FLORIDA RESTAURANTS

Your H. wrote:
> In Boca Raton region.
>>Try out Sea Watch Rest.
>Great place on the ocean. 781-2200
>Also try Cap's Place Island Rest. 941-0418
>You get to this place by the restraunt's boat.
>Enjoy excellent South Florida seafood cuisine.

Well, I've eaten at both numerous times (in fact, I may be going to Cap's this weekend), and I wouldn't call the food at either _excellent_.  Both have _good_ food, but in both cases, the best thing they have (IMHO) is atmosphere, especially in the bar area.

The Seawatch _is_ on the ocean, but that fact isn't really apparent unless you have a drink  at one of the tables outside (upstairs).  The inside is nice, nautical, and woody.  The food, while much better than it was 5 years or so ago, is very conventional, and somewhat expensive (which meshes well with their major clientele being tourists and snowbirds - when I go there, it is usually escorting (non-foody) visitors).

Cap's is fun (very informal), especially getting a drink at the bar, and wandering the "island" (which it isn't, really), watching the boats along the Intracostal, etc.  The food is a bit less conventional than the Seawatch, but in an "old Florida" sorta way (hearts of palm salads, alligator, etc.).  It is also somewhat expensive, and (as I said), very informal (the first time I took my (now) wife there, she was not amused to spot a _large_ cockroach walk across the wall next to her, but hey - it happens :-)).  While I normally go to Cap's just for drinks and munchies, I _do_ sometimes eat there, even without visitors (if we go, it'll just be locals this weekend).

Also in the "lots of atmosphere" seafood vein, I'd include the 15th Street Fisheries, which is in a marina on the Intracoastal just north of Port Everglades.  Also fairly expensive, but the food is a bit more exciting than the other 2.

For that matter, there's the Cove, Shooters, RJ's Landing, Yesterdays, etc., etc., etc. (restaurants on the water is something we do not lack :-)).  Yesterdays would be the best of this list (albeit the fanciest).

ted

Since the subject came up re: waterfront dining, you absolutely have to list the Ritz Carlton in Palm Beach County (the south section known as Manalapan, Billionaire's Row...that's a B, not an M !!!).

Obivously not a bargain, but they're Sunday brunch is beyond outstanding...and I don't usually like brunch items.  There's a raw bar unlike any I have ever seen at brunch.   Sit outside and view the pool and the ocean. They also have a Martini menu.  I go to Palm Beach once per month for vacation in the winter and I always go to the Ritz lounge for a cocktail. Oddly, I've never had dinner there.  Probably because I'm usually wearing shorts and a polo shirt and I assume (?) they require a jacket for dinner. John G. in Boston

How about Key West?

For Mexican: Chico's Cantina serves a shredded pork burrito that is out of this world.

For steaks and chops: Pepe's on Caroline Street.

For American/continental: Louie's Backyard.

For a beautiful, romantic Sunday brunch: Little Palm Island about 25 miles up the Keys from K.W. -- includes a boat ride!