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

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

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