JulieF's Profile
Looking for any restaurant recs in Ste Anne/Gosier area of the island of Guadeloupe
Thank you. Any specific suggestions of places on island to try?
And yes, St. Maarten was first island I took my husband to...Then Aruba, Curacao, Antigua, Anguilla, Barbados, Grenada, Bahamas, Cayman, Turks and Caicos, Canouan, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, St. Lucia, St Kitts, .St. Croix, St John, Tortola, etc etc etc. you get the idea....
Looking for any restaurant recs in Ste Anne/Gosier area of the island of Guadeloupe
Having trouble finding info in English that indicates whether or not restaurants on island take credit cards. Speak some French but it hasn't helped.
Either way...any restaurant suggestions greatly appreciated - especially near Sainte Anne.
We eat most all foods, especially like local fare and seafood.. And have traveled widely -- each year going to a different island in the Caribbean...
Jamaican Me Happy in Lake Worth - What a Find!
sorry the name of place above didn't post.
It's Kersmon Caribbean Restaurant, 4622 Jog Road, Greenacres,
561-968-5656
Jamaican Me Happy in Lake Worth - What a Find!
Recently stumbled on, quite by accident, a wonderful find right on Jog Road in Lake Worth (it's south of Lake Worth Road/ but north of Malaleuca).
Althea, the owner/chef/waitress, etc. greets you warmly and by the end of your meal you're exchanging hugs and planning your next trip back.
I'm assuming its Jamaican but there are other island foods, as well.
They're open almost every day -- right now closed on Sundays but might switch to being closed on Mondays (and open on Sundays) depending on demand. It's a small homey place.
You will find all your favorites.
We were there for lunch and thoroughly enjoyed her brown stew chicken as well as her oxtail. You can get medium or large portions. Each dish came with a side of peas and rice (this was seasoned and had a few lima beans in it too...) as well as a mix of sauteed cabbages -- several types, plus carrots, etc. that was wonderful as well. She asked if we wanted gravy on our rice which we did and highly recommend you do too.
And suffice it tosay, We ate EVERYTHING, every crumb, on our plates and left ONLY the bones.
The menu includes chicken, beef, shrimp, fish, salads, appetizers, soups.
Some breakfast items like ackee with salt fish; Some hard to find (good) items like curried goat too, along with a number of jerk dishes and deserts. Tell Althea that Julie and Roy sent you.
Mark Militello
Switching restaurants "every few weeks"? Not really...I first dined with Mark at Mark's Place in North Miami in from the mid to late 80's...and later again, for years and years, when he was on Las Olas. May be lately, but when you're a consultant or executive chef some of your gigs are short term anyway -- setting up the menu, and then moving on -- or when you're dealing with franchises/partners you're following a different set of rules.
I'm thoroughly looking forward to visiting Trina's...and can't wait until Mark is ready with new menu, etc etc.
Any restaurants you can recommend for Venice,FL area?
Thanks everyone...will pass along all your recommendations. MOST appreciated!
Anything decent near Hyatt Long Island (Hauppage)?
Going to be attending some business meetings at the Hyatt and wondered if there's any restaurants chowmembers can recommend in that area. Thanks!
Any restaurants you can recommend for Venice,FL area?
Thanks...familiar with Sarasota places (there's a lot) but trying not to have them drive so far if possible...
Il Mulino New York - San Juan/Isla Verde (Ritz Hotel)-Thrilled to Give Great Report This Time
So happy we went to Il Mulino's to give it another chance after a so-so experience about 6 months ago.
WOW! Hit 100% in every area. Great ambiance, warm/welcoming and inviting staff, great anticipatory service -- with just the right touches, delicious food, value priced for the quality and quantity. So happy to report this.
Drinks were served promptly as ordered. Then, as we were browsing the menu we were given a bread basket with white, wheat, and garlic bread sticks. (No measly one roll per person doled out on request,here). Followed by their complimentary appetizer plate:a few slices of salami/sausage, a small chunk of cheese, a toasted chunk of italian bread topped with chopped tomatoes,onions, etc (bruschetta),and a mound of thinly sliced perfectly sauteed zuchinni.
For dinner I had the grilled salmon which came perfectly cooked (I like my fish cooked in the center) covered with a melange of a variety of mushrooms on top a bed of broccoli rabe. The fish portion was huge..and could easily have been shared. I hated to leave so much on the plate....wound up giving some of the rabe and mushrooms to my spouse. My husband had a half order of fettucine with lamb ragout -- his favorite. The regular portions are tremendous bowls and even the half portion he had was a nice size especially after the appetizers. He said it was so good he wished he could eat a whole order! (PS they don't show half orders on the menu but are happy to do so for almost any of the pasta dishes, just ask!)
New serving pieces were given at each course, water glasses refilled before you needed to ask them to be, pleasant friendly waiters assisted. What a refreshing delightful evening!
Too full to even consider desert, we passed on them but admired with longing some sabayon and berries garnishing of one of our neighbors's selections.
NB I'm not a grappa fan (to me it's like drinking lighter fluid), but I was fascinated by the container in which it was stored: A huge copper pot filled with crushed ice surrounding a glass inset with a long handled ladle in the middle disappearing deep within the pot. This serves to keep the liquid ice cold. When I asked about it, we received a little taste to try it. Sure clears your sinuses!
And how lovely to be told, thanks for coming, hope you come back as we were leaving...
We'll definitely be back.
Pikayo Restaurant San Juan,PR (Condado Area) - So disappointed...
I should say that I've wanted to try this restaurant for sometime, but when it was located at the Museum of Art, in a non-touristy area, it wasn't convenient to get there. Now that I'd read they moved to the Conrad Hotel in Condado, I made it a point to try what had been touted as one of the best (the best?) restaurants in Puerto Rico.
We went relatively early on a Tuesday evening with no reservations and figured we'd try some of their small plates in the lounge area. First off the hotel (at 999 Ashford) is a big boxy starkly modern building. We parked in their parking garage as there were no signs for the restaurant outside and we weren't sure where to go. We foundout afterwards they don't validate parking for the restaurant. Inside the "lobby" which looks like they haven't had their furniture delivered yet (as opposed to upscale chic ala the W hotel chain), we asked at the desk as there were no signs inside the hotel. We were directed to the elevators to the mezzanine level.
There isn't anyone to greet you when you enter the restaurant. The stark theme of the outside hotel carries through. No warmth, no welcoming smile and it was vitually empty -- one table full. We sat at the bar. The lone bartender provided good service, just didn't have any personality to speak of...
What we ordered: We started with the beef carpaccio which my husband said was wonderful -- melted in his mouth. I had the organic tomato salad. A nice size portion -- large cherry tomatoes cut in half on mini greens with a light dressing. Those were the 2 best items. Then we had the baked clams -- six microscopic clams with stuffing and a pindot of a clam in each tiny shell that came with a miniature pitcher of lemon butter. What there was of them was fine, just not enough to make a real mouthful to taste. And highway robbery at $15 for the order. The crab crepes were 2 crepes wrapped around the barest hint of crab flakes and something else unidentifiable. Pretty on the plate to look at ..with no discernable flavor of crab. I was embarrassed for the chef that they would serve this to anyone...
My husband had one glass of wine. The wines by the glass -- there were about a dozen of them from which to choose -- were priced appropriately for the location $9 to about $15 or so. The problem was that, for example, if you wanted a particular type of wine, say Chardonnay, there was only ONE Chardonnay from which to choose, same thing with Pinot Gris, same thing with Pinot Noir, etc. You get the picture.
Our 4 small plates, one glass of wine, one diet coke (which turned out to be diluted Pepsi) , a glass of water (that was $2 by the way) came to over $80...plus tax, plus tip, plus parking...
No one said anything when we left -- no thanks for coming, hope you'll be back, nothing...no acknowledgement whatsoever.
Would be back? Probabably not. We're more than willing to pay the price for a good meal, but we expect some sort of service with it...and it doesn't have to be fawning, just something.
Any restaurants you can recommend for Venice,FL area?
Some relatives who've recently moved to Venice, FL are asking for restaurant recs.
Any/all suggestions appreciated.
Don't see much on the boards about Venice...(except the Crow's Nest. Still any good?)
They like all types of food -- sushi to deli;casual to gourmet.
Willing to drive a bit, if necessary...Thanks in advance.
Alright Ft. Lauderdale, lets hear about some cheap(er) eats!
give us an idea what part of town you're in and that might help narrow down the suggestions...
Vietnamese/Ft. Lauderdale
Yes. Went there after reading a review in one of the local newspapers. Place is quite small. Food wasn't bad, but think Saigon Cuisine on 441 in Pompano is much better (and cheaper). There is some variety on the menu, but portions are small and although tasty nothing special to warrant a return visit.
The setting is fine -- a small storefront (a former Little Caesar's I think) sparsely decorated and the service was decent -- friendly and fairly efficient. Had to send the soup back to be heated, and although the place was pretty empty at the time we went, we had to flag down the waiter for water refills. Tables are quite close to each other and there is a small bar as well. It's LauderdaleByTheSea location is in a quieter stretch of Commercial than down by the beach/pier so parking wasn't a problem either.
Craving Bistella/Morrocan Food in South Florida...
Any suggestions not too far from Broward?
Harpoon Louie''s( deerfield neach) open? not open??
Yes. They're open! But they haven't had their "official" grand opening day yet. Still getting some of the kinks out, but worth trying. Great setting -- lots of outside tables as well as inside and then there is a separate bar area as well. You are right across from the beach so you get views of the water and the pier.
Also there's free valet parking if you're going to the restaurant (they give you a validation coupon to give to the attendant after you've paid your bill. Ask for it if you don't get it.)
Food -- fairly large menu and also a couple recited specials. Not sure why, but we also got a 50% discount on one of our meals (and saved about $16)...
This is what we tried: the conch chowder -- obviously homemade with al dente chunks of veggies and bits of conch in a tomatoey broth. We sent it back to get heated (sorry I like my soup VERY hot). Tastewise okay but I prefer it a little spicey so had to add in a few drops of tobasco and a bit of salt. Had the steamed clams -- these are little necks/cherrystones but a nice portion in a brothy melted butter to sop up or spoon up with nice slivers of garlic. Thoroughly enjoyed these...especially with the freshly made grainy bread with bits of cranberries in it (asked and received a second basket of this -- so good!). My husband had a caesar salad with grilled salmon (a huge piece of fish) which was perfectly cooked and lightly seasoned. He said he'd recommend that, too.
We saw some attractive platters of fish and chips, shrimp salads, and grilled grouper being delivered to some nearby tables...intriguing options for future.
They're just getting set up so not much wine choice -- by the glass they had Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Merlot, and one other type...
Service was very accomodating/pleasant -- altho' you could tell our server was still learning...but eager to please. Any questions? Just ask...
Local Flavor in Vero Beach
Even though a long time has passed wondered where you freakerdude) wound up eating? Will be near the beach in Vero in a couple weeks. HDB107 would you still say Maison Martinique is the best? Also any place within walking distance of Holiday Inn area would be appreciated. Thanks!
Good restaurants in St Croix?
Well...we're just back from St. Croix. Didn't get a chance to read about asking for Tony at Tutto Bene before we left; however, we liked the restaurant so much the first night we went that we came back a second night! And each time we were there, we were treated to comp sambucca.
The food at Tutto Bene's was wonderful. Both times my husband had the spaghetti bolognese -- a half portion which was still pretty large. He liked the meaty and flavorful sauce. We each had an appetizer the first night -- too much food -- so the second night we just shared a salad. My entree the first night was the seafood bouillabaise over angel hair pasta. I asked for the seafood and the pasta to be served separately -- and I'm glad I did. The angel hair was so light that it would have been swamped by the overload of seafood -- shrimp, scallops, mussels, fish in a broth that I scooped up with a big spoon. As much as I liked the seafood and pasta dish the first night; I just had to try something else. Wound up with the blackened whole tilapia. If you don't mind navigating bones or get squeamish about a whole fish (head/tail) then this is definitely the dish to get. And if I ever get back to St. Croix I'm having this again and again. Probably one of the best fish dishes I'd ever eaten -- seasoned perfectly, cooked to perfection. Crusty on the outside and tender white inside. Just yummy! And their deserts are pretty good too -- loved the chocolate cake. Service, by the way, was great! Loved the personable and friendly staff.
Our other dinner at the Pickled Greek wasn't so great. In fact, I wouldn't recommend this place. It's very casual -- so no worries about dress code. No atmospher either. Very slow service as well. The only things I can say is that the greek salad (the one without lettuce) was decent. Lots of green/red peppers, cukes, two pieces of anemic tomatoes, two olives, and a bit of feta cheese; and the prices were cheap. My husband's special of the evening -- a pita pizza that came with gyro meat and feta cheese was inedible. The meat was overcooked, dry, and hard to chew. The sauce was acidic. He just couldn't eat it. My souvlaki sandwich came with 4 or 5 small chunks of lamb meat and a couple pieces of gristle swimming with tzatziki (sp?) sauce. I had asked for the meat well done -- opened up the soggy pita and found the meat fairly raw. So I picked out the few pieces of meat and sent them back to the kitchen to be cooked. The fries that came with the sandwich were decent -- crispy as requested and topped with parsley and seasoned salt. Can only imagine that you have to have a lot of beers (or ouzo) with a large group to enjoy this place. Don't go here for the food!
We thoroughly enjoyed Cheeseburgers in Paradise one day for lunch (coming back from Point Udall). Good/fast service. Large, thick, meaty and tasty burgers with all the fixings. Good fries. Reasonable prices. Many other things on their menu to choose from that looked interesting -- including a fish chowder, hot dogs, grilled chicken. They have a board with specials every day. Very close to Buccaneer Hotel if you want a tasty lunch at decent price. Definitely go here if you can.
Also -- on way back from west end sightseeing trip, we stopped by La Reina Chicken Shack. Also say if you're near here, come here! It's a bit hard to find -- no easily seen signage. But you'll recognize it by the 3 flags out front and the fifty cars in the lot and the long lines. You order from one window and pick up from another. For small eaters, you can try the chicken special -- a half chicken bbq that comes with 2 johnny cakes (slightly sweetened) for $5. My husband had the regular chicken dinner -- a half chicken that came with choice of rice (white or seasoned), beans, and a side salad for $8. You then wait in line until your order number is called. You can then go to the bar/picnic table area next door and sit out and eat. Best bargain on the island. And you'll know why they're all lined up! Other choices include everything from oxtail to pulled pork as well as salads.
We did eat breakfast every morning at the Buccaneer Hotel. Good buffet selections plus you can choose anything made in the kitchen instead of or in addition to the buffet. The dinner at the Terrace at night -- we tried the first night we were there -- was fine. Just not outstanding. Good service, gorgeous view, fairly expensive but not crazy. Just the food wasn't knock your socks off. I had a decent and very nicely prepared halibut special that came parmesan encrusted; My husband had a shrimp pasta -- which was just okay.
Good restaurants in St Croix?
Been reading about Tutto Bene Italian Restaurant in St. Croix. Wondered if you had any info about it...Thanks...
Panhandle - anything new near Destin?
Thanks to Nancy for recommending Nicks and Stinky's. We hit Nick 's on the way into town. The first time we drove by the closed sign was up...by the time we looped around and came back by they were open. As they're closed on Mondays, not everything was available -- they couldn't make fried tomatoes and only had 2 kinds of fish (mullett -- which my husbands thinks tastes like bait and catfish). Anyhow, we had the best fried oysters here and the best fried shrimp as well. We ordered one sandwich with oysters and one with shrimp, and one side of fries and one with cole slaw. We split them both.The oysters were sweet, plump and tender. Really fresh tasting. And the shrimp was quite good as well. Especially liked the very light batter. Pretty good homemade cole slaw too. Glad we came here for lunch, as it's a bit out of the way and would have been lost here at night. But certainly would stop here again -- no frills, nice view of the water and the roosters -- and a friendly waitress. Oh, yeah --skip the gumbo, though. It's not worth the price and fairly bland with mainly leftover shredded fish and a few pieces of okra. We tried Stinky's for dinner. My husband had oyster shooters -- six of them -- and said they were tender and sweet with a little kick (he added hot sauce). Gave them an A rating. To start, I had the fried green tomatoes appetizer which were topped with crawfish etoufee. The fried tomatoes were 3 firm thick slices (would have been good on their own, too) topped with creamy crawfish. Nice chucks of seafood in a tasty sauce -- needed a touch of salt (and hot sauce for the hubby). My husband's dinner of fried oysters was okay, but not nearly as good as the fried ones at Nicks. The batter just didn't match up. I tried another appetizer for my entree -- the baked oysters. Got 3 and 3 -- the bienville were a bit bland -- not like I expected. Tasted like canned tomato sauce and cream mixed together. Although the oyster underneath was fine. The other sauce -- the one with the horseradish and bacon was MUCH better. The menu at Stinky's is pretty extensive plus there are lots of specials and a wide variety of fish choices along with a larger wine selection than you'd expect to find. And their homemade blackberry pie (sans ice cream) was a perfect counterpart after all those creamy oysters.
Panhandle - anything new near Destin?
Most appreciated! Will let you know where we wind up...Thanks.
Panhandle - anything new near Destin?
Will be in Destin for first time for only 2 nights next month. Which of the above seafood places would you say has the best oysters? best shrimp? We don't need fancy, or touristy...or rah rah...just good food. Thanks!
Anything in Marianna,FL besides fast food?
Going to be in the northern/middle of the state about half way between jax and Tallahassee...a small town called Marianna. All I can seem to find are fast food places. Anyone know of a decent non-fast food place in this town? or nearby?
Any/All suggestions greatly appreciated!
Mt.Dora Seasonal Dining Report
Thanks for the answer(s)...guess we'll have to try the Goblin Market and Ivory's when we're next in town. Didn't get to a computer until late this evening.
Wound up at Palm Tree Grill (they're part of rewards network) -- and as you said not "exquisite" but decent. Very reasonably priced. My husband had a small filet with gorgonzola which he liked. I tried their artichoke stuffed with gorgonzola over alfredo sauce. It's canned artichokes stuffed with cheese then battered and deep fried. Probably would have been better with a different sauce (cheese and cheese?), but okay. And had their crabcake appetizer for my "main". The crabcake was nothing to write home about, but loved their homemade sweet potato fries --- the best part of the whole meal. Again -- the best part is that nothing on their menu is very expensive.
This evening (Monday night) we wound up at Cafe Attuara. Almost nothing is open on Monday evenings so you are very very limited in choices. (Our other option was Mount Dora Sushi but we're spoiled at home in that department).
Anyhow, I'd highly recommend going here == even if it isn't a Monday. Had a fantastic meal. To start -- the menu is extensive -- lots of choices, all types of meats, veggies, pastas, etc. AND they are willing to change anything for you, i.e. switch around sauces, re-pair sides, etc. Everything is made from scratch including their salad dressings. They also had some enticing specials. Each entree came with a nice house salad so we didn't try any of their appetizers. While waiting for the salads, we polished off the bread basket and the roasted garlic which we liberally smeared. My husband chose the barbecued ribs (strange choice in an italian restaurant, i know) which was in a home made sauce with different fruits, etc. The meat melted off the bones. And that's all he left on his plate.Totally not in consort, but as it's one of his favorites he went with a side of angel hair pasta and marinara sauce. I debated between the duck and a steak special and wound up choosing the grilled lamb chops. Instead of the wine cream sauce I asked for it plainly grilled...and specially requested grilled asparagus instead of a veggie medley of the day. The chops (6 in the rack) came wonderfully charred just like I wanted them and were topped with coarse salt and rosemary, herbs, etc. on the plate were two types of grilled peppers and a plethora of grilled asparagus spears also perfectly seasoned. I also left only a plate of bones. Sorry vegetarians out there... Anyhow, they have plently of pasta dishes, 4 types of fresh fish that night -- which they offered to prepare any way, along with salads, escargot, mussels, chicken, etc. etc. The people at the table behind us were raving about their bruschetta appetizer. The deserts looked wonderful too but we were just too stuffed to try them. BTW, the house wine prices are pretty good -- My husband's wine was only $7 per glass for a nice pour.
Looking forward to coming back to Mount Dora in the future. So keep those reviews coming...and if you know of other places open on Monday evening let us know that too...Thanks!
Mt.Dora Seasonal Dining Report
Thanks for the update. Planning a short trip to Mount Dora in a couple days.
Wondered what your "take" is on the Palm Tree Grill, the Goblin Market, and Cafe Attuare?
And is Ivory's open for lunch?
Caribbean Food Better than Bahama Breeze S.Fla?
What part of "south florida" are you in?
Would agree on Calypso which is in Pompano Beach on Cypress Road a few blocks south of Atlantic Blvd. Jib room (Oakland Park Bvd)is okay -- a bit more upscale and not as authentic. There's a Chinese/Jamaican restaurant up near 441 and Sample road that has good oxtail, kingfish,curries, etc. -- you have to request the carribbean menu -- but worth a trip to try and has a wide variety.
Sanibel Thanksgiving Day Recs Needed
Going to be in Sanibel over Thanksgiving. The last 2 years, we went to Dolce Vita (Italian) for Thanksgiving Day as not far from hotel. It's okay but not the best. Looking for names of other restaurants that will be open on Thanksgiving Day that you can recommend.
Steamed (not raw) oysters in Southeast Florida?
Surprised myself and went with my husband to Hooter's to try their Oysters as this was the closest location. (Was one of only about 3 women in the place besides the "waitresses" BTW). Anyhow, the steamed oysters were $20.99 for 3 dozen steamed in a bucket. They give you shucking knives, cocktail sauce, and extra horseradish. You can also request melted butter and lemons if you wish. Have to say it was well worth the price for the amount we got --the oysters were decent size, easy to shuck, tasted fine. Off to Southport Raw Bar next to try their oysters.
Thanks for the suggestions. Most appreciated.
Best Turkish and Greek in NYC
We wound up taking a chance and going to Dervish at 146 West 47th Street as we were nearby at Rockefeller Center. Had a fantastic deal of a lunch for $17.95 per person. It included 2 courses with a number of choices each. We each ordered something different so we could share. Enjoyed their eggplant appetizer (like babaganoush) and their turkish salad. Half of each mixed together was wonderful. Their bread basket contains a foccacia type of bread with black and regular sesame seeds that was yummy. I love soumack(sp?) so we asked for a side dish of the red lemony/salty spice which we sprinkled liberally on everything. For the main course, my husband had adoner kabab (lamb)which came on a bed of a piece of pita bread, rice pilaf and some veggies; I had cubes of lamb -- more like stewed chunks --drizzled with a thin red tomato-based sauce (not sure what was in it) and it was served in a large bowl over pureed seasoned eggplant. We also shared some turkish chai (hot tea) which they didn't charge us for! So good tasty meal, very reasonable (for NYC).
Best Turkish and Greek in NYC
Have you gotten any suggestions to your question in the areas closer to Chelsea or the Flatiron district? Love Turkish/Greek and similar and looking for closer spot to hotel when next in NYC. Thanks!
Steamed (not raw) oysters in Southeast Florida?
Have had a hankering lately for a couple buckets of steamed oysters in southeast Florida. Anyone know of a restaurant that serves them here?
When I'm on the SW coast, have enjoyed Phillipi Creek's (in Sarasota Area) -- big metal pans with the oysters served on top of chunks of celery and onions -- and also at SOB's (that's Smoked Oyster Brewery) on Ft. Myers Beach.
Had to settle for a half dozen roasted ones with blue cheese at Shuck N Dive in Fort Lauderdale the other day -- huge ones, too -- but still not satisfying my
craving(s). And only whetted my appetite (and my memory). All suggestions greatly appreciated! Thanks.
