West Palm Beach, Florida, Through a Spanish Lens
Hi, I’m Agnese George! I believe we’re all searching for home in some way—a place of comfort and belonging, where we feel seen, understood, and truly connected.
Although I’m originally from Pembroke Pines, Florida, I spent several years living in Spain, during which time my family moved to different places across Florida, the U.S., and the world. My sister moved to California, my dad to Colombia, and my mom to West Palm Beach. When it was time for me to move back to the States, I went to West Palm Beach to be with my mom. It was a period of adjustment; I’ll tell you that. At times, I felt like a tourist in my own home state. But what made the transition easier was the familiarity of the people, languages, and food.
Both of my parents were born and raised in Haiti before moving to South Florida in their 20s. If you live in Florida, you know that the Caribbean and Latin American communities play a major role in shaping the cultural and economic life of the southern part of the peninsula. Being around those communities again made settling into West Palm Beach easier. I could speak Haitian Creole, eat Cuban food, and enjoy having the beach just 10 minutes away. It was a chance to indulge in all the things I had missed while living in Spain. Of course, there were moments when I missed life in Madrid, too, which led me to discover local spots that carried Spanish delicacies.
West Palm Wine Co.
Prospect Place 3131 S Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL 334505 U.S · Instagram
West Palm Wine Co. is a must-visit. It’s located in the Antique Row district and is a chic, open-layout wine shop that feels as inviting as it is beautiful. The owners are lovely, too, always welcoming and happy to help you find something you’ll love. My favorite time to stop by is Thursday, just in time for their free wine tastings from 4 to 7 p.m. It’s the perfect pre-dinner activity: take your most social and hungry friend, sample a few bottles, discover something new, and chances are you’ll find a wine you’ll want to take home for the evening. It’s also the perfect excuse to try one of the recipes I’ve shared in this guide.
Be sure to try a bottle of Spanish wine from the winery Altaroses! Whether you’re an emerging wine connoisseur or simply want to become more fluent in wine culture, there’s a ton of great books to explore: also a great gift for a wine lover in your circle. Between the thoughtfully curated selection and the team’s knowledge, it’s very likely you'll leave with more than just a good bottle.
Olive Oil of the World
2040 70th Ave E, Fife, WA 98424 · Instagram
If there’s one thing you can’t go wrong with, especially when it comes to Spanish cuisine, it’s olive oil. And Olive Oil of the World is the perfect place to get your hands on some. Located in North Palm Beach, this family-owned gourmet shop is dedicated to the art of olive oil, offering a wide selection of extra-virgin olive oils and artisan vinegars from around the world.
It's the place to bring that one friend who’s always looking for ways to elevate their dishes. The shop is family-owned and run by chefs who are passionate about quality ingredients and helping you find the right oil for your taste. If you need a little inspiration, their website is full of recipes that show you how to put these oils to good use. They also host in-store events and regularly pop up at farmers markets, so there are plenty of opportunities to discover them.
And it’s not just olive oil! The shop is full of gourmet goodies, from potato chips cooked in olive oil to olive oil-infused chocolate, cheeses, and other treats. There’s a little bit of everything, so don’t be surprised if you leave with a bottle for your kitchen and a snack to munch on for the ride home.
Meat N’ Bone
13873 Wellington Trace B7, Wellington, FL 33414, United States · Instagram
The Spanish don’t play when it comes to their meat, and once you’ve tried the good stuff, you’ll understand why. Meat N’ Bone is the place to go when you’re craving well-cut Spanish cured meats, with a selection of specialties, including chorizo ibérico de bellota, jamón ibérico de bellota, Serrano ham, and even sobrasada, a spreadable chorizo that’s delicious on a slice of crusty bread.
Honestly, you walk into the shop, and the smell alone will have you hungry. You know that friend who takes their charcuterie boards seriously? They'll appreciate you for introducing them to this spot.
But if it's your turn to host for the holidays this year, take this as your sign to invest in a whole jamón ibérico de bellota. Imagine having a leg of acorn-fed Iberian ham at home, slicing it paper-thin throughout the holiday season for family and friends to enjoy. It’s a whole experience, and trust me, it’s worth it!