Slightly hidden, cute spot.

Had a Living Social coupon to try out the Backyard Bar in West Palm. It's a cute spot and has a good amount of outdoor seating, but in S Florida...I wouldn't count on it not raining. If it is raining, there is bar seating but it is very limited. We went on a Tuesday and it had Happy Hour all day but when using a coupon like this, they charge you regular prices.

We had their spareribs with a garlic bbq sauce, stuffed mushrooms, charcuterie plate and a cheese plate. If you are looking for a strong garlic flavor I would recommend tempering your expectafions on the bbq sauce but overall it was a good flavor. The charcuterie plate was good, the salami had good flavor and the ham was decent...although the little biscuits they provided with the crackers didn't really work.

Overall, it's a great little spot to try something different from the rest of West Palm but if you are looking for a decent wait when ordering your food...you may want to go somewhere else. Their kitchen is tiny and if they have over 10-15 ppl ordering, your wait will seem like years. Remember, it is also a bed n breakfast that hosts wine parties as well.

Brunch (Asian style)

If you have ever been to an Asian fusion restaurant and taken a look at the menu and wondered "Why are there French Fries, Chicken Tenders, and Pizza on this menu?", then you are not alone because I do that all the time. Yes I am Korean, but I was adopted so my love for all things Asian food has been evolving. But take it from me, this place is pretty good.
We started out with a side order of Pork Belly skewer and Kimchi. They serve the skewer with a side of dressed up soy sauce and green onions. Then we moved onto a shrimp appetizer and pork dumplings, otherwise known as Gyoza. Both were delcious, although I tend to favor the Gyoza.
For our entrees, Cristen had the Pad Thai (Veggie style) and I had their Char Siu Pork Buns. I didn't try the Pad Thai but apparently it was amazing. But my pork buns were a deconstructed version of a traditional pork bun. Gone were the marinated pork bites, there was no roll-like appearance, and they did not come in a plastic bag. These pork buns came in the form of a sticky, dough-like open faced sandwich...genius! There were slices of green onions, peppers, a white sauce you could apply, and shreds of pork piled high. You also had a few slices of jalapenos on the side too.
I'm all about places that serve cutting edge food, the type of food you can't find at a Duffy's or Olive Garden. Don't get me wrong, if I want a burger, wings, or Soup and Salad, these are the places people go...but if you want great, trendy Asian food, check out Palm Sugar. They seem to have worked out their previous issues.

Palm Sugar Menu - Urbanspoon

Grocery Run (Asian style)

Took Suzanne (and Courtney) to my little Asian market, Fortune Cookie Oriental Market, for some grocery shopping for Korean spices.

First of all, don't put too much stock into the online reviews. Take it from 2 Asians...yes, the store does smell and 1 of 2 things will happen, 1. You walk out the same door you came in, or 2. You deal with it and enjoy the experience. The reason for the smell is you are surrounded by fish, dried fish and other items...shocker, they smell.

Now, if you are local or wish to take a drive...it is worth it. I managed to get sticky buns, which for anyone who does not know, they are buns with pork inside. Get 2 and lunch is taken care of. (And they get a fresh delivery on Saturdays). I also got a Grass Jelly drink to go with. When getting one, please remember to shake well and grab a straw. The jellies may come through quickly-be careful. It's a sweet drink too. Start with 1 and see how that goes.

Our trip was successful, found my buns, Korean Chili Powder, Kimchee, and Chopsticks. Check it out, at least for the experience.

Fortune Cookie Oriental Supermkt 2700 Forest Hill  Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL

City Diner

I cannot believe how I had passed by this little diner and never stepped foot inside. I had written it off as another FL "diner" attempting to be different than its regular chicken finger basket, fries, and greasy burgers counterparts.

If you have read any of my previous blogs, you would know I am on an ever continuous search for great pizza, a fantastic Ribeye, a true NY style Reuben...

Well up until now, Dixie Bar & Grill held the title for the best Reuben in PBC. City Diners' sandwich had a huge portion of corned beef, a nice layer of sauerkraut, the right amount of dressing, and the Rye bread was well toasted. And to top it off, they served it true NY style, with a bag of Original Lays potato chips and a pickle. My only issue was the sauerkraut was a little mild for me.

I was not a fan of the Corned Beef Hash, in my opinion it could have gotten a better char on it and I did not like it having so many onions. If you like any or all of those things, along with a hash that does not have a lot of fillers...this may be for you.

City Diner Menu - Urbanspoon

Dinner at Gratify.

Took Mama, Miss Sylvia, Eva, and Emily to my West Palm spot, Gratify. A great thing to do here is to order a bunch of small plates and share amongst the group, and seeing as how we had 5 people with 5 different ideas...it was a perfect way to dine.

We had the Risotto Balls, Veggie Burgers, Palm Cakes, Bacon Mac n Cheese, and Chicken Meatballs. The Risotto Balls are delicious--Risotto with cheese and it's coated and deep fried with a nice Aioli on the side. I would recommend if you want the Veggie Burgers and the Palm Cakes...pick 1. The only difference is the Veggie Burgers have buns and the Palm Cakes are just the cakes. The Chicken Meatballs were good, although I think out of everything, they may have been my least favorite...but not by much. We also had the Bacon Truffle Mac n Cheese, although I didn't partake. (They are known for their homemade bacon).

Overall, it was delicious and they are also well known for their eclectic beer selections. Check them out! Plus, afterwards you can go check out the new pier on the water.

http://www.gratifypub.com/