This week’s bar: III Forks, Palm Beach Gardens

The scene: Like Old Money, III Forks doesn’t need to show off. Every part of its warmly lit dining rooms exudes casual elegance, accommodating both to little black dresses and the Palm Beach uniform: Tommy Bahama shirts and khakis. White linen table cloths and leather wingback chairs balance comfort and style. But one look beyond the granite semicircular bar, expertly attended by knowledgeable mixologists, shows a well-stocked selection of the rarest spirits, including Macallan 30. The curved bar makes it easy to strike up a conversation and buzz isn’t so loud that you can’t speak with friends even three or four stools away.

Signature cocktail: For something sweet and unexpected, try the III Forks Martini ($10.50). The grape vodka is reminiscent of grape-flavored Jolly Ranchers—with a kick. And the frozen grape supplanting an olive is worthy tip of the cap.

Other drinks: III Forks has a wide variation of cocktails, from sweet to semi-savory. The most unique might be the Botanical Garden ($10), fragrant of a summer walk with its crushed mint and almost savory with muddled cucumber. The Morning Mist ($12.50) is a sweet change of pace, marrying pear vodka with fresh-squeezed lemon juice. And the most refreshing might be the Moscow Mule ($9), classic vodka with ginger beer and muddled mint and limes.

Bar bites: III Forks offers a bar-bite menu rich with flavors and selections. Even a simple Artisanal Cheese Plate ($17.95) is an adventure, with rare fine cheeses—drunken goat cheese and aged cheddar on this particular night—that change often but always take you off the beaten path. The Steak Tartar ($19.95) is prepared sashimi style, in a tower, over a mustard aioli and balsamic vinegar, and the Duck and Waffle ($7.95) bites are insanely good. For something a little heavier, share the French Dip Sandwich ($14.95), stuffed with shaved prime rib and glazed caramelized onions and roasted red peppers, served au juice, of course.

Deals: Every night of the week, III Forks offers something special for happy hour, from wine tastings for $5 every first Tuesday to a ladies night with 20 percent off food and $5 martinis on Thursdays and half off all bottles of wine under $100 on Saturdays.

Information: 4645 PGA Boulevard Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418. (561) 630-3660

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C O C K T A I L

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III Forks Martini

2 ounces 3 Olives Grape vodka

1 ounce Grape Pucker schnapps

1 ounce sweet and sour cocktail mix

3 frozen grapes

Combine ingredients in shaker with ice and strain. Garnish with frozen grapes.