You can do a lot with $100 million. In the case of The Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, $100 million completely transformed the already enormous and impressive Broward County property. Among those multi-million-dollar renovations: an expanded roster menu of quality eateries.
When you walk through The Diplomat, you’re basically in a mini-city — one that’s full of just about anything your stomach could possibly desire. Craving burgers? Looking for pasta? In the mood for sushi? The oceanfront destination offers these items and much more.
Although you can find such cuisine elsewhere, what makes the Diplomat’s culinary offerings different is the star power behind them. Some of the property’s newest additions are backed by the likes of Geoffrey Zakarian and Michael Schulson, two prominent figures in the industry.
For Zakarian, his Point Royal concept at The Diplomat marks a triumphant return to South Florida; the celebrity chef once ran the American bistro Tudor House on Miami Beach, which sadly shuttered in 2012. Unlike Zakarian, Schulson is new to the local scene; the Japanese gastropub Monkitail is his first restaurant to open in the southeast.
These two celebrity-backed establishments join a slew of other dining venues throughout the hotel. Here’s a closer look at some of the spots that hungry guests can visit to satisfy their appetite with their menu:
Bristol’s Burgers
There’s nothing like a good burger, and Bristol’s Burgers offers plenty to choose from. The casual burger joint, which overlooks the Intracoastal, features reasonably priced bun-and-patty combos such as the Neuske’s Double Bacon (crispy bacon strips, whiz, pickles, ranch dressing) and Porter Barbecue (caramelized onions, pepper jack, pickles, porter BBQ sauce). There’s even a vegan burger (chickpeas, black beans, toasted quinoa, shitake mushroom salad) for diners seeking a plant-based alternative.
Don’t let the name fool you: Bristol’s Burgers offers a lot more than burgers. Sandwiches are abundant, too, as are traditional bar bites like smoked local fish dip, loaded fries and chicken wings. Whatever you order, make sure you have room for dessert. Bristol’s signature shakes like the Twinkie Boy (vanilla ice cream, caramel, Twinkies) are not to be missed.
Portico
A stone’s throw away from Bristol’s is Portico, a slightly more upscale Italian restaurant. Light bites abound at the open-air eatery, including flatbreads, meatballs and charcuterie boards. Customers can enjoy an array of adult beverages from the on-tap wine and beer program while playing ping-pong, Jenga and other games available.
Groups large and small are welcome. Big parties can take advantage of the various picnic tables while smaller parties can lounge in the Adirondack chairs or sit at one of the round tables. And if the weather is looking spotty, there’s covered seating to keep you dry.
Diplomat Prime
Spare no expense at Diplomat Prime, the resort’s premier steakhouse. As the name suggests, this fine dining restaurant on the property’s roster means business — and quality. The first thing that you’ll notice is the sophisticated décor, which harkens back to the hotel’s heyday in the 1950s. On the menu, you’ll find a wide selection of cuts; expect the usual filet mignon, ribeye and porterhouse offerings complemented by more adventurous wagyu selections.
Non-steak fans should look at the appropriately named “Not Steak” section, which is made up of mostly seafood entrees like North Atlantic black bass and butter-poached lobster. Handcrafted classic cocktails like Manhattans and martinis will help wash everything down.
Point Royal
In early 2017, The Diplomat Beach Resort welcomed the first of its celebrity-backed eateries. Zakarian’s Point Royal, which focuses on coastal American cuisine, is home to the property’s only raw bar and an extensive menu that puts seafood at the forefront. Crab croquettes, steamed Maine mussels, oyster po’ boys and local fish ceviche are just a few of the smaller bites that will whet one’s appetite for larger plates like the whole local fish of the day, fresh linguine and clams, and Atlantic tuna steak.
Zakarian’s beloved Point Royal Ugly Burger also makes an appearance here. The burger, which was available at Tudor House and whose appearance lives up to its name, is made up of a dry-aged double patty, aged American cheese, remoulade, and bread and butter pickles. Meat-eaters, take note: It’s one of the few non-seafood items on the menu.
Monkitail
Schulson’s Japanese gastropub concept highlights vibrant Asian flavors in a setting designed for conversation and good times. Shareable small plates are the focus here, and the chef’s tasting menu is an incredible value. For $65, diners can enjoy 10 selections (plus dessert) from across the menu; similar multi-course tasting menus can easily cost twice as much.
Of course, guests aren’t obligated to get the tasting menu. Everything from the Japanese fried chicken and broiled seabass to the prawn and short rib robatayaki selections are available a la carte, so guests can mix and match items to fit their palates. After dinner, head over to the karaoke lounge to belt out some tunes and keep the party going.
For more information on these establishments and other culinary offerings at Hollywood’s Diplomat Beach Resort, visit the hotel’s official website.
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Written by:
Geoffrey Anderson Jr.
Co-Founder
MiamiFoodPug.com