Restaurant Evaluate: Drift
10 N. Ocean Blvd., Delray Seaside; 561/274-3289
Drift could also be a part of the Opal Grand Resort & Spa’s latest multimillion-dollar renovation, however its location is rooted in historical past. In numerous iterations, a resort has embraced the nook of Atlantic Avenue and A1A for many years. Its first denizen, the Seacrest Resort, debuted circa 1925. Extra just lately, we bear in mind it because the Vacation Inn after which the Marriott.
Even earlier than moving into Drift, the resort’s makeover is entrance and middle, its façade reworking from dated Mediterranean to a contemporary and clear island-inspired model. As soon as inside, the sophistication continues, with its foyer boasting whimsical, lush timber that appear to drift in an illuminated pond, tony swinging chairs and a energetic foyer bar with a powerful residing wall (there was reside music and a good Comfortable Hour crowd once I walked by). The indoors and outside seamlessly come collectively within the foyer, and that continuity extends into Drift.
The restaurant’s coastal décor is polished, with heat woods, textured stone partitions, rope detailing, and much more residing partitions. The bar is spacious, and several other lounge-y nooks are outdoors, overlooking the ocean and the buzzy Atlantic Avenue. The all-day menu covers all of the bases however isn’t fundamental. You’ll discover simple dishes to snack on post-beach or for an prolonged Comfortable Hour expertise, like a cheese board, hummus, baked oysters and poke alongside informal burgers, flatbreads and salads. The entrées provide one thing for everybody, together with hen, steak, lamb and fish.
We began with the whipped feta ($14), the desk’s favourite. It’s served in a petite jar and topped with honey, tomato compote and toasted pine nuts. I slathered the creamy dip over the herbed lavash (a skinny flatbread) and was very glad. In between bites, I additionally loved the spicy pickled greens that added an acidic steadiness to the dish. The maple and pomegranate-glazed Brussels sprouts ($14) adopted. The lobster & avocado toast ($22) that arrived subsequent was lovely, however the taste was barely underwhelming.
For entrées, we ordered the pan-seared grouper ($40) and Drift burger ($20). The fish was effectively cooked and served with a root vegetable caponata (chopped greens, much like ratatouille), broccolini, and parsnip potato purée. Whereas the purée was silky easy and scrumptious, I’d have cherished a extra pronounced style of parsnip. Burger lovers ought to strive the signature burger that got here sky-high with all its accouterments, together with roasted wild mushrooms, purple onion marmalade, smoked mozzarella, truffle aioli and crispy shallots in between toasted buttery brioche buns.
We completed the night time with the house-made chocolate truffle crunch ($10), a nutty and fluffy mixture that jogged my memory of a festive Ferrero Rocher chocolate ball.
Whereas some plates fell only a tad brief, Drift makes for a stellar venue for an prolonged Comfortable Hour with its stylish coastal vibes, the ocean within the background and refreshing cocktails paired with uncomplicated shareable plates within the foreground.
IF YOU GO…
PARKING: Resort valet, avenue parking
HOURS: Each day, 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m.
PRICES: $12-$52
WEBSITE: opalcollection.com/opal-grand/eating places/drift
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