Bday suggestions???

[jenmoore76]

Hello all! I am looking for suggestions for a dinner for my husbands bdayin November. We will probably have a few friends join us so we want something FUN and yummy of course! We are new to Ft. Lauderdale but have a pretty good grip on the local area. A friend of mine suggested BartonG's in Miami which looked like a great time but wayyyy to expensive! We don't have an issue with spending some money just not all of it ; )
Any similar ideas? Again.. small group of friends, bday dinner, fun, great food, doesn't break the bank... willing to drive a 1/2 hour in any direction. Thanks again fellow Chowhounders : )

[Raboi]

Thinking Party and Ambiance. Loud with Music... Chima, China Grill, Blue Moon Fish Company. Love Eduardo but not very loud and partyish. Cafe Mortorano may be too loud. Anything in Mizner park would be a good party. Timpano's may be cool and partyish.

[RevrendAndy]

I will be in Lauderdale for 1 night the end of January and booked dinner at the Samba Room. It looked like a fun place with an interesting menu. Does anyone have any opinions on the food?

[tlubow]

Not great, but not awful either. There are better choices on Las Olas. Go across the street to YOLO or Bova Prime. Even Timpano next door will be a step up. Eat somewhere else and then go to the bar at Samba Room.

[jenmoore76]

Has anyone been to Grass in the Design District, Miami? I loved the atmosphere there although we didn't eat so I can't speak for the food. But I guess this is the kind of place we are looking for for his bday. Maybe this will help guide the suggestions.. thanks again!!!

[Blind Mind]

Food is fantastic. You also have Michaels Genuine, Pacific Time, and Fratelli Lyon within 1 block.

[shannontow]

The Samba room has there private dining table that accommodates up to 16 on Las Olas.
Off the Hookah is another fun place that has dining on beds and belly dancers and is also in Fort Lauderdale.

[jenmoore76]

I haven't been to Off the Hookah so forgive me if I am jumping to conclusions but by looking at their website to me it looks tacky? Also we aren't in need of a private room since it's just 6 or so of us.

[johnmlinn]

I wouldn't eat in there. It reminds me of a strip club buffet.

[cockscomb]

anyone remember assman's wacky world?

[jenmoore76]

What about Himmarshee Grill?

[Icantread]

Are you looking fancy, high end or casual? In the Ft. Lauderdale area I would try Eduardo de San Angel. Excellent "Mexican" food with a seasonal menu. No full liquor bar however. Somehow, they can give you a margarita if you ask for one, though ;). I also really enjoy the food at Trina. They also have several interesting drinks. There are others who can definitely give you more recs in the general Ft. Lauderdale area.

http://www.eduardodesanangel.com/
http://www.trinarestaurantandlounge.c...

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Trina Restaurant & Lounge
601 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

Eduardo De San Angel
2822 E Commercial Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308

[Icantread]

came across this article today in the new times (from 9-25):

http://www.browardpalmbeach.com/2008-...

the Trina I dined in apparently changed hands not too long ago. What a shame. I do not know if anyone else has ventured there since, or if anyone has any information on the former chefs?

[jayfla]

Pardon me, as I am pretty much regurgitating my last few posts...

I love Tuscan Steak (South Beach), too... it's a nice, classy, low-key place for a birthday party.

Michael's Genuine (Design District) is great too... and is good for a group that wants to share a lot of small plates.

Michy's (70th and Biscayne) is wonderful, too... and I also like Joley in Miami Beach - probably the best drinks out of all in this group I've mentioned (there's a Cafe Joley in Boca, too).

Andu in Brickell/downtown Miami is also awesome, but a little pricey - exceptional drinks and a funky atmosphere. The gnocchi is a must.

Timo in Sunny Isles is a great choice in Sunny Isles - nice wine menu, good desserts, solid, elegant menu.

Happy birthday!

[cockscomb]

trina changed hands? isn't it part of the starwood property? last time i went there it was shortly after the new york duo who had consulted on the opening had just relinquished responsibility. is that what you mean by changing hands?

[Blind Mind]

No Barton G!

Give Tuscan Steak a try. Excellent food, excellent price.