Avocado Grill opened its doors across from the Meyer Amphitheater in downtown West Palm Beach five months ago, but Chef Julien Gremaud says the restaurant has been a work-in-progress for all of his 35 years.
The Chef
Gremaud completed culinary school in France and worked as a chef in London before he moved to Chicago, and then to Florida to work as a private chef for three yacht owners. His most recent roles were executive chef at Pistache French Bistro in West Palm Beach and co-opener of PB Catch in Palm Beach. After a career working for different restaurants, Gremaud decided he wanted to open his own – and his own it is.
The Concept
Avocado Grill is intimate, with the Florida breeze and natural light flowing in through open windows that connect indoor and outdoor seating. The rustic, seaside décor pairs with “avocado-green” walls and seat cushions that Gremaud himself picked out. In fact, he and his fiancé selected everything in the restaurant and conceptualized all design elements from Mason jar light fixtures to chalk art walls behind the bar. And, a lot of the interior was purchased around town. “I always wanted to be a locally recognized restaurant – to try to be supportive of the community,” Gremaud says.
The Menu
Gremaud’s efforts to support the local economy extend to the menu. Avocado Grill is dedicated to serving farm-to-table cuisine from growers like Pontano Farms and Kai Kai Farm. Original small plates include the stuffed crispy zucchini blossoms filled with goat cheese, walnuts, mint and tomato jam. Other popular dishes include the seared scallops, prepared with tomato jam, basil pesto and shaved fennel, and the spiced lamb sliders, topped with cucumber, feta yogurt and harissa aioli. The menu also dedicates a section to avocado-themed dishes, including grilled avocado wedges and the tuna avocado spring roll.
The Drinks
The bar top to the right of the entryway is retired from a Balinese ship. Behind it is a selection of about six draft beers, 16 bottled beers and 25 wines. The location also serves several specialty cocktails as fresh as the menu items, like the AG Punch, which mixes Malibu rum, Ron Zacapa Dark Rum, strawberries, lime, orange and pineapple juice.
Specials
Avocado Grill offers weekend brunch, and on Sundays, diners can order $15 bottomless glasses of Rosé while listening to music provided by a DJ and local musicians. Prices for regular small and large plates on the menu range from $9-$22.
Facebook Comments