Copyright Vladimir Kagan March 25, 2012
Matteo’s Garden Club Restaurant – Palm Beach
If you are a foodie and want to know the best kept secret in Palm Beach, it happens to be located literally in my back yard, right under my balcony at an enclave called the Sun & Surf, a sixties modernist condo located a few blocks North of The Breakers and East of Jack Kennedy’s Catholic Church, St. Edward, and most importantly, a block away of the only Publix on Palm Beach Island. (How lucky can you get?)
Matteo's Garden Club Restaurant as seen from my terrace
We have one new landmark: Matteo’s Garden Club Restaurant at 140 Sunrise Avenue! There are no signs – it is not advertised (they are forbidden by legal covenant), its reputation is built by word of mouth only. It happens to be one of the finest Italian eateries in town. The Chef – Owner Mateo Vicinanza, a native of Italy, is no new comer to Palm Beach. Mateo was chief chef at Cucina Dell’Arte, Piccolo Paradiso in Miami and Mario’s Il Palio. He and his wife Tami, have taken over this sleepy facility, tucked into the garden of our Condo complex and have turned it from a boring country-club type restaurant (that served the tenants of our two buildings) into a gourmet’s delight. It is reasonably priced with ample seating inside and out under cheerful yellow umbrellas. The dreary décor of its predecessor is nonchalantly ignored and becomes less significant once the food is served. (Who says a good Italian eatery must have lavish decoration!)
Four new fans of Matteo's - the Kagan family: Vladi, Vanessa, Matt and Olivia
The Menu is ample and diverse with such favorites as Ravioli Caprese, $14, Penne Bolognese $14, Battuta Di Pollo $14, Veal Scaloppini Shitake $24, Osso Bucco Milanese $22 and many more Italian standards. What is not on the Menu are the chef’s delectable specials; determined daily by fresh availability. A glass of house wine is $6 and by the bottle $16. I will not attempt to describe the food in the glowing terms of the food critics, but suffice it so say it is delicious. If you’re in town, come join us at our secret treasure.
“I would put Matteo’s food up to any restaurant in town” says one of my chic neighbors, Carol Weltz, who is frequently seen in the best restaurants around town. “The care and presentation Matteo puts in everything is amazing. Even his sugar cookies and macaroons are divine.”
Amen Carol, you’ve said it all!
Matteo’s is open for Lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday and Sunday Brunch. Reservations are strongly suggested: 561-833-6600
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