http://www.chow.com/boards/10 Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:31:09 GMT Keep track of the lastest threads on Chowhound http://www.chow.com/topics/583308#4302909 Laughing Cat is a solid choice and it will be nice to see Ybor City before it gets too crazy. Never been to the others. But if you want the best high-end Italian go to Armani's. Unbelievable. Donatello's is another $$ Tampa fixture that you will sure to be happy about. Wed, 07 Jan 2009 05:31:18 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/583308#4302909 http://www.chow.com/topics/550074#4302691 I get my coffee from Kana in downtown. Best cuban coffee in town gets brewed in ma place! Wed, 07 Jan 2009 03:43:11 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/550074#4302691 http://www.chow.com/topics/460882#4302645 Try the International Food Club on Mcleod Road; granted, it's not fancy but it is super clean and very reasonably priced for imported items; there are hundreds of items from around the world. They have fresh Greek cheeses, frozen foods from India and the Middle East, and even British chocolates and desserts. They also have an in-house bakery and cafe that serves homemade falafel sandwiches (delish) and European pastries. It's kind of hidden away, but a real treasure trove of fresh, imported foods. They don't have a website, but they are listed on Citysearch. Here's the link: http://orlando.citysearch.com/profile/36946164/orlando_fl/international_food_club.html Wed, 07 Jan 2009 03:27:35 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/460882#4302645 http://www.chow.com/topics/585510#4302568 I would rank the classic miami restaurants like this: Tier 1 Michael's, Michy's, Talula, Sra Martinez Tier 1.5 Pacific Time, Azul, Ortanique, Sardinia Tier 2 Por Fin, Fratelli Lyon, La Cofradia, Cacao, Il Gabbiano etc. Other: Buena Vista Bistro (recommend this place for brunch over Brosia as well) Brosia is not at the same level, and also I didn't like the food Wed, 07 Jan 2009 03:05:39 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/585510#4302568 http://www.chow.com/topics/539952#4302524 We just returned from a christmas week trip to Marco Island, FL. Our first lunch destination was Doc's Beachhouse on Bonita Beach. The grilled grouper sandwiches were fabulous - this was our first stop driving 21hrs from Cleveland, Oh, enroute to Marco Island for christmas week. Wed, 07 Jan 2009 02:53:26 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/539952#4302524 http://www.chow.com/topics/584852#4302523 since you're looking for small places/dives, i'd recommend checking out: Cerro Negro for nica stuff Moises Bakery for empanadas El Cristo for salteñas Sabor de España for ham bocadillos Mi Rinconcito Mexicano for adobo pork quesadilla and lengua tacos Enriqueta's Sandwich Shop for a cubano con croquetas sandwich El Rey Del Chivito for an uruguayan sandwich Karlo Bakery for cuatro leches El Atlakat for pupusa revueltas B and M Market for curry goat roti Wed, 07 Jan 2009 02:53:02 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/584852#4302523 http://www.chow.com/topics/581474#4302467 Not Arthur, but; on the left,on 41 at Constitution going north. Make a u and it is in the little strip mall where the lamp shape store is. Very small, good food, very Italian, make sure and make reservations! Wed, 07 Jan 2009 02:29:53 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/581474#4302467 http://www.chow.com/topics/585081#4302397 just west in Lauderhill on University Ave is my favorite place - Rosey Baby's - for excellent New Orleans food (and great music). http://www.roseybaby.com/ Wed, 07 Jan 2009 02:08:44 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/585081#4302397 http://www.chow.com/topics/585217#4302385 on sunday i saw a sign on one the storefronts that cafe europa was reopening. it was about a block east of the previous location on the south side of the street. Wed, 07 Jan 2009 02:04:01 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/585217#4302385 http://www.chow.com/topics/521912#4302345 the crispy dates snack was really tasty, (i think they were better than sra martinez -- too much cheese for me) small date with almond inside, bacon outside over aioli on an endive also liked the fish curry with bananas, coconut -- dip the truffle fries in the sauce! Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:48:03 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/521912#4302345 http://www.chow.com/topics/584080#4302337 Well freezing is definitely out of the question. I think the swearing to best any where has a lot to do with the whole evening that may alter how the crabs taste. I would think an equally good place that know what they are doing with stone crabs can replicate that exact temperature that they must be served. Unless of course Joe's is adding to flavor ehance the crabs but let me not start up any nasty business. This is coming from the daughter of Hong Kong trained chef who knows all the tricks whispered from chef to apprentice ...without msg... that you will never find in any cook books. Ancient Chinese secrets that will never be revealed. Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:46:24 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/584080#4302337 http://www.chow.com/topics/533151#4302098 Made it over to Sushi Cafe/ Shilla yesterday for an early dinner and I was very pleased. This place is a whole in the wall located in a small strip mall across 79th ave from the Mall of the Americas. We shared a spicy beef and vegetable soup (Yukke Jang) which while it tasted good was not served hot enough and within a few minutes was too cold to eat. This did not deter me however since I was hoping to take some soup home and was very excited waiting for the meats to come out. Being a traditional Korean BBQ, the grills were built into the table. We ordered the Short Ribs (Galbi) and the spicy pork (Daiji Bulgoki). The portions were very nice and large. The meat was brought out with a bowl of rice and a plate of romaine leaves, garlic cloves and pepper slices (yay authentic!). There were five or six banchan, all fresh but pretty mild. Overall this was a very positive Korean BBQ experience. The tableside grilling is what i've been looking for, it is fun although as posters have mentioned, you may walk out smelling like the grill. The portions were large and the flavors were right on. Looking forward to my next visit. Wed, 07 Jan 2009 00:12:34 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/533151#4302098 http://www.chow.com/topics/585700#4302064 I'm traveling to Sobe for a long weekend w/ friends and would love some fabulous restaurant recommendations. We're all "foodies" and looking for a little of the Sobe "scene?" Wed, 07 Jan 2009 00:01:58 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/585700#4302064 http://www.chow.com/topics/585564#4302039 As previously recommended, Sandbar is the place to go! Should be fun, lots of college students from UM go there too. Tue, 06 Jan 2009 23:53:03 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/585564#4302039 http://www.chow.com/topics/585434#4302006 The Mad Hatter has wonderful food/ A restaurant for adults and a little expensive. Unlike the esperiences of a couple of others in the posts, I had several terrific meals at Key Lime Bistro. Tue, 06 Jan 2009 23:41:49 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/585434#4302006 http://www.chow.com/topics/549980#4301898 I've been to all those as well, and trust me, you want the steak at the Slipper. I've been going there since the early 70's Ted's costs just as much and is not half as good. At the other two places, steaks are an afterthought or nightly special, not the main dish of the house. Tue, 06 Jan 2009 23:15:15 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/549980#4301898 http://www.chow.com/topics/585224#4301887 Ok good. Please sing their praises once you visit. Tue, 06 Jan 2009 23:09:40 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/585224#4301887 http://www.chow.com/topics/585537#4301635 We're new to Jensen Beach and are also looking for recommendations. So far the places we've been to and enjoyed are 11 Maple, Claretta's, Brickwall, and Ian's Tropical Grill. The pizza at Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza is good and the locals all swear by Carmela's. The fish at the New England Seafood Company has not disappointed. It's worth the drive to Jupiter to enjoy either the Food Shack or Leftovers (the same owner). On the advise of friends we took a drive to Lake Worth and went to the popular John G's...definitely NOT worth the trip. I'd love to hear about any places you find. Tue, 06 Jan 2009 21:55:14 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/585537#4301635 http://www.chow.com/topics/556185#4301632 Morimoto is indeed fantastic, unltra-pricey, and reserved for guests and members only. I highly recommend you make some friends and get yourself inside. Highlights here: http://blogs.browardpalmbeach.com/shortorder/2009/01/dinner_at_morimoto_sushi_bar.php Tue, 06 Jan 2009 21:54:51 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/556185#4301632 http://www.chow.com/topics/557779#4301582 Sad to say, but stick a fork in Abokado. http://blogs.miaminewtimes.com/shortorder/2009/01/abokado_kod.php Tue, 06 Jan 2009 21:46:04 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/557779#4301582 http://www.chow.com/topics/585328#4301533 Por Fin has had an "executive lunch" for some time now that is pretty much a Spice menu, with several different choices (and an option to drop the dessert for a lower price, which is nice). So this is not so new for them. Tue, 06 Jan 2009 21:31:48 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/585328#4301533 http://www.chow.com/topics/585079#4301381 How could you forget Naomi's Grille/Paradigm? Its at the Trump Sonesta in Sunny Isles. Not cheap but excellent food. Tue, 06 Jan 2009 20:57:03 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/585079#4301381 http://www.chow.com/topics/565642#4301374 That's what I thought too. Tue, 06 Jan 2009 20:55:18 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/565642#4301374 http://www.chow.com/topics/129838#4300938 LMFAO I need to look at the dates on these posts LMFAO Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:55:44 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/129838#4300938 http://www.chow.com/topics/583001#4300926 Sonny's is great. And right in the area are the great cannoli's and egg cremes at Cannoli Kitchen. I've always enjoyed Doc's on Linton (I think) and Atlantic in Delray. Walk-up service. Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:53:49 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/583001#4300926 http://www.chow.com/topics/340358#4300853 My wife heard about this market and we headed over there this past weekend (were in town for the holidays). In comparison to S. Florida farmer's markets, I was fairly impressed with the space, Visited the honey guy, who was way too happy to indulge any question into informative answers about anything and everything honey related. he gave me a few samples and had us try some honeycomb with Winter Park Blue cheese, which was also great. People sold, plants, herbs, "gelato" (very tasty but not very creamy, tried corn and guayaba y queso), a french bakery who had some very good pastries, a cheese section who did not have a very interesting assortment, but some good stuff nonetheless, someone selling caramel apples (very good), kettle corn, orange and tangerine juices (ok, a little acid for me), pet toys, produce, oils and vinegars, homemade pastas (definitely worth noting and they sell online, I will post the website when I find it), and quite a few other vendors. Overall, the place was well organized and packed quite a few stalls into a decent sized space. I would be curious to visit it with more time again in the future. Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:34:57 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/340358#4300853 http://www.chow.com/topics/584212#4300811 If you've had great dinners at Trina, relish them. Personally, I really enjoyed some meals there, however, per this New Times article: http://www.browardpalmbeach.com/2008-09-25/restaurants/the-all-new-same-old/ it's a veneer of the old Trina. A real shame. Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:22:38 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/584212#4300811 http://www.chow.com/topics/585511#4300485 Lola's on Harrison Street. Had a wonderful, hound-worthy dinner with great service recently at Armadillo Beach in Dania Beach as well. Tue, 06 Jan 2009 16:55:49 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/585511#4300485 http://www.chow.com/topics/585540#4300413 We are going to Miami next week... Regardless of how tough it is to get the reservations, what are the best restaurants in South Beach? Downtown Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, etc? We have never been to the area and would love some advice. Thanks! Tue, 06 Jan 2009 16:33:36 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/585540#4300413 http://www.chow.com/topics/584357#4300308 Excellent...thanks for the suggestions! Tue, 06 Jan 2009 16:03:36 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/584357#4300308 http://www.chow.com/topics/585512#4300196 The Perfect Caper in Punta Gorda for upscale food in a casual atmosphere. http://www.theperfectcaper.com/index.asp The IceHouse in Punta Gorda for pub grub and a game of darts or pool. Very popular so it is very crowded and noisy but fun. http://www.theicehousepub.com/ There are more ... Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:23:10 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/585512#4300196 http://www.chow.com/topics/584211#4300185 Here is the Oct 2008 Ethnic Grocery Guide from the Sentinel. http://www.orlandosentinel.com/features/food/orl-ethnicguide2208oct22,0,7400065.story Here is the listing for the Italian, hope this helps! Antonio's Cafe and Deli, Restaurant and Retail Shop: 611 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland; 407-645-5523 (restaurant), 407-645-1043 (retail shop). Bari Italian Foods: 3875 Bengert St., Orlando; 407-298-0560. (Primarily a wholesale supplier to the restaurant trade, Bari is open to the public 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday.) Web: BariFoods .com. Cariera's Cucina Italiana: 7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Suite 12, Orlando, 407-351-1187; 10663 Narcoosee Road, Suite 108, Orlando; 321-235-1931. Web: Carieras.com. Fresco Italian Restaurant & Market, 7605 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando; 407-363-5775. Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:18:36 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/584211#4300185 http://www.chow.com/topics/583354#4300156 It's not a pancake house, but First Watch (locations around Central Florida) has nice pancakes, some fun flavors and the pancakes are quite large. Blueberry Pancakes are great and I add Granola. Yum! You can make your own pancakes at The Old Spanish Sugar Mill at DeLeon Springs park. http://www.planetdeland.com/sugarmill/index.htm Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:06:08 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/583354#4300156 http://www.chow.com/topics/580279#4299943 I guess I should have warned you about monday's in Mt. Dora. This town virtually shuts down on mondays. If you are here sunday night, you must attend pieces risings deck party. Most of the locals attend this thing because they know they don't have to work on monday. Quite the wild time! Most of the stores are also closed. Monday's in the summer are even worse! If you ever want to get away from it all an be in a ghost town for a couple of days make reservations for Sunday and monday evenings. Fortunately we are seeing more stores stay open past 5pm and open on mondays. I am glad to hear you had a plesant meal at cafe Atture. I think they might finally have a good staff in place. I have eaten there but the results were mixed so I haven't been reccomending. I had a good lunch there last time but a lousy dinner. That was a year ago. I'll go back and take another bite! Here is a list of the places open on Mondays in the village area: Pieces Rising- prices rising, good steaks and burgers! Cafe Atture- Italian The Frosty Mug- Icelandic Fare andTHE ONLY Live ent. on Monday nights. Mt. Dora sushi- Try it next time Fiesta Grande- Real mexican food at a good price. Jerremiah's- Bennigans style menu. The Lakeside Inn- I heard they have a new chef that rocks! Bring $! Tue, 06 Jan 2009 13:22:26 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/580279#4299943 http://www.chow.com/topics/585194#4299665 Sarah's in the Waterways has very good babka, and to die for choc chip mandel bread. Tue, 06 Jan 2009 06:14:01 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/585194#4299665 http://www.chow.com/topics/582420#4299648 Definitely try SANTIAGO'S BODEGA, EL SIBONEY (for the Cuban sandwich), AZUR (which was fantastic), but I would avoid MARTIN'S (we had a bad experience there -- bad service and bad food). Tue, 06 Jan 2009 06:01:14 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/582420#4299648 http://www.chow.com/topics/582982#4299585 Vibrant M waterfront replaced tired old Maxwells's forgettable food. Chef Brian Roland, briefly at Cru, is at the helm, and it's now tasty and popular. The "oxygen tanks" complain about the fancy new food that requites teeth, so one night a week the other chef serves them their foods from the 80's. I wrote about them Nov 1, 08 http://aninsatiableappetite.blogspot.com/ Pretty location on the bay- Worth a visit or chow down. Tue, 06 Jan 2009 05:25:33 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/582982#4299585 http://www.chow.com/topics/585129#4299290 I agree that Frenchy's is a good pick for families. Closer to St. Pete Beach, I'd check out Caddy's On the Beach in Treasure Island. It's a beach bar where you can eat at picnic benches on a gorgeous stretch of Sunset Beach and people watch to your heart's content while your kids frolic in the sand. The Reuben sandwich is the way to go there. Just be aware that the wait staff are way laid back and do things on their own time. . . . When I had friends with young kids in town last summer, the kids really enjoyed some of the local Mom and Pop places I took them. Pierogi Grill is an excellent Polish restaurant in Clearwater that the kids loved. Mirage, a Persian restaurant in Clearwater with an awesome buffet and an a la carte menu, is a hoot on Fridays and Saturdays when belly dancers perform and even pull kids (and adults) on stage to join the fun. There are also a ton of kid-friendly activities on Clearwater Beach, from Captain Memo's Pirate ship to the Marine Aquarium where they can meet the famous dolphin Winter (search the St. Pete Times website for a series of articles about her amazing story), and of course the daily Sunset Festival on Pier 60 with street performers, music, and vendors. The kids were fascinated by the sponge docks in Tarpon Springs and loved watching the waitress flame the saganaki (even if the taste of this flaming Greek cheese was a bit strong for them) at my favorite Greek restaurant, Mykonos. (If you like fresh whole fish, BTW, you may be in luck at Mykonos. Last time I was there DH and I shared a succulent hog snapper; the fisherman who'd speared it earlier in the day had just delivered it and was eating lunch there when we arrived.) Also, make sure to get an ice cream cone at Scoops on St Pete Beach. It's owned by a couple who grew bored of retirement and opened the shop for fun. It's homey and friendly, plastered with photos of guests slurping ice cream. And while we're talking ice cream, if you are in Dunedin or traveling up Alt 19 around Palm Harbor, get a cone at Strachen's--easily the best ice cream in the county, IMO. I'm also addicted to their carrot cake. Their original location is at Alt 19 and Tampa Road, and they have a new store on Main St in Dunedin, close to the Pinellas Trail. Also in Dunedin is Casa Tina, a wonderful Mexican restaurant with a whimsical decor. On Saturdays they clear out a couple tables for a Cirque du Soleil-style performance. Those are a few suggestions of places that are kid-friendly, have great food, are fun, and give you a little local flavor as well. Tue, 06 Jan 2009 03:08:21 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/585129#4299290 http://www.chow.com/topics/585396#4298949 Rosa's Mexicana in Downtown @ The Gardens and Spoto's in downtown WPB have both closed. Spoto's in PBG on PGA will remain open. Tue, 06 Jan 2009 01:06:58 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/585396#4298949 http://www.chow.com/topics/585152#4298845 Hello Mr Frodnesor, As usual another great restaurant review from you. I own a unit in one of the towers and had planned to go to Scarpetta this saturday. Your description of the dishes was excellent. The answer to your question about Italian crudo fish is yes. In certain coastal towns a simple garnish of first press oilive oil with salt , pepper and some fresh fennel shavings is a delicious appetizer. Lots of places think they know how to cook Italian, but only a few actually "know" how to cook Italian. So yes there is a huge difference. Glad you enjoyed your meal, thanks again for the review. Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:31:57 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/585152#4298845 http://www.chow.com/topics/541798#4298828 I hope the cupcake trend is over Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:26:00 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/541798#4298828 http://www.chow.com/topics/585346#4298415 I'm looking for a good seafood recommendation and a steak recommendation. Thank you, Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:13:53 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/585346#4298415 http://www.chow.com/topics/584912#4298130 Yes, Bill died a few years ago. The restaurant closed on September 22, per the website. A guy named Aron Goodenbury, or something like that, was the manager but I never could figure out who owned the place. The closing is sad, and scary. Mon, 05 Jan 2009 20:52:55 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/584912#4298130 http://www.chow.com/topics/585308#4298043 Has anyone else tried The Real Dill Deli on South Westshore? I stopped in for lunch on Saturday and was pleasantly surprised. It's nice to have a quick and healthy place in the neighborhood http://therealdilldeli.com/ Mon, 05 Jan 2009 20:25:09 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/585308#4298043 http://www.chow.com/topics/134563#4297933 Also correct on the Brass Ring. Best burger in Palm Beach County and has been for years. Sure could use one about now. Mon, 05 Jan 2009 19:56:30 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/134563#4297933 http://www.chow.com/topics/584988#4297683 Thanks, I ended up at the new take out place Ni-Hao up on Thomasville RD. It was fair, but they are very new and we might give them another chance. Have been to Lucy Ho's and it is good. Have not been to Masa yet, does not look as kid friendly, so will have to go when we have a sitter. Mon, 05 Jan 2009 18:53:37 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/584988#4297683 http://www.chow.com/topics/583410#4297576 I haven't tried Sea Salt but the menu looks great. The Dock has good food and a great location on the water. It's a fun place for lunch and I recommend it. The food is better at Tommy Bahamas and Campiello, but of course at a little higher price point. Mon, 05 Jan 2009 18:26:41 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/583410#4297576