Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Limoncello mousse
Q. One of our favorite places to dine in Palm Beach is the elegant yet comfortable Renato's. When dining with friends recently, we enjoyed a refreshing and delicious Limoncello dessert. One of our guests, who is an excellent cook, was especially enthralled with the texture and flavor. I would love to send the recipe along with her birthday card. I appreciate anything you can do to help this happen. Thanks in advance for your efforts. — Carol Mears, Boca Raton
A.
Much of the effort and thanks for the Limoncello recipe goes to Executive Chef Javier Sanchez of Renato’s (87 Via Mizner Palm Beach, 561-655-9752, renatos palmbeach.com). Sanchez has been cooking on the island for more than 25 years, having spent the last 13 at Renato’s.
He developed the dessert recipe about five years ago for a dinner for the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, an international gastronomic association of individuals sharing an appreciation of fine dining and the culinary arts. The Limoncello, an airy, lemony mousse, was so well-received that Sanchez incorporated it into his regular menu. “It’s a very light, delicate dessert that is also flavorful and refreshing,” he says. “I think this is why our guests love it. And it’s not difficult to make.” Since this is a makeahead dessert that requires freezing, be sure to file this one under easy entertaining for your upcoming holiday parties.
Tucked away just off Worth Avenue in Via Mizner’s romantic courtyard with cascading bougainvillea and old-world European charm, Renato’s has been a dining destination since 1987. In December, the restaurant celebrates its 30th year on the island. In this demanding business, that’s no small feat.
Q. The only time my granddaughter will eat a salad is when it has ginger dressing from Furin Restaurant. She lives far away and visits rarely. I would love to have her eat more salads. I would love it if you could get the recipe. Thank you. — Judi Thompson, Boca Raton
A.
I made a few attempts to get in touch with the powers that be at Furin in Delray Beach, but didn’t connect. Your query immediately brought to mind a special request that I received from my daughter, Ruby, five years ago for the same recipe, different restaurant. It comes from Noopy Areerak, the owner and chef of Malakor Thai Café, (425 25th St., West Palm Beach, 561-762-9070, Malakor.com). Chef Areerak’s sister, Tutu Sarjai, makes all the dressings and sauces fresh daily at the restaurant. We still enjoy making this recipe and often serve it over greens topped with grilled chicken. Hope your granddaughter enjoys it, too, Judi.