This is a small unassuming Palm Beach gem that is so smoothly run that you may not even notice the seamless service while focused on their well prepared tasty cuisine. The staff ably helmed by manager David doesn't miss a cue.
First off, we were warmly welcomed by the valet person as he opened the door to the restaurant for us -- and we'd parked down the street and walked a half block. He appeared genuinely happy that we were going to be dining at PB Catch. That's never happened before.
Then when we approached the podium to check in, we were warmly greeted by David (not knowing he was the manager). It could be because it wasn't that busy, but it was nice to be acknowledged by name and have our reservation recognized. Again, so welcoming. It's nice to be appreciated.
We chose our table so that we could sit side by side at a banquette, but also because it had good lighting and it would be easier to read the menu.
Once seated, we immediately were welcomed by our main server, Kaylin. She was a delight. Plates constantly being replaced, new silverware each course, immediately responsive to special requests, and anticipating our needs. Checking up on us frequently. But every member of the team had it together and worked together like a well oiled machine. Quietly, professionally, supporting each other. When courses were delivered by another gentleman, there was no hesitation about who got what. We didn't even have to say a word...except thank you.
We started with drinks and said yes to bread. A bottle of olive oil was placed on the table along with the bread basket. I asked for butter. No problem. The pats had been in the refrigerator. Kaylin warmed them slightly so they wouldn't be too hard to spread on the bread, before bringing the plate to the table. You get the idea...
I had their grilled oysters in paprika butter to start. This was from their daily specials menu. The 4 oysters in the order were "lick the shells clean" delicious. The flavor reminiscent of New Orleans bbq'd oysters.
While I had the oysters, my husband had a chilled shrimp cocktail to start. The cold shrimp were huge and oh so fresh.
We then shared a Caesar salad. They checked if we liked anchovies. Yes. I love them. They spilt the salad onto two plates in the kitchen before bringing it to the table. The salad had croutons and shaved Parmesan and several anchovies on each plate. I could have stopped there and been happy.
Next I had a mussels appetizer as my entree, which was nicely presented and much larger than expected. A separate bowl for the shells and a spoon for the broth were delivered on the side. The dish was described on the menu as having merquez in a corn broth. To me the crumbled sausage bits in the broth made it. They tasted more like chorizo than merguez and I didn't taste any corn, but all were fresh and flavorful.
My husband had their wagyu burger with bacon, lettuce and tomato. It came with Gouda cheese not provolone as described. They also made sure to check if this substitution was okay before serving it at medium temp, exactly as ordered. My husband said it was juicy and delish. The side of thin crispy fries were quite good, too.
We were too full for dessert, but perused the offerings to see if anything couldn't be resisted. The vanilla ice cream at our neighbor's table looked interesting. It was topped with a warm blueberry compote. Maybe next time.
When the bill came, there was no problem applying our certificate. We had bid on and won a dinner amount at a fundraiser for the Young at Art Museum which we had attended through #Yelp.
On the way out, we were thanked by David who told us how glad he was that we were able to use our certificate. We thanked him for his support of Young at Art and told him how much we had enjoyed dining this evening.
The restaurant can be pricy depending on what you order, but well worth the value. You will pay as much in other places but not be as delighted. We felt everything was wonderful; Combined with the level of service, this place is a keeper.
Come now during the off season when they are slow. You will get reservations easier. They have some summer specials. They have a pick three of several different appetizer/tapas plates called a "sea-cuterie" to share including fish dip, cured tuna, salmon pastrami, rock shrimp,et al. Also a happy hour with half price oysters and specially priced drinks. read more