You know you have arrived in Palm Beach the moment you drive up to the oceanfront, Italian Renaissance-style hotel known as The Breakers.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Breakers was founded in 1896 by Henry M. Flagler. The showstopping Mediterranean-style main property boasts eight stories flanked by distinctive Twin Belvedere Towers.
Exquisitely manicured lawns, perfectly planted palm trees lining the drive, lush gardens and a fountain modeled after the Boboli Gardens in Florence certainly set the stage for what’s to come.
A step inside the ornate lobby reveals a remarkable design influenced by the Great Hall of the Palazzo Carrega in Genoa (circa 1560).
We recently visited The Circle where they transform the enormous dining room into a magnificent Sunday brunch experience, and what an experience it is. Hungry diners are seated in the exquisite room with arched windows that offer breathtaking views of the ocean just on the horizon. Upon entering The Circle, guests can be seen ogling up at the opulent, 30-foot, hand-painted ceiling created by muralist John Smeraldi.
Serious servers greet guests with a bottle of champagne and freshly squeezed orange juice, pouring the perfect morning mimosa, while a harpist plays beautifully in the background. The heart of the brunch can be found in an adjacent room where some of the most luxurious indulgences await.
The raw bar might be the most impressive one we have ever seen offered at an all-you-can-eat buffet. There are freshly cracked, enormous lobster tails and claws, jumbo shrimp cocktail on ice and stone crab, even a nice array of sushi. Freshly shucked oysters (Beach Plum Oysters from Westport, MA were the featured selection the day we visited) are accompanied by fresh lemon and spicy cocktail sauce. For the ultimate indulgence, be sure to check out the domestic caviar station.
Sure, there are breakfast staples like Belgian waffles, eggs Benedict and made-to-order omelets, but main events like blackened salmon with coconut lime sauce; tomato braised chickpeas and kale; and New Zealand lamb chops are the real shining stars. There is also a carving station where chefs serve up slices of herb glazed roasted ham and herb butter rubbed slices of perfectly prepared prime rib.
You will want to save some room for a sampling of one of the more than 30 decadent dessert offerings. From chocolate peanut butter mousse, tiramisu cups, and vanilla bean panna cotta with fresh fruit gelee to a fresh fruit tartlet, s’mores pot de crème cup, and New York style cheesecake topped with fresh strawberries and a gold leaf, each over-the-top creation is beautifully and artfully presented.
For smaller bites, try one of their freshly baked cookies, a red velvet cupcake perhaps or a sampling of key lime pie. There are also seven-layer bars topped with fresh marshmallows, crème brulee accompanied by fresh blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and blackberries, and an assortment of chocolate candies.
The Breakers Sunday Brunch is offered weekly from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Reservations are required.
