Sonny's Gelato Cafe

We FINALLY went to Sonny's after passing it countless times throughout college and many times after. It was after dinner at the Yardhouse (I'll pass on that next time), and seeing a rather boring dessert menu. Definitely will return here to try the food. If the fare and decor don't convince you of it's authenticity, the group of old men at a table speaking Italian surely will!.

The Food: Apparently, they have a full Italian menu in addition to gelato... who knew?! The gelato selection is large and plentiful, and VERY good. I  tried the Nutella out of curiosity but was already decided on the amaretto liquor before I even arrived. I ordered a medium but definitely should have had the small... there was only a $0.50 difference between them but I barely finished the medium - don't get me wrong; I finished every bit of it - I would have had plenty ordering the small though too.

The Staff: The staff here was friendly and welcoming, but our only interaction with them was ordering and paying. However, they definitely recognize that tasting is part of the gelato ordering process, and even the large group of samplers in front of us did not appear to frustrate the server.


The Info: We went late on a Friday night and it was pretty well packed with people but the staff is friendly and efficient... a party of 9 just ahead of us that wanted to taste everything only delayed us 2-3 minutes. They have a drive-through window behind the service counter, but I cant imagine a situation where you  would be in such a hurry. Gelato (like the residents of Italy themselves) cannot be rushed!

Recommended For:
Casual outdoor dining, dinner or an after-dinner stop on date night, people-watching, top-notch gelato, practicing wearing socks with loafers, trying to learn Italian by eavesdropping

Contact:
Phone: (954) 748-6088
http://www.realgelato.com

Location:
2151 North Federal Hwy.
Boca Raton, Florida 33431

First Post - Serafina Fort Lauderdale

Not to give away the farm, but I'm going to start with the best Italian food spot I have found - and it's accessible by boat!

Many clients of mine have been sent there when they asked me for great pasta, and all who have taken my advice went out of there way to thank me for the reccomendation. If any of you have experienced this great hidden place, let me know in the comments section below!

The Food:
Serafina makes everything onsite. Their homemade pasta is unbelivable. My favorite meal starts with the Tonno Tartar (sushi grade Yellow Fin Tuna marinated in sesame oil, served over a bed of thin sliced avocado) unless they have the stuffed artichoke available!

I usually follow that with the Fettucine con Panna (fresh spinach fettucine sauted in a cream sauce with Parmigiano cheese), and a glass of "Super Tuscan" or the house cabernet.

Their dessert menu changes at the chef's whim, but if you get there early enough to snag some of the homemade tiramasu, DO IT. It's so light and fluffy, a fork will fall through it by itself!

The Staff:
The staff is quite authentic - my last visit was attended to by a man whoe native tongue is Italian. As such, expect a server who will enjoy being included in the festivities, and may even have a drink (or a shot) with you if asked!

The Info:
Serafina is small - less than 30 tables. Most of the tables are outside (so dress/plan accordingly!) but there are about 6 indoors. They also have a rooftop section which I have never seen in use; however it looks large enough to have a private function for 30+ guests.

Recommended for:
Celebrations, Entertaining Guests, Romantic Evenings

Contact:
954.463.2566
http://www.serabythewater.com/

Location:
Serafina
926 Northeast 20th Ave.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33304

Directions [MAP]:
Take I-95 to EAST sunrise blvd. [ exit 29 ]Go East approx. 3 milesTurn right at Northeast 20th Ave. Parking is available on the street and in nearby lots.