Fort Lauderdale Business Dinner

[kkliniewski]

Hello ChowHounds!

I know that there may be some prior posts on this, but I need some restaurant recs for the Fort Lauderdale area.

I'll be at a conference at the Westin Spa & Resort in Hollywood, Florida in a few weeks, and will need to entertain a group of 8 business colleagues.

We would take a taxi from the hotel to the restaurant. While I'm not looking for fine dining, a nicer restaurant is definitely preferred (~$30/$35 for an entree). Looking for a mixed menu, Italian or Continental is fine, but would like to stay away from Mexican or other all ethnic menus.

Also, would prefer a full bar (vs. wine/beer).

Thanks in advance for your help!
Karen

[Sobe]

Since you are staying at the Diplomat in Hollywood I would recommend heading 5-7 minutes south to Timo.
http://www.timorestaurant.com/
I would also consider Chef Allen's which is closer than taking a cab all the way toFt. Lauderdale.
http://www.chefallens.com/
If you are looking for Italian and want to stay near the hotel, I would recommend Fulvio's which is located in Downtown Hollywood.
http://www.fulvios1900.net/

Bistro Mezzaluna is another option that works. It's closer to your hotel than the downtown Ft. lauderdale/Las Olas area.

All have a full bar

I have not tried Chima or been to Mark's recently. Capital Grill works but if you are looking for a steakhouse there is a Morton's in Aventura (10 minutes south of hotel) which is closer than C Grill.

-----
Timo
, FL

Chef Allen's
19088 NE 29th Ave., Aventura, FL 33180

Bistro Mezzaluna
713 SE 17th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Fulvio's 1900
1900 Harrison St, Hollywood, FL 33020

[dlgc]

Why don't you try Aria in the Aqualina Hotel in Sunny Isles Beach, only 10 minutes from your hotel. They have a full bar, its somewhat quiet during the week,and the food is great. It has a limited menu but every thing is wondeful.

[mikek]

I also had a nice meal at Johhny V's a couple of weeks ago.

[Sobe]

I agree with Johnny V's. I didn't mention it because I was trying to stay closer to the Diplomat despite the OP FLL request.

[jkatz23]

I would try Chima, a Brazilian Steakhouse (Rodizio) in Las Olas Blvd. The place is beautifull, the salad bar offers many choices and the meats are very good. I do not know if it is in your budget, but you can check online at www.chima.cc

[Debbie]

For a business dinner, I would recommend Mark's Las Olas in Fort Lauderdale. It is an upscale venue with a varied menu and the food is consistently good. This is one of the area's most well known chefs and the restaurant offers a full bar. Here is the link to their menu--- http://www.chefmark.com/lasolas/menu.htm Apps range from $8-20 and entrees range from $13-44. Personally, I would not recommend Armadillo. While it is close to your hotel and the food is good, the menu is quite limited in my opinion. I am also not a big fan of the atmosphere there, especially for a business dinner. The desire for a full bar puts some of my other favorites off limits. Would you consider Capital Grille, also in Fort Lauderdale? I know it is a chain but it would seem to fit the bill for a nice business dinner and it is a good looking place with a full bar.

[floridan]

Don't know how formal you want to go, but a great alternative to driving up to Las Olas is Armadillo Beach restaurant on US1, just north of Sheridan Street. This a a failry new incarnation of the chef/owner's previous award-winning restaurant, Armadillo Cafe, that was open for over a dozen years or more in western Broward County.

A good variety of dishes -- steaks, seafood, duck, etc. -- very imaginatively done. Great appetizers and desserts, too.

Only drawback is that they have a license for beer and wine only (unless that has changed lately).