Jan Norris: Food and Florida

Honda Classic 2012

Several big name golf guys live around Palm Beach Gardens and the PGA courses they’re playing this week at the Honda Classic.

They dine out, too – so here are some spots to spot them at, if you’re a “forehead.”

Paddy Mac’s – This Irish pub in the Publix shopping center at Military and PGA has a special corner for the pros at the bar. Fans leave them alone to quaff and watch the game on the bar TVs. Owner Ken Wade is a serious supporter of the Quantum House, one of Jack Nicklaus’ charities.

Reef Grill – A local seafooder favorite in Juno Beach where US 1 and A1A split. It’s in a strip mall and has fresh fishes and a super wine list.

Talay Thai's lobster

Talay Thai – Charlie Soo and Mama Soo run this Thai lounge/restaurant that sits just outside PGA’s entrance. Terrific lobster here, as well as traditional Thai dishes and some spins (shortribs and curry).

Square Grouper – A tiki bar, where Eddie Els and his posse hang. It’s at the end of Love street in Jupiter.

Fish Shack and Leftovers – Mike Moir’s creative fresh fish houses. Fish Shack is tiny, in the Publix plaza at Indiantown Road and US 1. Leftovers is on Military Trail north of Donald Ross Road and has more dining spaces. At both, it’s a blackboard menu of fish – locally caught when possible.

Tequesta Brewing Co. and the Corner Cafe – Matt’s brewery, where some serious microbrews are made. U.S. 1 at Tequesta Drive, in the Blockbuster plaza. Fran Andrewlevich, formerly of Brewzzi’s, is now aboard here. Check out their current offerings for quaffing. The food comes from the next door Corner Cafe, worthy of dinner – and especially, Sunday brunch.

Ironwood Grille and I-Bar at PGA National – Don’t discount the lobby bar at PGA National, or Chef Gordon Maybury’s cuisine at the Ironwood Grille. Spendy, but nicely done, and there are famous faces spotted here before and after the rounds.