http://www.chow.com/boards/10 Sat, 03 Mar 2007 16:27:39 GMT Keep track of the lastest threads on Chowhound http://www.chow.com/topics/670047#5211012 I'd like to suggest you do another post and title it: Christmas day dinner in Crystal River area, Ocala, Tampa Bay area. We are a huge state and lots of people will ignore such a broad request. Just my opinion. There are some interesting little places in Crystal River but I have no idea what is open that day. Enjoy your trip. Fri, 27 Nov 2009 17:35:38 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/670047#5211012 http://www.chow.com/topics/601647#5210938 If you want to combine AYCE and Cuban cuisine you should try one of the Padrino's restaurants. There are a few, (Boca,Hallandale and Plantation) For less then $10 at lunch you get a very good sample of tasty Cuban food. Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:58:49 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/601647#5210938 http://www.chow.com/topics/670018#5210903 should have prefaced the question with "i'm from the north so ..." Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:35:16 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/670018#5210903 http://www.chow.com/topics/669497#5210893 I wonder why I couldn't find it? I ended up eating at Brio. It's hell getting old. LOL Bernini was having $2 martinis from 11:00 on, although I haven't been there in about 6 weeks so I don't know if that's still going on. I think I'm going to have to hit it myself this weekend! :D Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:31:00 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669497#5210893 http://www.chow.com/topics/669975#5210863 I was in Ocala last May and had a great dinner at Pi on Broadway. We went for the pizza but ended up eating from the tapas menu. If the weather is nice check out their rooftop bar. Also heard good things about Mark's Steakhouse, but we never made it there. Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:16:49 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669975#5210863 http://www.chow.com/topics/656222#5210361 How did you find them? For me the purity are brutal everytime I buy a box they are stale. Fri, 27 Nov 2009 03:20:02 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/656222#5210361 http://www.chow.com/topics/669929#5210196 I suggest you post this on the Kosher board. Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:33:59 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669929#5210196 http://www.chow.com/topics/669240#5210005 Both Reunion restaurants (Eleven, and Forte) are above average. They are not open on a regular schedule, but both are on Opentable. Thu, 26 Nov 2009 21:32:32 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669240#5210005 http://www.chow.com/topics/584080#5209823 I haven't been for a while, but my late husband and I used to enjoy sitting at the bar, having a bottle of wine and claws and watching the competition for the maitre'd's "attention". Some of it was hilarious and inept. It is difficult to try to tip your way in the first time at any restaurant. Bartenders love watching the spectacle as well. The well-groomed and dressed will be a little better attention, gracing the palm or no. LMF Thu, 26 Nov 2009 18:36:26 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/584080#5209823 http://www.chow.com/topics/669932#5209815 What is your top 3 dinner restaurants in the hollywood area from Ft. lauderdale to Miami beach? I'm particularly interested in restaurants that are new for 2009 or have a new chef. Thanks! Thu, 26 Nov 2009 18:29:11 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669932#5209815 http://www.chow.com/topics/668996#5209760 I just had dinner there on Monday and I didn't see anyone in shorts, but that's not to say they aren't allowed. Joe's has such a nice atmosphere with it's tuxedoed waiters and red-jacketed busboys that I think people just understand that it is a special restaurant with a special atmosphere deserving of respect - hard and fast rules or no. Enjoy your meal - we had a fabulous time and I highly recommend the Dr. Loosen Riesling on their by-the-glass list (it was not offered by the bottle, for some reason, but I bet you could buy it that way if you asked) - the wine is perfect with the stone crab and mustard sauce! Thu, 26 Nov 2009 17:56:24 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668996#5209760 http://www.chow.com/topics/669359#5209711 thanks! Thu, 26 Nov 2009 17:28:07 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669359#5209711 http://www.chow.com/topics/654686#5209613 Shirley, which place are you referring to? I didn't catch the name of the restaurant in your post. I'm always looking for places down there with good quality food. I just got back from four nights in Key West, and I think I'm more disappointed in the quality of the food down there each time I go. I used to look forward to eating out in KW, but anymore the vast majority of the restaurants are overpriced and low on quality. That always seems to happen when a place gets majorly touristy as KW has gotten in the last 30 years. A lot of the places seem to worry less about return customers and more worried about immediate profit margin. I still love the Lower Keys and visiting Key West, but I'm more likely to cook a lot more of my own food (especially fish I've caught) then I am to go out to eat anymore. I'm not a real old-timer when it comes to the Keys, but I have been visiting regularly (4-6 times a year) for the past 20 years. Thu, 26 Nov 2009 16:20:49 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/654686#5209613 http://www.chow.com/topics/669837#5209508 Gardner's Market has an amazing turkey meatloaf. Thu, 26 Nov 2009 15:01:47 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669837#5209508 http://www.chow.com/topics/669906#5209488 Anyone been to this place? Saw it advertised in the "Neighbors" section of the paper today: http://harveysmokehousebbq.com Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:34:58 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669906#5209488 http://www.chow.com/topics/669185#5208552 they even have vienna chicago dogs authentic and italian beef, been going there for 20 years now and a drive thru too Wed, 25 Nov 2009 23:17:11 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669185#5208552 http://www.chow.com/topics/130445#5208470 Red Garlic Bistro has been closed for some time now, at least six months. It was replaced by the Pig and Whistle, a british-style pub. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:36:17 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/130445#5208470 http://www.chow.com/topics/571107#5208464 How about the Piccadilly Cafeteria, on 13th Street, across the street from Wal-Mart and Sam's Club? I know they will be open. 2620 North West 13th St. Gainesville FL 32609 Phone: 352-378-7422 Fax: 352-378-3149 Dine-In: 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:33:27 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/571107#5208464 http://www.chow.com/topics/669820#5208396 I thought I might try it and then hop on 595 to the airport on my way home, how is the food? I saw a nice report from John Linn, what do other local 'hounds think of the place? Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:09:19 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669820#5208396 http://www.chow.com/topics/669032#5208385 Thank you. I will check it out. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:06:33 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669032#5208385 http://www.chow.com/topics/649263#5208343 I do not eat at buffets. Don't like them, food is never fresh. This place, Ginza in Boynton Beach is really good. Sushi is fresh, always. Also some Chinese hot foods, but I don't waste any time with them. Amazing selection of rolls for under $9 for lunch or $16 for dinner. The dinner selection is unreal. Never had a bad meal there. Been there over 15 times, now my in-laws (also foodies) love it. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 21:49:42 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/649263#5208343 http://www.chow.com/topics/549980#5208022 and honestly I just don't know of many restaurants around here that actually do serve local food, whether it is meat, seafood or produce. Would love to see it done more, but I think that's probably a ways off for this region. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:36:00 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/549980#5208022 http://www.chow.com/topics/412109#5207698 If you had good service at FGF, then it was a lucky break for you - they but they do swoon over blue-haired mercedes types (hope thats not you)! Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:50:25 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/412109#5207698 http://www.chow.com/topics/649673#5207627 Not good! Seriously soured shrimp on the buffet!!!! Refused to replace it, the waitress said they were trying to conserve food. This was our first and LAST visit. Manager attitude was beligerent and hostile - not a customer friendly atmosphere. Thnk twice before you pay their exhoribtant prices for low quality buffet food that may be old and not healthy. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:23:08 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/649673#5207627 http://www.chow.com/topics/669400#5207136 For seafood - 3030 Ocean in the Marriott Harbor Beach is really good. Primanti Brothers has good sandwiches & pizza. Both are a short cab ride or a leisurely walk from the Atlantic Hotel. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:41:59 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669400#5207136 http://www.chow.com/topics/133085#5207115 WOW!!! Not being or claiming to be A CHITOWN PIE expert I am shocked to hear that Capones was "horrible". I have never ordered either of their deep dish options and always opt for their more familiar hand tossed version which I think is excellent. Their DD sure looks authentic and the peeps devouring it said it was the real deal? They have been serving it up for almost 50 years so they must being doing something right! I've only had the real thing once and I think it was at Giordano's...so sorry for steering you wrong. Until someone can prove me wrong though, I still beleive Capone's is the go to place for displaced Illinoying people to plant themselves when they crave a slice of CHICAGO. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:25:01 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/133085#5207115 http://www.chow.com/topics/639922#5207094 King Kone (Sushi Hand Rolls NOT ice cream) is now open in the former Dairy Queen spot on Alton Rd in South Beach. This Quick Serve concept could take off! BTW, they do have phenomenal Frozen Yogurt too, Green Tea and Plain from Italy. Morgans over on 28 NE 29th St. is also slated to open any day now from what I'm hearing. Home cooked comfort food is the concept. il Grissino on Giralda in Coral Gables is likewise close to opening their Italian concept. And IVY at the Grove has been doing 1/2 price mock service for weeks now and is due to do their official Grand Opening any day as well. Stay tuned and caugh up some new ones 'porfavor' down here in DADE. BTW, I had the Sinaloan Pork Tacos at Talavera in the Gables yesterday and they were very tasty in deed! Oh and one more to tell you about: the original David's Cafe looks beautiful! I did a walk thru yesterday and the difference between the original and the new one is extreme! Look for a new Cuban option on the beach coming very soon too! Collins at 11th Street 24/7. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:12:33 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/639922#5207094 http://www.chow.com/topics/614909#5206437 Brother Tuckers is nice, The funky buddah is wayyyyyyy overpriced and very smokey (not to mention that they only have 8 beers on draft), and coffee district is a joke (nice bottle selection). If your into bottle selections there is a great place called Total Wine or BX Depo, both will be happy to serve you bottles. The Lodge is the best all around Beer Bar in the area....... WHAT?!?!? Thats right i said it...the Lodge is the best beer bar in south florida, for a few reasons. 1. Friendly and Educated Staff; never had any of the situations stated above and ii go here often (sometimes you do have to wait a bit longer but thats because they usually have 1 or 2 girls working at a time......) 2. Fresh food, most food on the menu has never touched a freezer. they have hand cut fries and juicy burgers. Their nachos are the jam! 3. Location; well maybe more of the atmosphere. It feels like a coozy cabin in Colorado.....very comfortable! 4. Finally BEER; 24 of the finest on tap and even more on bottle. The Lodge tops out around 100 different beer selections that range from all over the world. Prices are fair, esp for some of the bottles that are truely unique. This is a must stop for any beer or wine fan. The Lodge is a great place for lunch or dinner or even for a little late night drink. Music is always different, and a great blend of rock, down tempo hip-hop, classics, and some country. Check it out! and if your looking for a GREAT Beer bar check out World of Beer in Tampa.....thats a real beer bar (No food though) Wed, 25 Nov 2009 02:19:31 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/614909#5206437 http://www.chow.com/topics/668784#5206160 maybe I was there too early then 8.30am, didn't see the pasta vendor, there w ere no more than 10 stands at that hour. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:03:02 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668784#5206160 http://www.chow.com/topics/668892#5205896 Having gone to Bern's for more than 35 years, and Ruth's Chris all over including Tampa, I have to state a very strong preference for Bern's. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:20:08 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668892#5205896 http://www.chow.com/topics/574529#5205777 I agree with you re: Guanabana. I've only ended up there late at night when the crowd picks up -- fun place to be into the wee hours of the morning. I forgot to mention the Ke'e grill, mostly because I've been there so much. They're on-menu items are excellent, but I've been disappointed by their specials from time to time. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:37:15 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/574529#5205777 http://www.chow.com/topics/669557#5205338 Hi all! I will be visiting Miami soon and I'm looking for the best up-scale Wine Bar that also serves great food. Any recommendation you may have will be helpful! Thanks! Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:22:02 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669557#5205338 http://www.chow.com/topics/669413#5205119 No way youre getting 100 people in Francesco... I think it might be helpful to specify where you will be in Miami and if you and your group prefer something close to where youre staying or if you have transportation. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:37:46 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669413#5205119 http://www.chow.com/topics/648864#5204840 Glad to help HotMelly. Yes, that lady is there in the mornings and she's worked there for atleast 4 years or so. She'll special order me just about anything I want, so that's nice. For example around Christmas she'll bring in scungilli (northern conch). Yum. Let us know what Rock Shrimp recipes you came up with and how they turned out. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:21:43 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/648864#5204840 http://www.chow.com/topics/669088#5204704 I do hope someone can point out some great places as that's what I always miss living in Miami: great bread. It's not uncommon that when we travel we'll bring home a big bag of loaves. I'd love a great local bakery but have been disappointed. Panera is a chain but I'd say its bread is better than at least 98% of the bakeries out here. Sometimes there are good finds at farmer's market too. Here's one that get frequent mention: Delices-France (305) 256-9700 14453 S Dixie Hwy Miami, FL 33176 http://www.miaminewtimes.com/bestof/2007/award/best-bakery-483597/ I;ve tried it, it's good, but I won't say out of this world. You may find it of special interest because the owner picked up his baking bug when he visited Montreal. He then went to France to learn the craft. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:17:53 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669088#5204704 http://www.chow.com/topics/131818#5204683 IMO..most decent Cuban in Ybor-La Segunda. Tropicana is one of the worst Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:06:10 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/131818#5204683 http://www.chow.com/topics/647462#5204551 I'll ask my co-worker/lunch buddy, but by all means shoot me an email, my address is just my nickname on here at gmail.com Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:15:11 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/647462#5204551 http://www.chow.com/topics/669460#5204518 Can anyone give me some ideas what to do for Thanksgiving in the upper or middle keys? Thanks Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:18:57 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669460#5204518 http://www.chow.com/topics/325368#5203931 I was on a mission today and by the way I did get my hands on the seabreeze recipe. I was surprised to see it has celery in it. I went out to the 2 best places in Tampa Cacciatore Brothers' on Armenia and Brocato's on 50th and Columbus. Cacciatorre's has the best filling and Brocato's has the best breading. Cacciatore's has less of a tomatoe base compared to Brocato's. Brocato's was bigger but $1 more. Cacciatori looks like they bread theres in Vigo bread crumbs which is the way the old Seabreeze used to do it. Brocatos uses freshly made crumbs from Cubam bread. The reason I know is they were breding them while I was standing in line. Cacciators uses both red and green bell peppers Brocatos only green. It was the amount of tomatoe paste that made the big difference and hands down I thought Cacciatore's had a much better flavor over all. I'd eat either one though they're both good. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 02:22:10 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/325368#5203931 http://www.chow.com/topics/669243#5203857 Like Hibachi? I haven't found a good good one in tampa yet, only decent ones. Orlando has some good ones though, if you head out that way you'll be set. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:46:18 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669243#5203857 http://www.chow.com/topics/663185#5203797 better thought rent a boat go out the inlet catch ever fish you would like and by a coleman travel grill and eat Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:20:05 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663185#5203797 http://www.chow.com/topics/491249#5203412 i went to "Phyllis G's Enigma" last night and was really disappointed with the service and in this economy that will not float a boat much less a business. Because this was my first time there I will listen to others who may have had a good time there however 1 never tell your guest it is on the house then had them a bill then add money to that bill without talking to the guest first 2 if you are out of many things on your menu that night maybe especially if you have had a good weekend(good for them btw) maybe take five minutes and i cannot imagine (based on amount of customers that were there) print a Sunday menu to add to your menu. we tried to order Not once Not Twice but Four different things that were not available. I hate giving bad reviews in this economy it really has to suck for me to piss and moan but the food was good not great and at least if service is good and food is available at a resto I could look passed some things not worth my time Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:53:54 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/491249#5203412 http://www.chow.com/topics/660661#5203089 Just returned from Aventura and have the following reviews. Bourbon - Amazing, steak one of the best I have ever had, jalapeno creamed corn and truffle mac and cheese excellent. Chef Allen's - Horrible 80's decor and the food was mediocre at best. Timo's - Went for lunch and it was good. The Grill at the Aventura Mall - It was definitely below average, food was edible but not very good. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:11:47 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/660661#5203089 http://www.chow.com/topics/493703#5202544 Hey Josh, South Naples Citrus is your answer, either there at the Grove or online at www.naplescitrus.com Great selection, quick service, super prices Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:25:17 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/493703#5202544 http://www.chow.com/topics/523420#5202328 Tony Chan's Water Club-- a club I do not need to be a part of . I ate there Saturday. Hakkasan it ain't! Stick with the appetizers, like the lettuce chicken wrap. Only benefit: close to nearby Arsht Center. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:18:23 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/523420#5202328 http://www.chow.com/topics/669201#5202073 Seeking recommendations for business dinner in Ormond Beach area. Thanks, CocoDan Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:56:40 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669201#5202073 http://www.chow.com/topics/460847#5202071 I too are looking for somewhere near the race track to eat a traditional thanksgiving dinner. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:55:08 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/460847#5202071 http://www.chow.com/topics/459233#5202069 I know the Chart House Restaurant is open and serving Thanksgiving Dinner. Have to make reservations though. Just heard Duffy's is only serving Thanksgiving dinner that day. Not their regular dinner. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:54:04 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/459233#5202069 http://www.chow.com/topics/667222#5201899 Deleware Chicken owner by Farmer Boys.. on Sterling and 441 is the one you want to go with I agree with Pennstater Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:57:54 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667222#5201899