DUFFY'S SPORTS FOOD THAT SCORES

DATE: October 29, 2004
PUBLICATION: Palm Beach Post, The (FL)
EDITION: FINAL
SECTION: TGIF
PAGE: 34
MEMO: CHOW DOWN

Call it Village Commons' little corner that could.

In recent years, the spot was home to Cooker. But Cooker didn't have a recipe for success. Then Rosalita's moved in. South of the Border fare didn't cut it. Now the local Duffy's chain has taken the space for a sports bar. Televisions beam sporting events from every corner of the place, and the dining room cupola is hung with the flags of dozens of teams. Servers wear football jerseys.

That transformation seems to be magical - people were lined up out the door and up the sidewalk one Saturday night. The crowds were too much and we went elsewhere.

We returned the next week for lunch and were rewarded with comfort fare-plus.

The Thursday meat loaf special ($6.99) was a generous slice of the American pate loaded with onions and other goodies. It came with a large side of homemade mashed potatoes and an ear of corn - hey, a little starch never hurt anyone.

The grilled steak salad ($8.99) had plenty of tender beef served atop crisp greens and Gorgonzola. Good combo.

The chicken Philly sandwich ($6.99) was a goodly serving of chopped chicken grilled with mushrooms and onions and topped with provolone cheese. French fries served on the side were crispy and fresh - some of the crispest we've had anywhere.

The place is clean and service throughout was fine. We're looking forward to our next visit.

Duffy's Sports Grill, Village Commons, 721 Village Blvd., West Palm Beach. Phone: 688-1820.

- Scott Simmons