Chris Michael’s Promises to Satisfy Your Every Craving

To bring the family together (or any large group for that matter), one challenge almost always exists — how do you satisfy everyone’s food preferences without going crazy? You have the vegetarian, the one who squirms when anything raw is brought into sight, the one who must have meat and potatoes, the one who is allergic to everything, the one who won’t eat anything they can’t pronounce (good-bye to ethnic food) — need I go on?! While some restaurants refuse to make adjustments (This is the way food was meant to be.), others want to cater to your varying needs. Welcome Chris Michael’s to Boca Raton.

When I walked into Chris Michael’s on a recent Monday evening, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. The dark wood paneling and the dim lighting reminded me of yet another steakhouse, but I kept hearing — we are different. But how? We would soon find out.

Chris Michael’s of Boca brings together the talent of Executive Chef Yousry Hosein and General Manager Angelo Morinelli. Yousry Hosein, formally of the Bova family, focuses on using fresh ingredients simply prepared and while, staying true to the concept of Chris Michael’s in New Jersey,  he will add some creative twists that are sure to appeal to the Boca crowd. GM Angelo Morinelli, formerly of Cucina d’Angelo in Boca Town Center, will be there to add in the perfect touches and run the front of the house to ensure a delightful dining experience. Their goal – to create an eclectic blend of Italian, French and continental American cuisine — and don’t forget to add in the sushi — Is their menu too extensive and varied to truly excel at any one specialty?

Trio of Melanzine

For the member who craves everything Italian, there are plenty of options including appetizers, pizzas and pastas. Appetizers include — Vongole Oreganato, Calamari Fritti and a Trio of Melanzane;  Brick Oven Pizzas include a traditional Margherita and a Spinach Pizza — a white pizza with spinach, roasted garlic cream, mozzarella and tomato sauce; and pasta selections include a Rigatoni ala Vodka and a Risotto Tartufo.

Sushi Rolls

For those that in your party that are craving sushi, they might enjoy the addition of sushi rolls and sashimi to the menu. Offering both raw and cooked versions and being a little bit more Americanized than you might expect, Chris Michael’s does offer 20+ varieties ranging in price from $6-$19.

If you are craving a piece of red meat, the options range from a petite filet mignon that will melt in your mouth ($31) to a 36 oz Porterhouse for 2 ($79). Pair your selection with your choice of side (lemon-roasted potatoes, roasted asparagus, creamed spinach or mashed potatoes) and one of their signature sauces (Bordelaise, Port Demi, Bernaise or Au Poive), and you will be all set for a hearty meal.

Salmon with lentils, spinach and a beurre blanc sauce

Don’t forget your seafood loving friends — they can check out one of the restaurant’s specialties like the Blue Crab Crusted Chilean Sea Bass ($32) with a citrus glaze or the Moroccan Herb Crusted Salmon ($26) with spinach, lentils and a beurre blanc sauce.

I will admit, I’m still contemplating whether they will fulfill this attempt to satisfy everyone’s food preferences, I do know this — it brings an upscale, sophisticated restaurant to the Boca Raton area offering varied and fresh menu options that will appeal to a variety of appetites. It offers private rooms perfect for business meetings or other private events, it doesn’t get lost in an attempt to be trendy and while I can’t imagine it winning the foodies over with exotic flavor combinations,  it could work for those “I need to appeal to everyone in my group” type of situations.

Chris Michael’s is located at 10 East Boca Raton Rd., Boca Raton just north of Palmetto Park Road. For reservations, call 561.347.9662.

Photos from personal collection.