Four Reasons to Dine at City Cellar

City Cellar has been a staple in the West Palm Beach dining scene ever since I can remember. In fact, it was the very first restaurant that I experienced when I moved down here in 2004. Although some things have changed and it’s gone through its cycles, other things remain the same – the restaurant consistently produces a solid menu of good food, it offers a nice wine selection and the service is on point.

While my visits have been more wine than food related lately, I knew it was time to go back. This was because their Executive Chef Kevin Darr had come out of nowhere, won a few of the chef’s battles at Chef vs Chef, and my curiosity was piqued. So after receiving an invite from their pr company to come in and dine at the restaurant, I happily obliged.

Although there are many reasons to dine at City Cellar, here are our top four reasons to visit City Cellar.

Chef Kevin Darr

Although quiet in nature, Chef Kevin Darr is not quiet in the kitchen, at least with the menu items he creates. His dishes are classic and comforting, yet vibrant in flavor, and each dish is given his personal touch. From a smoked local fish dip with pickled vegetables to a Pear and Arugula Salad with creamy Danish blue to house made pasta (We were huge fans of the mushroom ravioli, a daily special) to the soul-warming Blue Crab Crusted Chilean Sea Bass, chef offers something for everyone.

House Made Charcuterie from City Cellar

How many places can you go to get charcuterie that’s made in house? Not many – and for charcuterie that’s at the top of the line, that number gets slimmer. Fortunately at City Cellar, Chef Kevin Darr has perfected his craft, thanks to early instruction he received from Brian Polcyn, co-author of Charcuterie and for his dedication to the art. Charcuterie lovers will rejoice, as his masterpieces can be enjoyed any night of the week. From Salame al Tartufo to Magret Duck Ham, there will always be an ample variety from which you can choose – definitely something you’ll want to make room for.

Fromager Gradon Thibeault

During my visit to City Cellar, I was introduced to Gradon Thibeault, the restaurant’s new fromager, who recently moved to Florida from New York. Fromager? Yes, it’s someone who studies cheese. Not only does, Thibeault study cheese, but he’s also a level 2 sommelier so get ready for some perfect pairings. On our visit, our favorite pairing was the Tete de Moine served with the Terazzi, Terre di Turi from Tuscany. The Tete de Moine  – a semi-hard cheese – was invented by the monks nearly eight centuries ago and has a fruity, almost sweet flavor.  While this worked great as a starter, I’ve been getting more and more into having cheese for dessert – and this cheese would work just as well after dinner.

Another pairing that you’re sure to enjoy is the Rogue Smokey Bleu. This offered a sweet and smokey flavor with a hint of hazelnut and the glass of B.R. Cohn Cabernet that I was drinking complemented the cheese well.  Who feels like another cheese and wine pairing is in order?

Happy Hour at City Cellar

If you know us at Savor Tonight, you know that we certainly enjoy our Happy Hours and the Happy Hour at City Cellar is one that should be applauded. The restaurant offers 50% off drinks from 4-7 p.m. every day of the week at the bar. While some places limit these discounted drink options to well drinks and house wine, City Cellar is quite generous and extends this offer to include nearly everything on the menu, drinks that is. So wine lovers, you will rejoice. In addition to the drink specials, Happy Hour-goers will also enjoy 50% off select appetizers.

City Cellar is located at 700 S Rosemary Ave. in CityPlace. For more information or to make a reservation, visit citycellarwpb.com.