This is “Small Bites,” a South Florida Sun Sentinel feature with tiny tidbits on the food and beverage scene — because we know that sometimes you just don’t have room for a long article. You want a little news brief instead, an amuse bouche of information, if you will. Enjoy!
WHAT:
Il Mulino New York has hit the remodel and refresh buttons at several of their restaurant locations. But in Boca Raton, particular attention went to giving our local N.Y. snowbirds and transplants what they want: Some New Yawk favorites from the signature Abruzzese menu.
First opened in 2019, the eatery nestled on tree-lined East Palmetto Park Road, near the drawbridge, has been revamped with an Italian boutique-themed inspiration that features contemporary art-deco accents. The air-conditioned outdoor patio also underwent a makeover.
The brand’s research showed that Palm Beach County guests wanted more of The Empire State.
“In response to the analysis, the team ensured that Il Mulino Boca Raton’s dishes and cocktails aligned with the menu items offered in New York,” says Juan Gonzalez, general manager of the Boca Raton location. “This included launching the prix fixe lunch and brunch menus in Boca Raton.”
Executive chef Michele Mazza adds: “I see a lot of our New York guests ordering signature dishes like the Ravioli Porcini, made with our Champagne truffle cream sauce, and then the Pollo Alla Parmigiana, which combines perfectly breaded chicken breast, housemade marinara and savory cheese into a hearty dish.”
Boca foodie fans of Il Mulino also wanted some of that Broadway razzmatazz.
“There are also multiple dishes that offer theatrical, tableside presentations, like the traditional Caesar Salad and the English Dover Sole,” Gonzalez says. “These dishes and experiences were incorporated into Il Mulino’s service when the restaurant relaunched.”
The renovations also gave the bar a more open layout. You know what that means — a new, daily Happy Hour menu with craft cocktails and small plates.
“We are so happy that our first-ever Happy Hour menu has debuted at Boca Raton,” chef Mazza says. “The dishes on the menu are some of my favorites, like the Polpette and the Melanzane con Ricotta, and I can’t wait for guests to stop by to try them out, plus have a cocktail or two.”
The Happy Hour menu also includes Barbabietole, Calamari Fritti, Fagottini di Pera ($8-$10), as well as cocktails such as Limoncello Martini, Aperol Spritz, Margarita and an Old Fashioned ($8 each).
The bar strategy is particularly important, Gonzalez says, because of the neighborhood surrounding the Boca Raton eatery.
“The restaurant is located in a very residential area, with lots of foot traffic. Therefore, Il Mulino wanted to maximize this local presence and attract this crowd by launching the new mid-day Happy Hour. Guests can stop by after work to have a cocktail and light bites, all for under $10, or just have a cocktail before sitting down for dinner in the main dining room.”
The other SoFlo location, in Miami-Dade County’s Sunny Isles Beach, also underwent some renovations with an expanded patio that now features a retractable roof. All other Il Mulino NY (and Il Mulino Prime) locations are in New York and New Jersey. There is also Trattoria Il Mulino in Orlando and Nashville as well as Bistecca by Il Mulino in Pennsylvania.
EXTRA TIDBIT:
Now that renovations are complete, Il Mulino’s Boca Raton location is planning on launching a series of cooking classes, where you can learn how to make Italian staples such as fresh pasta and pizza.
“I love sharing my passion for Italian cuisine, so hosting cooking demos/classes is a pleasure,” Mazza says. “In the past, we have hosted events at Mulino New York … located at Acqualina Resort and Residences. We even organized a cooking class for kids … I showed children how to make Margherita pizzas and pasta from scratch.”
WHERE:
Il Mulino NY is located at 451 E. Palmetto Park Road in Boca Raton.
INFORMATION:
Visit imny.com/location/boca-raton or call 561-338-8606.
