Proper Grit: Chef Daniel Pundik's Farm-to-Table Tribute to Historic Florida

Proper Grit brings elevated American cooking inspired by Florida's culinary roots to North Narcissus Avenue in downtown West Palm Beach, housed inside The Ben hotel. Executive Chef Daniel Pundik leads the kitchen with a farm-to-table approach, letting local, seasonal ingredients guide the menu rather than working from a fixed script.

A Love Letter to Historic Florida Cooking

The restaurant frames itself as a tribute to Florida's culinary history, paying homage to the spirit of Byrd Dewey through a menu of elevated comfort classics that includes crisp salads, savory mains, and shared small plates. That approach keeps the food familiar in spirit while giving the kitchen room to refine each dish with local, seasonal ingredients rather than leaning on nostalgia alone.

A Coffee Bar and Weekend Tea Service

Byrdie's Coffee Bar rounds out the concept with Floridian coffee, fresh-pressed juices, and daily pastries from pastry chef MJ Jaramillo, while weekend Proper Tea service pairs savory and sweet bites with Jenwey Tea Co. blends and tea-infused cocktails. The overall space is designed for lingering conversation rather than a quick in-and-out meal, whether guests start the day at the coffee bar or settle in for a full dinner.

Good to Know

Proper Grit is located at 251 N Narcissus Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. For Florida-rooted comfort food inside a downtown hotel setting, it remains a distinctive addition to West Palm Beach dining.