Shula Burger - Delray Marketplace www.ShulaBurger.com

Everybody knows who Don Shula is. The former Coach and owner of renowned Shula Steakhouse of course. The winning est coach in the NFL. And I am sure you have heard of the upscale hamburger chain that now wears his moniker also.

It was a balmy mid May evening when Michelle and I were trying to think of a place to pickup a quick hamburger when we decided to go to the almost newly opened Shula Burger in the almost newly opened Delray Marketplace on West Atlantic Ave and Lyons Road in Delray Beach. Live music softly filled the air and a slight breeze made the night super comfortable. Comfortable enough that we decided to order a couple of burgers and drinks; and eat at one of several vacant tables which adorned the sidewalk in front of Shula's.

Since it was 9 pm, we didn't have to wait. Michelle grabbed a flavored water from the cooler on the counter and proceeded to order her "make your own" cheeseburger as she took a sip of her drink. I was still pondering my selection.

"My drink is warm" she stated to the young man taking our order, "could I have a cup with some ice, please?"
"I'm sorry," he replied, "we are out of ice."
"Then I don't want the drink," said Michelle
"But you already opened it!" Marcus replied.

We had a little argument and as I was ready to walk, when an older, wiser, and more business like, 18 year old jumped in and appeared with a cup of the "very last bit of ice" in the building. I ended up ordering the "French Onion" double burger and we selected a table outside where we waited for our burgers on this magnificent evening.



French Onion Double Burger

Our burgers were delivered in a short time and tasted just as good as they looked! Michelle said this was the best burger she ever had. I enjoyed mine just as much. We were both very happy with our selections and we will be sure to return. The prices were moderately high, a bit more than the average burger joint, but should be expected for the quality and taste of the burger.

Make Your Own Burger with Multi Grain Bun



Turn offs: When a place is out of something, like ice, they should bend over backwards to accommodate a customer request, rather than argue with them. Because it was within an hour of closing time the staff were scattering about doing their side work so they can hit the highway as soon as possible after closing time. The bathroom looked like it hadn't been attended to all day.



J Marks Restaurant Ft. Lauderdale

I have driven by this location about fifty times and I finally had an opportunity to drop in. It was a rainy Saturday night about 8pm and I was lucky to find a parking space in their lot adjacent to the restaurant. We were greeted with a twenty minute wait which I thought was reasonable and took a lopsided seat on a padded bench which wrapped around a wall and walk way that went up to the bar on another level.

We were graciously seated and it appeared that we were going to have a wonderful time. Matt, our waiter, was friendly and seemed to know the menu. Michelle ordered an ice tea and I opted for plain old water. A basket holding a couple of delicious, freshly baked rolls and butter was presented, but the drinks did not appear for several more minutes. Since this was our first visit we asked Matt a few questions and finally made our choices. Matt stressed that the steaks were super and they made their own hamburger combo using beef, onions, bacon and worchestershire sauce which made the hamburger look well done no matter how it was cooked and that all the food is prepared fresh daily.

I ordered the Blue Peppercorn Burger and for a side I took the Cajun Fries. Michelle ordered Roasted Chicken with a baked potato.  The food was delivered promptly and looked great. I wanted a water refill along with some ketchup and mustard but Matt was busy trying to take orders from a table next to ours where ten or twelve men were seated, ordering multiple bar drinks and asking for individual checks.

After waiting several minutes for the condiments I just started eating. Michelle flagged down another server, and then a third in an effort to get the condiments. I had eaten half the hamburger before the tablespoonful of each arrived. I wasn't impressed with the hamburger and the fries were over-the-top salty. Michelle said her chicken had a funny taste, like some weird spice but she ate about half.

Matt refilled the glasses a couple of times and apologized for his lack of attention indicating that he was a bit overwhelmed with the large party next to us. I asked about Carrot Cake for dessert and mentioned that I really loved it at J. Alexanders, just down the street. He said his was even better! Well, it wasn't!

Once we left Michelle was complaining about having an upset stomach which continued for the next 36 hours. Maybe the funny tasting spice wasn't a spice at all; maybe the chicken wasn't as fresh as Matt said?

I think I could have had a better experience somewhere else for the same money. Michelle's funny tasting chicken was $14.99. My hamburger and cajun fries was $11.99. Add $6.99 for an overly generous slice of so-so carrot cake, soft drinks and tip totals out to $46.00.

I haven't crossed J.Marks off my list, yet. I would like to go back again and try something else.

Ruven's Restaurant & Deli Delray Beach

I tried the Corned Beef/Pastrami Combo

Ruven's is in the Publix shopping center at the NE corner of Jog and Lake Ida in a spot that has been a curse to several restaurants in the past. I have had so many bad experiences in that same location that I was a little reluctant to even try Ruven's thinking that it would be more of the same.

I pulled on my big boy undies and decided I would give it a try and I have been back three more times. My first visit was encouraged by a friend who suggested I should give it a try. He said he heard a lot of good things but had never been himself.........

Miller's Ale House in Boca Raton

I met Dale, Sherri, Joey and Dylan for a late dinner at this place a few weeks ago. No special occasion. I got there a little early and I only had to wait a couple of minutes before they arrived. They have a few high top tables and a bunch of attached booths which this fat man found way too small.

It's your typical ale house type atmosphere with the addition of a few pool tables. There was a very friendly atmosphere and I chose to wait before ordering anything until the others got there. They have an extensive menu with all the typical sports bar finger type foods with the addition of several more substantial meals including a few steak/seafood/pasta selections so it's easy to bring the family for a nice dinner out.

Gamaroff's Bar and Grill

Somehow when you go to a newly opened restaurant you get a feeling of whether this place is going to make it or not. When you go to Gamaroff's for the first time you will see that this is not their first rodeo. They know how to do it and how to do it right!

Gamaroff's is located in the high traffic area of Aventura/Hallandale Beach area where they are exposed to an abundance of locals as well as tourists and they know that in order to keep the highly critical local patronage they must offer good food, uncompromising service, and excellent prices. They do all three and do it beyond expectations.

A recent Saturday night had me jonesing  for a new place to dine when Michelle suggested that we try Gamaroff's. She had heard several positive comments about it from patrons of her salon in Aventura. I have an aversion to waiting in lines to spend my money and the place was packed but we opted to wait the 20-30 minutes that we were told. Since we were only a party of two we were seated in about fifteen minutes in a "half-and-half." A booth on the wall and a chair on the other side of the table. Works for us!

Patron Azteca

I was really in the mood for a 'Renegade Sirloin' from Longhorn but when we found out we would have about an hour wait to be seated (even with our call ahead) we opted to try the place next door.
We were on Sheridan, in Hollywood and in the next parking lot we saw this place.

"Hmmmm," Michelle said, "how 'bout some Mexican?"

I okayed it and in we went. Patron Azteca is a typical looking Mexican restaurant. Decorated in beiges, yellows and a Mariachi band on Friday and Saturday nights. They have several tables that are comfortably placed to allow plenty of room. You don't feel like you're just an extended part of the table next to you.

The Hog Pompano Beach

We were getting ready for lunch one day last week and Dave said, "I heard there's a new barbecue place that opened up in Pompano called 'The Hog' and maybe we should check it out." It sounded good to Dale and I so we drove over and met Dave outside.



I guess you would call the decor 'rustic with a hint of galvanized steel.' It just screams barbecue and makes the place feel real homey. You walk in past a large billboard that serves as the menu. Make up your mind then step up to the counter and place your order. Take a seat and the food is brought to you!

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

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

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.

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.

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!

                                      

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.