Well, we've given up the idea of an all-inclusive getaway and instead will be going to Florida for the week of Feb 20. We're staying in Deerfield Beach at the new Wyndham Beach Resort which looks very nice. We stayed in that area several times a few years ago but more recently have stayed in North Miami or Ft Lauderdale so I need updating.

When we're in Miami we go to the movies at the Aventura Mall but are there any cinemas closer to Deerfield? What else is interesting nearby? And what about restaurants? We'll have a car and are willing to drive as far north as Boca Raton and as far south as probably North Miami. We'd be looking for moderate prices (think Cheesecake Factory pricing), like pasta, seafood, salads -- trying to avoid the burger and fries thing. Nothing too posh or dressy. We're familiar with the Mizner shopping centre. Is there still a movie theatre there? Any restaurants to recommend there? Anything you love on Las Olas?

And what about that new casino in Hallendale? Is it worth an evening out?

I'd be interested to hear anything you can tell me.

Thanks in advance.
gtg

Not "new", but it was new to me.
http://www.dada.closermagazine.com/

I was in S FL on business and meeting up with my newly moved friend. We had dinner with Fodorite friends and they took us to Dada. LOVED it! Outside dining on the patio, good food and great vibe. I can't believe I'd never been there before. Give it a try, I think you'd like it a lot.

perfect, starrs -- thanks!

hi goddess, was just wondering how your trip went? Im sorry that i wasnt able to meet up with you on my business trip to London a few months ago. Hopefully I may cross your path in Canada one day.

It was great, w&pr, just not long enough. Given the two travel days, we really only had 5 days there. We ended up at the Wyndham Deerfield Beach Resort hotel which is a newly-renovated place (used to be a Howard Johnsons) and very nice. It's not huge, just 8 floors, and it's definitely worth the extra to get an oceanview room because the view is lovely. The hotel is literally steps from the beach. The pool is small (and there's a hot tub) but it was never too crowded because I think most people go to the beach. I'm a pool person, myself.

There were lots of casual restaurants around the corner and it's a short drive to Boca Raton if you wanted something a bit more sophisticated. It's also not a long drive to Fort Lauderdale or even Miami and we did both.

We didn't do much else. We mostly just relaxed, read, went out for dinner and were often back in the hotel by 10 or 10:30. We'd usually do more in the evening but my SO had a cold and I had a stiff neck so we just laid low for a few days.

I'm sorry too that we didn't get to meet in London (I miss London!) but yes, definitely, if you have any reason to come to Toronto we'll meet then for sure!

It sounds like a perfect, relaxing trip?
Did you get to Dada?

Hi hon,
No, I took the info with me but we were so lazy we didn't really do anything after dinner. Next time, though!