Features - southflorida.com

Yep, we're waking up here. Again.

Michael Phillips — Wed, 25 May 2011 09:10:00 EDT

Another wedding, another debauchery in this unoriginal sequel -- 1.5 stars

For some movies, seeming funny is enough. "The Hangover Part II" only has to show up to succeed. At once pushy and lazy, the sequel follows the 2009 smash, which has become the most lucrative R-rated comedy in history. Isn't that depressing? I find that depressing.

Review: DD Flats Wine Bar and Flatbread Company in Boca Raton

By Chan Lowe, Sun Sentinel — Thu, 2 Jun 2011 15:53:00 EDT

First impression: Don't be deceived by the chain-bistro name. DD Flats' cuisine and presentation are of the highest quality and at a surprisingly reasonable price.

Review: Il Mercato Cafe in Hallandale Beach

By John Tanasychuk, Sun Sentinel — Thu, 2 Jun 2011 15:51:00 EDT

"> First impression: Unassuming doesn't begin to describe Il Mercato's location in the back of a shopping plaza behind a Publix and next door to a lab test franchise. Order a meal from the internationally inspired menu — with shockingly low prices — and you realize this is the neighborhood gem you've been looking for.

Review: Indian Chillies in Pembroke Pines

By Judith Stocks, Dining Correspondent — Thu, 26 May 2011 15:18:00 EDT

Background: Two years ago, Jasmine and Vineet Talwar took over a defunct Indian restaurant, renovated and reopened under the same name. Their Indo-Chinese menu includes familiar Indian fare plus Hakka-style Chinese dishes, a spicy take on traditional Chinese, flavored by coriander, chiles and curries. The style of cooking is named for the Hakka people, a group of Northern Chinese who migrated to South China in the 13th century.

Best of South Florida: Readers pick 15th Street Fisheries

By John Tanasychuk , Staff Writer — Thu, 26 May 2011 14:00:00 EDT

Until five years ago, 15th Street Fisheries relied a little too heavily on its history.

Review: Max's Grille in Boca Raton

By John Tanasychuk, Sun Sentinel — Thu, 26 May 2011 15:18:00 EDT

Background: Max's Grille celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. That's almost a generation, and judging by the crowds that wait for one of the 150 seats on the always bustling patio, it's a much-loved destination for young and old, locals and tourists. While it calls itself a "modern American bistro," it's more like a crusty old tavern — comfortable and mostly dependable.

Review: Versailles in Miami

By John Tanasychuk, Sun Sentinel — Thu, 12 May 2011 15:57:00 EDT

First impression: If visiting New York City means eating at the city's best deli (Carnegie? Katz's?) and if dining in Chicago means a steakhouse (Gene and Georgetti? Morton's?), then eating in Miami means a visit to Versailles. There may be better Cuban restaurants, but few come with Versailles' pedigree or list of famous visitors — Presidents Reagan and Clinton among them. This year marks the landmark restaurant's 40th anniversary — four decades of serving oversized portions at surprisingly inexpensive prices.

Review: Mojo in Fort Lauderdale

By John Tanasychuk, Sun Sentinel — Thu, 5 May 2011 16:36:00 EDT

First impression: The comfortably elegant restaurant and bar is alive and well at Mojo. The menu is a mostly solid collection of classic American restaurant fare. It might start with escargot or Caesar salad and moved into crab cakes, a filet or pasta. Much of it is designed for healthful eating.

Review: Atlantic Ocean Club in Delray Beach

By John Tanasychuk, Sun Sentinel — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 15:20:00 EDT

First impression: Restaurant or nightclub? That's the question the Atlantic Ocean Club hasn't answered for itself or its customers. It's the question we asked from the discomfort of plastic chairs, no doubt chosen for the ease with which they can be moved to make room for the dance floor. With so many restaurants to choose from on Atlantic Avenue, there also needs to be more excitement on this menu to get diners in the door.

Review: Las Cholitas in Plantation

By Judith Stocks, Dining Correspondent — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 15:20:00 EDT

Background: The generous portions of homemade Peruvian fare at wallet-friendly prices come courtesy of brothers Luis and Jaime Arevalo, who opened last June. They have 40 years of restaurant experience in Lima, Peru, and Bogota, Columbia.