Blown Away by Good Eats
For three or four years we drove US1 through Juno Beach, Florida noticing a small strip mall anchored by an eatery. The Hurricane Cafe caught our attention because the parking lot was always full. I seriously doubted the chiropractic office had that many patients.
I searched Internet sites such as Trip Advisor for customer comments. The Zagat Guide has granted an “Excellent” rating every year since 2004. Chef/proprietor Scott Philip has been featured in Great Chefs of the West. The positive reports made us put the cafe on our“To Do” list. During a January visit Judy, Janis and I headed to Hurricane Cafe for Saturday breakfast. Despite a bit of morning chill we chose an outside table instead of waiting for one inside.
Although numerous offerings sounded tempting my decision was simple – Banana Praline F
rench Toast, thick slices drizzled with caramel sauce, sprinkled with pecans, all topped with sliced bananas. Judy and Janis ordered eggs benedict – one with tomatoes and spinach, one with smoked salmon and fresh hollandaise. We left well satisfied, armed with to go boxes because of the generous servings. We would have another morning savoring our Hurricane breakfast offerings.
Yesterday we needed lunch after 2pm; shopping had created hearty appetites. Judy selected the lobster, corn and spinach quiche served with a generous green salad and bowl of fresh fruit. I opted for the turkey, avocado and smoked bacon wrap with potato salad as my side. The ice tea met my fussy standards, with my glass kept refreshed with ice and tea. Service was extremely expedient and friendly. As hungry as we were we truly appreciated how quickly our meals appeared. Our waitress patiently answered all our questions about menu preparation and offered knowledgeable advice.
We’ve picked a number of salad entrees for future visits. We’re told the pecan crusted chicken salad probably holds most popular status. I’m looking forward to the coconut shrimp salad with mango vinaigrette while Judy plans on trying the Georgia peanut salad.
Dinner specialties include NY strip with gorgonzola and port fries, sautéed macadamia nut crusted basa, sweet chile roasted salmon and portobello, mozzarella veal meatloaf. The casual restaurant has built a devoted following consistently serving fresh and creative food.
Now we know why the parking lot is always filled; we plan to add to the congestion.
When You Go: Hurricane Cafe is located at 14050 US1 just north of Donald Ross Road in Juno Beach, Florida, 561-630-2012. The beach, Loggerhead Park and the Marine Life Center are all within a couple of blocks of the restaurant. Breakfast service begins at 7am daily, the cafe closes at 9pm.
Hurricane Cafe, Juno Beach, Florida
We abandoned the comfort of home and headed to South Broadway Grill which opened a few months ago. The location first saw a Mr. Steak restaurant back in the \’60s and has seen numbers of eateries come and go. The completely redone interior is pleasing in its sleek urban simplicity, contemporary art and floral highlights. Bob immediately noticed an impressive orchid on the hostess stand. The host assures us that it’s real. We later learn that co-owner Carolyn Kinsella is a talented floral designer.
Dinner started with the Broadway Salad – fresh spring greens, dates, figs, toasted almonds, goat cheese dressed with the house vinaigrette and topped with polenta croutons. I loved the salad, next visit I may make it my entree. Bob selected the grilled sole with a creamy caper sauce served with mashed potatoes and spinach. He ate the whole thing – there was no need for a to-go box. My choice was the pasta Fabiano. Sautéed chicken breast, broccoli,roasted cashews and penne pasta in a basil cream sauce. The cashews added a nice texture and flavor to an otherwise rather bland dish. A little added salt helped bring out some flavor. The ice tea received excellent reviews from both of us.
A serving of chocolate chip caramel bread pudding to share capped our Dinner Deal. I watched dishes coming out of the kitchen, a number of sandwiches looked very appealing as did the buffalo short rib stroganoff. The clientele spanned the range from young singles watching a ballgame while eating at the bar to three-generation families with Grandma in a wheelchair. I’m thinking one of the circular corner booths will be just right for the next girls night out.
The dining room overlooks Centennial airport’s runways and the western horizon – a panoramic mountain view from Pikes Peak to Rocky Mountain National Park. We watch helicopters come in for a quick refueiling and planes, from small two-seaters to corporate jets, land and take-off. As we finish the last bite of key lime pie the sun sinks below the mountains, capping our evening with a technicolor light show.
We’re lucky to grab a couple of seats at the bar where owner/family patriarch, Herb, sets up a steady stream of drinks. I start on a margarita served in a pint glass fruit jar. Before long I’m in conversation with two ladies from Green Valley (20+ miles north), they’re absolutely rapturous discussing Wisdom’s menu. They tell me Tuesdays are 2-for-1 margarita night and you need to get in line 20-30 minutes before opening.
We decide on one cherry burrito – split in half with a scoop of ice cream for each of us. Bob selects the bacon wrapped shrimp served with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, tortillas, rice and beans. I want to try a half-dozen items but settle on a chile relleno, turkey enchilada, rice and beans. Food arrives hot, tempting and oh so good. No wonder people drive for miles to eat at Wisdom’s. Our dinner partners introduce us to Herb’s granddaughter, Sasha. I’m guessing she’s about 10 years old and already a charmer.
Bob was ready for a switch from Southwest cuisine so Contessa became our destination. We expected it to be nearby but drove several miles before finding the address in a rather dark, nondescript strip mall. We experienced a moment of doubt about our choice. A Pizza Hut stood in the same parking lot nearer the street, should we go there instead?
In the name of research we made selections from the enticing dessert tray, raspberry cheesecake for Bob and cannoli for me. I opted for the traditional instead of the one with chocolate chips. Bob totally enjoyed the cheesecake but one bite of my cannoli and I thought I might have to fight him off with dual forks.
Where To Go - Travel USA 