Chef Christopher Zabita Shows Palm Beach Some Love – and a Little Peanut Butter
A Taste of Perfection in Palm Beach
Christopher Zabta has found the way to the heart of Palm Beach is through the kitchen.
"I just got here, but I already really love Palm Beach," says the 44-year-old executive chef at Café Boulud Palm Beach at the Brazilian Court Hotel. "It’s pretty awesome here."
A Journey to the Top
Growing up in an Italian family in New Jersey, Zabita remembers moments of togetherness-through-food over Sunday dinners at his grandmother’s house. He found his calling at age 16, he says, when he took a job in a kitchen at a local country club.
The chef’s resume now includes work at Disney’s Michelin-starred Victoria & Albert’s, Batello in Jersey City, and as sous chef at Bar Boulud in New York City, where his work in the kitchen came to the full attention of celebrity Chef Daniel Boulud.
A New Chapter in Palm Beach
Since his ascent last summer to the helm of Boulud’s bastion of French cuisine and civilization in Palm Beach – where jackets are preferred in season – Zabta has gained a following among islanders, visiting celebrity chefs, and as a standout on The Courtyard Terrace of the Brazilian Court during the recent Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival.
Innovative Cuisine
Zabita says he enjoys experimenting with new ideas, which were on full display in a recent tasting menu that included Duck Sugo Campanelle, with sweet potato, sage, and chocolate; Sardine Escabeche, with charred scallion, salsa, pepitas, and sesame; Australian Wagyu, with smoked garlic pomme purée, cambozola, and huckleberry jus.
Peanut Butter Makes a Surprising Appearance
Pièce de résistance, Mousse de Cacahuète – save you a trip to the French-English dictionary, it’s peanut butter – served with white chocolate feuilletine, Jivara chantilly, and caramel ice cream. Delicious anywhere, but especially under the stars on The Courtyard Terrace.
A Quote from a Legendary Chef
"One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well," Zabita quoted Virginia Woolf on his tasting menu.
Conclusion
After dining so well here, followed by long, restful sleep, I think I love what Chef Zabita’s doing at Café Boulud.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I get to Café Boulud Palm Beach?
Café Boulud Palm Beach is located in the Brazilian Court Hotel, 301 Australian Avenue, Palm Beach, FL 33480. - What is the dress code?
Jackets are preferred in season. - Can I make a reservation?
Yes, reservations can be made by calling 561-655-6060 or through the website cafeboulud.com/palmbeach. - What is the best dish to try?
The Mousse de Cacahuète is a must-try, but be sure to ask your server for recommendations!
