Temple Orange Launches a New Menu

A relaxing setting, food made with love and an oceanfront view all make for a perfect afternoon lunch.  Sometimes it’s easy to forget that this “paradise” is just steps away — that is, until something awakens you. My awakening came with an invite into Temple Orange to check out their new menu. Temple Orange, located at the Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa (formerly the Ritz-Carlton), is their family-friendly restaurant. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Temple Orange focuses on offering enlightened Florida cuisine, that nourishes the body and feeds the soul.

To test the new menus out, we were invited to come in for a tasting and since we’re always on the hunt for new lunch spots, we opted to go in during the lunch hour.

The Scene

Inside, you’ll find a white tablecloth restaurant giving you that clean, airy feel of spring. Accents of orange and gold adorn the walls and accent pieces. Outside, you’ll have the backdrop of the ocean and a light breeze — a welcoming and calming setting.

The Pace

Expect a laid-back, leisurely lunch. We could have spent a few hours enjoying the relaxing setting without feeling that the restaurant was rushing us. It is family-friendly and from now through the end of summer, hotel guests 12 and under who order from the children’s menu or eat off the Mediterranean breakfast buffet will eat for free, when they dine with a paying guest.

To Drink

The Sparkling Sangria for 2 ($24) was perfect for the steamy day and and the table side presentation was a show in itself. Sliced tropical fruit came in a glass pitcher.  Our server first poured a mixture of citrus vodka and St. Germaine into the pitcher, which was followed by the addition of sparkling, and we were set with a refreshing cocktail to savor. Red and white sangria is also available.

To Eat 

It’s difficult to decide on a lunch favorite here (yes, everything was spot on delicious), so we recommend dining with friends, and friends who like to share.  One of our favorites, and a unique twist on the ordinary, was the Turkey Meatball Baka ($16). Ordering this with the Sweet Potato Wedges is a must-do. Bakas are Temple Orange’s take on a sandwich and are made with warm house made flatbread-like bread and are filled with hearty ingredients. Our favorite, the turkey meatball baka took on the flavors of India, as it was served with watercress, zucchini, green onion, cumin and yogurt. Temple Orange also serves a Slow-Cooked Pork Baco. In addition to the Baka sandwiches, the restaurant offers a selection of seasonal soups and salads, American favorites, flatbreads and fresh seafood options.

Deals

We’re always up for a good deal, as long as it doesn’t skimp on quality so we were happy to hear about Temple Orange’s special prix-fixe dinner menus, available from now until the end of October 2014. At lunch, guests can enjoy a 3-course lunch for $20. This includes a starter like the Roasted Eggplant Soup with couscous and Argan oil; an entree like the Turkey Club, Eau-style or the Eau Blend of Lettuces with figs, basil, goat cheese + pomegranate; and choice of dessert like their seasonal fruit tart.

At dinner, Temple Orange offers a 3-course dinner menu for $35 a person. Enjoy your choice of starter like the Buckwheat Noodles with mango, eggplant and herb salad; an entrée like the Tamarind Glazed Short Ribs with green lentils, celery root, hazelnuts and mint or the Grilled Atlantic Salmon with caper tomato vinaigrette and your choice of dessert.

Temple Orange is located at Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa, 100 S. Ocean Boulevard in Manalapan, FL 33462. For more information, visit templeorangerestaurant.com or call 561.540.4923.