FROM BRUNCH TO BURGERS ALONG THE
WATER AND ELEGANCE IN BETWEEN:
DISCOVER GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE'S DISTINCT DINING OPTIONS

GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - June 2009 - With more than 4,000 restaurants ranging from waterfront dining spots with panoramic views, to ethnic eateries and top-notch steakhouses, visitors will find an array of dining options to satisfy the most discerning foodie.  Greater Fort Lauderdale has an eclectic culinary scene.  Spicing it up "Floribbean" style at chic downtown cafés, enjoying "claw-foot bath tub" décor at what has been called the best burger joint in the country, and snacking on alligator are just a few of the options. Visitors also can take advantage of the destination's intricate waterway system by "docking and dining," motoring a yacht (or dingy) to the restaurant's dock, then disembarking for a fresh seafood feast. 

And this fall, Greater Fort Lauderdale is celebrating Restaurant Month with the 3^rd Annual Dine Out Lauderdale.  From October 1-November 12, more than 35 of the destination's top restaurants will offer special price fixed dinner menus of $35. An opportunity to dine around Greater Fort Lauderdale for less, the initiative is in partnership with American Express.

The following list provides the "inside scoop" on where to take the taste buds touring in Greater Fort Lauderdale:

• Most Elegant Dining Experience: At The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale, located on Fort Lauderdale beach, Cero is where opulence meets gastronomy.  A wall of windows provides breathtaking views of Blue Wave beaches, while classically elegant décor offers an inviting atmosphere for the ultimate in fine dining.  Guests savor cuisine such as poached lobster with tarragon foam prepared with the freshest, local and organic ingredients created by Chef Toby Joseph.  Lavish creative pastry masterpieces tempt all the senses.  (www.ritzcarlton.com)
  
  
• Best Floribbean: Fort Lauderdale has several top hot spots where diners can experience authentic "Floribbean" cuisine, which combines the colors and spices of the Caribbean mixed with Florida favorites. The ultimate spot for fine "Floribbean" fare is Johnny V. Located on Greater Fort Lauderdale's trendy Las Olas Boulevard, Johnny V's sleek furnishings and backlit mirrors give the restaurant a metropolitan feel, but the menu is truly "Floribbean," focusing on local seafood and ingredients punched up with tropical flavors. (www.johnnyvlasolas.com)
  
  Another popular eatery located on Greater Fort Lauderdale's "unofficial main street," Las Olas Boulevard, is the Grill Room on Las Olas at the Riverside Hotel.  Recapturing the refined atmosphere of Britain's colonial-era officer's clubs, The Grill Room on Las Olas provides a truly exceptional dining experience in the grandest of styles. It offers a truly sophisticated ambiance combined with exquisite cuisine, attentive service and an extensive wine list. (www.grillroomlasolas.com) 
  
  Diners who want a casually upscale beach setting should visit Sugar Reef Tropical Grill in Hollywood. Patrons can walk right up from the beach or arrive by bike to the restaurant, which opens directly to the sea and sand. (www.sugarreefgrill.com)
  
  And at Café Maxx in Pompano Beach, Chef Oliver Saucy changes his menu nightly and, using the freshest ingredients, creates a fabulous "Floribbean" feast, including macadamia and banana chip crusted mahi mahi. (www.cafemaxx.com)  
  
  
• Best Fish: Diners craving fresh seafood will be happy as clams when visiting Greater Fort Lauderdale. With 23 miles of coastline, the destination has many top-quality spots that serve fine fresh-off-the-line fare. Sunfish Grill is a cozy seafood eatery that serves up everything from tasty crab charlotte and Chilean sea bass to truffle crested black grouper and seared tuna. (www.sunfishgrill.com)
  
  3030 Ocean, inside the Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, isn't a typical hotel dining experience. Chef Dean Max, author of "A Life by the Sea," offers a menu of acclaimed, mouthwatering creations, such as stone crab ravioli and the Mediterranean-style fish soup. For the seafood aficionado, the Sea Bar at 3030 features fresh lobster, clams, shrimp, oysters, stone crabs, and a seasonal array of other deep sea delicacies. (www.3030ocean.com)
  
  
• Best Burger: Can you pass the "Le Tub" test? Get both sides of the bun and the absurdly
  thick - and decidedly delicious - burger in your mouth in one bite, and you've passed with flying colors. Le Tub is a quirky burger spot located right on the Intracoastal Waterway that got its name from the original décor, claw-foot bathtubs and hand-painted sinks are scattered about. Locals favor this famous eatery and GQ magazine ranks Le Tub as home to the best burger in the country. (www.theletub.com)
  
  
• Best Seminole Cuisine:  After working up an appetite exploring the Everglades, a must-visit is Swamp Water Café at Billie Swamp Safari. The menu offers a large selection of Seminole specialties such as fry bread, gator nuggets, frog legs and catfish. (www.seminoletribe.com)
  
  
• Best Asian Cuisine: Greater Fort Lauderdale might be known for its seafood, but the destination has a few hidden gems that serve delicious Japanese and Thai food. Galanga Thai Kitchen & Sushi is a popular and stylish restaurant in Wilton Manors.  Diners are guaranteed not to get bored with a diverse menu offering everything from pad Thai and curry dishes to sushi and sashimi.  Specialty drinks such as Thai Iced Tea make for an authentic experience.
  (954) 202-0000
  
  Raw fish meets rhythm and blues at Sushi Blues Café, a popular spot in downtown Hollywood featuring ocean fresh sushi and live blues music. Owner Kenny Millions and his sushi blues band take the stage four nights a week. (www.sushiblues.com/)
  
  
• Best Steak: Whether you want a juicy porterhouse or New York strip steak, Greater Fort Lauderdale's steakhouses offer a variety of options sure to leave visitors saying, "well done." For succulent steaks, chops and jumbo live Maine lobsters, Jackson's Steakhouse on Las Olas is a "prime" choice and is also known as a "power place" to see and be seen. (www.jacksonssteakhouse.com)
  
  Recognized for its first-class service and flavorful steaks, Hollywood Prime is a high-end steakhouse located in The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa on Hollywood Beach. The restaurant has an intimate setting and elegant décor but the twenty-one day, dry-aged beef is what makes patrons keep coming back for more. (www.hollywoodprime.net)
  
  The Capital Grille guarantees to please. Located at the Galleria Mall, it offers everything from superb steaks and tender fillets to 24-ounce porterhouses and dry-aged beef. A fine glass of wine from the extensive wine list - over 5,000 bottles - complements the meal. (www.thecapitalgrille.com)
  
  
• Best "Dock and Dine" Experience: With more than 300 miles of navigable inland waterways that wind through palatial estates and exotic Everglades, it's no wonder that Greater Fort Lauderdale enjoys the moniker "Venice of America," and visitors can enjoy waterside dining at its finest.
  
  Blue Moon Fish Company is an upscale seafood spot, located directly on the Intracoastal Waterway, with docking space for boats and serves everything from tuna poki to giant sea scallops. (www.bluemoonfishco.com)
  
  Charley's Crab is another popular eatery overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway.  The restaurant boasts indoor and outdoor terrace dining, with both offering views of mega yachts cruising by. Guests will enjoy the fresh shellfish and seafood plus live calypso music. (www.muer.com/locations/chcrab-ftlaud/chcrab-ftlaud.html)
  
  
• Best Brunch: For gaming and grazing the place to be is Gulfstream Park Horse Racing & Casino. Its luxury restaurant, Chase, offers a spectacular brunch that includes traditional breakfast favorites, gourmet delicacies and carving stations. Gulfstream offers much more than a great dining experience: visitors can enjoy exhilarating races as well as the facility's newly expanded Casino with over 700 Vegas-style slots. (www.gulfstreampark.com)
  
  
• Best Beachfront Dining: An ambitious "New Mediterranean" restaurant, Trina at the luxurious Atlantic Hotel, is the brainchild of Don Pintabona and Nick Mautone (formerly of New York City's Tribeca Grill and Gramercy Tavern). Stylish and sleek décor is tastefully contrasted by bright, flavorful cuisine and stunning views of Fort Lauderdale Beach. (www.trinarestaurantandlounge.com)
  
  A wide variety of dishes, ranging from Moroccan to Japanese, Italian and Cuban can be found at Casablanca. This romantic beachfront spot is lit by candlelight and located in a two-story Moroccan-style villa with impressive views across from the ocean. (www.casablancacafe.com)
  
  Located at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Aruba Beach Café offers an outstanding Caribbean inspired menu that includes fresh seafood, steaks and burgers. Diners can arrive from a stroll on the beach. (www.arubabeachcafe.com)
  
  JB's on the Beach is a classy yet casual spot to enjoy beautiful ocean views. The menu features an array of tropical flavors and fresh seafood.  JB's outside patio dining offers a perfect view of Deerfield Pier and the Atlantic Ocean; live music and its modestly-priced dishes make it a great value. (www.jbsonthebeach.com)
  
  
• Best Family Dining: Since 1956, Mai-Kai has captivated diners with its magical, family-oriented atmosphere. Mai-Kai authentically recreates a Polynesian Village, complete with tiki torches, a thatched roof and a wooden plank bridge entrance. The award-winning cuisine includes Cantonese and American dishes including seafood and steaks grilled to perfection. While dining, the whole family can enjoy an exciting 45-minute Islanders Revue with Polynesian dancers in elaborate costumes. (www.maikai.com)
  
  A fun atmosphere and fresh seafood await families at Islamorada Fish Company in Dania Beach. The restaurant has fish delivered fresh every morning and the menu features sushi, pasta, steak, and of course, seafood. Islamorada Fish Company is perfect for families touring Greater Fort Lauderdale. It is located between Bass Pro Shops' Outdoor World and the International Game Fishing Museum and Hall of Fame. (www.islamoradafishcompany.com)
  
  Tom Jenkins Bar-B-Q features a selection of signature sauces and a cozy picnic-table seating arrangement ideal for families looking for down-home Southern BBQ. Ribs, collard greens and macaroni and cheese are just a few of the favorites on the menu. Tom Jenkins has become a staple in Fort Lauderdale because of its out of this world sauces and cozy picnic table dining. (www.tomjenkinsbbq.com)
  
  
• Best Italian: Looking for a taste of Italy in the "Venice of America?" Café Martorano is a must-visit spot for excellent food, music and dancing. Visitors can watch "Godfather" style movies while waiting for a table; with no reservations accepted this popular restaurant gets jumping early. Don't be surprised if a celebrity or two are dining at the next table or catch Chef Steve Martorano spinning records. (www.cafemartorano.com)
  
  Casa d'Angelo's menu features all the traditional Italian dishes, including gnocchi, lasagna, and fabulous homemade desserts. Chef Angelo Elia is a well-known and highly acclaimed culinary maestro who has received numerous awards and recognitions. (www.casa-d-angelo.com)
  
  
• Best Vegetarian: One does not need to be a vegan to love the food at Sublime Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale. Sublime's concept is innovative vegetarian dining that's completely cholesterol-free. Guests dine in a serene atmosphere of waterwalls, Italian glass tile and a custom open hearth oven. Owner Nanci Alexander founded the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida. (www.sublimerestaurant.com)
  
  
• Best Flavors from South of the Border and Latin America: Adventurous diners looking to go beyond the chimichanga must visit Eduardo De San Angel. It's the spot to find innovative gourmet Mexican selections such as crepes stuffed with white cheese topped with squash blossom sauce and black bean soup. (www.eduardodesanangel.com)
  
  Chima is a beautifully appointed Brazilian churrascaria featuring authentic gauchos serving rodizio.  Diners can choose from dozens of rare meats from the menu while enjoying caiparinias with fresh sugar cane. (www.chima.cc)
  
  Located on Las Olas Boulevard, Samba Room is an upscale Latin café and serves up award-winning Latin fusion cuisine and South American fare.  An exotic ambience featuring live music and an evocative décor recalls a retro 1960s Latin bistro. (www.sambaroom.net)

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06/2009