Page 14 - Boca Club News - October '24

Page 14, Boca Club News

The Good Life: Dining, Drinks, Destinations
The Good Life: Dining, Drinks, Destinations

Dining Out: I’m Going to Let You in On a Little Secret…

But Don’t Tell Anyone!

By Alan Serinsky of Bocaire Prime Your Tastebuds: Since there was only two of us Hungry Al couldn’t leave without having the always
Country Club. Hungry Al’s love at the table Hungry A (that’s me) and Hungry D had to prep Greek staple, grilled Lamb Chops ($40). These Australian
for food started very young. ourselves to limit our day diet so we could live up to our chops had to be the best you’ll find in this area. It even
Never satisfied with his Mom’s names and eat like four diners. Our first service was Lefkes rates better than the ones at the infamous Greek Isles in Ft.
dishes, he started to cook his Grilled Octopus ($28). Having experienced this sea creature Lauderdale. As with the Branzino, the chef properly seasoned
way through her “Betty Crocker directly from the ocean into the skillet I know how high the the protein for a perfect blend of rosemary, oregano and olive
Cookbook.” During the years bar is set. Believe me, this is close to the real thing. The oil. Let’s just say, “I’ll be back!”
to follow he spent many hours octopus was tender as butter, with a crisp caramelized grill Note: Order the Mushroom side!
working in restaurants, both as server and cook, attending on its exterior all enhanced with an amazing blend of banana From The Dessert Tray: There is a saying, “Your eyes
cooking classes and traveling the world in an effort to expand peppers, onions, capers, garlic and bits of red pepper. can be bigger than your stomach.” Which, at this point of
his palette. As a professional writer, Hungry Al offers his Our next course was recommended by our excellent our eating feast, nothing could be truer! To close out the
perspective on current food trends and guides you through waiter Chaz. He insisted we sample the sushi here at Lefkes. evening we decided to order anything but Baklava. Simply,
your local restaurant options. I know...I hesitated and was confused why I was prompted like Italian Tiramisu it’s overrated. I was informed by the
to eat sushi at a Greek restaurant. But Hungry Al needed to waiter that the in-house pastry chef is an ex-pat from a small
Lefkes Estiatorio see what the big attraction was. Surprisingly, the sushi here island in Greece. I bet the locals there are sending her come
33 SE 3rd Ave. is amazingly good! We give the Georgia Specialty Roll ($28) home postcards. The desserts were over-the-top delicious.
Suite 105 (named after the owner) a try. Imagine how good a mixture We had the Lemon Meringue Tart that was a sweet but mild
Delray Beach, FL 33483 of salmon, roasted eel, mango and avocado is with spicy lemon custard layered between phyllo pastry and, of course,
(561) 908-2331 mayo perched on a crisp rice cake and topped with a few topped with torched meringue.
lefkesgroup.com caviar eggs. Hungry D stated it was sushi candy and would We also shared a bite or two before taking home the
be returning just for that plate. Bougatsa ($15). This was a semolina custard cream pie that
Food For Thought: Back in 2021 Hungry Al did a With a bit of room left we had to at least try the traditional is honestly SO good! If you are full, take a piece home and
review of the Delray City Market. If you haven’t been there Horiatiki Salad (Greek salad, $24). I do believe this is slightly you can even have it for breakfast.
it was basically a smaller modified version of the big food overpriced, but the ingredients were chilled and fresh. Also, Check Please: I am sure we would all love to visit
halls that have dotted our urban cities for a location to dine the Feta Cheese was rich in flavor and without the salty taste. Greece and spend some time viewing the sights and over-
“on the go.” Unfortunately, this Delray’s restaurant concept I would have preferred that the salad chef utilized more olive indulging on the excellent fresh food and wine they offer.
morphed into a weekend night club scene and left many of oil. A Greek salad is not a Greek salad without it. But if Mykonos or Santorini is not happening for you in
these newly mom and pop business owners looking for the Straight From the Kitchen: You would think by now the near future get over to Lefkes. For Greek food it’s the
exit doors. we were full and looking to head to the exit door. You are closest thing you’ll get here in Florida. The Hungry Squad
Fast forward to now and the previous owner, the Menin right! But how can we leave now without devouring the is going to throw five plates and scream “Opa” for this one!
Development company, is planning to divide up the space into dinner we came for. Hungry D had previewed the menu a
five individual units. One side is the current Bounce (sports day before and had decided on the Grilled Branzino ($38).
bar), and now a Greek restaurant from New Jersey has just This perfectly fileted fish was certainly enough for two,
opened on the opposite end. especially after all we ate. Yes, you can ask for the head
Which brings me to the “secret” I’ve mentioned above. and tail to be removed so you’re fooled it’s not a fish! Trust
For a guy who has spent months in Greece with many return me...this was an excellent dish!
visits, I know my Greek food! And if you’re tired of the
same old Greek restaurant you’ve been going to over the
past decade this is going to have you bringing and throwing
your own napkins.
So please feel free to go and give Lefkes a try yourselves,
but please limit who you tell. I would like to be able to find a
seat the next time I go...which won’t be too long from now!
First Impression: Ever go to Delray and can’t find
a parking space without emptying your wallet on valet
service? Good news! Since the food hall had closed there
are plenty of parking spots in the parking garage above the
restaurant. And there’s no parking gate or a meter attendant
checking your parking space. But I expect this will change
in the near future.
Lefkes is beautifully designed with an open concept that
lends to spacious dining and two bars to handle the many
patrons zoning in on the great happy hour they offer. The
ambiance gives a garden theme with hanging plants draping
from the ceiling, comfortable seats, clever lighting of the
walls, and an abundance of excellent trained waiters.
Note: Only on the weekends Lefkes has decided to cater
to the party scene. Let’s not forget this is Delray. So, after
nine o’clock expect a DJ to take center stage. Along with his
talents, there is a roaming saxophone player and plenty of
disco lights to add to the action. I recommend on weekends
get there early to avoid the festivities.

Monday Oct. 14th