A new hot spot opened its doors to the public in July – just off of Glades Road in Boca Raton. Stéphane’s is Boca’s chic new restaurant and lounge brought to you by restaurateur by Stéphane Lang-Willar. John Belleme, formerly of Palm Beach Gardens’ Umi Fishbar & Grill, serves as executive chef and has created a contemporary, moderately priced menu of French and American cuisine.
I had a chance to dine here last week and agree with many of the rave reviews it has received in such a short amount of time. The menu boasts fresh and sustainable seafood, as well as antibiotic-free meat from animals humanely raised on 100% vegetarian diets, a full raw bar and over eight ways to order mussels. The personalized experience from servers is comforting, but not too overbearing. Once seated, guests will notice an iPad on propped up on their table with an innovative wine/beer pairing program, facilitated by their Master Sommelier, Virginia Philip, and by their resident bar manager mixologist, Melvin Negron.
Hubby started with a blue point oysters, which were hearty in both size and taste (or so he said.) We then opted for French onion soup – after all this is a French restaurant. Sadly, we were displeased with the taste and wouldn’t recommend ordering it. Our entrees, prime rib for him and salmon for me, were flavorful and delightfully presented. Perhaps the absolute best part of our meal was the desert. Every option sounded delicious, but ultimately we chose to try the waffle (at the waiter’s suggestion) and the chocolate lava cake (a personal obsession of mine.) I almost wish I didn’t have so much of my dinner, just so I could finish more of my dessert…magnific!
Stéphane’s is open for lunch and dinner daily with a Sunday brunch option (checked out the brunch menu and it looks delicious!) Call ahead or check the website for specials they run. For example, Mondays are for Mussel Lovers, when they feature two pounds of mussels for the price of one!
The restaurant, along with the Ferraris parked out front, is located at 2006 NW Executive Center Circle off of Glades Road. Telephone: (561) 893-8838; www.stephanesrestaurant.com.
