I rarely get dumbstruck when I visit a restaurant these days, but it happened when I entered 388 Italian Restaurant By Mr. Sal. It was a Sunday, so I imagined a quiet evening in a subdued, dimly lit restaurant. To my surprise, 388 (as those “in the know” call it) is more of a Miami clubstaurant (restaurant with nightclub energy) with beaming pink lights, lively music, all-white décor, bustling waiters schlepping hulky dishes, and a symphony of clinking glasses. As I looked around, allowing my senses to catch up, I was delighted to see the hordes of patrons in pure merriment, sharing in 388’s m ..read more

I heard the sultry jazz before my eyes were able to fully appreciate the vibrant scene that greeted me at the door. The bustling bar’s eruption of clinking glasses and merriment drew me in as the jazz ensemble’s soulful notes filled the room. It was vibey, and I loved it. Few restaurants in the area bestow the gift of nightly live music to their guests, but Eddie V’s does. The music and lively crowd instantly set the mood—you’re in for a fun evening if nothing else. But don’t worry, there’s more. Eddie V’s opened in the former Jazziz and, most recently, Ouzo Bay location in Mizner Park last fa ..read more

Meat Market has infused Midtown Boca Raton with Miami-inspired sexiness and glamour. While other steakhouses may give off a more traditional, classic and perhaps even subdued feel, this steakhouse is all about posh interiors, high energy and a diverse menu that doesn’t dictate your only option is a basic cut of red meat (gasp!). While many tripped over themselves to get into other trendy Miami steakhouses in the aughts that I won’t name, I have been a fan of Meat Market since its flagship Lincoln Road location opened on South Beach in 2008. Although that concept closed quietly during the pande ..read more

South Florida’s glorious winter months are the perfect time to dine outside. The palm trees sway in the brisk breeze, your clothes don’t stick to you, your cocktail stays cool, and you can actually enjoy every leisurely bite without feeling the rush to finish before you melt. If you’ve driven down South Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach, you’ve seen the imposing maroon shipping container with a sprinkling of picnic tables just south of Southern Boulevard in the SoSo District. This is Chef James Strine’s domain. It’s where the talented chef serves up his version of Tex-Mex fare in all its glory ..read more

I’ve been a Francophile my entire life. I learned French in grade school, studied in France, got married in France and can happily devour my weight in cheese and baguettes any day. We eat with all our senses, and for me, French cuisine hits each one effortlessly, from its buttery garlic aromas to its masterful dish presentations. Let’s not forget the essential flavors, from creamy sauces, rich cheeses and tender braised meats to delicate wines and dreamy pastries. A dining experience at a French restaurant is never just about satiating your hunger. It’s about the entire experience, and La Nouv ..read more

As we settled into our table by the window, I started to hum, “Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name.” At first, I thought it was one of those random tunes that sometimes pop into my thoughts, but then I realized it was just my mind catching up to what I was observing. The waitress warmly greeted guests as they entered (some even by name), and bar patrons chatted among themselves like friends instead of strangers sitting in a row. To say the energy at this quaint bistro is welcoming is an understatement. Believe it or not, this was my first time dining at Jimmy’s, a Swinton Av ..read more

There’s a classic steakhouse recipe for success; perfecting it takes time. Gallaghers Steakhouse has had nearly 100 years of practice. At this chophouse, the staff is laser-focused on service, the bar pours stiffly spiritous drinks, and the kitchen dishes out perfectly cooked steaks—a pure embodiment of what you’d expect from a steakhouse. The brand started as a Manhattan theater district speakeasy in 1927, went through several iterations, and today is the standout NY chophouse that opened its only outpost here in our community last summer. Gallaghers honors its roots and history with a variet ..read more

Omakase has swept into South Florida like our rising tide. As with most food trends, it has trickled down from main markets like Los Angeles and New York City, slowly making the journey south, and now it’s here to stay. It actually made its way stateside from Japan, similar to izakaya (think Eric Baker’s AlleyCat), but where izakaya is rooted in casualness, omakase is its pretentious older sibling with impeccable taste. So let us break it down for you. Omakase loosely translates to “I’ll leave it up to you,” so you yield your ability to choose directly to the chef. It’s both liberating and thr ..read more

When I first heard that Delray was getting a new restaurant called The Hampton Social earlier this year, I must admit its “rosé all day” lifestyle conjured a trendy bar with mediocre food that one would ingest for the sake of not getting terribly tipsy on the blush wine. I get it: Rosé is cherished for being a crisp, fresh, easy-drinking sip. And we’ve all heard the catchy sayings (“you had me at rosé,” anyone?) that have joined its rise in popularity. But let me tell you, The Hampton Social doesn’t just slay its rosé; its food is equally as tempting. Exuding major casual-coastal vibes, The Ha ..read more

10 N. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach; 561/274-3289 Drift may be part of the Opal Grand Resort & Spa’s recent multimillion-dollar renovation, but its location is rooted in history. In different iterations, a hotel has embraced the corner of Atlantic Avenue and A1A for decades. Its first denizen, the Seacrest Hotel, debuted circa 1925. More recently, we remember it as the Holiday Inn and then the Marriott. Even before stepping into Drift, the hotel’s makeover is front and center, its façade transforming from dated Mediterranean to a modern and clean island-inspired style. Once inside, the sophis ..read more