I’m a huge fan of Open Table. This online reservation system is ideal for finding new restaurants, making reservations, and even better at this time of the year, it’s perfect to find out what restaurants are open for those days when you feel the city has shut down  — including Christmas Day. If you are one of those people who would rather go out than spend the day in the kitchen or if you are on the road for work or another reason, Open Table is the place to go to. They have nearly 60 restaurants for you to choose from in South Florida.

Here are my favorites:

Miami area

• Baleen at the Grove Isle
• La Marea at the Tides
• Meat Market
• Vix

Broward County

• da Campo Osteria
• Himmarshee Bar & Grille
• Trina Restaurant

Palm Beach County

• Bice
• Cafe Boulud
• Opus 5

Photo Credit: p u n t o @ flickr

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

•  Restaurants & Bars
• Area Attractions
• Hotels
• Festivals
• Theatre and Art
• Shopping 
• Weekend Getaways

So scroll on over to the side and let me know what you’d like to read more about. If I don’t have a topic listed, just leave a comment for me. I’ll be sure to take a look at everyone’s comments. Thank you!!

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

As the editor of Dine Magazine, people often ask me where they should go for dinner, what my favorite restaurant is or where they can go for a unique dining experience. I am a walking advertisement, or could be. Out of thousands of restaurants in the South Florida area, I can’t say there’s one that I always lean to, but I do always point people towards a website called Open Table. Open Table is an online reservation system. Whether you are in Miami, Milwaukee or Ontario, Canada, you can go to this site to search for a restaurant for that special night out. Just type in your city, date and time and you will learn what is available. They also give you top ten lists. So if you are looking for the most popular restaurant in the city, where you schedule a lunch for your grandmother’s 80th birthday or for a place to have Sunday Brunch, you will be guided in the right direction.

Search further and you will find more information about the restaurant: hours of operation, a phone number, a description of the restaurant, dress code and the executive chef. No surprises here. Better yet, every time you book a reservation through Open Table, you will collect points – 100 points is the usual reward, but sometimes you can earn up to 1000 points for your reservation. Dine out enough and you will a Dining Cheque to dine out at your favorite restaurant.

Open Table is available internationally, so wherever you may travel, you will be set. Happy Dining.

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

The Forge and Moet & Chandon present a private fashion show honoring Suzy Biszantz, CEO of La Perla to Miami for the unveiling of the Moet & Chandon La Perla edition bottle.

When: Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at 10:00 pm

Where: The Forge, 432 41st Street, Miami Beach

R.S.V.P. 305.538.8533 or anthony@theforge.com

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

The Breakers, The Breakers — Today I went to The Flagler Steakhouse for lunch located right on the golf course. The view was spectacular, enough so that we fought the heat just to have the view. As I pulled up, the valet happily took my keys. Waiting for the valet to give me back something so they would know what car was mine, they guaranteed me that they would remember what car was mine. Thinking, “Wow! They are good.” I walked up the stairs to the restaurant. I soon discovered there were only 2 others tables occupied in the restaurant. Gee, I hope they could remember what car was mine.

As I sat waiting for my lunch guest, it was nice to take things in and yes, relax. The service was first class, and the menu simple, yet diverse. They offered a selection of soups, sandwiches, salads and fish specials. Since the weather was so humid, I just wanted something refreshing. So I ordered a fruit salad, that included a scoop of either sorbet or cottage cheese, a bran muffin and some fruit. Soon after, our order came out and my muffin was left off the plate. Okay, I’ll just have some rolls. I’ll survive. As we finished up our lunch, I wanted to show something to my lunch guest online, but no luck, I’d have to purchase one-day access to the Internet. Grr..I don’t know, I just would expect those added perks at a place that is supposed to be a notch above the rest, but then again, maybe their goal is for us to escape our addiction from working. Haha! I don’t know, the place was ok. The atmosphere was charming and relaxing (we ended up being there for 3 hours), but it just needed something. Maybe that was why there were only 3 tables in there for lunch. Maybe they just need to advertise in Dine Magazine. That’s it

Photo Credit [The Breakers]

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

For anyone who knows me, they know that I am an ice cream fanatic. From Banana Split to Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough to Glace de Vino (Yes, it’s what it sound like – wine flavored ice cream – Think, Raspberry Merlot Cheesecake – This is to die for.), I know where to go for the good stuff.

So you wouldn’t be surprised to find out the one place I must bring family or friends when they visit West Palm Beach for the first time, and this place is called Sloan’s. No it’s not the best beach around or the place to sit and have a margarita, but it’s often regarded as one of, if not the best ice cream shoppe in Palm Beach County. Decorated in pinks and purples and adorned with clowns, this quirky little place serves up the best ice cream in town with flavors such as Luscious Sloan, vanilla ice cream with brownie, caramel and toffee, Circus, a cotton candy ice cream with gummy bears, Coffee and Doughnuts, and Black and White Malt. Whether you want to sample a collection of flavors or stick with a familiar favorite, you will be in ice cream heaven.

Although, Sloan’s is known for their ice cream, they also have people talking about the unexpected — the bathroom. Yep, you heard it, the bathroom. Owner Sloan Kamenstein, created a unique marketing tactic when building this Clematis Street landmark and that is the bathrooms. The toilets are surrounded by see through walls. However, when you enter, close the door and lock it, the walls fog up offering you total privacy.

What’s the trick? The bathrooms use electricity to charge particles in the glass that make the walls fog up from their original clear state. This tactic has taken many visitors by surprise when they forget to lock the door, as it is located right next to Bradley’s – a popular bar.

So next time you come to WPB, Sloan’s is a must. Grab yourself a frozen treat on the way.

Photo Credit [Cindy Morales, Crappers Quarterly ]

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

Closings:Karu & Y — This $25 million restaurant and ultra-lounge has closed its door. This was supposed to be the hot spot that was going to change nightlife in Miami when their doors opened in September of 2006. In February, the restaurant closed its doors while the ultra-lounge remained open, but now this place is closed for good. American Idol contestant Syesha Mercado was supposed to perform there tonight, as I had just gotten the invite for that event today, but I guess somebody had heard the news a little late.

Chef Shuffles:Chef Jesse Souza formerly of Baleen at the Grove Isle has been promoted to Baleen at La Playa.

New Openings:Aero Bar – Grand Opening WeekendLocated at 247 23rd Street in Miami Beach, right next to Mokai this futuristic new multi-media and entertainment lounge opens this weekend. The architecture of the lounge is impressive. There are no corners, as the wall are rounded and you will be in the center of all the action, hence the name Aero Bar. For the Grand Opening weekend, the bar will be open for 3 nights, but will eventually expand to 5.Fratelli LyonLocated at 4141 NE 2nd Ave in the Design District, Fratelli Lyon is part of the Driade showroom. The newest edition to the area opened up on May 27th and focuses on antipasti, fresh ingredients, and unusual combinations. Owner Kenneth Lyon of Lyon & Lyon Catering, continues to promote the slow food movement and makes excellent use of high-quality fresh ingredients. Photo Credit [Mango & Lime]Kitchen 305This eclectic new kitchen is creating a buzz at The Newport Beach Hotel & Resort. It offers energy and creativity that will leave an impression to anyone that stops by. Offering such items as “We Got the Beat” Salad, Color Me Bluefin Tuna, and Sun & Sand Pail Mussels, the restaurant will have your imagination running in circles. In addition to the unique menu, the restaurant is home to an open kitchen, an 8-person chef’s table, a 100-inch flat screen and a 40-foot bar. Make your reservation today or call (305) 749-2110. Photo [Treskoi PR]Pacific TimeThe much awaited brainchild of Jonathon Eismann has reopened in its new location: 35 NE 40th St in Miami, 305-722-7369 I have yet to check it out, but All Purpose Dark had an interesting post.

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

For as long as I have lived in Florida (just over 3 years), the Las Olas/Fort Lauderdale/Broward County area has carried a negative stigma as being subpar as far as restaurants, clubs, action goes. When you look for a great restaurant or something of that sort, Miami and Palm Beach are the places to go. Tonight, as I was eating at The Grill Room on Las Olas at the Riverside Hotel, I second guessed myself, yet again, I experienced a great restaurant right in the heart of Las Olas. This is happening more and more often, as I keep experiencing great places in this forgotten territory – including Trina, Himmarshee Bar & Grille, Cero, 3030 Ocean and now The Grill Room (OK, they’re not all on Las Olas, but close enough).

A few things you must check out or take note of:

1) The wine cellar- It’s fabulous. This is not an ordinary wine cellar, but a state of the art masterpiece. I wish I had a picture to post, but its something that you need to stop by to see for yourself.

2) The Caesar Salad – Made tableside It has the same feel as when guacamole is made right next to you at the table in your favorite Mexican restaurant. But what happens, when you don’t like guacamole (I know call me crazy!) you miss out on that experience. Not anymore, the Caesar is fresh and flavorful, with just the right amount of garlic and parmesan.

3) The staff is extremely knowledgeable and will be happy to help you select an entree or pair your food and wine. From everyday wine to the more exotic (some wines they have to prepay for and order a year ahead of time just to ensure that they will have the best wine for their guests), they have it all.

4) Chocolate covered strawberries – to finish off your meal, guests are served a large, succulent strawberry dipped in chocolate. A perfect sweet taste to linger in your mouth.

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

T is for Travel & Culture and T is for Taste. Take a tour of South Florida by tasting your way around. In honor of our theme day, I have decided to put together a collection of restaurants that begin with the letter T. Some are mainstream, while others may be hidden and tucked away. Here goes:

T – Table 8 – Home to the country’s best sandwich (according to Gayle from the Oprah Winfrey Show) and to star chef Govind Armstrong, stop by for a small plate bursting with flavor.

T- Timpano – Sit back and enjoy a juicy steak, chops or pasta while listening to some live jazz located right on Las Olas Blvd.

T- Truluck’s – Stop by to enjoy fresh seafood, steak, succulent crab and a glass of wine.

T- Touch Restaurant – A swanky restaurant located on Lincoln Road presents inventive American cuisine.

T-Too Bizaare – Not only does this hip wine bar offer a great selection of wines, they also sell everything around you from the furniture to the art on the walls.

T- Talula – The creation of husband and wife team Frank and Andrea Randazzo, Talula is an Italian-American restaurant with an international flair.

T- Trina Located in the Atlantic Hotel, this restaurant and lounge draws its tremendous appeal from it lively, hip interior and oceanfront patio. The kitchen specializes in seafood and Mediterranean cuisine.

T- Tuscan Steak – This sophisticated Florentine grill combines Northern Italian cuisine with that of South Florida and is served family style.

T- TooJay’s – This gourmet Jewish deli, with 25 locations throughout Florida, offers guests a selection of meats, smoked fish and succulent desserts.

T – Texas de Brazil – You will not leave hungry at this busy Brazilian-style churrascaria which serves 14 cuts of meat, has gauchos roaming around and has a salad bar you would die for.

T – Taverna Opa A combination of great Greek food and celebration creating a new meaning for the concept of dining.

T- Thaicoon – Offering amazing Thai cuisine that is both consistent and fresh.

T- Two Georges A mainstay in Boynton Beach, this restaurant right on the water brings fresh seafood and unique island favorites together.

photo credit [Wallables]

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

New York City’s trendy Gansevoort Hotel has expanded into South Beach. The full service resort and lifestyle center is a mecca for trendsetters and includes 334 guestrooms with spectacular ocean views, oversized bathrooms, and sport a modern and chic tone with 1930’s and 1940’s pin-up photographs on the walls. The landscape includes a multitude of pools, including a 110-foot rooftop pool, private cabanas and an oceanfront beach club.

This lifestyle center spreads out over 100,000 square feet and includes fine boutiques, restaurants (including the soon to open Philippe by Philippe Chow), lounges (including Louis, the VIP lounge by the Opium Group) and the David Barton Gym + Spa.

This summer they will be offering special lifestyle enhancing packages.

June = Film + Art

This package includes a 2 night stay, a daily American breakfast for two, a book by local artist Romero Britto, a “Movies Night” Dinner for two at Phiippe and 2 movie tickets. Package starts at $745.

July = Fashion

This package includes a 2 night stay, daily breakfast, 2 cocktails at “Plunge” the rooftop lounge, an chauffeured outing to Bal Harbour Shops, a personal shopping experience at Saks, a manicure and pedicure at David Barton Gym + Spa and a Blowout at the Hair Salon. Package starts at $855.

August = Food + Wine

Starting at $935, this package includes a 2 night stay at the hotel, a daily chef’s breakfast in your room, two 50-minute massages in a private cabana, dinner for two at Philippe, and 2 passes to David Barton Gym + Spa.

Photo Credit: gawker.com

Post from: The South Florida Traveler