Buccan - Review - Palm Beach - Miami - The Infatuation

"Buccan proves that even an island full of millionaires can’t resist a martini and a hot dog. During the winter months, it’s the toughest reservation in Palm Beach—but, refreshingly, not the fanciest. The restaurant has a come-as-you-are attitude that belies the luxury cars at the valet stand and a menu that can appease a table full of disparate tastes. The crudos, tartare, salads, pastas, hot dog panini, and grilled proteins aren’t groundbreaking, but they don’t need to be. Buccan’s secrets to success are its consistent, easy-to-love dishes and the charming staff who smile at you like they’re in a toothpaste commercial. Food Rundown Grilled Carrot Salad The sweet carrots look like they were chopped by someone who was texting, but they get along with all the crunchy, creamy flavors on the plate perfectly. It’s simple, but impossible to get mad at. PlayMute video credit: Ryan Pfeffer Short Rib Empanadas While the short rib inside Buccan’s empanadas is good, we can’t justify spending $8 on one of these. It's barely larger than a golf ball. photo credit: Buccan Hot Dog Panini This should be on the table. It’s fun, nostalgic, and exactly what it sounds like: sliced hot dogs pressed into little finger paninis and a side of chili for dipping. It just needs something acidic, like a relish or pickled jalapeño, to cut through the richness. photo credit: Buccan Sweet Corn Agnolotti When it comes to the mains, prioritize pasta. And if you like corn, get this. These agnolotti are large enough that you have to be careful when cutting into them, lest you squirt one of the C-suite executives at the table next to you with a hot jet of sweet corn puree. PlayMute video credit: Ryan Pfeffer Squid Ink Orecchiette This is our favorite pasta. It’s nice and al dente, and notably hearty thanks to the chunks of sausage and the surprise addition of chopped conch. PlayMute video credit: Ryan Pfeffer" - Ryan Pfeffer