Nestled in the lavish surroundings at the Royal Palms Resort and Spa, is an artful dining experience unlike others in its class.
T. Cook's has a menu that focuses on simple preparations and uncomplicated dishes that honor the regions of Northern Italy, Greece, Spain and Provence. The restaurant's culinary philosophy of magnifying the purity of fresh, seasonal ingredients is a celebration of its treasured legacy and it offers a captivating environment in every sense with stone fireplaces, al fresco dining and unique design elements.
At the helm of the perfectly plated cuisine at T. Cook's, is Executive Chef Lee Hillson, who has recently returned to this iconic dining destination. During Chef Lee’s first 12-year tenure in the early 2000s, the James Beard House-featured chef helped put T. Cook's on the culinary map with his rustic Mediterranean cuisine and signature accoutrements like the orange marmalade, made from the resort’s on-site citrus grove, and what has now become the restaurant’s legendary pesto.
A revival of some of the restaurant’s all-time menu favorites along with brand-new dishes that showcase Chef Lee’s straightforward sensibility and honest approach to cuisine have been added to the menu for winter, such as Lobster Bisque ($15); Roasted Squash Soup ($14); Chef Lee’s Pasta Carbonara with garlic cream, prosciutto, house-cured pancetta and egg yolk ($29); T. Cook’s Mediterranean Paella with saffron rice, mussels, clams, shrimp, calamari, pork, Spanish chorizo, organic vegetables and fresh herbs ($38); Pan Roasted Branzino with grilled fennel, sautéed red bell peppers, saffron-roasted potatoes and parsley cream sauce ($45); Pan Roasted Mary’s Organic Chicken Breast with butternut squash risotto, rapini, blistered tomatoes and fried sage ($30); Braised Beef Short Rib with orange gremolata, cumin roasted fingerling potatoes, red pearl onions and carnival cauliflower ($40); and Filet of Butternut Squash with mushroom broth, baby heirloom carrots, rapini, shaved Brussel sprouts and black-garlic puree ($28). Bold, rich colors and textures in these inventive dishes, are matched only by the bevy of flavors showcased. Patrons will experience a feast for all the senses with a visit to T. Cook's.
Sunday brunch, available from 10:30am to 1:30pm, has also been reimaged with an impressive, unlimited buffet as well as a la carte entrees.
One mouthwatering meal at T. Cook's reflects the vast knowledge of food and culture that Hillson brings to his kitchen -- from his appearance on the popular Food Network show, Iron Chef America, to his creation of remarkable meals for luminaries such as President George W. Bush, Barbra Streisand, Princess Diana, Richard Branson and Billy Joel, Hillson wants those who visit to feel a sense of nostalgia with a simple, honest and fresh approach.