Secrets Piano Bar & Grill, the Hidden Gem in North Palm Beach

Chef Joe with Voodoo Chicken

When it comes to great restaurants in the area, I like to think I’m on the top of my game. New openings, closings, new chefs coming, menu specials, unique promotions - I sift through hundreds of emails a day telling me about what’s going on and that doesn’t even include my daily reading list. So when I heard about a chef at The Windsor Gardens Hotel in North Palm Beach who’s resume includes spending time at the Versace Mansion and Barton G., I was like, “Why don’t I know about this?”

A friend of mine called me up a few months ago asking me if I’d ever heard of The Windsor Gardens Hotel. Where is that? I quickly called up the restaurant and  was anxious to hear about it. Located just south of PGA Boulevard near the Intracoastal Waterway lies Secrets Piano Bar and Grill and The Windsor Gardens Hotel. With only 90 rooms, the hotel doesn’t jump out at you and I’ve driven by it many times, but the second you go to the restaurant, you will be blown away, just like I was earlier this week.

Chef Joseph Angelucci has created a culinary gem in North Palm Beach. As I mentioned, he has spent time working at the Versace Mansion and Barton G., trained under James Beard Award-winning chef Michael McNally and wows patrons that walk through his door. He’s even had the chance to cook for former President Bill Clinton, Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton and Shaquille O’Neill. Whether you are sitting down at the bar for his incredible $5 bar menu, attending one of his wine dinners, attending a meeting in the conference center or getting ready for a culinary awakening, Chef Joe will wow you. Right now, I’m just sitting here wondering which foodie friends of mine, I can bring back to the restaurant. OK, I was just there for a Happy Hour event, but when you know something is this good, you are craving more.

As I mentioned, I was there for a Happy Hour event. I do these often, but I can say with all certainty that Chef Joe blew everyone else away. From the moment I walked in the door, the tables were cleared out and the spread of food included fresh Mozzarella Caprese Skewers, Hummus, homemade breads, gourmet cheese trays, sweet Maytag Stuffed Mission Figs with Prosciutto, Truffled Shrimp Salad in Cucumber Cups. Plus, they brought out hot hors d’oeuvres throughout the night including my absolute favorite, the smoking Voodoo Chicken - a mix between a grilled chicken skewer and a spring roll with a sweet sauce gave a dynamite flavor, though I must admit it was a bit difficult to eat as I was running around, but worth every bite.

So, how can I rave about this restaurant without even sitting down for dinner there yet? Oh, you will see and I will be back soon to report on my trip. They are located at The Windsor Gardens Hotel, 11360 US Highway 1 in North Palm Beach.  (561) 768-3001

If you want to try out the restaurant soon, you might be interested in their wine dinner on July 16. 5 courses with 5 wines from Opici for only $45++, but you have to reserve in advance by calling 561-768-3001 if you would like to get that special price.

Here’s the menu:

1st Course - Warm Bacon Salad with Crispy Tempura Apple Wood Smoked Bacon, Avocado, Mache, Roma Tomato, Red Onion & Citrus Grilled Shrimp

2nd Course - Swordfish Skewers with Chermoula and Moroccan Couscous

3rd Course - Argentinean Plank Steak with Chimichurri Sauce and Ancho Corn Pudding

4th Course - Lamb Corfu with Kaffir Lime Infused Orzo Salad

5th Course - Grilled Summer Peaches and Cream

Photos from personal collection.