Shireen's Favorite Things

Bice Ristorante 313 Worth Avenue, Palm Beach, Florida 33480

After an incredible day of “Exploring Worth Avenue,” I wasn’t just hungry, I was famished and ready for an adult beverage (or two). Lucky for me, my shopping experience ended right in front of the pathway leading to the yummy and delicious “BICE”…

The place was undeniably charming before I even walked through its doors, with a comfortably-packed outdoor patio area (I entered through the Worth Avenue side) featuring tables draped in flouncy green umbrellas, allowing diners to easily enjoy the beautiful weather.

Lush greenery surrounded the bistro and gorgeous purple flowers dripped lazily off a perfectly placed trellis. Inside, BICE was just as warm and welcoming, with large airy windows drenched in the late afternoon sun. I especially liked its creamy-white decor with accents of gold and smatterings of dark wood.

I started Spotlight with three of their signature martinis: Bella Rosa, BICE and The Underground. If you like sweet, the Bella is for you (made with orange and raspberry vodka, Chambord, cranberry & OJ). My favorite was the BICE. It’s no secret, mama likes a strong drink! (It was made with Tito’s Vodka *marinated* with oranges, limes and cherries with a splash of OJ). My photographer, James, called dibs on the Underground. It’s a man’s kind of cocktail (made with Rye Whiskey, sweet vermouth and Sicilian blood orange liquor).

We tried three amazing appetizers, starting with the Mozzarella Di Bufala Caprese (buffalo mozzarella, vine ripened tomatoes, basil and oregano). My favorite was the incredibly clean and fresh Tartare Di Tonno Con Avocado. I could eat this dish for the rest of my natural-born life (made with tuna tartare, avocado, cucumber relish and soy-mango sauce). The Gamberoni Alla Griglia was almost too pretty to eat, but somehow I managed (made with grilled jumbo shrimp, arugula and hearts of palm).

For dinner, we tried a little bit of everything: fish, meat and pasta. If you’re watching your waistline, the Branzino Alla Griglia Con Salmoriglio (grilled striped bass & sauteed veggies) is perfect. If you’re a carnivore, the Lombata Di Vitello Al Forno Con Salsa Di Funghi (grilled veal chop with marsala & wild mushroom jus and sautéed broccoli rabe) is oh, so, tender and juicy. And finally, my “I’ve died and gone to heaven meal,” the Pappardelle Al Telefono Alla Bice (wide homemade noodles with a tomato cream sauce, fresh mozzarella and basil). This dish is EVERYTHING — or as the kids say on social media these days: “It gives me life.”

For dessert (believe me, I was stuffed, but you can’t go to an Italian restaurant like this one and tell them you’re too full for dessert!) I had three glorious dishes. First up, a plate full of house-made cookies (called Biscotti Misti). Some crunchy cookies and a nice strong coffee is always a great way to end a meal. Their version of Key Lime Pie (called Torta di Lima) is just as fab, made with whipped cream and raspberry sauce. Last, but definitely not least: Tiramisu Alla BICE con Salsa Al Caffe. Translation — lady fingers dipped in espresso coffee, mascarpone cream mousse and cocoa. Also known as FANTASTIC!

What I love about BICE (besides the amazing food) is the fact that everything is well thought-out, meticulously crafted and beautifully plated. Executive Chef Elmer Noel Saravia is a genius at balancing flavors and aesthetics (no easy task).

BICE isn’t just a place to eat, drink and be merry, it’s also a place in which you’ll wanna linger, because the aftertaste is just as good as the experience itself and that’s why it’s one of my favorite things.

Monday-Sunday 11:30am-10:30pm

For reservations:
www.bice-palmbeach.com
FB:BICE Palm Beach IG: @BicePalm