More Reviews of Linda B. of Boca

More Reviews:

Linda B. of Boca

By Bette Kozarek

Looking for a new, modern, ultra upscale place to dine? I have just the restaurant
for you! It's Linda B. of Boca that just opened at the end of November in -where else? -Downtown Boca. As effervescent owner Linda Brandino says, I'm originally from Houston, Texas but have been in Florida since 1966. For the past eight years I have personally operated Linda B. Steak House on Key Biscayne, but now Linda B.of Boca is my total focus. Although it has a similar menu to my previous restaurant, this is much classier. It's Boca Style.

Before you even walk in the door you'll be impressed with the unique outdoor
tables and chairs which feature the same striking terra cotta with black and gold
accents as the interior design,. You'll know you're in for something special when
you see the cozy cocktail area and two dining rooms plus a private room seating 35, which Linda calls the Mizner Suite. Everything is color coordinted and inscribed Linda B. of Boca even the serving plates.

You'll love the floral cushions and ultra-modern lighting. I was given a tour of the kitchen, where I met .chef Ira Poskosh and saw the variety of state-of-the-art equipment. Ira previously worked at Tavern on the Green and recently moved back from Boone, NC.

The wine list is impressive and well diversified. It has an international flair and offers a wide range in price points. There is something for everyone. After serving me a basket of hot rolls and herb butter,

Leslie, my waiter, told me about the daily specials: Cream of Broccoli soup, Grilled Swordfish with Bermuda Onion; Australian Rack of Lamb & Ravioli with Porcini Mushrooms. "We differ from other restaurants in our finishing sauces such as the pureed duck sauce made with pear and cinnamon." he proudly stated.

Since I couldn't decide which appetizer to order, Linda had me sample three. I'm
glad I didn't have to choose my favorite because they were all superb! They
included Stuffed Mushrooms (filled with tasty crabmeat and topped with
Hollandaise sauce); Portabello Tower (unique combination of grilled mushrooms,
goat cheese and chives on a bed of greens with roasted coulis) and Melted
Mozzarella (on grilled tomatoes with roasted garlic and capers). Talk about gourmet items!

Be sure to have some Linda B. Bleu salad featuring huge crumbles of cheese and a very tasty dressing. Although Linda B. of Boca specializes in seafood and pasta as well as steak, I was in the mood for a Filet Mignon. The 8 oz. Filet Mignon was the most tender you could imagine and prepared exactly as I had ordered. All steaks come with a choice of Bernaise or a zesty Chimichurri. Au Poive Sauce is available.

Try the Linda B. potatoes which are sliced and cooked in a seasoned chicken stock so are low in fat. I loved the Napoleon dessert made with layers of phillo dough and fresh strawberries but the Hazelnut Chocolate Truffle also sounds yummy! Why not have special coffee or after dinner liquor?

Linda B. of Boca has a complete luncheon menu offering everything from Crab
Cakes to Caesar Salad to Grilled Mahi Mahi. It is served from 11 :30-2:30 weekdays. Dinner hours are 5-11 daily. There is parking in the rear and a rear entrance to Linda B. of Boca which is located at 41 E. Palmetto Park Road. Call (561) 367-0200. Reservations suggested RJ

The Slender Gourmet

By Rose Lee Wander

IMAGINE THIS... an intimate, lovingly and exquisitely decorated restaurant with convivial and knowledgeable servers, creative, wonderful food and an owner-hostess who exudes charm and caring with her very presence.

If all this sounds impossible to be true, experience it yourself and be convinced that Linda B's of Boca is a very special addition' to an area overrun by ordinary eateries.

The mood of the diner is immediately mellowed upon entering

by the romantic lighting, soft terracotta walls and attention to design detail---quickly to be lifted upon presentation of the first course.

Arriving first, to accompany our beverage selection from an extensive wine list, we tried the crispiest and least rubbery calamari ever. The pearly curls were heaped mountain high and served with two great dipping sauces.

Reward your palate with a Baked Chevre, ever so subtly coated and browned and served on a bed of greens, drizzled with Raspberry Chambord Vinaigrette and sprinkled with toasted pine nuts to create a savory masterpiece.

Suggestion---do not skip salad! Blue cheese lovers revel!

A generous serving of crisp romaine, garnished with the usual but heaped with the "special"---crumbled blue cheese in abundance and then coated with house made blue cheese dressing. A signature salad here.

My preference is a contrast in taste and texture of the arugula, radicchio and endive---the tart greens kissed by the subtle sweetness of poppyseed and honey. Either salad, "beyond salad," and big enough for two to share.

Linda B's previous claim to fame was her popular steak house in Key Biscayne for 12 years. Her expertise in the purchasing and preparing of certified black angus steaks continues with an extensive steak selection---all so tender they would fall apart at a harsh word.

Super chef Ira Poskosh knows man cannot live by beef alone and offers us a sleek swimmer in the form of a Pecan Crusted Snapper served in a honey-orange sauce to create pure ambrosia!

Roasted Half Duckling, crisp and served bone-in with a very different and creative cinnamon-pear sauce. Excellent!

The Rack of Lamb arrives regally roasted with a Dijon-rosemary coating and done to just the right degree of pink perfection.

Pasta can be experienced in a myriad of ways. Perhaps, Pasta Bolognese? The hearty meat sauce is ground from one of their certified black angus steaks!

Linda B. is especially proud of her award-winning dessert---and well she should be. Voted "A Dessert To Die For" 2001 Best of Boca. Crisp Filo leaves alternate with "made-5-minutes-ago" whipped cream and then heaped with pureed strawberries. Call it a "Napoleon" if you choose. I call it heaven.

Prefer something other? Dine on Wednesdays and be served house-made and wonderful biscotti with an excellent cappuccino--- compliments of the house.

It's hard to imagine that Palm Beach County isn't going

to make Linda B's a success. This eatery has all the elements necessary to its being "first choice" when making reservations.