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

Manna Korean BBQ

Located almost directly across from long-established Gabose (another well-reviewed Korean BBQ restaurant), you might think it was foolish to saturate Lauderhill with more than one of the same style restaurant. Well, think again, because they are targeting entirely different clientele.

Gabose, with its nicely-decorated interior and table-side hibachi grilling, aims to target those wanting a memorable date dining on an unusual fare, but who are unwilling to leave the safety net of English-speaking servers and overpriced atmosphere.

Manna on the other hand, aims to give the discerning adventure-diner not only a more authentic experience, but also a more relaxed, casual sparsely-decorated environment (and we think their "Open Sign" is from a Quiznos!). It's like wearing a blind-fold at a wine-tasting; when deprived of stimulus to one sense, your others are enhanced. Add to this a cheaper menu overall, and a more daring presentation (read: serving whole fish to your table, with no utensils besides metal chopsticks and a spoon [forks available upon request]) Manna wins my vote every time!

The Food:
We ordered the seafood pancake appetizer, followed by the Salted Mackerel and Yellow Corvina (both served whole) and a meat dish whose name escapes me. Accompanying them to the table was rice, kimchee, sesame tofu, a rice wine sweet-chili dipping sauce, bean sprouts, plus pickled potatoes and cucumbers. Everything was fantastic, the Corvina was crispy on the outside and moist and delicious on the inside, the mackerel savory and well done. Personally, I am NOT a fan of tofu in any of its forms, but even I went back for THIRDS of it.

The Staff:
Family-owned is defined by this restaurant. The actual family in charge was present and seated at the booth behind ours, having their own casual gathering. Our waitress was attentive, and even recognized not only one of our group as having been there before, she even remembered what they had ordered previously!

The Info:
Do not dine here if you are in a hurry, if you are not open to foreign cuisine, or if you're not adventurous. If those things don't scare you off, you WILL like this restaurant.

Recommended For:
Entertaining guests, lunch, dinner, good times, unique foods, adventure dining

Contact:
Phone: (954) 748-6088

Location:
4966 N. University Dr
Lauderhill, FL 33351

Seasons 52

Seasons 52 is one of my favorite chain resturants, because it doesn't feel like a chain. Yes, the interior is similar, and the menu is the same, but at the same time, the food and atmosphere are so considered and well-executed that it is hard to believe this level of service can be mass-produced

.
The Food:
Excellent menu selections prepared with uncommon ingredients, served with stylish drizzles and unconventional dishes. Nothing on the entire menu is over 475 calories, but even I can eat and feel satisfied. You probably won't feel 'stuffed', but thats not what fine dining is supposed to be about.

The Staff:
The Seasons 52 staff is among my favorite in town. The management seems to do an excellent job of screening prospective servers for intelligence and competence. Every week, the resturant holds a 'staff-only' wine tasting, to familarize the servers with each wine on the list, which is extensive. Servers are able to suggest wines not in the 'price must equal quality' manner most places use, but by actually comparing their selection to what you tell them your tastes lean towards.

The Info:
The menu here changes seasonally (hence the name), and always has a fresh vegetable or two related to the current one. They to an excellent tuna tartar, and have just started offering sushi (which I have not yet tried, but will).

Recommended For:
Entertaining guests, lunch, dinner, fine dining, good times, wine selection , romantic evenings
Contact:
Fort Lauderdale: (954) 537-1052
Boca Raton: (561) 998-9952
http://www.seasons52.com/

Locations:
On Glades Road:
2300 N.W. Executive Center Dr.
Boca Raton, FL 33431

At the Galleria Mall:
2428 E. Sunrise Blvd.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33304

Yokohama Sushi Boca

For quick, good sushi at amazing prices Yokohama can't be beaten. I was there 5 times in a single month when I first discovered it, because it's one of the only places in Boca to dine well late at night.

The Food:
Excellent quality sushi at excellent, unexpected prices, espescially for the Mizner Park location.

The Staff:
Friendly but often rushed: They seem very knowledgable but are not terribly personable in my experience... they will explain a dish but not hang around to discuss it.

The Info:
Make sure you check out their HALF-PRICE SPECIALS LIST. Viewable on thier website or on thier menu, I rarely fail to order from it. We're talking California or JB rolls for $3.50, in normal-sized portions (actually bigger than Sushi Yama's portions). They are open till 2am several nights a week, and nidnight otherwise.

Recommended For:
Entertaining guests, lunch, dinner, late night dining, good times, susihi.

Contact:
Mizner Park: (561) 392-9328
Glades & Lyons: Tel: (561) 451-1707
http://www.yokohamasushi.net

Locations:
60 N. Federal Hwy
Boca Raton, Florida 33432

9168 Glades Road
Boca Raton, Florida 33434

Best Affordable Steak in Fort Lauderdale

Chucks Steakhouse is the best place for a reasonably-priced steak in Fort Lauderdale, period. I've been meaning to post this review forever, and it's a shame I never got around to it. Don't take my slacking for contempt, this truly is one of my favorite local places.

The Food:
Chuck's has a great but relatively small menu. things you must try include the Prime Rib, Black Diamond Tuna (order it rare but charred on the outside with a side of Wasabi!), and the escargot. Also, every entree comes with the choice of soup or salad bar - which is immense, fresh, and the only way to go.

The Staff:
Staff here are knowledgeable about their menu, and offer the level of service expected at this type of resturant. They are in no particular hurry, and will be glad to reccomend a dish or make a change to a menu item if you wish.

The Info:
Chuck's came to South Florida in 1973, and some of the wait staff have been there for over 10 years. This is a place where the staff can learn your name and welcome you back over the years. The 17th St Causeway location is the better choice for dates, business dinners, or entertaining. The Commercial Blvd location is a great close-to-home option for last-minute meals, or when you want a great steak but don't feel the need for the livelier atmosphere the other location offers.

Recommended For:
Entertaining guests, date night, business dinners, good times, steak snobs.

Contact:
17th St: (954) 764-3333
Commercial Blvd:(954) 772-2850

Locations:
1207 SE 17th St.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 [MAP]
OR
2428 E. Commercial Blvd.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33308 [MAP]

Have a Whale of a Time In Deerfield Beach!

I have to confess that I knew of this place for far too long before finally going. I even had been to the Flanigans next door. Now that I've been there though.... I'll be back, and Ill never go to the Flanigans again.

The Food:
The food here is unexpectedly complex and delicious for a casual dining restaurant. Everything is fresh to order; the fried dolphin sandwich isnt beer-battered until you order it that way. Thier fries are cut in-house and seasoned addictively. For a place sharing a wall with a Flanigans and having a similar price range, Im honestly surprised the Flanigans is still open. Given the choice, I'll go here 100% of the time.

The Staff:
Staff here are friendly, engaging, and knowledgeable about their menu. They are also in no particular hurry. That isnt to say your food won't be right out, it comes out surprisingly fast when you think that thye make much of it fresh. They will, however, have extended chats with anyone who has something to say, so don't expect your attempt to get your server's attention to work the very first time. I have zero problem with this, of course. If you're in a hurry, go to Taco Bell, right?

The Info:
The Whales Rib has been featured on the Food Network show Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. The episode specifically focused on their Oysters Rockefeller dish... its an interesting twist on the traditional recipe. Here's the segment on YouTube, and here's the episode page on the Food Network (includes the recipe for their famous Oysters Rockefeller).

Recommended For:
Entertaining guests, beachside lunches, beachside dinners, good times.

Contact:
(954) 421-8096

Location:
2031 Northeast 2nd Street
Deerfield Beach, FL 33441-3816

Directions [MAP]:
From 95, take Hillsboro and go east to A1A. Go north and around the bend; it’s on your left next to Flanigans. Parking is limited here, so parking across the street or in the public garage just before the bend may be required.

Delicious Fresh Donuts 24/7 - Dandee Donut Factory

Mmmmm Donuts. This place beats the pants off Dunkin' Donuts, Krispy Kreme, and anyone else. 'Donut' believe me? Give them a try!

The Food:
THIS IS THE PLACE FOR DONUTS! In case I wasn't completely clear just now... FORGET DUNKIN' DONUTS EXISTS RIGHT NOW. Ok, now that that's out of the way, breakfast and lunch are served here 24/7. Its the best place to stop at before (or after) a long night of partying, fishing, or traveling. Breakfast is typical diner quality, but there's no negative surprises there-it's hard to screw up eggs. Lunch menu is good and filling, and definitely more inviting than the McDonalds accross the street.

The Staff:
This is where I'm always confused here... the staff seems friendly and competent, but I always sense something like contempt or impatience whenever I inquire about a menu item. I suspect it's because this is a local hangout for people who make it their goal to be 'regular' (there are alot of retirees who go here for Sunday breakfast). That being said, if you know what you want and aren't picky, they'll serve you fast and it'll be right what you ordered.

The Info:
My favorite donuts are Shredded Coconut, Toasted Coconut, and the Boston Creme. These are bigger than the ones at Dunkin' Donuts, too. Might be cheaper as well, with a baker's dozen about $10.

Recommended For:
Breakfast with guests or alone, office donut catering,late night food, lunch...did I mention Donuts?!

Contact:
(954) 785-1461

Location:
Dandee Donut Factory
1900 E Atlantic Blvd
Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Directions [MAP]:
Atlantic before Federal on the South side of the road. Eastbound from Federal will need to make a U-turn.

Did You Say Ethiopian Food? - Sheba Miami

Now because I'm a huge "trier of foods", when I was told there existed an Ethiopian restaurant in N. Miami Beach, I organized a group to go right away! In fact, I had to get there so fast, I rented a corvette and averaged 100mph on the way (Ok, so I actually did rent the car and get there fast, but not soley for the food)!

The Food:
For first-timers, the staff reccomends a sampler platter. Be warned, though; I went as a group of four, and we ordered both the beef and seafood platters. We were so overwhelmed by the sheer volume of food, we had to leave most of it on the table, which was sort of sad, when you think of how many Ethiopians that could have fed. You might thinkt the menu will be strange and odd, but ingredients such as eggplant, chicken, shrimp, and lamb are familiar enough to avoid any gross-out factor In fact, there's not a single unusual creature or plant on the menu. Oh, and try the "Tej Honey Wine", or an Ethiopian beer!

The Staff:
The staff is very polite, patient, and helpful, answering any menu questions without talking down to you. We were very glad we took the suggestion for the platter, because we experienced nearly the whole menu in one sitting, which is both cost-effective and allows for a more intimate group dining experience, with everyone eating from a common serving platter and sharing their impressions.

The Info:
The average plate price here is $24, without drinks (which according to a quick web search means that on the average Ethiopian income, one would have to save an entire month's salary to have dinner and a soda here). The sampler platters are closer to twice that, but can feed 3-4 people no problem. Live music is here often, and the atmosphere is upscale but not pretentious.

Recommended For:
Celebrations, Entertaining Guests, Romantic Evenings, Adventure Dining

Contact:
(305) 573-1819
http://www.shebamiami.com

Location:
Sheba
4029 N. Miami Ave
Miami, FL 33137
CLOSED FOR RELOCATION TO HOLLYWOOD!

Directions [MAP]:
N/A while resturant is relocating. See contact section above for more info!

Best Burger Around - The LeTub Saloon

Here's the best kept non-secret burger joint in South Florida (or in theentire US, if GQ Magazine can be trusted)! Plus, it's even on the Intracoastal!

The Food:
Don't go here and order a salad. Yes, I know it's on the menu. And yes, I'm sure it is delicious like everything else here. But there's no way I'll ever find out, at least as long as they still have that 13oz seasoned sirloin burger on the menu. Charbroiled to your liking, this is the buger voted best by GQ Magazine and featured on the Oprah Winfrey show....and you know Oprah loves her some good burgers!

The Staff:
The staff is part of the fun here... last time I went here, I witnessed the same server get fired by the cook twice...after each, the server cursed the cook out and went right back to work! You're gonna wait a bit for your food, but you're lucky to have the chance to eat here, so you'll wait and you'll like it!

The Info:
No children allowed after 8pm! Everything here is ala carte, so don't forget to order fries with your burger, IF you think you can handle all that food. Last time I went here, it was cash only, so prepare accordingly! Soda is served by the can, and acompanied by a cup and a straw.

Recommended for:
Non-finicky guests - seating is outdoors (but some of it's under a roof of sorts.), lunchtime dates, after-party food (They're open noon-4am daily, weather-permitting!)

Contact:
954-921-9425
http://www.theletub.com/

Location:
LeTub Saloon
1100 N. Ocean Drive
Hollywood, Florida 33019

Directions [MAP]:
LeTub is located on A1A, 50 Yards South of Johnson Street in Hollywood, Florida.

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.