Fun Time is Croissan'time

For those in the know, Croissan'time is a neat little French Bakery/Cafe tucked away in East Fort Lauderdale just North of Sunrise Boulevard on Federal Highway. This little hideaway has been in business since 1986, the proprietor being of actual French descent and trained in the old ways of the Pyrenees. This humble little storefront houses a cafe, a take-away deli, and of course, a bakery.

Let's start with the bakery. Croissan'time produces some of the finest french bread and rolls I have had outside of Europe. They have a tremendous demand and generally sell out by the late afternoon. I'm not sure how long I can rant and rave about their bread, but are you getting the idea that this place is the real deal? Lets take a look at the cakes and pastries, all produced on site. The traditional pastries are all here: Napoleons, Eclairs, Cream Puffs, Souffles, Lindsor tarts (Heart Shaped), Fruit Tartelettes, Chocolate Dipped Fruits, and Tiramisu along with some whose names I can't pronounce. They are all available in regular size, and they carry mini-sizes of all their creations. You can pick up the large pastries for $4.60 each or get six mini's for $9.00. I recommend getting the six mini's and trying several varieties.

The bakery is tied into the cafe' which produces specialty sandwiches, Quiches, Salads, Croquet-Monsieur, Pizza, and a hot dog encased in a pastry shell. My personal favorite is the Tuna on a Baguette. They give you the options of fresh brie, cornichon (small French pickles), lettuce, tomato, and onion. Dijon mustard, butter, and mayo are options as well. Their tuna paired with the cornichons is a striking combination that is very tasty. When put together with the brie and the hot baguette, the fusion of flavors rivals any sandwich I have ever had. Also available is Turkey, Roast Beef, French Ham, Pate', Prosciutto, Smoked Salmon, and Salami.

Their deli counter looks as if it was just off the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. The first thing I noticed was the cheeses. They carry several varieties of Gruyere cheese including a champagne variety that is delicious. They have several other varieties of Brie and Gruyere available. In the display case is DiParma prosciutto, Serrano ham, Madrange cooked French ham, Saucisson sec, Merguez, Boudin noir, Mousses and pâtés, Foie gras (duck and goose liver),Smoked Salmon, and Caviar Beluga. This is all the real deal folks! As if the pastries and chocolates were not enough, they also have homemade ice cream and sorbet here.

For those who enjoy the finest in food, the French themselves are difficult to palate; however, their food is the world standard that all are set to, like 'em or not. This place is true to the French. Overpriced, a bit obnoxious, darn good food, one line for all services, and command of their market.

Take an afternoon ride down to Croissan'time for a sandwich and a pastry. Take a loaf of bread home and pretend for a few minutes that you are walking down the Champs-Élysées. They are closed Monday's and open 7:30am to 6:30pm Tuesday-Saturday. Sunday is 7:30am to 3:00pm. You can find them at 1201 N Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304.telephone: (954) 565-8555.

The Palm- An Institution?

The Palm is a taste of history, as it started in 1926 in New York City by two Parma, Italian immigrants. This makes the restaurants history all that much more interesting, since it's humble beginnings are that of a Northern Italian Trattoria. In their earliest years, they were not known for their steak or their seafood. Lets move to 2008, The Palm has 25 locations and is considered to be an institution by most. Still family run by descendants of the original families.

We opened with a bottle of Red Zinfandel and took in some appetizers. The Colossal Lump Crab Meat Cocktail was okay, but not good. It was served in a plate with a side of cocktail sauce and horseradish. It was fairly bland and a bit small for $17. I added quite a bit of horseradish to the cocktail sauce to make it palatable. Next time I will go for the Shrimp Cocktail. We also got an East Coast Gigi Salad, and a West Coast Gigi Salad. The Gigi Salads are always a big hit and it is recommended. Also recommended is the Hearts of Palm Salad.

Lets get to the meat. The Filet was ordered medium and served perfectly pink. Their selection of meats rivals most Also ordered was an off the menu item, a veal chop. It was ordered medium and came out just right. It is recommended if you can get it. The sides were Lyonaise Potatoes (off the menu), and Creamed Spinach. The Lyonaise was more of a hash brown patty dish, not what I expected. It was very greasy and heavy a 'la Joe's Hash Browns, not for everyone; however, was good for me. The Spinach was very good. No desert tonight.

I enjoyed my meal except for the Crab Meat Cocktail. The service was wonderful. The waiter suggested two things for us off the regular menu and gave us some excellent recommendations. The steaks were great and cooked perfectly. Their dry aged beef is right up there with some of the best I have had. Although I never had the pleasure, of eating there, my father always raves about The Palm in the Hampton's. Others have had similar comments about Las Vegas, New York City, and Los Angeles.

The Palm is a bit stuffy, the caricatures humorous, and the service is good. I like the Palm, and I think they have a fine institution. Thumbs up for the Palm. Reservations are recommended, they are located at 9650 East Bay Harbor Drive, Bay Harbor Islands, FL 33154. Telephone: (305) 868-7256.

CAPITAL GRILLE - "REVISITED"

After my last dining experience at Capital Grille, I thought I would take a break from the establishment for some time. Low and behold, family and friends from out of town, coupled with an American Express gift certificate dragged me right back to the Galleria in East Ft. Lauderdale. Still wary of the Darden Restaurant ownership nexus, I was not convinced this was the best command decision we had ever made.

I'm happy to report this experience was a positive one. If you haven't read my original review, please read it here. I was on high alert, and ready to pound them right into the ground. We started with a bottle of Clos Du Val Pinot Noir, and waited for the appetizers to arrive.

After my last experience with the chopped salad, I opted for "The Wedge" this time around. It consisted of a quarter of an iceberg lettuce drizzled with bacon and bleu cheese. Fairly simple,it was wonderful. Next came the Lobster Bisque. It was a bit better this time and had a fair amount of lobster meat. They still tend to use too much cream and too little lobster. We skipped the Shrimp Cocktail this time around

Enough with the small stuff. I wanted my NY Strip and ordered it medium-rare, and it came perfectly cooked and was quite tasty indeed. The Lyonaise Potatoes were money in the bank as always, the Mashed Potatoes, Asparagus, and Lobster Macaroni and Cheese were also excellent. Also ordered was a 3 lb Maine Lobster, and a Filet. The lobster was very good, but a bit pricey at $94. The Filet was excellent.

I had imagined that after my previous experience there was no way they could get it right. I'm glad to say they still still know how to cook and serve the brown moo. As usual the service was excellent and our server was very knowledgeable. This in no way excuses my previous visit; however, this was a major stride to placing Capital Grille and back on the preferred list. I still prefer the steak at Council Oak at the Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood but Capital Grill is making its way back into my good graces. For those who use American Express, Membership Rewards has Capital Grille on their list of gift certificates available for cashing in.

Let's face it, the premium steak houses are charging exorbitant prices for their meals nowadays. When one pays $35-40 for a steak a' la carte, it should be a darn good steak, not just okay. Lets hope the Grille can keep it up.

Five (5) Stars ***** for Chef Allen

Over the years many fine dining establishments have come and gone in South Florida. There is one standout among the rest - Chef Allen's. Chef Allen a/k/a Allen Susser is usually seen greeting tables and is easily identified by his trademark beard and traditional white chefs smock. He was influenced by the culture, local cuisine, and tropical environment here in South Florida. His dishes are eclectic and infuse his favorite ingredient, mango, with other carribean spices, fruits and vegetables. He has been in business since 1986 at the same location in Aventura.

Fast forward to the Miami Spice restaurant promotion showcasing the very best of Miami cuisine. Chef Allen was an original sponsor of this program opening his doors to thousands that would otherwise likely not experience his kitchen. Luckily for you, he still is an avid sponsor of the Miami Spice program and a three course dinner can be had for a mere $36. Chef Allen also offers a three wine pairing for $25. The only other cocktail you should consider is his famous "mango-tini", outstanding and also quite pricey at $16 each. It must be tried at least once.

His service and help is nothing short of exceptional. From the Maitre 'di who greeted us, to the busboy constantly refilling our water, to our server who was also superior. Opening was a complimentary tray of vegetables with a red pepper dip. Very tasty and a pleasant surprise.

Although the regular menu was available, who can pass up the Miami Spice menu? The appetizer choices were: Conch Mixto Ceviche, Wild Florida Shrimp and Grits, or a Roast Beet Salad. The ceviche was fresh and mouth watering good. The seafood tasted as if Chef Allen had caught it himself that afternoon. The shrimp and grits were tasty and the grits were cooked in a seafood base that blended well. The beets were fresh and served with feta cheese. All were great, but the ceviche was the winner. In between the appetizer and the main course a complimentary watermelon sorbet was served to cleanse your palate.

The main course was a choice of a Wood Grilled Skirt Steak, Pan Roasted Mahi Mahi, or Smoked Paprika Grilled Bell and Evans Chicken Breast. The Skirt Steak was cooked to perfection with green beans on the side, and the Mahi was equally exceptional with a side of bok choy. The flavors in the sauces that Chef Allen uses seem to dance in your mouth once you take a bite of his creation. The fusion of the ingredients are second to none.

The deserts were choice of: mango cheesecake, mango cobbler, or mint chocolate shell with vanilla ice cream. They were all delicious.

Chef Allen's is the dining experience we all look for and very rarely get. The fact that he is on the Miami Spice list simply begs your call. This is the "Best restaurant in South Florida". Whether you take advantage of the Miami Spice menu or not, make sure you stop by Chef Allen's. Reservations are recommended, located in NE Miami-Dade at 19088 NE 29th Avenue, Aventura, FL 33180. Phone: (305) 935-2900.

Miami Spice Month

Don't forget this is Miami Spice Month. From August 1, 2008 until September 30, 2008, you dine dine at Miami's finest resturaunts for a mere $36. This is a full three course meal with a few choices. The list is long. If you pondering the best places to go, let me help you with a choice. Go to Chef Allen's in Aventura. It is the best restaurant in South Florida.