Chef Julien Gremaud is opening his first solo restaurant, Avocado Grill, in West Palm Beach this fall. The chef named the restaurant after one of Florida's most prolific fruits because, "they are a healthy, South Florida staple that complement the menu's coastal, farm-to-table cuisine. We are also featuring a unique, indoor grilling experience. It seemed like a perfect pairing."
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The restaurant, located at the former Barrel & Grain space at 125 Datura St., will focus on small plates with an artisanal slant, sushi, and a full raw bar.
Gremaud chose the West Palm Beach location after looking at spots as far south as Miami, but the city's fast-growing locavore movement drew him in. "Sustainability and carbon reduction are important cultural, and culinary, benchmarks and they're why I source most of my ingredients locally," he says. "There's a tight knit community of culinary powerhouses up here, too," Gremaud adds. "Palm Beach County never seems to stop evolving and attracting talent. I wanted to be a part of that."
As part of that commitment to locavore dining, the chef has enlisted a cadre of local farmers, fishermen, and vegetable growers to supply the kitchen with fresh fare. "Nothing excites me more than working with local artisans and purveyors to create inspired dishes our patrons can savor again and again."
Gremaud is no stranger to the South Florida dining scene. The former executive chef at Pistache French Bistro was also a partner at PB Catch. Now, the chef is taking his talents on his own with a menu divided into eight specific sections, including one that's appropriately avocado-specific. Other sections include salads, veggies, land, sea, pasta, sushi rolls, and large plates.
Although the menu hasn't been set, entrees will include crispy artichoke hearts; short rib stiffed jumbo shells; beet gnocchi; and crab stuffed zucchini blossoms. Avocado Grill will also feature an extensive wine selection, with a strong focus on French vintages.
Avocado Grill will serve dinner seven days a week: Monday through Thursday, 4:30 -10:30 p.m.; Friday 4:30 - 11:30 p.m.; Saturday, 4:00 - 11:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 4:00 -10:30 p.m. Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
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