andrew-roenbeck-550?v=1

What's to Eat?

Three of Palm Beach County's Top Chef weigh in on their favorite foods and dining options amid the corona virus

Article by Marti Schnurr

Photography by Contributed to Boca Style Magazine

Originally published in Boca Style Lifestyle

Chef Laura Todd, Owner and Chef, Laura Ashley Catering

Palm Beach, Fl

What has been your favorite food trend? 

I think vegetables are my favorite trend for food & cocktails. We make an amazing Carrot Ginger Martini. 20 years ago no one would have predicted Brussel Sprouts and Cauliflower would be as popular as they are now. Vegan dishes and a main focus on cleaning eating is trend that's here to stay. 

What dishes on the menu do you like at the moment?

  That's like asking who is your favorite child. My favorite salad is our plated Strawberry Fields Salad. Favorite appetizer is our Tiny Ahi Tuna Taco. Favorite entree is the Chicken Sorrentino.

What has been the highlight of your career?

  Being named 2019 Best Caterer of the year in Palm Beach County was a huge surprise and accomplishment.  Sometimes I still have to pinch myself that owning my own business has even worked out so well. 

How has  COVID-19 changed the food service options for Catering Events? 

  This pandemic has created challenges in all aspects of the food service industry. Nearly all corporate events have canceled and social events such as weddings have been postponed for next year or drastically lowered their guest counts by 75% . 
 

Open buffet displays are on the back burner for now. For instance you won't see large platters of cheeses & charcuterie but you may see an individual grazing box for each guest.  We offer fun & unique weekly delivery options such as Happy Hour in a Bag. We also offer Micro Wedding Packages and Private Chef Services for in home dining options. 

Chef Andrew Rothschild, Owner and Chef, Yellowtail Sushi

Delray Beach, Fl

What brought you to the Boca/Delray area?

I moved to Miami to be the Chef at The Forge after 9/11.  Fun Memory…I remember getting picked up at the airport with my family in tow and being driven directly to the Forge where Michael Jackson and his family were waiting for me to cook for them.  That was pretty surreal.


What dishes on the menu do you like at the moment?

The Crispy Brussel Sprouts and Baby Bok Choy with a demi miso sauce and The Candy Yellowtail Roll, which bursts with flavor from the hamachi, garlic chips and baby cilantro!  Our sushi rice is always just right!

What is your favorite food trend? 

That’s a tough question for a Chef.  We work our whole careers just to master the classical foundations of cooking.  But that being said, Donuts definitely don’t suck!

How has COVID-19 changed the food service?

 Covid -19 has changed our industry in both a permanent and temporary way. We are open for curbside pickup and delivery.  And we have gotten real good at it.  We also started a Chinese Takeout menu, called YT_Kitchen available though pickup and delivery.  The General Tso and Sesame Chicken are very tasty if I do say so!  We began a diner series on Saturday nights where we serve a 7-8 course tasting paired with wine.  Reservations are being booked fast!

Chef Andrew Roenback, Executive Chef

 Boca Raton Resort and Club

 What inspired you to become a Chef?

It was my father who encouraged me to follow my passion and love for food. He was an entrepreneur and owned his own business for 75 years, so his work ethic was admirable and incredible for us to watch growing up. Right before I graduated, we discussed my career path, and we knew I should make the leap into the culinary and hospitality world.

 What dishes on the menu do you like at the moment?

That's a tough one! I'd have to say my favorite dish will always be the scallop picatta with caramelized spaghetti squash, lemon, and brown butter at the Resort's Italian restaurant, Lucca. 

What has been your career highlight?

I've been with the Boca Raton Resort & Club for 28, almost 29, years. I always say you are only as good as the people around you, and I aim to surround myself with a team that I can learn from. I'm proud of that. Another highlight of my career was in 2018, when I was named the "Chef of the Year" for all of Hilton and Waldorf Astoria properties after hosting a 650-person event. It was the cherry on top of an amazing event.

 What has been your favorite food trend?

 I love to see plant-based menus and dishes having a moment. It's no longer a fad. People are gravitating towards this plant-based lifestyle and restaurants who are able to accommodate it are thinking outside the box to keep it exciting.

 How has COVID-19 changed the food service options at the Resort?

We started offering curbside pickup which has done tremendously well. We're seeing a lot of orders for fried chicken (125 to be exact!) meatballs, and lasagna. Since we have Morimoto on property, we are also offering sushi pickup curbside, which has never been done before and is definitely the freshest sushi around! 

Related Businesses

Nothing Bundt Cakes (Atlanta)

Desserts

Nothing Bundt Cakes (Atlanta)

Alpharetta, GA

Our Bundt Cakes are handcrafted in every bakery in a variety of delicious flavors and sizes. To top it all off, our bakeries...

Chandlers Prime Steaks and Fine Seafood

Gluten-Free

Chandlers Prime Steaks and Fine Seafood

Boise, ID

Chandler's is a locally-owned, upscale dinner house specializing in prime steaks and jet-fresh seafood. Enjoy a craft...

Parkhill's Liquors & Wine South

Beer Wine + Spirits

Parkhill's Liquors & Wine South

Tulsa, OK

A beautiful modern store providing a unique shopping experience offering South Tulsa's largest selection of wine, spirits and...

See More

Related Articles

See More