Chef Pushkar Marathe and partner Andy Dugard on March 10 will open the doors to the greatly anticipated second location of Stage Kitchen & Bar. Located in Restaurant Row in the booming Midtown Boca Raton, guests will receive the globally inspired culinary experience, playful and innovative beverage program, and exceptional hospitality the team created in its Palm Beach Gardens location.
“In the years since Andy and I became partners, we’ve cemented Stage as the culinary destination for flavor-forward hospitality and globally influenced cuisine,” said Chef Marathe on the heels of Stage Palm Beach Gardens’ fifth anniversary. “We are anxious and ready to spread the love to Boca Raton and excited to grow our community through delicious food and world-class hospitality.”
Stage Kitchen & Bar’s menu is known for innovative dishes interwoven with tradition, utilizing fresh and often local ingredients that come together in vital, new and flavorful ways. Fan favorites to include Korean BBQ Ribs with gochujang, garlic, pineapple slaw and kimchi aioli; Bang Bang Cauliflower with mushrooms, paneer, mint and cilantro; and Shrimp and Grits with tomato, turmeric, okra, coconut curry and basmati rice grits will be among other signature dishes guests will enjoy at Stage Boca.
Mirroring what guests have loved for over five years in Palm Beach Gardens – innovative small plates, stylish setting and lively vibe – the kitchen’s live wood-burning oven will evolve many of Marathe’s Indian heritage-meets-world dishes with the kiss of wood-fire, including seafood, vegetarian dishes, and steaks featuring a daily cuts menu.
Marathe and Dugard have partnered again with Bootleg Greg, who has created a following of enthusiasts for his cocktail expressions focused on quality and natural ingredients. The inventive, seasonal, and whimsical cocktails and mocktails are designed to accentuate Chef Marathe’s cuisine. Rounding out the beverage program are curated wines and locally focused beers, all with the total culinary experience in mind.
The Restaurant Row location was designed by Anna Woodman, and “has the beautiful fingerprint of designer Anna,” according to Marathe. Woodman, who also spearheaded the original location, draws inspiration from Marathe’s Indian roots and extensive global travels to deliver an approachable, eclectic vibe that immerses guests from the moment they enter.
From left, Andy Dugard Designer Anna Woodman Chef Pushkar Marathe
Exuding a quiet sophistication with deep blues and metallic hues of burnished bronze and copper, three distinct dining environments cater to intimate gatherings and larger parties. The open layout and expansive ceilings are accentuated by metallic chain features, adding a contemporary flair to the central banquette at the heart of the restaurant. Innovative lighting and a backlit bar elevate the ambiance, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.
In the dining room, faux leather in rich caramel tones, complemented by luxurious shades of blue, adorn the seating areas, while walnut wood tones balance the overall aesthetic. Outside, guests can gather underneath a white pergola surrounded by lush greenery with contemporary seating, and enjoy the ambiance of the landscaped fountain, the focal point of Restaurant Row.
“We are so happy to be in the Boca Raton market now,” Dugard said. “Over the years, we’ve had many wonderful guests visit Palm Beach Gardens from Boca, Fort Lauderdale, Parkland, Davie, Delray, and beyond. To now share our culinary team’s talents and hard work into South Florida is truly a career highlight for Chef Pushkar and me.”
Opening its doors at 11 AM on March 10, Stage Kitchen & Bar Boca will serve lunch and dinner seven days a week, happy hour daily from 2 PM – 6 PM, and brunch on Sundays.
Photo credits Gary Bogdon