Restaurant Max's Harvest, Delray Beach, Florida

The executive chef at Max's Harvest is called Chris Miracolo. Those of you with even the most rudimentary of language abilities will recognise that the gentleman's surname is Italian for 'miracle'. And how apt that is as tens of culinary wonders are served up each day at this Pineapple Grove restaurant opened in June of 2011 by Dennis Max, a South Florida restaurant stalwart, just opposite the brand new Hyatt Place hotel. The eatery operates on a farm to fork basis, meaning that it gets all its ingredients directly from local suppliers, who it knows, which are then served in the most simple, delicious way possible. It has become a hugely popular spot for both locals and tourists alike and it's within walking distance of pretty much any of the town's hotels.

Our epiphany began with one of the restaurant's signature starters, the devilled eggs which are topped with chives and truffle sea salt, and the golden gazpacho made with yellow tomato, watermelon and mango. Both are delicious as they sound. We then devoured the superb crisp parmesan risotto cake with sides of bacon-sizzled brussel sprouts with kimchee and lemon and the roasted green cay beet salad. Although this was plenty, we were also deeply tempted by the Cajun ocean harvest pot which contains andouille, clams, scallops and white fish and also by the prime Florida Akaushi beef accompanied by boulangère potatoes and horseradish cream. Next time. Oh, and the cocktails are pretty special too, with monthly specials available.

Service was impeccable and the waitress' enthusiasm for the place was infectious. Her knowledge of the dishes was flawless and our special requirements (one of us was vegan) were accommodated not only without issue but with pleasure.

Max's Harvest is open Monday to Thursday 5pm to 10pm and on Friday and Saturday from 5pm until 11pm. Happy hour is from 5pm to 7pm and every last Sunday of the month is brunch between 11am and 3pm. We recommend a table on the terrace as the weather is pretty much always compliant.

Smoking area: no

Quality:

Details: 169 NE 2nd Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33444, USA

Tel: 001 561 381 9970