CUISINE: MIAMI: Palme d’Or, La Goulue, La Piaggia, Café Boulud Palm Beach

Palme d’Or

1200 Anastasia Avenue

Coral Gables, FL 33134

(305) 913-3201

Ambiance

Close your eyes, listen to the classic French music and imagine you are in Paris. This French eatery boasts vintage black and white photos of  Sophia Loren, Robert De Niro and Robert Redford walking the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival, creating an old-Hollywood feel.

What to order

While the menu at Palme d’Or changes seasonally, classics include Maine Lobster Bisque “My Way” and Slowly Braised Veal Osso Buco

Who comes here

Patrons are smart sophisticates familiar with the finer things in life.

Sweet Tooth

L’Opera, Tarte a la Framboise and Exotique Mille Feuille.

La Goulue

9700 Collins Avenue

Bal Harbour, FL 33154

(305) 865-2181

Ambiance

La Goulue brings to Miami the quintessential Paris bistro experience. Located in the famous Bal Harbour Shops, patrons can indulge in classic French fare alfresco or inside the elegant dining room of this bona fide brasserie.

What to order

The Steak Tartare “La Goulue” combines prime beef and culinary genius on a plate. The Chef’s special spice blend will awaken your senses as will the homemade French fries that complete this exquisite classic.

Who comes here

Patrons rub elbows with some of Miami’s most beautiful people, since La Goulue attracts the city’s notables.  Reserve a table on the terrace to take in the glamorous crowd and the lush, tropical setting of this hotspot.

Sweet Tooth

Leave room for the Profiteroles, tantalizing homemade vanilla bean ice cream puffs with hot chocolate coulis and toasted almonds.

La Piaggia

1000 South Pointe Drive

Miami Beach, FL 33139

(305) 674-0647

Ambiance

This secluded and exclusive venue is reminiscent of a beach club in Saint Tropez. With the moniker “the South of France at South of Fifth,” the high-end La Piaggia is the spot where A-listers and locals meet to kick off their day with a touch of class.

What to order

Fresh Mediterranean Grilled Dorado with Ratatouille

Who comes here

Guests of La Piaggia are international jet setters, A-listers and local power players.

Sweet Tooth

The best dessert is the tasty, traditional Tropezienne tart, an old recipe from St Tropez.

Café Boulud Palm Beach

301 Australian Avenue

Palm Beach, FL 33480

(561) 655-6060

Ambiance

The epitome of Mediterranean chic in a privileged Palm Beach enclave. The lavishly lush and tropical landscaped garden courtyards only add to the exotic feel.

What to order

Lobster and Citrus Salad for an appetizer and Pan Roasted Pekin Duck Breast with grilled plums, sweet almond cream, baby bok choy and braised duck cigare for the main dish.

Who comes here

Palm Beach royalty including titans of the Eastern seaboard mixed with a few celebrities. Rod Stewart, Tommy Lee Jones and author James Patterson are just some who like to settle into tables surrounding the fountain courtyard.

Sweet Tooth

Chocolate Caramel Parfait.