STEPHANE'S RESTAURANT IN BOCA RATON. A FOOD CRITIC'S REVIEW

      It’s bright and early on New Year’s Day and I’d like to wish my readers all over the globe a Happy New Year and offer my best wishes for the 2013.

I thought it only fitting that I start off my Blog with a restaurant review since last night I took Judy out for dinner to usher in the New Year. Regardless of the fact that I am taste-challenged, due to years of chemo and old age, I’ll do my best.

Early in the week I decided to spring for a fancy dinner on 12/31/31. Judy likes nothing better than going out, getting dressed up and being with me, so I went to Open Table to search out a suitable restaurant that might have space available. Lo and behold most of the best restaurants in the area were all booked up, except at 4:30 p.m.

I was surprised to find that Stéphane's had room available - - - not only did they have a table available at the 6:30 p. m. time I requested, but they had a table available at every half hour all evening long. This made me suspicious but I booked the reservation (and earned a dollar as a member of Open Table in doing so, which will help offset the high prices).

Judy was very excited when I told her we were going out to celebrate New Year’s Eve and she approved of my choice of venues as we had been there before and she had enjoyed their specialty, mussels.

The evening started out felicitously enough as there was a free parking spot just steps away from the front door. I kept my head down as we walked past the valet attendants, who undoubtedly were working on New Year’s Eve to pay their sick mother’s hospital bills.

We entered the dining room and were greeted by three tight-fitted hostesses bedecked with New Year’s hats. As we were waiting to be taken to our table, a manager, or maybe Stéphane himself, interrupted to have us step aside so that he could take a picture of the young ladies. After he got a photo that satisfied him we were led to a lovely corner table.

The room was about half empty at 6:30 p.m. but did fill up as the evening progressed. Judy ordered mussels. As I wasn’t particularly hungry - - - and since good food is wasted on my incapacitated taste buds, I ordered the cheapest thing on the menu, a cheeseburger with fries. We split a Caesar salad - - - Judy ordered anchovies (which were generously served).

I may not be able to critique even a hamburger platter because of my deficiency but I can tell the difference between hot and cold - - - and these fries were cold. The very nice waiter apologized and returned shortly with a steaming hot order. Judy loves creamed spinach and ordered a side order ($9). She didn’t like it but we didn’t complain. (It’s New Year’s Eve what the hell).

   After we had finished eating a bus-girl cleared the table and seeing the uneaten spinach ($9) inquired if something was wrong. Judy explained that she didn’t like the “cheesy” flavoring.

A few minutes later a manger came over to our table to tell us that he had taken the $9 off our tab and very politely asked why Judy didn’t like the spinach, saying this was the third variation the chef had tried. Well,  “A” for effort and “F” for execution.

Our check arrived and, since it was a festive evening, I left a 20% tip and even went so far as to include 20% for the uncharged $9 spinach.

I slunk past the valet attendants and we drove away in search of a Yogurt Emporium in which to cap off the evening festivities. Unfortunately, they were all closed and we drove home, watched a French detective series on Netflix, had a hot chocolate (me) and bid each other a Happy New Year.

My gastronomic adventure continued on New Year’s Day as the first email I received was from my friends at Steak ‘n Shake (I’m a member of their Club). They sent a coupon for a FREE double Steakburger with cheese and fries because of my upcoming birthday. I’ll check it out and see how it compares to Stéphane’s. I’ll bet the fries will be hot.



HAPPY NEW YEAR!