By Shana Overhulser, BocaLocals.com
“What’s it all about?” I’ve always wondered, “at PGA National Resort and Spa.” The long-awaited answer is divulged! After spending some time at the incredible PGA National Resort and Spa I’ve fittingly named my stay “PGA-cation,” a weekend of cuisine, sun, spa and splendor.
Such a quick drive from Delray Beach that we almost missed our exit off Florida Turnpike. The driveway leading to the magnificent resort lobby was picturesque with a glimpse of five legendary golf courses, resort homes, lakes and colorful flags signifying the prescence of a golf tournament on-site. Being the holiday season, the re-designed lobby glimmered in red, green and gold, with large decorated Christmas tree and Hanukkah table with menorah and presents all around. There was a warm and jubilant energy and we couldn’t be more excited to be there.
My husband and I were escorted immediately to our first floor 429 square foot “Spa-Suite” complete with living room, two sitting areas, kind size bed, balcony and a chamber – containing a massage table. The balcony was a wrap around with a quaint garden view. I loved our private little retreat with sweet smell of eucalyptus in the air!
Golfers and Glamour: The 19th Hole Bar and Grill was transformed into Bar 91, featuring a new menu, high-definition televisions and expanded outdoor dining overlooking championship greens. Updates were made across all of the championship Florida golf courses, including rebuilt bunkers, new turf and irrigation and expanded tee and green complexes. PGA National Resort & Spa, the home of The Honda Classic, is also home to some of the best golf training in the country. With three different golf schools staffed with PGA-certificate pros, David Leadbetter Golf Academy and David Pelz Academy on-site, and the Every Ball Counts Elite Training Facility just a few miles down the road, PGA National Resort & Spa is the destination where you can take your game to the next level. The LOFT Golf Performance Lab on-site, is also a must if you are looking to get fitted to the proper clubs.
No struggle to find my Sweet Spot, as we started our evening on the all-new iDECK, a 3,000-square foot terrace, with sensational views of the property and the newly added sparkling zero-entry pool. International flags were waving in the distance as the pink sun was setting. Our server, Courtney, was right on cue, popping open a bottle of 2012 PGA National Private Label Cabernet from California. Pairing well with the Chop House Crab Cake topped with avocado creme, pickled shallot, tomato and cilantro. There were bites of brilliance, with the Lobster Ravioli stuffed with jumbo lobster, English peas, wild mushroom and bacon. The lobster stole the show, and how.
Transitioning inside to Ironwood Steak and Seafood, we could hear the live piano and smell the carnival of flavors. Another sensational view before us was the wine room, with over 150 different wines carefully chosen from 6 different countries to marry well with the array of masterful dishes about to be presented. In the wings, was a bountiful bread basket offering pretzel bread roll, walnut-cranberry bread, rosemary roll and hand-held cracker. Three spreads; whipped garlic butter, delightful red pepper and sage infused olive oil and balls of farmhouse butter. The anticipation was great but every bite was worthwhile as the succulent Bistro Steak, 8 oz Australia Wagyu, lamb chops, were served! Cooked to perfection surrounded by fingering potatoes, baby carrots and simple seasoned balsamic drizzle. Bill had the Delmonico, 18 oz Creekstone Farms steak from Kansas, USA. Juicy and bursting with deliciousness. Six sauces accompanied the entrees; House-made BBQ, Boulonnaise, Clove Steak Sauce, Horseradish, Hollandaise and Worcestershire. The sides were Sea Salt Crusted Loaded Baked Potato and Broccoli with Melted Cheese. A showstopper of a dessert is the Spiced Apple Crumble with Vanilla Ice Cream. I found some space to fit in a few spoonfuls to round out this scrumptious meal!
A hearty bravo to Execute Sous Chef Collin Pate, living up to his long legacy of branded chef/owners, Claude Pate, grandfather, and Stanley Pate, father. The Pate family has been involved in the Naples, Florida dining scene for more than 40 years with locations now in South Carolina and New Jersey. Chef Collin’s style of cooking yields to that of an American steakhouse with a flair for French and Italian seasonings. Well, that’s just up my alley!
The following morning, I enjoyed the HydraFacial and a day of relaxation by the Waters of the World therapeutic pools, featuring mineral elements imported from France and Israel. You can order lunch or cocktails pool side right at your lounge chair. I enjoyed PGA Resort’s famous Gazpacho with Grilled Shrimp and a glass of champagne. The HydraFacial is one closely related to microdermabrasion – without the abrasion. Your skin is cleansed three times and soften with a special handheld massager then kissed with serum to stimulate collagen production. Believe me, I saw results that day AND the whole week following. Now, that’s a facial! #PGA
Take a short ride to experience the new expansion of paradise right in our backyards at PGA National Resort and Spa. Come for happy hour, dinners fit for royalty, live entertainment, golfing, fitness fun or a relaxing spa day. No membership requirements at this club. Enjoy a PGA-cation for one or two nights, like I did and you’ll never be the same! Come with the family too – the PGA Summer Camp for kids starts in June. I highly suggest taking advantage of the specials and packages on their web site. Visit: http://www.pgaresort.com/golf-vacation-packages or call (800) 863-2819.
PGA National Resort & Spa, 400 Avenue of the Champions, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418. http://www.pgaresort.com/index
Have a PGA-cation!
FOODNOIZE 