The jungle is one of those settings that’s easy to romanticize. Huge shade trees, filtered light, mysterious but musical animal calls — sounds appealing, right? And we have plenty of examples to aid us in our rose-colored visions. There’s the jungle in Romancing the Stone, where Kathleen Turner and Michael…
You’ve heard of galas before, but this one promises to redefine the word. On Monday, June 26, from 7 till 8:45 p.m., the United States Sommelier Association, Inc., is hosting the Gala French Wine Trade Tasting at the spankin’-new Diplomat Resort Country Club & Spa (501 Diplomat Pkwy., Hallandale Beach;…
In the ’80s and early ’90s, when restaurants finally acknowledged that food-savvy diners were as interested in process as in product, many fine establishments did something about it: They installed a table in the kitchen. This way patrons could stare fascinated at the chef even as they supped on his…
Need help spending your money? Broward County-based businessman Doug Turner is eager to assist. His company Millionaire’s Concierge (954-564-7074) will aid you in booking whatever luxury items you want, including exotic car rentals and hot-air balloon rides. I’m most interested in his Little Palm Island package, which includes two days…
A few weeks ago, the proprietors of a restaurant that I had negatively reviewed published their displeasure in our Letters to the Editor section. That’s fine with me — everyone should be able to express his opinion, not just me, and besides, I had the chance to respond formally to…
Zemi. 5050 Town Center Cir., Boca Raton, 561-391-7177. Lunch daily from 11:30 a.m. till 2:30 p.m. Dinner nightly from 6 till 11 p.m.
Popular philosophy says that you can’t bring back yesterday, but restaurateur Peter Beck isn’t listening. After changing the name and style of his formal eatery Yesterday’s (3001 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, 954-561-4400) to the more casual Moonraker on the Water, he experienced backlash. So when the concept didn’t…
Readers with ravenous appetites, fair warning: This article is about crepes. By definition crepes are lacy pancakes, sometimes stuffed with savory or sweet fillings, sometimes left mostly plain and just sprinkled with sugar. They can be a good snack — in France, in fact, crepes are considered street food, much…
If you’ve gone outside lately, you’ve probably noticed that the balmy days of winter are over and summer’s setting in with a vengeance. The traditional methods for cooling down are swimming pools and ice cream, but if the fat-laden latter sounds more heavy than refreshing, consider an alternative: Brooklyn’s Best…
Take it from me: Never, ever treat a two-year-old to dinner in a restaurant. Amid the whining, the curiosity about the surroundings, and the shouts of “I do it!” as the glass of milk tumbles to the floor, you’re lucky if you get a bite in edgewise. Of course, if…
The Hollywood dining scene seems as fragile as ever; a perfect illustration is the abrupt departure of tropically inspired Ginger Bay Café, which received good reviews. But perhaps Burt’s on the Beach (101 N. Ocean Dr., Hollywood) can shore things up. Set to open in May, the oceanside eatery is…
I recently had an interesting conversation about Mexican vino with wine guru Fred Tasker of The Miami Herald. He told me that, up in the Sierra Madre mountains, a group of winemakers is beginning to turn out some very drinkable vintages. The vintners, who are of Spanish descent, have the…
Sometimes, not often but sometimes, I can be convinced to actually diet. But only if I have access to a store like Cheeters Diet Treats (1476 Coral Ridge Dr., Coral Springs, 9547525322). All the products here are low carb, sugar free, and/or fat free. And to put it plainly, they’re…
If you’re thinking about opening (a) an Italian restaurant or (b) a steak house, you’d better come up with an original idea. These days we’re so overrun with both kinds of eateries that neither is appealing, either to the restaurant critics who have to describe them or to the dining…
Certainly the last thing you expect from a coffee shop is meatballs. Unless, that is, you’re drinking java at the Scandinavian Coffee House (231 SE First Ave., Boca Raton, 561-347-6420). Here, along with your joe, you can have meatballs for breakfast in the form of the Swedish sandwich (meatballs and…
When I was a waitress, I used to look for fast-paced, exciting restaurants in which to work. I wanted lots of tables, quick turnovers, and plenty of action. In short I wanted to be busy all the time so I could feel pleasantly exhausted at the end of the night…
If you don’t know how to define Argentine pizza, then head over to Amigo’s (3834 N. University Dr., Sunrise) for a look-see. Or a taste test. Like the best New York- style pizzerias, Amigo’s makes pies with a thin crust, lots of tangy sauce, and high-quality mozzarella. The Argentine part…
Like cooking styles and ethnic cuisines, meals tend to go in and out of fashion. In the ’70s, ladies did lunch. In the ’80s, power breakfasts were the all-important yuppie thing. And the ’90s saw a return to fine, late-night dining. So what can we expect from the new millennium?…
Honestly, you couldn’t find a more male-oriented eatery than the Hot Dogs Sports Pub (4528 N. University Dr., Lauderhill, 9547411424). From the big-screen TV to NASCAR super Sundays to the girls (real, live ones) modeling lingerie, this sports bar promotes all that makes men, well, men. Phallic symbols abound, including…
As a restaurant critic for both New Times Broward•Palm Beach (BPB) and Miami New Times, I’m often asked how the restaurants in the two territories compare, and which I like better. I used to be able to sum it up easily. It all came down to service. Both regions had…
If you’ve been reading the newspapers, you’ve probably assumed that restaurateur Dennis Max has been taking a beating. His private life looks to be a shambles — wife Patty departed after catching him cheating on her one too many times. Word is Patty got a hefty settlement because of a…
Frankly the geometry seems a little screwy. But no matter what angle you take, White Diamond Burger (5995 S. State Rd. 7, Fort Lauderdale, 9543167205) serves a darn good burger that no doubt will remind some folks of White Castle burgers, the original square-shape ones that have a place in…
