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Archive for the Category "Restaurants & Dining"

Havana – Best Restaurants in West Palm Beach, FL Author: Steven Nov 23

West Palm Beach residents and travelers alike aren’t looking for style over substance. It’s not all about a pretty place to be seen. According to voters on TripAdvisor, the best restaurants in West Palm Beach, Florida aren’t super-trendy molecular gastronomic cafés serving $50 foie gras or pompous beef castles. The best restaurants are the little joints serving authentic food with a side of personality, all at a fair price.

The top-voted restaurants include a local art pub, a sweet little Thai place, and my personal favorite, Havana, a Cuban paradise in the heart of West Palm Beach.

When you think Cuban cuisine, you might stop at the classic Hangover Helper, the Cuban sandwich, and for sure Havana makes a good one. But Cuban cuisine is so much more than a greasy sandwich. Spanish and African staples have melded with Caribbean and even Chinese influences to create a fragrant, succulent and often surprising cuisine, rich with spice and earthy satisfaction.

Havana Restaurant in West Palm Beach, FL

Havana is nothing if not crowd-pleasing. Safe, more “Americanized” tastes dot the menu for the less adventurous, with these preparations given just as much love as the more authentic entrees and sides. Still, I urge you head towards the gamier side of the menu.

Don’t miss the Masitas de Puerco Fritas, tender chunks of top quality pork marinated in garlic and deep-fried. A real “Wow” of a dish. The Pargo Entero Frito is another fried masterpiece, a whole snapper well-seasoned and deep-fried, topped with spicy onions.

Whatever you get, make room for one of several delicious plantain preparations. They serve them slice and deep-fried, sweet or starchy. The Tostones Con Mojo, green plantains in mojo sauce, are probably my favorite.

It would also be a crime to leave out dessert. I’m partial to the flan, served impossibly creamy with just a hint of snap (I get mine with coconut), but without a doubt the crowd favorite has been and will continue to be the Tres Leches cake. The Havana version is super-simple, no uppity presentation here, but the flavor is what counts in this ultra-rich dessert.

Are you ready for something really cool? Havana is open 24-hours a day. Sort of. The dining room runs regular lunch and dinner hours, but the restaurant operates a walk-up window 24/7. That means you can get sensational Cuban-style tamales when you need them most: three o’clock in the morning. The window doesn’t serve the entire menu, but they’re plenty of items available perfect for late night. Love this!

Havana Restaurant is located at 6801 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL, 3405 and is open daily. View menu and more here.

It’s just not a trip to West Palm Beach without an authentic Cuban meal at Havana. Don’t miss it the next time you stay at the Hilton Singer Island Oceanfront Resort near West Palm Beach, Florida.

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Boca Raton Nightlife – The Cove Restaurant & Marina Author: Lauren Sep 24

Where can you find a Florida landmark and a hoppin’ hot spot all in one?

Why, in Boca Raton, you bet your beercans you can.

At The Cove Restaurant & Marina, nothing kickstarts an evening like the giddiest happy hour there is. Although it’s been around since 1977, this place is with it.

Easy access comes in by land, or by sea, given its prestigious location on the Intracoastal Waterway. Remodeled, redone in retro chic style, this place keeps its character even while wearing a new face.

A raw bar and three full bars – two inside and one outside – will knock the socks off your stress in mere seconds. Dally on the dock patio for some fun with the fans and misters but be sure to check out what the real draw on the locals, and enlightened visitors.

Happy hour is indeed happy. Offering a two for one drink special from Monday through Friday 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., even free appetizers come with this killer steal of a deal.

Take a little time out of your workday (or in this case, workweek) and stow your stress at the door. Trip it to a mini-vacation in the tropics whether you’re in town on business or just for fun ‘cause this place is a real gem under the sun.

Read more about The Cove here.

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Delray Beach Restaurants – 32 East Author: Lauren Sep 10

From the moment of its creation, this little place had a little somethin’ extraordinary. Opened in 1996 on the site of an old auction house in Delray Beach’s historic neighborhood, Chef Morfogen takes taste as seriously as presentation.

32 EastAlthough 32 East possesses a distinctly neighborhood bistro vibe, the vast menu selection and extensive wine list beg to differ. In fact, the menu changes daily.

Fresh ingredients include those purchased from streets away, or home grown for the restaurant itself. What’s fresh and what’s seasonal is what dictates the menu, entirely written based on what’s just arrived or hand picked.

A constantly changing menu may not mean your favorite dish is available 7 days a week, but. It does mean all the more reason to return frequently to sample seasonal delicious dishes prepared fresh.

Even though the prices aren’t big-chain bargains, they’re testaments to truth in “you get what you pay for”. Duck, Mahi Mahi, Elk, Stone Crab, Swordfish, Red Snapper, Gulf Coast Grouper, Diver Scallops and Lamb are only a few of the dishes ready and rarin’ to dazzle those taste buds.

All of these, of course, are complemented expertly by a phenomenal wine list. Ever ambitious to create interesting fine-dining without pretension, the restaurant offers a lively crowd, a full service bar, upper and lower floor dining rooms and a street-side terrace.

A vivacious experience for the value of your hard earned wages, you’ll walk away with a little more pep in your step after savoring something special, seasonal and expertly prepared to please your palate.

32 East is located at:
32 East Atlantic Ave
Delray Beach, FL
561.276.7868

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Palm Beach Nightlife – Panama Hattie’s Author: Lauren Aug 21

When the sun goes down on Hilton Singer Island’s Oceanfront Resort, the party doesn’t end – it begins.

With Palm Beach Gardens a mere taxi trip away, you’ll literally have fun nipping at your heels night and day. Bask in the rays on the beach during the day and soak up the music and crowds at night.

Panama Hattie’s is just about Palm Beach’s most popular waterfront restaurant – keep in mind, there are many of these, so the competition’s steep. But with a wide array of offerings, Hattie’s has it covered.

Dinner, dunch, brunch, lunch – the possibilities are endless. Whenever the mood strikes you? They’re ready and waiting. You can’t beat sunset dinners on the Intracoastal Waterway and Hattie’s has plenty of front row seating for you and your somebody.

Even if you’re not up for some specialty seafood, you’ve got to drop in for the scene. With one of the best happy hours around, the Rum Bar rocks north Palm Beach. No cover, no guff and nothing but delicious drinks and live entertainment to keep you coming back for more.

Ship captain’s allowed for a night of reckless abandon and dropping in on the local water way meant booze, music and women. Or so the story goes for the foundation of South Florida’s tiki bars and the Rum Bar at, you guessed it, Panama Hattie’s.

Hats off to Hattie’s for a killer selection of booze and monstrous meals, no matter the time of day you get to craving.

Panama Hattie’s is located at:

11511 Ellison Wilson Rd
North Palm Beach, FL 33408
(561) 627-1545

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West Palm Beach Dining – Pistache French Bistro Author: Lauren Aug 10

Say au revoir to bland, boring foods and bonjour to a better feast!

And no, the selection isn’t the type to include “French” fries in its foreign flair.

The Pistache French Bistro plays matchmaker with French bistro goodies with a definitively Mediterranean style.

That’s right, Pistache has panache.

Better yet, guests at the Hilton Singer Island Oceanfront Resort won’t have far to go for international fare – no airlines or bag checks involved.

Seating an intimate 200, the restaurant welcomes native and aspiring Parisians into its doors seven days a week for all kinds of courses. Poised on the waterfront at Clematis Street, it’s the perfect location to feel as close to France as Florida can create. French Riviera, eat your heart out. Oversized umbrellas shade up to 30 people out on the patio overlooking Centennial Park and the Intracoastal Waterway.

Simple dishes have surprising depth, all made from the freshest local and imported ingredients. Moderate prices make for a worthwhile trip to taste healthy recipes, delivered personably by efficient and smiling servers.

Even the interior has character equal to the wide variety of foods on the menu. Littered with red leather banquettes for your bum and a full bar for your tongue. Monstrous antique mirrors give the place a classic, retro-modern sophistication that speaks of a movement ever remembered from the 1920’s Art Nouveau.

The plates themselves are mouth-watering at the simplest description (see Beef Carpaccio with Arugula, shaved parmesan and a white truffle drizzle) and promise reason enough to dive headfirst into culinary heaven.

Brunch, lunch, or dinner, they’re all winners.

101 North Clematis Street
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
(561) 833-5090

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Palm Beach Restaurants – Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar Author: Lauren Jul 29

While those of us here at the home office are hunkering down for another week’s worth of rain in the dead of summer, sunshine’s touching the sandy coasts.

As much as I dream of shark swimming and skydiving, I’m not beyond adventure in the day to day and if you’re not, either, check this out. It doesn’t get better than tacos and tequila in the same sunny spot.

roccos tacos and tequila barThe nightlife isn’t left wanting in West Palm Beach and if you fancy something a little more lively than the Hilton Singer Island Oceanfront Resort’s phenomenal room service, you ought to give Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar.

At the very least, the name’s a fun one. Diversity and delectability come as a packaged deal at this little hot spot for fans of barbacoa, burritos and booze. Located on Clematis Street in downtown, the location’s as lovely as the food.

Mingling crowds munch on a variety of dishes, including the guacamole that’s prepared at your tableside. With a choice of 175 tequilas, your tastebuds will likely be numb long before they register any remotely displeasing taste.

Just like the sweet and sour mix for the margaritas, the tortillas are handmade on the premises. The lunch, dinner and late night menus are as extensive as their choice of tequilas, each of which you’re welcome to toast to Clematis by Night.

Mexican food fan or not, anyone can appreciate a finely fashioned tequila – shoot down some of those stressors and send us some of your own recommendations.

Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar is located at:

224 Clematis St
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
561.650.1001

Visit the Web site here.

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Romantic Florida Vacations – Riverboat Romance Author: Lauren Jul 24

Spring isn’t the only season when sweethearts snuggle up.

You better believe summer’s a super popular time for romantic runaways to sprawl the country in search of some quality time with their sweetie.

Granted, with work, kids, budgets and bills, passion can be parked on the backburner for the sake of responsibility all too easily. Here’s your chance to rekindle the romance and escape your hometown’s harrowing reality, at least for a little while.

In Sanford, Florida there’s a lovely little riverboat aptly named the Rivership Romance. Hundreds of honeys cruise the historic St. John’s River for dining and dancing daily.

The riverboat rocks the water with daily lunch, brunch and moonlight cruises – whether you prefer to snuggle in the sun or beneath the stars is entirely up to you. All meals are prepared fresh on the boat itself, waiting to whet your palate and complemented by onboard cocktails.

Given that it can get a little warm during the day, I personally would opt for the ride fit for true romantics – the moonlight cruise. See the rest of Central Florida during the day at local attractions, a zoo or fish but when it comes to your elegant evening? Stick to the stars.

The cruises even come on giftcards! So, if you don’t have a honey or know someone who’s up for a special weekend, you’ve got your next gift set.

Check out the specials they’re constantly running and find something to fit your fancy. It doesn’t get better than dining, wining and dancing as you cruise without a care.

Prices vary – 4-hour lunch cruises $48.50, Sunday brunch cruise $38.00, Moonlight Dining and Dancing $53.75. Please visit the Web site for more details.

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South Florida Attractions – Old Key Lime House Author: Lauren Jul 21

If you’ll find yourself at the Hilton Singer Island Oceanfront Resort (and it comes highly recommended by the staff here at home base) you won’t be short on convenience or comfort but maybe short on time for all the things you’ve got to see.

Singer Island isn’t lacking in its own entertainment and neither is Palm Beach – you better bet on finding some of the best shopping, eating, and sportfishing around.

Not to mention, with a wealth of natural beauty to fit the balmy weather and big blue skies, it’s harder to find time for all this fun than friendly places and faces.

What’s great about a century old pink shuttered, lime green and well-loved post on the waterfront? Built in 1889 but established as a restaurant in December of 1989 by Mr. Lyman, who named Lantana (incorporated July 29, 1921) himself, The Old Key Lime House has more than interesting décor.

Proclaimed as the oldest waterfront restaurant in Florida, the Lime House stands as the second oldest house ever built in Lantana, Florida. Waverunners, cars, boats, and seaplanes set their sights on this popular place for delectable drinks, fabulous food and friendly staffers. Yearly listed by Florida Trend as one of the top restaurants, this premier seafood grill and bar touts a vast menu of both food and drink.

Salads, swai, salmon, tilapia, burgers, Mahi Mahi, shrimp, tuna, grouper, crab cakes, even Atkin’s approved selections stock the vast selection of sumptuous fare – not to mention, the panoramic view of the Intracoastal Waterway complements every meal and tall, thirst-sating cocktail concoction perfectly.

With three different bars, the Old Key Lime House has a little home for every visitor – be it in the dining room, or the Chickee Hut Bar that hosts live entertainment Tuesday through Sunday. Happy hour, too, tickles the fancy of visitors daily from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Search no more for seafood worthy of making history – Lantana has it.
For more information, please call the restaurant at 561-582-1889.

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Palm Beach Dining – Michael R. McCarty’s Author: Lauren Jun 26

You might not expect a native New Yorker to forgo the boom and bustle of the city that never sleeps for one that’s full of beachfront bums and a gnarly night scene.

This one did.

Tropical breezes and swaying palms are quite the shift in scenery from a life lived in the Big Apple where commuters on foot can travel faster than four wheels, and it’s exactly what the Michael McCarty, owner of Michael R. McCarty’s Restaurant and Saloon, did.

The restaurant bearing his name has long become one of the few prestigious places to pop in and see in Palm Beach. An experienced restaurateur, it wasn’t until 2002 that McCarty purchased Dempsey’s to redesign, and redefine dining elegance and prestige by opening the restaurant after his own name.

It all started with his first visit with friends to Palm Beach in 1973 – so stricken by South Florida’s tropical beauty, he returned annually up until his purchase and opening of the restaurant.

Its traditional home-cooked dishes, friendly staff and healthy crowd of familiar regulars are world renowned. The outdoor terrace is a charming touch to an establishment comprised of British Colonial décor, with the beach breeze at your back and the moonlight night overhead. Unique to the restaurant, too, is “Rory’s” the restaurant’s bar and sitting room, covered in pink patent leather couches and cushioned chairs. Both the terrace and Rory’s are as available and prepared for romping regulars or the rental of private parties, be they for lunch, dinner, or solely celebration! See pictures and menus here.

Whether or not you’ve got a picky palette, there’s something to tickle your taste buds – even if you opt for a scrumptious soufflé or the freshest seafood and steak. Get yourself a rack of lamb, the Grilled Atlantic Salmon or if you’re after something from down home, try the Homemade Meatloaf. Or if you’ve got the need to sate your sweet tooth, Bread Pudding and Allie’s Cupcakes will serve you just as fine as the staff in a relaxed, refreshingly unique elegance that suits the Palm Beach people, visitors or native.

Pick a wicker seat and kick your feet up for some fun with friends, or make some new ones. Michael R. McCarty’s is open from 11:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. serving brunch, lunch, and dinner. Drinks are served until 3:00 a.m.

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Ft Lauderdale Dining – The Mai Kai Restaurant Author: Lauren Jun 18

For those of you South Floridians, Ft. Lauderdale diners, and vacationers at the Hilton Singer Island Oceanfront Resort – feel like getting away to the South Seas for some South Pacific fun?

It’s authentic, and right in your own back yard. If you’re thinking orchids, leis, ti leaves, tiki torches and dancers with hips you didn’t know could move that much, you’re on mark.

mai kai restaurantThe Mai Kai Restaurant is bonafied gem, combining exquisite cuisine and fascinating entertainment, all while introducing Polynesian culture on stage or tableside.

Cross the wooden plank bridge and enter paradise, complete with tiki torches, a thatch roof, all recreated to resemble an authentic Polynesian Village.

The Polynesian Revue, the team’s performance troupe of dancers and native Polynesian performers is an elaborate one – the owner and choreographer Mireille Thornton, a native Polynesian herself, began as one of the Revue’s original dancers in 1961 and is now part of the longest running Polynesian dance show in the United States.

With regular trips to Tahiti, New Zealand, Samoa, Aotearoa, and Hawaii Thornton is constantly reforming and redressing the dance show – even the costumes are hand made from painted tapa cloth, flowers, mother-of-pearl, feathers, abalone and small seashells.

Even as elaborate as the dance troupe is, the menu is equally as expansive in its ability – to cater to tastes, complex and comfortable. Only a few of the Mai Kai’s favorites include Lemongrass Pork Tenderloin, Fresh Yellowfin Tuna and Florida Grouper, Lobster Cantonese, ‘Oak Roasted’ Filet Mignon Madagascar, Indonesian Spiced Rack of Lamb, and the Hawaiian Orange Papaya Duck.

If you’re still needing more motivation to trip on over to this little paradise, there’s more: the before dinner, after dinner, and during dinner tropical drinks. Dreamed up by the restaurant’s resident “mixologist” the selection ranges from boutique wines for connoisseurs to frozen mixes blending fresh fruit and West Indies spices and syrups, rums, and coffees – all complete with a range of charming grog glasses and Mai Tai flutes.

The restaurant also offers elaborate private performances, be they for groups of 20 or even weddings and receptions, with demonstrations of authentic Hawaiian wedding dances and Samoan fire knife dances.

Packages vary depending on the day, with complete set menus as well as the option for drink packages – I’d encourage you to read the site yourself. It, too, is delightfully designed. Hulu on in with your honey or grab the kids, both are welcome and the experience is an absolute must.

3599 N. Federal Hwy
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
954-563-3272

This image by Thomas Tunsch is available under Creative Commons.

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