How Many Martorano's Meatballs Can You Eat?

Martorano's Masters Meatball Eating Championship will be on 12/10/2011 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood. Starting at 5:00 PM this event will bring nationally rated eating professionals who will be vying for $3,000.00 in cash prizes.


Joey "Jaw" Chestnut will be defending his 2010 title when he finished 43 meatballs to win the championship.

Flakowitz Deli, Bakery, and Restaurant

I don't know why I have neglected this wonderful place. I go there so often, maybe subconsciously I want to keep the hordes away. It's already bad enough having to wait twenty minutes for breakfast or dinner. But the food really is THAT GOOD!

Over the last ten years that I've lived in the area I don't think a week has gone by without at least one or more  visits to this place. And over all those visits, I have tried most of the items on the menu, and I haven't found anything that I would not recommend. My favorites are the omelets for breakfast; the deli sandwiches for lunch; and the beef brisket for dinner.

Some of the best Matzoh ball soup in town

Conca D'oro

Conca D'oro is located on the N.W. corner of Young Circle in Hollywood. The building has been remodeled and they have added on more space over the years, but the food is still consistently wonderful! Michelle and I stop in several times a year just to make sure that everything is still the same.

On our last visit we were treated to a self accompanied singer who was just wonderful. He crooned many old favorites and with a few glasses of wine it made for a very romantic evening.

You Will Get Touched by the "Touch Tone" at Direct From Philly

You Will Get Touched by the "Touch Tone" at Direct From Philly. I dropped in to my favorite Philly Cheese steak place, Direct From Philly, located inside a Chevron gas station on Military Trail in Deerfield Beach, to pickup a sandwich the other day. The owner, Steve, was there and he informed me that they were now open until 10 pm and he has added an addition grill maestro, Antonio. He also introduced me to Antonio's newest cheese steak creation called the "Touch Tone."

The "Touch Tone" only available at Direct From Philly

Salt & Pepper Chef

I found this Latin American grill on a coupon site where they had a $25.00 coupon for $2.00. Quite a deal! Dave, Dale and I went by there for a very late lunch one weekday afternoon to try it out. It was about 3:45 pm when we arrived. No wonder the place was empty and the staff was setting up the tables for dinner. We understood the late time and didn't complain about the lack of silverware or condiments on the table.

This place was formerly called Latin Conga

Grand Tavern Delray

I had my first opportunity to try out the Grand Tavern that recently opened on East Linton in Delray Beach. It is in the old Lucille's Bad to the Bone location. I came across a coupon at Money Saver Coupons for $5 off $25.

Bru's Room Sports Grill

When someone asks me where the BEST chicken wings are in South Florida I point them to Bru's Room. They have several locations across Broward and Palm Beach Counties. What makes the wings at Bru's stand heads and shoulders above the rest? You can get them grilled! Even DOUBLE grilled!

Don't get me wrong. I like wings made at several different South Florida establishments but when I'm pushed to pick out the ones I like the most I only think of Bru's. I start out with a basket of "buffalo chips." These are the best tasting homemade potato chips I have ever had. Add a side of the spicy ranch dipping sauce and have them served as an appetizer, before they bring out the wings. Some nice munchin!

The Buffalo Chips are GREAT

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Ben's Delicatessen

Ben's Delicatessen in Boca is a kosher utopia. If you are ever craving that great old New York style real kosher delicatessen food - put Ben's on your list. I've been there enough times to have tapped into my Ben's Friends Card. On my last visit I was accompanied by Sue and Dave, new Boca residents who just moved here from Davie.

It was a summer Friday night, before sunset, maybe 7pm when I arrived at Ben's. The line was already about 25 deep OUTSIDE the door. I couldn't see how many were waiting inside, but almost every new person who showed up assumed the line was for everyone but them because each one methodically skipped the line and headed directly through the door only to be instructed by the restaurant host to get in the back of the line. The "entitled ones" grumbled noncomprehensible expletives as they hung their heads on the way past "we the waiting."

Grande Pizza Co. Boca Raton

I never would have found this gem if it wasn't for Groupon. They ran a special through Groupon several months ago and since the location wasn't too far off my flight path I thought I'd take a chance. Since my first visit I have been back four additional times. Each time I tried something different.

This is not your typical pizza joint. You walk in past a tall counter behind which sits the pizza ovens and then the place opens up into a large room with a big U shaped bar and several tables. Then when I tasted the food and I KNEW it was different!

Five Ideas To Save Money When Eating Out

In this slow economy eating out on a budget can be extremely challenging. But you can eat out, and for a lot less than you think if you follow a few simple ideas.

I eat out a lot and it can get quite costly. It's not that I have an aversion to eating at home, I know how to cook and sometimes enjoy it! But, being a single guy, it's not important for me to rush home from work and make a healthy dinner. It's easier just to stop at a restaurant along the way for dinner. My friends all ask how can I afford this luxury? It's not hard when you do it my way!

Ristorante Da Ciccio Amalfi, Italy

   Authentic Italian  

cielo, mare, terra



There is nothing more authentic than dining in an Italian retaurant in Italy. While Michelle and I were touring the Amalfi Coast, our driver, Salvatore, suggested we try out this adorable restaurant. We invited him to join us but he declined and said he would stay with the car.

 

Smokehouse Grille and Wingery

Today I was in West Boca near Clint Moore and 441 and I could smell the aroma of hickory wood in the air. I followed the smell and traced it to the Smokehouse Grille and Wingery. While Michelle had a manicure and pedicure next door, I dropped in at the Smokehouse for a quick lunch.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

If you haven't eaten at The Cracker Barrel Old Country Store you could be in for a treat! If you never heard of this chain you must be living under a rock and should try to get out more.

Cracker Barrel has taken over the highways with easy to access restaurants along side most major interstates throughout the country. Why do so many people stop there? Consistency! Each and every Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores are almost identical.

The food is identical and the service is identical. When you walk through the door you know exactly what you're gonna get for the money. And you're gonna get a lot!

Cracker Barrel Gift Card

Pete's Cafe Bella Sera

I purchased a Groupon for Pete's a few months ago and since it is a little off my regular flight plan I had put off using the coupon until a couple of Sunday nights ago. When I finally located the place I discovered that they are closed on Sundays.

A few weeks later I had another opportunity and although it was a Saturday night I thought Michelle and I would take a chance without a reservation. That might not have been the best decision.

When we walked in the place was bustling with patrons. Some being escorted into the dining room and others sitting or mingling in the bar area. The hostess checked her chart and assured us that a table would be available in about 15 minutes.

Cucina Mio

This was not my first trip to Cucina Mio nor will it be my last. They have the best hook of any restaurant. And the hook is that their food is just unbelievably good! There is usually a pretty long wait during the dining hour but on this Saturday night, when we arrived at 8:45 pm, we were instantly seated.


Michelle tries the Pasta Fagioli at every Italian restaurant we go to



Carlucci's Italian Restorante

Dave, Dale, and I went over to Carlucci's Italian Restorante on N. Andrews Ave and Cypress Creek for lunch. They have some great tasting lunch specials at cheap prices. Our server, Mike, was on the ball and after bringing our drinks he dropped off a basket of some of the best garlic rolls I have ever eaten. He told us to be careful because they were addictive. I tend to agree........

After a few minutes the food appeared. Dale got a salad to start. Dave had a piece of pizza and he and I had a cup of deliciously creamy pasta fagioli.

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Meyer's Latin Flair

Coral Springs is not on my regular flight path and when my son, Dale, invited me to dinner celebrating his birthday I had to consult Google for the best route. This restaurant was easy to find in a strip mall currently being reconstructed along University Drive. 

Sheree found this place on South Florida Dines and after reading the reviews she thought it would be a great place to go; and she was right. She bought a coupon at a great discount price to help offset the cost of the soiree.




Stallone's Italian Kitchen

If you're in the mood for some great Italian food and some giant portions take a ride over to Stallone's Italian Kitchen on Glades Road west of the turnpike in Boca. Situated in a small shopping center with Rooms To Go, Stallone's is much more than your local pizza joint.

Our drink order was taken and delicious fresh rolls were delivered to our table as we made up our minds on what to order. Steve ordered chicken parmigiana and I chose spaghetti with meatballs. Michelle and Illona ordered the Italian Feast for two.

Park Avenue BBQ Grill

                             


Michelle and I went back to Park Avenue BBQ Grill on Hypoluxo Road and Congress Avenue in Boynton Beach. We had such a good experience there the last time we went we decided to try it again. One of the best attributes of a truly good eatery is consistency. Good food, good service, good value, every time you go.

We weren't disappointed at P.A. It was just as good this time around as it was on our last visit. I had the baby back rib Monday special which is a full rack with two sides for $11.95. My sides were corn on the cob and more fries than I could eat along with a slab of ribs that overlapped the extra large platter that serves as a plate. Michelle got 1/2 bbq chicken with mashed potatoes, applesauce and kettle rice (very good--try it!)

Park Avenue still does a great job. Good food, good service, good value!

                                      

Pet Peeves From Zagat

I just read an interesting article at ZAGAT about their eight top restaurant peeves. As I've said many times before, I am a really laid back, easy going, kind of guy, and I am more tolerant than most others. I understand some of the stresses that servers are under and the restraints of certain chefs and kitchens. But there are still a few things that happen during otherwise good dining experiences that can change to worse at the drop of a napkin.

Send a comment with some of your pet peeves.
                                

The Benihana Experience

Benihana is a Japanese Steakhouse. If you have never been there it is a great first time experience. It's also a lot of fun to go with someone who has never been, especially a child. Michelle took me and Robby (with Cecily and Dahlia) there for Father's Day. I've been several times and have always had a good time.

Michelle made reservations at the Commercial Blvd and Intercoastal location. We arrived on time and had to wait about fifteen minutes before we were seated. They seat you in sets of eight, surrounding a very large grill called a teppanyaki table. We were five and we joined a lovely couple and had an empty seat which made it extremely comfortable.

Farradday's at the Isle Casino

It was my birthday weekend and Michelle and I decided to go to Farraday's at the Isle to celebrate. I had a coupon from the Isle for $50.00 towards food at any of their restaurants. Farraday's is a really beautiful restaurant and once inside you don't realize that your inside a casino.



It was late, so we had no difficulty in being shown to a very nice seat immediately. We chose a shell against the wall so we could sit next to each other and still do some good people watching. We ordered drinks and bread was served as we looked over the menu.

The Ark

It has been YEARS since I've eaten at the Ark on Stirling road in Davie. It;s really a great place to go for a buffet and at a pretty cheap price for the quantity and quality of the food being served. The best bet is The Captain's Prime Rib & Seafood Buffet. Soup, salad, sides and entrees presented for your pleasure. You choose what you want and put it on your plate and you can keep going back as many times as you want.

Maybe It Was Something I Said?

Monday was my birthday. Just another milestone and like plenty of other people out there I wanted to celebrate at a restaurant of choice. I was staying at the Marriott near Andrews Ave and Cypress Creek. Just across the street from a Longhorn Restaurant, one of my favorite locations when I'm in the mood for steak.

I checked the Internet on my laptop in the hotel room and  I saw that Okeechobee Steakhouse offers a FREE dinner on your birthday but it was farther than I wanted to drive on this Monday night. My inbox had a FREE DESSERT offer from Longhorn as a birthday reward, and since it was across the street, it would be the ideal place to spend my birthday. But, there was no way to print out the coupon so Michelle called Longhorn to see what we could do.

John's NY Pizza & Pasta



This is the EIGHTEEN INCHER!

The pizza was excellent and I give it a super high rating, Like a nine out of ten.
For the full story CLICK HERE

Las Vegas Cuban Cuisine

When I first started going to Las Vegas, the Cuban cuisine restaurant, at their original location back in '87 little did I know that the small family owned and run establishment would grow to a chain of many locations. I have eaten at their location on 441 in Hollywood, Pines Boulevard, and this trip was to their new location on Hallandale Beach Boulevard in Hallandale next to Panera Bread.

Trattoria Bella Cibo

Never Trust a Skinny Chef! That's Chef Tommy's favorite saying.

This place is nowhere near my regular flight plan so had it not been for GottaHalfIt I would never have found this jewel. It is located in Margate on Margate Boulevard about a block off 441. The first thing you see as you approach is a large covered outdoor eating area that extends down the side of the building.

Kitchen 305 at the Newport Beachside Hotel and Resort

Kitchen 305 is an upscale eatery located inside the Newport Beachside Hotel and Resort, but don't think you have to be a tourist to patronize this beautiful restaurant because there are plenty of locals who find their way to fine food and drinks.

Barrier Jacks

When Michelle and I were in Cocoa Beach we wanted to check out a local place for brunch. Our taxi driver suggested Barrier Jack's and it turned out to be a great choice.

It's a small place with only a few tables inside and a few more outside. It was a sunny day when we were there and several people opted for the outdoor seating but we preferred the air conditioned inside.

Ellie's 50's Diner

We were driving south on Federal Highway from Woolbright when we passed Ellie's 50's Diner. It looked so out of place we just had to get a closer look. There were a few cars in the parking lot including a pink '57 Chevy. It looked like a very cute place.




Go inside and the retro feeling continues. Just thru the door you walk past

J. Alexanders

If you're ready for some great tasting food with great service, take a trip over to the J. Alexanders Restaurant near you. But, be prepared, it is more expensive than Longhorn Steakhouse.

I've been eating here since they opened on West Broward Boulevard in Plantation and have since enjoyed their food in Ft. Lauderdale and Boca Raton. The service is great and the food is a real value for the money.

Lindburgers Gourmet Burgers

When you read the history about Lindburgers you will see that they have been serving great burgers in Delray Beach since 1983. I was lucky enough to have tasted their burgers in late 1985 for my first visit and little did I know that I would be moving to Delray seventeen years later. Now I can go whenever I want!

Imposto's Pizzeria Across from Carlo's Bakery Hoboken, NJ

Michelle and I recently had the opportunity to go to Atlantic City, New Jersey, along with Steve and Illona. We rented a car so we would have the ability to travel around the area and not get stuck spending all our time in the casino.

Steve has wanted to visit "Carlo's Bakery," made famous by the "Cake Boss" TV show on the Learning Channel and this was his chance. After a two and a half hour car ride we arrived in Hoboken and got directions from a very nice Hoboken resident. Steve parallel parked on Washington Street about a block from the bakery, right near Imposto's Pizzaria.

Nino's of Delray

I've been to Nino's several times and after my last visit I knew I needed to add them to the blog. They have consistently good food and service and I am always looking forward to a return visit.

Michelle and I dropped in here late on a Tuesday night. Once we were seated our waitress brought a basket full of garlic rolls as we studied the menu. Of course we started with a bowl of pasta fagioli and it was a good choice.

Jason's Deli: The Healthy Deli Choice

When I think of a deli I think of a glass front cooler containing big slabs of corned beef, pastrami, ham, turkey, and an assortment of cheeses. I think of cholesterol, sodium and fat! But Jason's is not that kind of deli.

"At Jason's Deli, we're all about healthy food. We've even been named "One of the 10 Best Restaurants in America!" in the July 2009 issue of Parents Magazine. Our food has no high fructose corn syrup, trans fats or MSG. We just serve health, fresh and even organic foods. From sandwiches to salads, Jason's Deli offers healthy food that everyone can feel good about. And it's not only healthy food - it's delicious food."

If that surprises you don't be upset 'cause it surprised me, too.

Corelino's Coal Oven Pizza & Cucina

Michelle and I were ready to try out a new place late on a recent Monday night. It was about 9pm when I rolled into the shopping center where Chris' Taverna is located in Lantana. On our previous visits to Chris' I had eyed a small Italian place on the corner, in the same shopping center, named Corelino's Coal Oven Pizza & Cucina.

I parked the car and we walked up to the windows and we could see that they were already cleaning up to close. There was a gentleman sitting at one of the outside tables underneath the overhang eating his meal. "I think they're still open," he said, "push on the door."

Best of South Florida: Cheesesteak Subs Direct From Philly

Best of South Florida: Cheesesteak Subs Direct From Philly. One of my bloggers was kind enough to tip me off about this place, Direct From Philly. He wrote "...a place in Deerfield Beach that is actually inside a gas station called Direct From Philly." That was enough for me to want to try this place out!

La Bamba Mexican & Spanish Restaurant

Bienvenidos! Michelle & I were in the mood for some South of the Border food the other night so I suggested we stop in at La Bamba on West Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach. I have been here many times in the past and have never had a bad meal. La Bamba is a small chain with five stores in the Broward/Palm Beach area.

Primanti Bros.

If you have never been to Primanti's your first visit will be quite a treat. I first learned about Primanti's from the Travel Channel on TV. They had a several minute excerpt about the original Primanti's in Pittsburgh, Pa. and it was very interesting.

American Roadhouse

Here's another good place that I discovered thru the GottaHalfIt social group buying website. The offer was to pay $15.00 for $35.00 worth of food and drinks at American Roadhouse in Pompano. It is in the same location where the now defunct Hop's was near the SW corner of Sample and Federal.

Pizzaria Owner Sabotages Competition in PA

While I was surfing I found this interesting news video about an aggressive pizza parlor owner who tried a unique way to discredit his competitors. 

 

Don and Vinny's Italian Restaurant Again!

I've been going to Don and Vinny's pretty regularly for the last several months. See my earlier review. In fact, I've attended not one, but two family dinner affairs at this place.

Jersey Mike's Subs

Right now I claim to have three favorite sub places, LaSpada's, Lenny's, and Jersey Mike's. Lenny's and Jersey Mike's build very similar subs. All three make your sub as you stand in line. Slicing all the meats and cheese fresh; right before your eyes.

Da Vinci's Italian Restaurant

Da Vinci's Italian Restaurant is in a Publix shopping plaza on the NW corner of Jog and Boynton Beach Boulevard. I frequented this place for several years and watched them grow while enjoying many delicious meals with many friends and relatives. Then suddenly, some time ago everything changed. The food wasn't as good. The employees weren't as friendly and the whole atmosphere changed. I stopped going.

Then one day I received an email from my daughter who lives in Port St. Lucie telling me
 that there was a deal on GottaHalfIt to get $35 worth of food for $20.00.

Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza

"Our Pizza is Well Done," is what the motto says. But it could say "Our Pizza is Done Well!" Either way you slice it their pizza is a delight. Now me, I'm a thin, crispy crust pizza lovin' kind of guy. Even at the regular pizza joints I go to I always request thin and crispy. At Anthony's it's what they do best.

Hot Dog Opolis

As the name implies....This is the Big City of Hot Dogs in Boca Raton. I've always searched for a place where I could get an "authentic" tasting Chicago Dog and now I've found it. This small place on Federal Highway in Boca churns out the best tasting dogs outside the Windy City. Vienna Beef dogs covered with all the correct ingredients, served on a super soft poppy seed bun.

Christine Lee's at Gulfstream Park

I was introduced to Christine Lee's at Gulfstream Park about two years ago and have been going there almost regularly ever since. If you haven't been there it is on the third floor of the Gulfstream Casino/Racetrack. Valet parking is available or you can choose a self-parking spot in the vast parking area. Michelle was able to secure tickets for a recent Beatlemania Now (see more below) show at Gulfstream and we followed the show with a late night dinner at Christine Lee's.

Cielito Lindo Tres

I've scoured the internet but was unable to find a website for this small, indescript Tex-Mex eatery located at 91 NE Prospect Road in Oakland Park. Dave, Dale and I have been lunching here for more years than I can remember. When Dale says "let's get something quick," we go to Cielito Lindo.

Panera Bread

I have always enjoyed a lunchtime trip to Panera's. They always have a good assortment of soups, salads, sandwiches and the bread is always super fresh and tasty. My favorite sandwich is the Italian Combo. I usually accompany it with a cup of soup, potato chips, and a pickle spear.

photo courtesy of http://www.biggestmenu.com/

Cici's Pizza "Almost Too Good to be True!"

Have you ever tried Hawaiian Pizza? Ham and pineapple toppings? I know it's not an Italian thing but sometimes you just have to get past the pepperoni and sausage and have a little fun.

That's what's happening at Cici's Pizza. I went to a little shindig for Joey, my grandson, in recognition of his reaching the ripe old age of 5.0. No he's not FIFTY, he's five.


Joey at his Big 5.0 birthday

Jack Berry, founder of Jack's hamburgers in Fort Lauderdale, dies at 82

Complete Story

LongHorn Steakhouse

There are plenty of Longhorns around to make it a convenient place to go for a nice dinner out. It is a reasonably priced place so that you can take the whole family. I frequent the Boynton Beach location the most but I've indulged at the Ft. Lauderdale Cypress Creek location, The Hollywood Sheridan Street location and the Davie University Drive location. The great thing about Longhorn is that no matter which location you go to, the food and service are the same. Consistency is why customers come back over and over.

Mr. B and Me

I'm always looking for small, out-of-the-way, family owned and operated, diner type, places. Mr B and Me is just that. I have been eating there semi-regularly for the last couple of months and have usually had a really good experience. Mr. Bogatz does a great job trying to keep the customers happy but with the geriatric clientele that frequents this place it is next to impossible. Like the Jackie Mason story goes:

Jack's Old Fashioned Hamburger House

I've been going to Jack's Old Fashioned Hamburger House for more years than I want to admit. Are there better burgers out there? You bet. But Jack's is in a kind of time warp; somewhere between the '70's and '90's, which makes it unique in a very special way. The beef is ground fresh daily and each order cooked as it's placed.

Copper Canyon Grill

I started watching Groupon discount offers for several area restaurants. They had a deal to get $40.00 worth of food for $20.00 at Copper Canyon Grill in Boca Raton. I purchased three "Groupons" and I really appreciate being introduced to this fine restaurant. On my most recent visit we arrived between peak hours so we weren't bothered by long lines and extra chatter.

While I went to wash my hands Michelle ordered

Butterfields Southern Cafe

If you are ever in the mood for a special breakfast treat take a ride over to Butterfields Southern Cafe in West Palm Beach. They serve breakfast all day and it's the "loosen your belt" type. After our two day cruise on the Bahamas Celebration a little while ago we stopped in to Butterfields for breakfast. I had been there once before to sample their breakfast and was really looking forward to this opportunity to return.

Jack's Pizzeria and Italian Restaurant

Tonight I had a really unique experience. Michelle and I met Ellie, Aunt Harriet, Lynn, Gladys, Miriam and Chris. Aunt Harriet set up the reservations for 5:30 at Jacks Pizzeria on the SW corner of Military Trail and Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach.

Mazzola's Italian Restaurant

Do you ever just walk into a place and know for sure that you're gonna love it? Well that's the way I felt when I first walked into Mazzola's Italian Restaurant in Davie. If you don't know exactly where this place is you could never find it. It's in the rear of the shopping center at the NW corner of Flamingo and Orange Drive.

Bobby Rubino's Place for Ribs

Here go the rib wars! Everyone has a favorite place for baby back ribs. I love baby back ribs and I check them out at all the places I go that serve them. Lately I've had them at Bru's Room, PA BBQ, and Flanigans. But my all time favorite place for baby backs is Bobby Rubinos.

Back in the day, I frequented the Hallandale Beach Boulevard location. I usually ordered the "Steel City" rack with french fries and cole slaw.

Super Bowl Tip: How to Eat Chicken Wings Properly

I've been eating chicken wings for about 35 years and I just found out that I have been eating them incorrectly. I didn't even know that there was a correct way to eat wings. I thought you just kind of bit into them and bit off a hunk and chewed it down. But, alas! Not only is there a correct way but a video showing you how to do it:

Steak and Shake Boynton Beach

Steak and shake has become my late night choice for eating. I don’t mean for dinner at 8pm. I mean when you just need a little snack after a nite at the casino or after the late movie. I mean 2am.

Big Al's Steaks

Since living in Delray Beach I have taken the tour of downtown Atlantic Avenue about 100 times, more or less. Everytime I passed Big Al’s I promised myself that I was going to sample some of his original philly cheesesteak sandwiches. So when I finally ventured into the sidewalk venue I was more than happy to sample one of the best philly cheesesteaks I have ever had and vowed to return.

John's Hero King

I heard that John's Hero King of Brooklyn NY had opened a Florida location with the "world's best heroes," so I thought I would give it a try. I was expecting your standard Italian sub shop fare that we are used to here in South Florida but not so. John's specialty hero is the roast beef with "muutz," (mozzarello,) onions, and gravy.

Flanigan's

We know it as Flanigan's but the real name is Flanigan's Seafood Bar and Grill. The Commercial boulevard location was closest to my office and I would eat lunch there several times a week for several years. During those years I had the opportunity to try almost all the items on the menu as well as be "treated" to a few lunches by "Joe" Flanigan himself.

Carrabba's Italian Grill

I Love This Place! Carrabba's Italian Grill is my favorite "chain" Italian place. They have really got it together. My first visit was to their location in Jacksonville, Florida before any appeared in the South Florida area and I just couldn't wait for them to open down here.

I've been to several area locations and they have the main ingredient for a well managed chain restaurant: consistency; quality consistency. Excellent tasting foods, good service and at a reasonable price.

This past weekend Michelle and I took a short trip to the west coast of Florida. By the time we checked into the hotel and unpacked it was about 9:30pm

Myron's Deli at the Isle Casino

When you go to the Isle Casino at Pompano Park you become part of the "captive audience" and if you want something to eat your selection is limited to the Isle run restaurants.

When I'm there I always enjoy a corned beef or pastrami sandwich at Myron's.

Portobella Italian Restaurant

I have driven by this place a hundred times before I noticed it tucked back in the corner of a strip center at Military Trail between Boynton Beach Blvd. and Old BB Blvd. It was after 8pm and Michelle and I were ready for dinner.

The place is small, maybe 15 crowded tables, but they have additional outdoor seating available. On this night no one was outside as it was about 45 degrees out there!

Lenny's Subs

I really like Lenny's. They make some great tasting "old school" style subs along with some of the new concoctions. My favorite is the Italian Special. I've tried some of the others and they were all good but my my taste buds are most excited by the Italian.

I went to their location at Cypress Station yesterday for the umpteenth time and picked up my usual large Italian combo which includes

Ruby Tuesday

Michelle found a coupon for Ruby Tuesdays and we decided to give it a try. The location on my route was next to Palm Aire near Atlantic Blvd and Powerline Rd. We pulled into an almost deserted parking lot which was understandable at this time of day, 3pm.

Chris' Taverna

First of all I want to tell you that I'm not a huge fan of Greek food. But I do like to have it every few months. Michelle likes it more than I and I thought it was time to find a Greek restaurant in the area that we could occasionally go to. I turned to Yelp for assistance and found that Chris' Taverna had excellent reviews and it wasn't very far away.

Krystal

About once every six to eight months I get a craving for those tiny, one bite, mini burgers made by Krystal. Flat grilled with onions and served on a fresh steamed bun with a pickle and mustard. The closest outlet used to be just off I95 at Daytona Beach and in past years I always stopped there to savor the aroma of these little jewels and gulp down a few (if 6, 7 or 8 can be called a few.)

Champps Americana

I've been going to Champps Americana for several years, mostly for lunch because it is close to my workplace. I've eaten my way across the menu and have tried almost everything on it! They are described as a "sports bar" and the walls are covered with television coverage of all the days events. But the food is definitely way past sports bar.