Hello from Detroit!

Can you possibly recommend some Great Restaurants there in the S. Florida area?

I wouldn't mind heading towards W.Palm or Lake Worth if it's really good.

My Husband and I will be there 4 days before our big family cruise to W. Carrib. It will likely be our only time alone.

Thanks. Theresa

Mamaw, there is a giant fence that goes north to south through the middle of Florida. Those of us who live on the West Coast are not experts on the East coast, and vice versa.

I don't get over "there" very often any more, but at last count my favorite east coast restaurant was Mark's Las Olas in Ft. Lauderdale. La Veille Maison in Boca used to be my favorite in Boca Raton, but I'm not sure what it's like these days or even if it's still there. Something tells me it isn't.

There must be some better east coast experts here.

I'd offer my favorites in W. Palm, but I'd probably get in trouble for it

Thanks for the quickie response. I thought you were on the s. side of FLA. I hope to visit my husband's elderly Aunt who lives in Sarasota, I just may bring this subject up again.

Thanks again....

Ahhhh Come one stars....I thought trouble was your middle name

I'm at pretty much the very south end of Florida (not counting the keys) -- but on the Gulf side, not the Atlantic side.

Sarasota?
Michael's on East. Bijou Cafe. Cafe Europa on St. Armands.

No, "Spectacular" is my middle name

Starrsville,
I thought you were somehow like George H.W. Bush and had 2 middle names.

Nope. Just one middle name.
But, both names are "family names".

I'll do my best for the Miami area:
Ortanique on Miracle Mile in Coral Gables - great chef, nice atmosphere.
Pascal's - French, classy, also in Coral Gables.
Michy's - in the 60's on Biscayne Blvd. I've heard it called one of the best restaurants in Miami, and the chef, Michelle Bernstein, has gained quite a following. Next door is a wine bar/restaurant Vino 69 which we love for a visit prior to dinner (or if we forgot to make reservations)
Barton G's in the Design District for a great meal with fun, over the top presentations.

Coral Gables is an upscale area with many restaurants. South Beach has recently seen many "name" restaurants open: Table 8 (love the sweetbread appetizer), Social Miami (haven't been, heard it's okay, but quite a scene), the restaurant at the Setai, Prime 112 (also called the best restaurant in Miami), de Vito's.

The Miami Herald (www.herald.com) has a good listing of restaurant descriptions and reviews. I think you have a restaurant - I hope you find good food here. Different areas have different scenes. Enjoy your days.

NeoPatrick, Vielle Maison closed a while back. The land was worth so much, it didn't pay for them to keep the place open.

Mamaw, I love breakfast at the Breakers in Palm Beach. Mainly because of the incomparable jewel-box room in which it is served.

Ristorante Bova, in Boca Raton (where I live), is outstanding.

The Old Lime House is on the water in Lantana (very close to Lake Worth) and has great crab cakes and peel and eat shrimp. It's very casual, and not all of the food is great, but I enjoy the atmosphere.

If you can be more specific about what price range and types of food you're looking for, I might be able to help.

I was thinking someone before here mentioned the closing of La Vielle Maison.
Sad loss. I have great memories of that place.

Thanks so much for everyone's help! I know when it's time for some good info Fodor's is the place to get it. I can't wait to get home and check out the suggestions you all have given me. I'm at the restaurant right now and I have a chance to take a quick look at what's goin on today here at fodor's.

Just made some potato pancakes and MAN, they are good.

Here are some in Delray Beach and Boca Raton, which are close to Ft. Lauderdale if that is where you are crusing from: Bistro du Provence for French in Boca. In Delray Kyoto for Japanese, Old Calypso (fabulous brunch/lunch menu) and the Shore for a waterfront ambiance, and Boston's on the Beach for outstanding, reasonably-priced New England seafood in a funky Red Sox atmosphere.

Fort Lauderdale IF you can get in http://www.cafemartorano.com/

This place is unreal and the food is divine.

Also, Charlies Crab, Cafe Mezzoluna, and Big City Tavern.

Seasons 52 is a chain but an excellent one.

I also love Marks.

In Miami:

Michy's
Marks
Prime 112
Tantra
Barton G

I will be heading to Palm Beach next week for the first time. What are your favorite restaurants in the Palm Beach and West Palm Beach area (both upscale and casual)?

Starrsville, can you let me know what you favorites are? Pretty Please!

starrsville, don't keep us in suspense! I'd like to know too.

I wish I could think of the name of the restaurant. It was on the water in either Hobe Sound or Jupiter and I had the most amazing and huge King Crab I've ever eaten.

Our old standby's in Boca (1/2 hour south of Palm Beach) are Houston's (a chain, but a great one), Baja Cafe (healthy, fresh Mexican), and P.F. Chang's (also a chain).

If you want good Spanish food in West Palm Beach (actually in the City Place Shopping Center), try Columbia Restaurant. I also think Tabu (a Palm Beach institution) is very good for lunch. You might see a Kennedy.