http://www.chow.com/boards/10 Fri, 28 May 2010 01:43:07 GMT Keep track of the lastest threads on Chowhound http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/831314#7341931 i get the same feeling pdpredtide Wed, 16 May 2012 03:36:16 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/831314#7341931 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/132703#7340523 Looks like this post can use some updates. Most of the names mentioned here were once a pretty good place to go to, but I wouldn't recommend any of them anymore. Tropical Chinese is Dim Sum for Americans. you'll see more Americans there than Chinese. South Garden is still pretty decent, But it changed hand a few years ago and I can't say the quality kept up to Mrs. Chan's. Sang's, Bamboo, Jumbo were all once pretty good place to go and NW 163st was once a China Town in the making. But the neighborhood has gone south and most of the newer Oriental Immigrants are now living north in broward areas. Hence the better Dim Sum places are up north. IMHO. Fortunately there is a bright spot in Miami opened up about six month ago in Sunny Isle area. Chef Philip Ho 16850 Collins Avenue, Sunny Isles 305.974.0338 Philip Ho originated Kou Chow 20 years ago. I see someone still recommending it here. But it is more of a sweet and sour pork place now. The new Philip Ho is a classy place now with push cart dim sum. Variety is good and service is excellent. I find the taste tend to be lighter, which is a good sign, less MSG. Highly recommended and the only place I'd go in Miami. China Pavillion on Flamigo and Pines has been my favorite for a few years now. Still very consistent in quality and service. Comparable to the Bamboo Garden a block east. Until just a year ago, you'd need to wait an hour for table in Sat, Sun Brunch time. Some of my friend still swear by Tao Tao Chines Restaurant on Sunrise. a few item they make are as authentic as it can get, the soy sauce noodle and the congee, but it isn't worth the bad service. The Newest hot spot in broward area now is Pine Court Chinese Bistro 10101 Sunset Strip Sunrise, FL 33322 Open about the same time as Philip Ho, oh and incidentally, . Also features push cart dim sum. This is the trendy place to go now. Not only the food is good, Restaurant is clean and nice. Right in the same plaza opened up the largest Oriental food market of S. FL (New York Mart). So, Chinese families go there for Brunch and buy their grocery for the week right next door. This is a winning combo. Hope this helps. keithtang Tue, 15 May 2012 17:12:32 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/132703#7340523 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/849207#7340025 absolutely 100 percent agree with going to Garbo's Grill for some fish or shrimp tacos or burritos. Maybe Blue Heaven for Lunch and split a piece of key lime pie. Bad Boy Burrito, while I've never eaten there looks promising. Something college age kids would dig. http://www.badboyburrito.com/ Sarabeth's has some nice shrimp salads that I enjoy for Lunch Caroline's for some Key West apps and a drink - http://www.carolineskeywest.com/Home_files/Carolines%20menu%20no%20price%20pdf_1.pdf Is this a day trip where they are not staying over night? They should stay one night to get the full idea of Key West. They can find a room right off of Duval for about 100 bucks a night. If staying a night tell them to Pop over to Irish Kevins for some musical entertainment and a drink. :) Sandwich_Sister Tue, 15 May 2012 14:08:45 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/849207#7340025 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847327#7339480 We will be near the airport overnite prior to a cruise. But it doesn't have to be right there-we have a car. SCgal Tue, 15 May 2012 03:35:31 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847327#7339480 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/814649#7338754 We had the # 15 with pâté and pork. Mayo is my kryptonite but I had already made up my mind that I would have to force myself to eat it matter what because the man was so nice and polite. The excellent bread had a smear of butter in place of the much feared mayonaise. Also, this place is nicer on the inside than I was expecting given the somewhat grungy strip mall it's in. The one negative I must report is that the unsweetened tea was horrible. kengk Mon, 14 May 2012 21:04:12 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/814649#7338754 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/768736#7338215 Just got back. Trader's meal was fanatastic. My wiofe and her mom both raved about the lobster-blue crab dish that apparently is always on the menu. Don't miss Traders. Went to Cips for lunch and it's a very nice spot, had a deliciouls Groiuper BLT for lunch (just the sound of it makes your mouth water, huh?), but the service was kinda off. Still, I'd recommend. Grandma Dot's is consistant,and Doc Ford's is very solid choice too. After trying about 10 at various places on the island, we decided they clearly make the best and most potent Mojito's. Plenty of good happy hour opportunities all across the island if you are so interested. Honeyman Mon, 14 May 2012 17:44:38 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/768736#7338215 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/820917#7337465 We went looking for Cristof's back in February but since we couldn't remember the name or whether it was north or south of the bridge we ended up at McGregor Cafe where we had a great time. The outdoor patio was nice and the service very attentive. There were 8 of us, I can't remember what we ordered but everyone enjoyed their meal. When I finally did get to Cristsof's for lunch I was very disappointed. As LMF says, noisy, poor service and boring menu. Bumstead Mon, 14 May 2012 11:51:48 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/820917#7337465 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/834354#7336897 Just returned. We ate at the Blue Desert Cafe last night and the food was very good. It's a bit of a wait but worth it. http://bit.ly/JsxAXA We heard very good things about the island room. We'll try that next time we go. http://www.islandroom.com/ This trip we discovered the Tiki Bar at the Low-Key Hideaway. It's no food, beer and wine only but a great place to watch the sunset. Very eclectic decor, great use of empty bottles. http://www.lowkeyhideaway.com/ Bumstead Sun, 13 May 2012 22:54:52 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/834354#7336897 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/846118#7336241 Audubon Park's Farmer Market features only local producers and vendors, so there are a few places that are more true than others. i know how you feel here is a link to Homegrown Co op http://www.homegrowncoop.org/ pdpredtide Sun, 13 May 2012 14:28:36 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/846118#7336241 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/814670#7335725 What I am looking for is a hard block of tapioca/maniooc. I bought it in Mandacaru, in Joao Pessoa, Brazil. It actually looks like a block of cocaine! You have to "shave" it off the block. The girls in the kitchen put butter in the pan (small iron skillet) then shaved some into the skillet. They flipped it and then put it out onto paper towel. Then they rolled it up like a crepe. I loved it but the last two times I have been to Brazil is in Santa Catarina, (southern Brazil). Joao Pessoa is in northern Brazil. Am told that they like it in different forms around the country. Is there anyone out there who knows what I am talking about and whether or not I can buy it here in the US?? I did not buy it as a root, I do not want to have to cook it, strain it, etc!!! irishlady2 Sun, 13 May 2012 00:55:06 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/814670#7335725 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848714#7334624 If you sit at the bar at Ceviche you can probably get something quickly. It's on Church St just near I-4. VWRobin Sat, 12 May 2012 04:20:06 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848714#7334624 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847359#7334586 Roy's prix fixe menu is available every night, I think. There are a lot more choices -- I think any appetizer or entree, with only a couple of exceptions -- on Mondays. Cafe Lurcat has a very excellent value menu before 6:30. Here is a sample: http://www.damico.com/menus/LurcatFL_EDM_February_2_24.pdf We have enjoyed it and received absolutely no attitude for taking advantage of it. The pot roast, which was excellent and a large portion, was served in a charming individual copper pot. nosh Sat, 12 May 2012 03:42:57 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847359#7334586 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848826#7334376 Held off from posting after our first visit to make sure this was repeatedly good, and yes it is. Lots of sushi nearby on the beach but the food here stands out. Why? Toro, bluefin, bigeye sashimi prepared perfectly melt in your mouth; amaebi, anago, Unagi, hirugai nigiri excellently prepared. Perfect shrimp tempura handroll - wow simple is soooo much better! Nice space on Gulf Blvd. My concerns both times concern the new staff, as they are not restaurant trained and the lack of visibility to the Itamae on all but 4 seats. Both visits (Fri and Sat) there were maybe 20 customers. I've posted other places we visit for sushi, but this one is a keeper for now. cflynn Sat, 12 May 2012 01:03:37 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848826#7334376 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847141#7334130 Anybody here ever eat the Paella at Pattigeorge's? I've got the places set. Might be asking for some menu recommendations over the next week. We are getting ready to go. I packed a note pad and I promise to give as good of reviews as I can when we get back. kengk Fri, 11 May 2012 22:18:33 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847141#7334130 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848735#7333968 Thanks, looks like just what we are looking for. flfoodie2 Fri, 11 May 2012 20:45:13 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848735#7333968 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847050#7333535 Interesting - -the company website says they're only available in the New Orleans area - or to ask your local grocery manager to order them. I've had the best luck with Publix for special orders. sunshine842 Fri, 11 May 2012 17:30:32 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847050#7333535 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848583#7332997 Real quick I'd say Rusty Spoon, Pine 22, Ravenous Pig, Luma, Prato. www.RonaGindin.com Rona Gindin Fri, 11 May 2012 11:35:07 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848583#7332997 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/846732#7332545 Yes, I think so. It's a warehouse, so not much to it. I was at the theater Saturday, also, with my kids taking video for a project. Probably saw you! SusanSmith Fri, 11 May 2012 00:48:47 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/846732#7332545 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/846992#7329662 Did you find something good? rikkikm Wed, 09 May 2012 18:44:54 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/846992#7329662 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/846517#7328806 It is very easy to eat healthfully at Disney World, assuming you have the willpower. Every single restaurant, including fast-food counters, has at least one vegetarian item, and nearly all also have at least one low-fat item. So, you can get the bacon-cheeseburger but also the salmon with couscous, a chicken wrap, a grilled vegetable sub ... every restaurant does its own thing. You can find up-to-date table-service menus at www.disneyworld.com but need allears.net or other sites to see fast food menus. www.RonaGindin.com Rona Gindin Wed, 09 May 2012 12:05:36 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/846517#7328806 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847300#7328569 My wife and I both like Nomiki's a lot. We're both from NY so we've had our share of good Greek places. I think I've tried 3 Greek places here in Fort Myers and Nomikis is by far the best I've found. They completely re did the interior last summer so the inside is much nicer than what it was. All the dishes I've gotten from there have been quite good. I personally like the gyro and their grilled ocotopus but you've got to eat it when it's hot and still tender. Usually their side dishes that consist of greens (green beans) usually are quite mushy and over cooked. The owener and the wait staff are very friendly though. I've been to the Athenian one time and will never go back there. The gyro, if you can call it that, was disgusting. I think I ate 2 bites and threw the rest out. Oh well, live and learn. duckfat73 Wed, 09 May 2012 04:33:53 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847300#7328569 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/844190#7328284 Wow, that's a shame. I've never run into flies there, but I do take out as often as I eat in. TuteTibiImperes Wed, 09 May 2012 01:40:12 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/844190#7328284 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/324960#7328020 I wasn't too impressed with the pizza at Ciao. The toppings were fresh, however, I'm not a fan of their crust. Their pizza crust is way too bubbly and thick. I felt like I was eating a Boboli pizza dough. duckfat73 Tue, 08 May 2012 23:05:18 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/324960#7328020 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848304#7327916 Was wondering if anyone here have ordered the suckling pig at Cafe Napoli in Fort Myers. If so, any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks. duckfat73 Tue, 08 May 2012 22:14:15 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848304#7327916 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847867#7327752 Thanks for correcting my error. I have a tendency to consider all of these deals groupons, much to the others distress, as I'm sure I am not alone. LMF LilMsFoodie Tue, 08 May 2012 21:03:49 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847867#7327752 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847386#7327733 Miss E, I am not a local, but spent a week there in March. The link is to the places I ate at. Enjoy your time. Oh and +1 on the Floridian for a cuban, I forgot to put that one in my post. http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/838921 ssioff Tue, 08 May 2012 20:56:02 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847386#7327733 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847773#7325506 Bosphorous is on my list for our next visit to Lakeland. We had a good dinner at La Porta Rossa last weekend--not great, a bit overpriced, but excellent service, a nice wine list, lovely desserts. (Avoid the gnocchi.) Its sister restaurant, The Red Door Market, which is also on my list, looks more casual; it was packed on Saturday night, surely a good sign. http://lprlakeland.com/ http://www.reddoorwinemarket.com/ Miss E Mon, 07 May 2012 22:20:20 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847773#7325506 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847692#7323146 WE do mean a city/town in the heading.............. irwin Sun, 06 May 2012 17:49:04 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847692#7323146 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847863#7323139 Well-well-well. We also ate there a month ago, and the food as well as the service was excellent, but, we like BB ambiance much better. Although it was full on a Saturday evening it felt stuffy.....I must agree that its definitely in the woods, and quite a jaunt. WE much prefer Beach Bistro... irwin Sun, 06 May 2012 17:43:07 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847863#7323139 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847209#7323067 Although the food seems to be just a tad better at the Columbus restaurant (at least in my opinion), Arco Iris has another location on Tampa Bay Blvd that is a little more modern and since you mentioned decent bathrooms, may be more to your liking. The location is east of Habana on the north side of TBBlvd. tony noriega Sun, 06 May 2012 16:55:32 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847209#7323067 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/833982#7321635 I like taquitos Jalisco, But would also recommend. Taco palenque. Just downthe road in winter garden. Reasonable prices, fresh authentic food, the condiment bar is loaded withe a variety of fresh toppings for your meal , and a super nice owner to top it off, glad to say they are thinking about expanding to a second location. http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/26/1422482/restaurant/Orlando/Winter-Garden-Ocoee/Taco-Palenque-Winter-Garden herbert1 Sat, 05 May 2012 17:18:17 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/833982#7321635 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847548#7320820 My father in law say's that the food over at the White Horse (the old Horse and Coach) is ok; but then again, he'd eat road-killed possum so long as it was battered and deep fried. For his local fix of cabbage and stuff, he usually drives over to Rasher Tierny's Irish pub, off the Tamiami Trail in Bradenton (I wasn't terribly impressed with the place though). However I doubt that'll help your man and his mum, since it's probably the same distance to Shakespeare's pub. deet13 Sat, 05 May 2012 01:03:33 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847548#7320820 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/394625#7320041 Thanks. I may go by today sarge Fri, 04 May 2012 18:13:30 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/394625#7320041 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847157#7319329 The point of my request was to get responses from locals around this large area. For instance, you could tell me your favorites in your area, someone from another area can tell me their favorites, ect... johnny34203 Fri, 04 May 2012 12:59:35 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847157#7319329 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847317#7319328 Thank you so much for your time to put this together. I will update on our planned trip! johnny34203 Fri, 04 May 2012 12:57:22 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847317#7319328 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/844263#7317460 I think they consider themselves a seafood restaurant and that's what they do best. Best to stick to the surf and leave the turf. RevrendAndy Thu, 03 May 2012 17:06:52 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/844263#7317460 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847275#7317053 That area is over near UCF. Waterford lakes is nearby but it's mostly big chain restaurants. I found this thread that might have some options. http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/836165 coffeyucf Thu, 03 May 2012 14:05:20 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847275#7317053 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847165#7315917 Groupon is a mixed blessing. For a $30 payment for a $60 meal, Groupon keeps $15, and the restaurant gets $15, too. Yes, there's no profit if people wisely keep their purchase to just $60. Profit is made only on pushing drinks and appetizers and desserts to get the food and beverage in excess of the $60. Restauranteurs who are not well established tell me they choose to take the hit, as far more people see and actually read the Groupon advertisement than buy it. So, it's still a cheaper cost for very targeted PR than using the newspaper. Most restauranteurs choose not to do Groupon because it cheapens the brand, and most importantly, those who use Groupons do not come back later to pay full price, they just go to other discounted places. In L'Etoile's case, 560 diners will require a lot of upselling of additional food to make it a break even. Their servers have been going to other restaurants...not a good sign. Some crafty vendors are said to create special items and pricing just for Groupon discounts, where they jack up the price 2x to 3x, so the hit isn't so bad. Buyer beware! An Insatiable Appetite Wed, 02 May 2012 22:48:05 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847165#7315917 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/493491#7314347 Its funny how just one experience can cloud your whole image of a place. I had the same kind of experience at Costas and have never been back. Might give them another go after reading this thread. Nice food pics, btw. :) Bear1101 Wed, 02 May 2012 12:07:51 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/493491#7314347 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/846726#7314261 I'm a big fan of Bamboo Fire but in this case might not recommend as OP requested midscale to upscale. I'd put BF at ultra-casual. Food is great but with mom and pop staff it runs on Island Time. Grandma and teen may get antsy. CFByrne Wed, 02 May 2012 10:21:57 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/846726#7314261 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/832297#7313869 Then eat at Vintij. Been there since opening day 1999 and stilll a favorite. For Thai also Royal Orchid. Across the hwy then Sushimoto for sushi. On 30A go to Edward's and La Cream in Rosemary Beach. George's is open by the way in Alys Beach, Caliza also good. The V Seagrove may have a wait but offers excellent food. Eat at the Chefs bar.. Restaurants take breaks in the winter with most reopening first of March! Stinky's also a fav for fresh oysters all day all ways, great fish dishes and Sunday Brunch. The Red Bar is a must from 11-3 on Sunday for Dread Clampitt, Bloody Mary's and Paneed Chicken. 30AEATS Wed, 02 May 2012 02:51:09 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/832297#7313869 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/846559#7313280 I've been to Barbatella several times and enjoyed the real delicious flavors of Italy, on their generous portions of meats, fish, pasta and pizza. I've been to Italy a few times, and this is the real thing-stick to your ribs good cooking! It's not New York Italian style. It doesn't have or need foams, vertical stacking, or other trendy things. I like that the pizza is served on an openholed metal tray, so it doesn't get soggy. The bar area and outside dining are my favorite spots. And yes, the botoxed and generously siliconed cougars haven't set up a lair there yet...give them time! I've been to "big sister's" Sea Salt a dozen times since it opened, and had delicous food and good to excellent service. Some places have off days-need to let management know-teh owners are usually on site, too. I like Komoon as a neighborhood restaurant. It's good to get authentic Peruvian, Thai and Japanese in one spot. Nice setting and friendly service, too. An Insatiable Appetite Tue, 01 May 2012 22:18:35 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/846559#7313280 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/843355#7311970 Thanks all! Had a great visit! Since staying on the Ft Picken's end of the beach, we could amble across the road to Peg Leg Pete's- alot of fun! Most of the time we just purchased seafood at Joe Patti's. Since having kitchen facilities, we'd nosh it down by the beach. Excellent Pho(s) at Tu-Do Vietnamese in Pensacola (N.DavisHwy) huge bowls w/ an extra huge bowl of limes, bean sprouts, cilantro and jalapenos! Love Pensacola! dwdunn Tue, 01 May 2012 13:02:48 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/843355#7311970 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/846901#7310583 Hi all, Just got back from a rainy weekend trip to my favorite place for a short vacation... I live 2 hours from Key Largo. Love to make a few days of it when I can. Stopped in at Snappers for a few apps....Very impressed..Seems like they got their act together... It was the same Snappers I knew from many years ago...Sat at the bar with my spouse.. Had the most fantastic Tuna Nachos...Better than the Island Grill down the road... Spent a few hours talking to the bartender Susan that has been there "forever". Tried the Lorelei Saturday night while it was dry.... I actually tried their wings ....They were quite good.. Sunday before the rain got too heavy we went to Mrs. Mac's II. The food is good but believe me it is just a place to eat and not a place to relax ...Very noisy. The rain put a damper on our usual plans. HotMelly Mon, 30 Apr 2012 19:48:25 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/846901#7310583 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/843772#7309616 Thanks for the other replies, added to the list! :0) scooby99 Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:08:37 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/843772#7309616 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/842669#7308876 Love the place. Very intimate - almost like a private supper club. Great place to explore beyond the steak and potato junk in Tampa. Chef is really talented and low key. pear Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:12:24 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/842669#7308876 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/834166#7308811 i frankly wasnt impressed by the selection at the naples trader joe's. I've been to several in California and the one in Naples seemed lacking to me. Maybe they were yet to receive their stock? Was on a recent Sunday, so perhaps. HabaneroJane Sun, 29 Apr 2012 23:35:21 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/834166#7308811 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/134563#7308800 Blue Dot is great and a Pensacola institution! Also the burgers at McGuires Downtown Rock, as do the ones at The Tin Cow on Palafox! 30AEATS Sun, 29 Apr 2012 23:29:48 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/134563#7308800 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/846710#7308507 Anyone in SRQ know a bakery that makes Paleo diet friendly foods? Corky0770 Sun, 29 Apr 2012 20:31:43 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/846710#7308507