le Rescatore French Boca Raton I Wharf side Plaza 16909 SW 18th St. Powerline Rd
"Friendly French folks" make meals "memorable" aver amis of this "authentic" "quiet" eatery in Boca Raton, where the "flower arrangements are as beautiful as the food"; but foes frown on the decor as "too cutesy" and the Gallic fare as "just ok."
'Escalier French
Palm Beach I The Breakers 11 S. County Rd. (Breakers Row)
The "breathtaking", "grand atmosphere of The Breakers is the setting" for the "finest" "flawlessly executed" French cuisine and "excellent wines", backed by "solicitous but discreet service"; "elegant" and "extraordinary", it's "expensive" of course - but also a "unique experience", so "bring out the jewels and sell some to eat here" at this historic hotel haven.
limoncello Italian
North Palm Beach 111603 U.S. 1 (PGA Blvd.) 1561-622-7200 There's "always a group celebrating" at this "nice little family Italian" in North Palm Beach, where "the food is good, if uninspired"; the "atmosphere needs some help" and there's "always some kind of mix-up with the service", but they're "trying hard to make it better."
linda B. of Boca Raton Continental Boca Raton 141 E. Palmetto Park Rd. (Federal Hwy.)
"Consummate hostess" Linda B. (for Brandino) "watches over everything" and "it shows" at this Boca Continental near Mizner Park; the "delicious" steak and seafood and "quiet", "seductive" ambiance (the "decor's been improved" recently) have most calling it a "class act", that, even if "not top-line", remains "tough to get into in season,"
little Moirs Food Shack Seafood Jupiter 1 Jupiter Sq. 1103 U.S. 1 (E. Indiantown Rd.) "It's all about the food" at this "kooky", "ultra-casual" pescatorial place, since the decor's pure beach "shack-y", the wine "severely lacking, as is the plastic stemware" and the "fast service" ensures "no lingering" at table (though you "wait ... and wait ... and wait" to get in); but oh, those "so-fresh" and "fantastic" fish choices with "unusual" coatings ("sweet potato is my favorite") - they cause even the intially skeptic to say "don't walk, run" to this Jupiter joint.
Maison Carlos [!I French/Italian West Palm Beach 1207 Clematis St. (Narcissus Ave,)
A "Clematis Street favorite" in West Palm Beach, this French-Italian standby offers "affordable romance" via its "snuggly booths", food with "flair", "attentive" service and "great piano player"; if a few thrillseekers yawn it's "not exciting", it's "always a solid performer."
Marcello's La Sirena Italian West Palm Beach 16316 S. Dixie Hwy. (Forest Hill Blvd.)
An "old-timer" "off-the-beaten-path" in West Palm Beach, this Italian has a "chef-owner who can cook with the country's best", and backs up his cueina with a "great cellar of fine wines" from around the globe; the service is "refined", and, heeding pleas "to spruce the place up a little", they've repainted lately.
Chophouse Sleak Jupiter II Wharf Plaza I 337 E. Indiantown Rd.
The steaks are "nicely prepared and presented", and there's "good fish as well" at this "sophisticated" Jupiter beefery where the "traditional" chophouse setup is enhanced by a "great piano bar" and new sushi bar; its "reasonable early-bird specials" have found a faithful following, though critics call the offerings "ordinary" if "ok in a pinch.
Max's Grille American
Boca Raton I Mizner Park 1404 Plaza Real (N. Federal Hwy.) I
The "busy outdoor patio" vies with the inside action at this "trendy", "noisy" Mizner Park New American where "pretty people" "beg to be ogled" while nibbling on "tasty dishes"; its "active bar" serves as a "watering hole for the chic" and makes a "good place to meet up with friends - or find new ones"; all in all, it's "Boca at its most Boca" here.
McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Boca Raton 11400 Glades Rd. (bet. Boca Raton Rd. & 1-95) 1561-394-24281
"It's part of a chain, but you get the feeling of an individual restaurant", thanks to the "cozy "Arts and Crafts-like decor" of this seafooder; supporters swear by the swarms of "specials that are updated twice a day", declaring "the only fresher fish are still swimming somewhere"; however, the "uneven" dishes and "uninformed" staff make critics call it a "weak link in a good chain" - a bit "too Boca" in fact.
Melting Pot The Fondue Lake Worth 1 Palm Coast Plaza 1 3044 S. Military Trail (10th Ave. N.
Boca Raton 15455 N. Federal Hwy. (north of 51st St.)
Perfect for a "change of pace" or a "first date", this "cook-it-yourself" fondue duo in Lake Worth and Boca offers "delicious" dining abetted by an "informed" staff and a "wide variety" of dunkable choices; all agree it's a "paradise for the chocoholic", but those stung by sticker shock say "you should be dipping in gold", while others warn "prepare to leave smelling like cooking oil."
Michael R. McCarty's American
Palm Beach 1 Royal Poinciana Plaza I 50 Cocoanut Row (south of Royal Poinciana Way)
Devoid of "the 'chain' atmosphere that pervades South Florida", this "Palm Beach original" with tropical decor "attracts a younger crowd" (it's where you go to "be seen after you've been seen at the 'in'" places); the "plain American food" is "pleasant - that's about it.
Mississippi Sweets BBQ BBQ Lake Worth 1 Charleston Sq. 16604 Hypoluxo Rd. (Jog Rd.) 1561-432-8555 Boca Raton 12399 N. Federal Hwy. (one mi. north of Glades Rd.)
In both Boca and Lake Worth, this "storefront-type" BBQ joint features "homestyle 'cue" eaten on "picnic-style tables with plastic plates" ("very casual" but "fun"); its "falling-off-the-bone ribs" and the like served in "huge portions" make it a "favorite", so "get there early" to avoid "long waits" - and remember, "takeout is an option."
North Palm Beach 1713 U.S. 1 (Lighthouse Dr.)
Scoring with fans is this North Palm Beach sports bar purveying a "huge menu" of "delicious" Med-New American food "way beyond the usual", offering "something for everyone" for a crowd heavy on both "yuppies and the newly retired"; factor in a "clubby atmosphere" and "dependable service", and it's no wonder many find it the kind of place where you quickly "become a regular."
Moquila Mexican Boca Raton 1 Palmetto PI. 188 Plaza Real S. (bet. NE 2nd & 3rd Sts.)
An "inventive, delicious spin on Mexican gourmet" calls to diners at this "trendy" entry in East Boca, where the "very hip" "sit outside under the stars" and order from the "killer selection" of tequilas, plus "holy guacamole" "made right at your table"; but a few mavens mutter the "originally spicy cuisine now seems dumbed-down", making them even more loco over the comparatively "crazy prices."
Morton's, The Steakhouse Steak West Palm Beach 1 Phillips Point Office Bldg. 1 777 S. Flagler Dr. (Lakeview Ave.)
Boca Raton I Boca Ctr. 15050 Town Center Circle (Military Trail) 561-392-7724
"Prime steak from a prime steakhouse" keeps the carnivores contented at these Boca and West Palm Beach branches of "one of the
great chains"; the "gentleman's club atmosphere" is "comfortable", if a bit "gloomy", and the service "solid", though "they could do without the show-and-tell presentation (I know what a steak looks like)"; overall, though, it "never disappoints" - especially "if you're on an expense account."
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