It’s February, the month of hearts, flowers… and charming bistros and boîtes, where passionate diners indulge on opulent tidbits they dare not enjoy on any ordinary day. Our current favorites are very different but equally French restaurants: Le Rivage, a Parisian-style bistro in a Boca strip mall, and French Grill House, an “impromptu South-of-France garden interlude” in Northwood Village (north West Palm Beach). Le Rivage is the “La Traviata” – traditional, classical, posh – to the French Grill House’s “La Bohème” – offbeat, casual, quirky. You’ll leave either with a song in your heart.
If it’s fabulous chocolates you seek, head to Läderach Chocolatier Suisse in Boca Town Center with your Valentine. While truffles and pralines are luscious, their claim to fame is addictive FrischSchoggi – moniker for 20 or so varieties of chocolate bark, poured out in sheets, broken to order or sold intact. The rich mouth feel is due to the freshness of the chocolate, which does not lie about boxed up for months. Milk, dark and white varieties are loaded with dried fruit, nuts, and caramel in various stages of crunchiness. (Sample before you buy, don’t be shy!)
Don’t forget the flowers! Amazing Flowers Boca Raton (561-961-0622) inside Bloomingdales has gorgeous arrangements, small and contemporary, in an alcove near the parking lot exit across from Joseph’s Market. From Roehm With Love on 2nd Ave. in Delray (561-274-0190) creates artful, one-of-a-kind arrangements that are show-stoppers!
