahitian Vanilla Ice Cream and sprinkled with more Heath topping. It’s the perfect bit of sweetness to conclude a spectacular meal.
While The Breakers restaurants welcome guests who are not staying on property, there is one distinct advantage to making a reservation at the resort : the ability to immediately retreat to your room and change into some cozy, more comfortable clothing after dinner.
