Whole Foods Market West Palm Beach!

Raise your hand if you get a little too excited about grocery shopping! ::: arm flails about over head :::

I'm not gonna lie, I am a bit of a shallow shopper. I am far more likely to make purchases when things are aesthetically pleasing and organized. Since a trip to the grocery store alone is like a mini-vacation these days, I appreciate a well-appointed store that also carries everything I need {and more!}.

So, you can imagine how thrilled I was when I was invited to take sneak peek at the brand new Whole Foods that is opening TODAY in West Palm Beach. As it is, I can easily get lost in any Whole Foods wandering the aisles and discovering new products. But this store has really gone above and beyond with its fun features and offerings!

First of all, let's start with the obvious: The store is gorgeous. Inspired by Palm Beach's chic style, the store has pops of bright color {hello, pink espresso machine!} and modern patterns throughout its 42,000 square foot facility. Little hints of Lilly-esque motifs and clever designs, and cool, contemporary signage can be found around every corner.

 

But it's not just the look that impresses. Whole Foods West Palm Beach has its very own special touches to draw in crowds seeking everything from premium charcuterie to local brews.

Here are a few of my favorite unique features that make this store worth visiting:

1. The Coffee & Juice Bar. Whether you get your morning jolt from hot coffee, fresh squeezed juice or a vitamin-filled smoothie, the coffee and juice bar at this new location is well-stocked in whatever you sip. Buy a reusable coffee cup {or bring your own from home} and get coffee refills for just $1. Good deals for good deeds!

2. Palm Rotisserie. Need a tender, roasted chicken for an easy dinner? Want to impress company with a fancy board of sliced-to-order charcuterie? Looking for a quick bite to eat for lunch... like Moroccan lamb sausage with French fries? They've got you covered at Palm Rotisserie. Not sure what you want? No problem. The knowledgeable staff will lead you in the right direction whether that means recommending the Rotisserie Porchetta Sandwich or letting you sample the salami cotto.

3. La Creperie. Cue the concertina; we've got a little taste of France right here in Florida. Made-to-order crepes hot off the griddle will have you channeling your inner Parisian. Both sweet and savory crepes will be served up daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. And, for Pierre's sake, try the chocolate hazelnut crepe. Mmm.....

4.  The Bakery. I mean, it's pretty clear that no one has to twist my arm to step foot in any bakery... but this one has some stand out features like scratch made desserts, bread baked fresh daily in their ceramic tile ovens and oodles of gluten-free & vegan options for special diets. My favorite feature? The bakery imports authentic Cuban desserts from Versailles Restaurant in Miami. Get yourself some Tres Leches, stat.

5. The Bulk Bins. Ok, so every store has one of these sections. But in this store, you can also stock up on grind-your-own nut butters and local honey. So worth the buzz. {Ha, see what I did there?}

6. Palm Beach Brews. If there was one feature that made my heart go pitter-pat, this would have to be it: The beer and grilled cheese bar. YOU HEARD ME RIGHT, FOLKS. Local brews on tap. Ooey, gooey gourmet sandwiches. It's a match made in heaven.

You guys, there is just so much good stuff at this new location that you have to go check it out yourself to fully appreciate it all. You won't want to miss out on all the grand opening deals and special events including a gift card giveaway for the first 500 customers in line {win anywhere from $5 to $50 or a grand prize of $500 for one lucky shopper!}.

I love Whole Foods' mission to promote eco-friendly, sustainable, healthy and philanthropic living. Getting to fill my fridge at this stunning location? It's the cherry on top! Welcome to the neighborhood, Whole Foods West Palm Beach!

Pumpkin Dutch Apple Pie with Speculoos Crumble

It's November! So, naturally... pie.

You know, when the holidays roll around there are a lot of hard decisions to make. Like how to decorate, and what to buy for family and friends... and most importantly, whether that little space you left for dessert calls for a slice of pumpkin pie or apple pie. No one should have to choose.

This pie is the best of both worlds and you are going to LOVE it.

It's an apple pie smothered in a custardy hug from pumpkin pie filling. It's almost embarrassing to interrupt them, they go so well together.

But you know what really takes this pie over the top?

Cookies. Speculoos, to be precise. Yep, those are the crisp, spiced cookies that Trader Joe's turns into their famous "Cookie Butter."

It just seemed like a logical thing to crush up some Speculoos and add them to the crumbly topping for this pie. The spicy warmth and crunch of the cookies complement the tart apples and creamy pumpkin filling like they were destined to cross paths... sort of like me and Rosner's Appliances!

I'm guest posting over on their blog today and sharing this incredible recipe and fun little story of how I found out we go way back, so make sure to stop by and show them some love! Get the recipe here!

Are you a pumpkin or apple pie person? Will you be trying this two-in-one combo?

Fourth of July Cocktails at Tin Fish West Palm Beach

The Fourth of July is just around the corner {already!}.

Every year I find myself in the same predicament: Trying to come up with creative and festive recipes... extra points for a red, white, and blue color scheme.

This year, I got a little help from my friends over at Tin Fish Clematis in downtown West Palm Beach. They invited me over to test out some of their Independence Day cocktails, which will be available at the Top of the Fish bar {upstairs} and main dining room starting this Thursday {June 27}, and will run until July 8.

I got to chat for a second with the mastermind behind these fabulous Fourth-themed concoctions, bartender Kelsey. She let me sample two out of three of their special patriotic drinks and even gave me recipes to share with you!

Creative AND adorable!

First up: The Star Spangled Martini

A true salute to the red, white, and blue, The Star Spangled Martini {$9} combines muddled raspberry, citrus vodka, blue curacao, and a white sugar rim {plus, check out that cute fish!}. Since I know that vodka is not my best friend, I took a little sip and let my husband {who came along for the ride} sample the rest.

The citrus flavor with the fresh raspberries created a sweet, fruity combination that is perfect for those who like their cocktails bordering on candy-like!

Next, I tried out Kelsey's inventive Patriotic Punch {$6/glass, $18/pitcher}. A "punchy" harmony of Pinot Grigio with apricot and peach accents made this drink more my style. Filled to the brim with berries and accessorized with pineapple cutouts, this festive twist on white wine sangria will appeal to wine drinkers and fruit lovers alike.

The last "cocktail" wasn't really a drink at all... but rather, a Jell-O shot for patriotic party-goers! The "My Jell-o Americans" shot {haha!} features berry flavored gelatin with a boozy kick topped off with Pop Rocks. I didn't get to sample this one as the gelatin was taking its time setting, but judging from Kelsey's description, it sounds it is sure to dazzle the taste buds and end the night with a bang!

While you're sipping at Tin Fish, you may also want to munch on some of their most popular menu items. The Fried Clam Strips {$4.95} make a nice crunchy snack, and the ever-popular Fish Tacos {either grilled Mahi, $4.95 each or fried Cod, $3.95 each.} are always a favorite among patrons.

My favorite was the Spicy Kaboom Shrimp {$9.95} featuring flash fried tender shrimp, in a sweet and spicy sauce.

While Tin Fish features many fried classics, Tin Fish also offers a number of delicious dishes that appeal to your lighter cravings, so be sure to peruse their menu!

{Tin Fish Tip: If you like margaritas, ask for the "Kelsarita", a delightful blend of 1800 Coconut Tequila and Chambord [raspberry] liquor... I couldn't get enough!}

Steve and I had a great time hanging out with the Tin Fish crew. While we enjoyed the menu offerings and agreed that we'd return for a fun happy hour, it was the laid back atmosphere and warmth of the owners and staff that would really draw us back in.

If you find yourself near downtown West Palm Beach, stop in to Tin Fish for a bite and a beverage. Kelsey and the crew are sure to take care of you! Visit their Facebook page for special events and promotions!

Meanwhile, you can recreate some of Kelsey's lively libations right at home. They're sure to be a hit at Fourth of July celebrations!

Thanks again, Tin Fish Clematis, for a great evening!

Disclosure: The food and drinks mentioned in this post were provided to me free of charge. As always, the opinions you read here are all my own!

Star Spangled Martini
Created by Kelsey Simon, bartender at Tin Fish, West Palm Beach

4-5 muddled raspberries

2 oz {1 1/2 shots} of citrus vodka 

1/2 oz of lemonade

1 oz blue curacao 

For Rim: Granulated sugar

1.  Dip the rim of a martini glass in a shallow dish of water, then into granulated sugar to create the sparkly rim.

2. Carefully muddle the raspberries in the glass, crushing until broken down. {Alternatively,  you can do this in a sturdier glass and transfer the raspberries over to the martini glass with a spoon.} 

2. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine citrus vodka and lemonade. Shake until frosty and pour over raspberries.

3. Hold a spoon upside down over the glass close to the liquid. Carefully and slowly pour chilled blue curacao over the back of the spoon. It should create a separate layer on top of the vodka. 

4. Serve immediately.

Patriotic Punch
Created by Kelsey Simon, bartender at Tin Fish, West Palm Beach

1 ½ {1125 ml} bottles Pinot Grigio

1 oz Apricot Brandy

1 oz Peach Schnapps

1 oz Pure Cane Syrup/simple syrup {or more depending on how sweet you'd like it}

Splash of Orange Juice

Blueberries

Raspberries

Pineapple slices, shaped with a cookie cutter if desired

1. In a large pitcher, combine Pinot Grigio, apricot brandy, peach schnapps, pure cane syrup, and orange juice. Stir together.

2. Add fruit and refrigerate, ideally overnight to let the flavors marry. 

3. Serve over ice. 

Prep Praises: Field of Greens in West Palm Beach, Florida

I love fast food.

Shocked??

Get your mind out of the deep fryer...French fries and quarter pound burgers aren't what I mean. I'm talking quick, quality food that you can feel good about eating, even when you're on the run.

Let's face it, as much as we plan out our days, sometimes things just get hectic and we need a helping hand for a satisfying meal. Every once in a while it's nice to have someone make lunch for us. {Ideally without having to dunk it in a vat of oil.}

Co-owner of Field of Greens, Hess Musallet, knows that "fast food" isn't always calorie-laden, artery-clogging fare served up in a greasy paper bag. The newest location in Downtown West Palm Beach makes smart choices easy AND delectable, catering to health-conscious foodies with an appetite for real, tasty food.

Hess Musallet & me, toasting to health!

I was invited to check out the recently opened Field of Greens on Clematis Street, and I was psyched. As much as I love the occasional naughty treat, I also crave balance and -- you know, vegetables! -- that make healthy eating enjoyable.

What to choose, what to choose...

It's hard not to have fun when you've got a smorgasbord of healthy options you can mix and match to suit your taste. Field of Greens offers an endless variety of choices in a Create Your Own salad and sandwich bar, as well as a full menu of artfully created salads, sandwiches, wraps, and soups for the days when you don't feel like thinking.

The best part of Field of Greens, in my opinion, isn't just that you can grab a quick bite, but the fact that the space also offers such an inviting atmosphere if you want to slow down and veg out while you get your veg on.

Though the space itself is large and open, it also boasts little touches that draw you in to settle down and make yourself at home.

Oh, hi. I feel like I'm in someone's living room.

Pretty hydration station.

Traditional table seating is offset by cozy corner nooks {complete with pillows and comfy cushions}, high tops, and even a communal table. {One of my favorite features! Check out the genius "painted" rug!} The walls are adorned with carefully curated pieces of photography {all found on Etsy} punctuated with quirky and motivational quotes & phrases. Each table even holds a sweet little potted rosemary plant. {It's all about the details!}

No crumbs under the rug here!

Lennon, Journey, and a smiley face gracing the back parking lot. I'm feeling zen already!

Lavish furnishings {like the gorgeous chandelier centerpiece that dangles from the high, exposed pipe ceiling} are mixed in with modern yet "green" elements for a playful feel. The juxtaposition of reclaimed wood surfaces and rustic accents with metal fixtures add to the hip vibe, all while maintaining a light, airy ambiance.

The menu follows suit by providing diners with wholesome options with an edgy twist.

Menu Items Sampled:

Juices & Smoothies

Gut Soother

Pear, Carrot, Pineapple, and Ginger

Spin My Apple

Spinach, Apple, Kale, Pineapple, Protein

The Pump

Almond Milk, Bananas, Chocolate Protein Powder, Peanut Butter

Salads 

The Tuscan

Baby Field Greens, Roasted Chicken, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Walnuts, Portobello Mushrooms, Asparagus, Goat Cheese, and Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

The Meditteranean

Baby Field Greens, Cucumber, Red Onions, Kalamata Olives, Garbanzo Beans, Read and Green Bell Peppers, Parsley, Feta, Lemon, Olive Oil

Sandwich

The Country Chicken Club

Crunchy Baked Chicken, Avocado, Cranberry Jam, Crispy Bacon, Mayo, Romaine, and Tomato on toasted Multigrain Bread

With the popularity of juicing growing daily, Field of Greens caters to customers looking to get a serving of fruits and veggies, liquid style. The "Gut Soother" pleases the palate and the tummy with sweet notes of pineapple and pear with a kick from carrots and ginger.{I'm not even a carrot-lover and I really enjoyed this juice!}

One of their most popular drinks, the "Spin My Apple", keeps you lean and green by throwing in some kale, spinach, and protein powder and sweetening the deal with apple and pineapple. Another thumbs up!

And finally, "The Pump" is a delightfully decadent choice for a protein power boost with the bulk of a bodybuilder and the essence of a peanut butter cup.

A trifecta of juices!

The salads were full of fresh, satisfying ingredients that have just enough heft to get you through the day without weighing you down. I loved the combination of the hearty portobello, tangy goat cheese, and {housemade!} balsamic vinaigrette in The Tuscan along with the rich, crisp walnuts.

The garbanzo beans in The Mediterranean add some substance to the classic combo of cucumber, feta, peppers, and salty olives leaving you feeling full and content... so important to avoid that "hangry" afternoon crankiness.

But the real showstopper was the Country Chicken Club, which features a creatively "breaded" crunchy baked chicken nestled alongside creamy avocado, tart cranberry jam, and smoky bacon. The only downside -- trying to figure out how to cram this giant sandwich in my mouth! {And I have a pretty big mouth, I'm not gonna lie.} Once I managed to unhinge my jaw tackle the sandwich, I was rewarded with a mouthful of deliciousness!

Ok, ok... so I know this borders on luscious rather than "light", but FOG is big on letting you make the choice that's right for you. And with all the greens, fruits, and veggies I'd already tried, I let myself indulge just a tiny bit.

In the end, Field of Greens is all about the customer. Looking to keep it light? You got it. Want to bring in your own protein powder to add to your smoothies? No problem. Need a giant cookie to keep some balance in your life? As you wish! Whether you visit for a quick, healthy bite, or decide to stay for a spell and soak in the positive vibe, Field of Greens has got you covered.

Proof that you don't have to visit a drive-thru to "have it your way".

A big thank you to Hess & the FOG crew for taking the time to show me around, and Alyson of Seligman Brand Strategies {and The Average Girl's Guide!} for setting up the meeting! {Fun Fact: We are all University of Florida Alums... Go Gators!}

I hope you're feeling inspired to give some of these dishes a try whether you stop in to Field of Greens or create your own version at home! Since the salad recipes are pretty self-explanatory, I'm leaving you with a lightened up balsamic vinaigrette from Joy Bauer that makes a perfect dressing for your veggies.

Light Balsamic Vinaigrette
from Joy Bauer

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon garlic powder

1. Combine all ingredients in a bottle or container with a tight-fitting lid.

2. Shake, shake, shake to combine. {Make sure the lid has a good seal, otherwise you'll end up wearing your vinaigrette instead of eating it!}

Good for salads, veggies, marinades...

Store in the refrigerator & shake before using each time.


Disclosure: The dishes and drinks mentioned in this post were provided free of charge. No other compensation was received for this review. As always, all opinions written here are my own.