Salt Life Food Shack

EDITORS NOTE: Groupon is to blame for me discovering this new hangout in Coral Springs (as well as several other reviews on this site. If you haven't already discovered it, GO SIGN UP NOW! Your average dining discount is about 50%, and there are very rarely any exclusions or conditions for redemption.
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When I saw this place listed in my daily Groupon email, my first thought was 'Isn't that the same font from those stickers from a clothing company on every car in town? That seems like a lawsuit right there.' It turns out a lawsuit is unlikely since it's actually officially endorsed by the original company.

They have company stores and offer franchises, which may explain the unusual spread of locations (land-locked Coral Springs, Jacksonville, and coming soon to Stuart). While I'm quite adverse to any stickers on my car (a car dealer once almost lost a sale to me because they wouldn't remove their sticker before I left the lot), I do truly love 'the salt life' so I figured I'd give it a try.

The Beer:
The usual, plus some well-informed craft & import offerings like Wells Banana Bread. No competition with a proper pub (or World of Beer) but impressive for the casual dining restaurant that aims to be.

The Food:

My first impression was that the suspiciously low price point for their varied menu with creative ingredients was a bad sign; either the food would be bad or the portions terribly small. It turned out that it's closer to the latter but still plenty of food. There were obvious signs of cost-cutting however. Having enjoyed (and smuggled home) proper Bahamian conch chowder made in the Bahamas, as well as some very good local bowls (Ernie's BBQ on US1 in FTL), Salt Life Food Shack's recipe is watery and shows more cost-cutting evidence in the form of lots of potatoes and small threads of conch.

Also, I felt that my Seared Mahi Poke Bowl with fresh vegetables did not have enough seared mahi  in relation to other ingredients (while I was unable to finish my dish because I was full, giving me loads of admittedly delicious, sushi-style sticky rice is kind of cheating in my opinion). Also, true Hawaiian poke should contain raw fish, and I was disappointed to discover my 'seared mahi' was actually well cooked all the way through

The Staff:  

Bright, eager, and helpful. eThe hostess apparently had the seating availability memorized; we requested an indoor table and without looking at a sheet she said she thinks one just became available and went to confirm. Even though it appeared packed, we were seated immediately.

Overall, the staff seemed quick and happy to resolve issues, although my server did argue with me briefly and then blame the bartender for a drink mistake- it is a HUGE annoyance to me that bartenders get blamed for mistakes in drinks that my server personally delivered to me, which provided them the chance to confirm the accuracy all the way to my table from the bar. I ordered a margarita with salt, which was brought to me without salt. Not a big deal, but when I pointed it out the mistake, she stated it's 'hard to see' salt on the rim and when I tasted it to confirm the omission she said "well I put it on the ticket, the bartender must have missed it."She then had it corrected (the salt is quite visible on the rim of their glasses, as it turns out...) and even became quite an entertaining and welcome part of the meal and all was forgiven, but for a moment I wasn't very pleased at all.

The Info:
Despite any negatives I might have mentioned above and my general poor impressions of all chain restaurants, this one is still small enough to have good food and ingredients. I will definitely be back for lunch regularly. I am kind of expecting the quality to decline as time goes on, especially after watching the video on their site and seeing the guy in charge tell me that the whole thing was inspired by a phrase that became a drawing that became a tattoo that became a brand, but until that actually happens I'll continue to 'buy into the concept' (the teenage waitress in that same video says that it really makes a difference when you do!)

Recommended For:

Middle-age couples/singles who haven't become homebodys, Family dining, Drinks/appetizers with friends, Business Lunches, Weeknight Dining

Contact:

Phone: (954) 340-7258

www.saltlifefoodshack.com

Location:

2660 N University Dr
Coral Springs, FL 33065

World of Beer

Many of my friends will wonder why I didn't review WOB sooner. The answer, frankly, is that I didn't feel the need to: I already tell everyone I know to go or join me there - people often text as they are heading over to see if I'm already there! However, I recently became a member of the WOB "50 Club", so I felt it was probably time.

The Beer:
With several 400ish draughts and bottles on the menu, it's hard to think you could learn about beer or get proper recommendations from your server. In fact, even the youngest of their staff have been educated about their product and have rarely steered me wrong (and in fact have pleaded with me NOT to try something they knew I wouldn't like; I didn't listen, but they were totally right.)

The Food:
What makes my friends and I drool over owning a World of Beer franchise someday is the fact that they DON'T serve food. They host a book filled with menus from the local resturants, many of whom will even deliver food right to your table inside World of Beer! This means you aren't limited to one style of food, you can eat something different every visit, and the WOB staff can focus on what they're good at: BEER!

The Staff:
Fun, friendly, knowledgeable. At my local one, I am recognized regularly and greeted warmly.

The Info:
I have been to World of Beer in Orlando, Viera, Port Orange, and Coconut Creek. They are generally located in upscale, outdoor shopping centers with several restaurants within a moment's walking distance (the exception so far being the oddly freestanding Port Orange location). Live music is the rule not the exception, and the atmosphere is upbeat and friendly. Tables can be hard to find, so getting there early and making an evening of is is the best plan.


Contact:
(954) 984-0300 (or see contact info for all their locations)
http://www.wobusa.com

Yard House Boca

I should preface this review by confessing that I knew ahead of time that this place was going to be like Tap 42 on steroids. However, I was able to find a few positives that Tap 42 doesn't even come close to.

The Beer:

I bet you didn't guess that all the positives about the Yard House have to do with beer! They have a huge list in comparison to Tap 42 (but they still don't have World of Beer beat), and even though I spotted a few 6-packs in their keg room, I think they either have everything on tap or pour glasses based on size regardless of the vessel it's poured from, since the menu only lists pricing for 'Shortys, Goblet/Pint/ or Half-Yards'. That last one is a questionable choice: I understand it's the gimmick the whole franchise rests on, but in a place that tries to sell high-end food (see below), a bunch of dudes carrying around giant tubes of beer in that environment makes you think your country club was just crashed by a frat house. No sensible man would order a quality craft beer in such a vulgar container.

And of course I'm still waiting for someone to start a beer-variety place that DOESN'T waste tap space on Bud,  Miller or Michelob. One can dream, can't they?

The Food:
Eh. That's my gut reaction. I had the grilled artichoke appetizer, the Vodka Shrimp Pasta  plus had a classic ranch salad on the side.


The artichoke was actually fantastic, but it came with a rather boring garlic aïoli sauce. Doesn't matter though... the artichoke itself was seasoned and perfect without any sauce at all.


I substituted the Ranch dressing on my salad because I have a deep-seated  hatred of it. The dressing I chose was a wasabi vinaigrette, but it was almost tasteless. I then asked for their wasabi soy 'dressing' on the side, and man was that good. However, its literally the same soy-wasabi mixture you might make at a sushi restaurant, so it has a hell of a kick.


I ordered the smaller portion of the shrimp pasta because our server said the regular portion was only slightly smaller than a Cheesecake Factory portion, and that's just ridiculous. It came in what I thought was too big a bowl, and clearly had zero effort put into presentation. The sauce wasnt particularly flavorful, the shrimp were somehow the size and shape of a marble (did they chop them up or just serve the tops of them? I couldn't figure it out.), and I was unable to detect the 'dusting of parmesean' promised on the menu.

That being said, the pricing wasn't outrageous. I think it was maybe even cheaper than Tap 42, although Tap 42 definitely puts time and effort into presentation and their food is better and more creative.

The Staff:  
Even though there was a 45-minute wait at 7 oclock, we walked right up the a totally packed bar and were asked if we had been helped yet by not one but two bartenders while a third was already getting our order.

I was a little off-put by a practice of denying me a pint glass for a high-ABV beer simply 'because of the alcohol content'. If I order a pint of a beer on tap and you basically tell me that I am not responsible enough to handle a large glass of strong beer (but you're be totally OK with me ordering a second smaller glass of the same beer at the same price as a pint) then guess what?  I'm also irresponsible enough to be OK with using your tip money to pay the difference.

The Info: Overall, it was better than I expected. The beer pricing would be considered reasonable anywhere, and therefore SURPRISINGLY reasonable for Mizner Park (unlike Tap 42). The food tried to deliver, but I wouldn't risk ordering a proper steak there if a bad steak ruins your whole evening like it does for me. Great place to people watch, maybe even better than Uncle Julios. Try it at least once if you need someplace new but not too adventurous.

Recommended For:
Seeing and Being seen, Happy Hour, Warming up for Cougar Hunting season at Blue Martini later on, meeting a group of friends, TV sports at the bar

Contact:
Phone: (561) 417-6124
http://www.yardhouse.com

Location:
201 Plaza Real
Boca Raton, FL 33432

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

Tap 42 Bar & Kitchen

I have to preface this review with the following disclaimer: I REALLY wanted to like Tap 42. It's located in an under-rated (and for me, nostalgic) part of town, and has a random, hot-spot feel like lots of high-end, local-knowledge places in Miami. However, while it was full of the same self-important people who were busy self-importing themselves to anyone who would listen, they seem to have created something hard to describe... I think the closet I can come to describing the atmosphere is Nikki Beach meets TGIFridays: a high-end, exclusive target-rich environment with an attempt at whimsy (without nailing stuff to the walls).

The Beer:
Their marketing attempts to capitalize on the craft beer craze (and anyone who knows me knows how much I like World of Beer!). However, while they have 42 craft & micro brews on tap,and a hundred bottle varieties, on our visit they were out of at least one draft and 3 bottles... of just of the ones we'd asked for! Also, they have a questionable overall selection of beers, seemingly geared more towards the uneducated novice than the discerning beer connoisseur. They do get high marks for dedicating a large percentage of the draft menu to Florida-native beers, but why the balance is taken up by the full line of Sierra Nevada and a smattering of "mainstream imports" like Hoegaarden (for $9!?) remains a mystery.

The Food:
Tap 42 has the best looking food in Fort Lauderdale. While that sounds like a bold and unlikely statement, the key words are "best looking". While everyone was satisfied with the food and no one would say the food anything but good, it just looked so great that the taste had no choice but to be a small letdown. The veggie burger was deemed great, and the Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner burger with fried green tomatoes was quite a challenge.

The Staff:
Another issue we had, contrary to other reviews we have read post-visit (I try never to read reviews before I try a new place to avoid pre-judgement), or waitress was NOT any sort of expert on beer... we asked for a bottle of Young's Double Chocolate Stoudt (to mix with a Wells Banana Bread beer), and she said it was out back, unchilled...but she could bring it to us anyways if we'd like. WHAT?! Can you imagine choking down a beer than's so dark & dense it has it's own gravitational pull.. at room temperature? Other than that, everyone (our waitress included)was friendly, eager to please, and efficient.

The Info:
Do not dine here if you are in a hurry (we waited an hour on a Wednesday night), or if you are on a budget. For impressing a date, I really can't think of a better place, since it's got that cozy feel and suggest's one is in-the-know about our town's hidden hot spots. It's a little loud for a business meeting, but if that's not a deterrent, it's a perfect place to plan an IPO or a Ponzi scheme.

Phone: (954) 463-4900
Web: http://www.tap42.com

Location:
1411 South Andrews Ave.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

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

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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

Gabose Korean BBQ

UPDATE 8/27/11: See my post about Manna Korean BBQ for another Korean BBQ Experience

Gabose is an upscale Korean BBQ restaurant, with table-side hibachi as well as traditional entrees. I enjoyed my visit very much. Our night was made memorable by one of the owners joining us at our table for over half an hour, personally explaining the menu to us, and then demonstrating preparation techniques once our food arrived and the grill was lit.

I definitely enjoyed this restaurant and it's environment, and although the price point seemed a little high for the food alone (for tableside grilling you must order at least two $25 items), the personal service we received is something that literally can't be purchased at any price from many places.

The Food:
We ordered the beef and shrimp BBQ selections, which provided us with lots of food for grilling, as well as the traditional assortment of relishes and sides served at most Korean restaurants. It was more fun for me to grill table-side than fondue table-side, although the same heart-wrenching disappointment occurs when a piece of meat is lost through the grate into the coals as when it happens into a pot of oil, although with the oil it's easier to retrieve.

The Staff:
As mentioned above, absolutely outstanding. Our server spoke American English, which may affect your experience, depending on your preference for cultural immersion.

The Info:
Overall, Gabose is a safe venture into Korean cusine... there is something for even the most squeamish of dining company, and most of the truly exotic fare seems priced to appeal to only the most determined, well-heeled, and confident diners.

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

Contact:
Phone: (954) 572-4800

Location:
4991 N. University Dr
Lauderhill, FL 33351

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]