Leisure

Get Out of Dodge

Labor Day Weekending in Palm Beach

Labor Day: the unofficial swan song of summer. The big finish. The grand finale. The three-day weekend to end all three-day weekends. An occasion like this calls for something huge. Road-trip huge. We’re thinking Palm Beach. Herewith: your vacation itinerary. Yes, it’s heavy on the cocktailing.

THE FIRST MEAL

Buccan’s Little Sister Has Arrived

Why You’re There: Clay Conley’s expanded the Buccan empire to... well, right next door. It’s Japanese. It’s tapas. It’s sake. It’s... everything you’ve ever wanted after spending the last few hours in a car.
What You’re Having: Tuna and Foie Gras Sliders, Peking-duck tacos, the coldest beverage on the menu.
Keywords: chopsticks, small plates, Tommy Bahama suggested

THE ACCOMMODATIONS

The Best Rooms at the Ritz

Why You’re There: For one of the club-level rooms. They come with access to the hotel’s newly renovated lounge. Which comes with access to all-day gratis cocktails. It’ll be like you died and went to gin-soaked heaven.
What You’re Having: A martini. In a pitcher.
Keywords: shaken, stirred, mega minibar

THE LOCAL CULTURE

Raiding Someone’s Wine Rack

Why You’re There: Palm Beach. The Napa of Florida. Okay, maybe not. But it’s got Virginia Philip, one of the country’s most respected master sommeliers. She has a place out here. That place has wine. She’s good at sharing.
What You’re Having: Your way with her hand-selected 450-bottle collection.
Keywords: top notes, cheese plates, swirl and sniff

THE BLOWOUT DINNER

Eating in a Boulud Pop-Up

Why You’re There: It’ll be your last chance to try Boulud Sud, that summer pop-up from, yes, Daniel Boulud. The place says au revoir on September 2. Goodbyes... so tough, yet so tasty.
What You’re Having: Four courses of Mediterranean fare like octopus a la plancha. You: huge fan of la plancha.
Keywords: the French, the end, the food coma

THE SHARK INCIDENT

Face Time with Sharks at the Seagate

Why You’re There: To check out a 2,500-gallon tank filled with sharks. Because you like sharks. Especially when they’re behind glass and near the hotel spa.
What You’re Having: A newfound appreciation for nature. Also, a hot-stone treatment.
Keywords: Jaws, fishbowl, Shark Weekend