From new openings to old favorites to wine tastings, here’s a look at what’s on the culinary calendar in Palm Beach County, FL.
MANGO MERCADO (PALM BEACH GARDENS)
The Flavor Builders behind Stage Kitchen & Bar and Ela Curry & Cocktails have opened Mango Mercado, the third concept by Chef Pushkar Marathe and Partner Andy Dugard. Located in The Shops of Donald Ross Village, Mango Mercado is set to fill a void in Palm Beach Gardens and bring Chef Marathe’s culinary inspirations to a broader audience.
“Mango Mercado is a happy place where you can walk in, look at the daily offering, order a burger or sandwich, custom build a salad, take comfort in daily soups or one of our hot menu items, and take it to go or dine in,” said Marathe. “The market will offer inspirations for dinner with condiments, sauces, pre-packaged meals to go and a selection of beers and wine to complement the home dining experience.”
The relocation of Ela Curry & Cocktails in 2023 to its larger, anchor space within The Shops of Donald Ross Village presented the opportunity for Mango Mercado in the space vacated by Ela. In addition to grab-and-go ready-made items and a curated market offering – think rotisserie chicken, smoked olives, butter chicken sauce, house made dressings, condiments, Aioli Bakery breads, and desserts – Mango Mercado will offer made-to-order breakfast items, lunch sandwiches, soups and salads.
“Mango Mercado is the place I personally have been looking for, something fast-casual where quality and flavor aren’t sacrificed just because it is quick and easy,” said Marathe. “As residents and business owners in Palm Beach Gardens, we are very excited about what Mango Mercado brings to the community.”
LEILA (WEST PALM BEACH)
Located at the corner of Datura & South Dixie in downtown West Palm Beach. Leila Restaurant – one of my favorite South Florida eateries – is beloved for authentically prepared Middle Eastern food. The restaurant now has new seasonal hours and Monday-to-Wednesday specials.
Courtesy of Leila Restaurant
Hot Florida afternoons require lighter clothing and light-as-air yet satisfying menu items. That’s why Leila has opted to offer an all-day lunch menu on Mondays during the summer. On Tuesdays, select dinner appetizers will be 50% off, and on Wednesdays, guests dining in will enjoy select half-priced wine all day, by the bottle or the glass (exclusions apply).
Kicking off June 1, diners will have the option to order expertly curated culinary specials for dine in or take out, including housemade hummus and pita, fresh tabouleh salad or the always popular shish tawook (chicken kebabs).
This past April, owners Akram “Alex” and Mireille Awad celebrated 20 years at Leila, best known for its kabobs and traditional belly dancing entertainment. This summer, the Awad’s will adjust their hours to take advantage of the South Florida summer. The restaurant will be open for lunch Monday to Friday and dinner Monday to Saturday. The couple will continue catering services for parties and celebrations of all sizes at any time.
GALLEY (HILTON WEST PALM BEACH)
On June 19, at 6 pm, guests can enjoy an oenophilic tour of celebrated vintages beneath a blanket of stars at Galley located at Hilton West Palm Beach.
Courtesy of Hilton West Palm Beach
Inspired by the world’s most illustrious terroirs, guests will a five-course culinary feast presented by Galley’s chef Nicco Salanitro. Each course will be complemented by live music and fine wine from PlumpJack Estate Winery. The evening’s special guest is Scot Gaffney who will present tasting notes on each pour.
The evening’s menu:
FIRST COURSE
Foie Gras
Grilled Cold Poached Apple | Citrus Honeydew Crema |
Balsamic Caviar | Crisp Guanciale
Featured wine: Cade Sauvignon Blanc
SECOND COURSE
Beet Carpaccio
Frise | Blackberry & Raspberry Whipped Goat Cheese | Oregano | Fresh Citrus | Toasted Pistachio | Ardoino Olive Oil
Featured wine: PlumpJack Merlot
THIRD COURSE
Pork Belly
Blueberry Bourbon BBQ Glaze | Torched Peaches |
Peach Nectar
Featured wines: PlumpJack Cabernet Sauvignon &
Cade Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
FOURTH COURSE
Smoke Rub NY Strip
Wood Fired Grilled | Charred Asparagus |
Porcini Mushroom & Green Peppercorn Velouté
Featured wine: PlumpJack Syrah
FIFTH COURSE
Blueberry Cobbler
Vanilla Whipped Cream | Fresh Mint
Featured wine: Adaptation Petite Syrah
Cost is $199 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Seating is limited. To purchase tickets, click here.
Feature Photo Courtesy of Mango Mercado