Hollywood/Ft. Lauderdale restaurants

[LeighW]

This is last minute, but I'm leaving for a weekend in Ft. Lauderdale tomorrow without children! (I'm freakishly excited about it.)

DH and I are staying at the Westin Diplomat, 3555 S. Ocean Dr. in Hollywood.

Any restaurant suggestions? My neighbor says there's a great steakhouse nearly, but can't remember the name . . . .

Somewhere casual-ish for Friday, but with good food. Fancier for Sat. night (it's my birthday). Within walking distance from the hotel would be a bonus.

Thanks!

[maniach]

Weston (Hollywood) used to be in the middle of nowhere. I haven't been down there in forever, so I'm not sure what is around there anymore, but don't be surprised if you have to drive.

[HeatherFL]

No, there is a lot of stuff next to the Westin Diplomat. maniach maybe you are thinking of the city of Weston? Because Westin Diplomat is right on the ocean and there is a small shopping center connected you can walk over the overpass and eat in there too. It is near a lot of stuff. Pretty much anything you can think of is nearby, from chain restaurants to nice places, you just have to drive over the causeway-you can't really walk anywhere other than to that little shopping center. Did your friend mention Ruth Chris or the Capitale Grill? Maybe one of those places?

If you are willing to venture south to South Beach (about 30-40 minutes south on I-95 to 195 NOT the 395. Time it takes depends on traffic) I'd say go to The Forge (www.theforge.com) restaurant for your birthday-and let them know it's your birthday! Ask for Table 12. Best table (in my humble opinion) in the house! FABULOUS dining. Expensive, but soooo worth it. FABULOUS. Call fast, because reservations may be full! In the Ft. Lauderdale area Blue Moon Fish Company (www.bluemoonfishco.com) is really nice too and on the water.

If you want to drive North to Las Olas (http://www.lasolasboulevard.com/new/dining.htm), there are a ton of restaurants that offer all sorts of cuisine. We love Johnny V (http://www.johnnyvlasolas.com/)! I've also heard that Mark's (http://www.lasolasboulevard.com/new/dining/marks.htm) is awesome.

Hope this helps!

Enjoy the Westin-it's beautiful! Happy Birthday!

~H.

[diam124]

My GMIL lives right by the Westin (the construction of it actually blocked her view of the ocean). It's been a while since we've been there and her tastes are probably a little cheap/old-fashioned. But I second the recommendation of Las Olas. I really like Hollywood beach.

[LeighW]

Thanks, Heather and Diam. I printed your suggestions.

Hmmm, maybe Capitale Grill is the steak place. I'm sure he would have remembered Ruth Chris.

We won't have a car, so I think S. Beach is too far (although I love it!). We'll try Las Olas.

I couldn't care less if the Westin is all alone--so long as there is the beach, a pool, and a nice waiter to bring me drinks while DH is in meetings. :) I have a reservation for spa services, and it does look beautiful on the website. :D

[HeatherFL]

It is beautiful! You will have a great time. Pool, ocean and drinks! lol Let us know where you decide to go for your birthday dinner. :)

~H.

[Sasha]

Hopefully not chiming in too late, but a great restaurant in Hollywood is called Michael's Kitchen. Definitely recommend. If you like Italian food and more of a casual type restaurant, try Mama Mia.

I will second Johnny V on Las Olas in Fort Lauderdale. We threw my MIL a surprise party there recently and it is wonderful!

[LeighW]

We could not get a table at Johnny V's or Mark's. So we ended up at Mancini's. It was very good, but not fabulous.

I missed the recommendation for Michael's Kitchen. :(

It turns out the steak place was the one in the resort. Prime something. Couldn't get a table there, either.

Still, we had great weather and a wonderful time. :)

Thanks for the suggestions!

[HeatherFL]

So glad you had a great time! :)