Good News Wants to Know… What’s Your Go-To Restaurant?

Everyone enjoys a relaxing night out. As we continue this monthly feature designed to help people become familiar with those who are actively doing good in our community, this month Good News Wants to Know… When you celebrate a special occasion or plan a great night out, what is your go-to restaurant and why?

 

When I want to celebrate a special occasion or plan a great night out, I like to go to a very quaint restaurant in Lantana named Riggins Crab House. The service is great, the food is delicious, the portions are more than adequate, and you don’t find yourself paying for aesthetics. My entire family loves to gather there for special outings!

  • Rosby L. Glover, Executive Director, Bethel Human Services Corporation

 

The 3rd chapter in the book of Ecclesiastes points out that there is a season and purpose for things in this life. So when I select a special occasion to spend some time out for supper, Houston’s restaurant in Boca Raton serves up a splendid meal and setting. The atmosphere aesthetically appeals to the patron and the food portions will park you into sure satisfaction. You can also make a memory there without being minded of the money you spent.

  • Bernard King, Senior Pastor, Cornerstone Bible Fellowship

 

We live in the Disney World of restaurants — some excellent; some not so good.  We have come to conclude that a bad night in is a lot better than a bad night out, but a great night out opens the door for a great night in.

  • William C. Davell, Director, Tripp Scott Attorneys at Law

 

 

There’s only one place we go to for special occasions, and that’s The Capital Grill in Fort Lauderdale at The Galleria. They just know how to make you feel special no matter what the occasion.  And their food is off the charts too. The chef there is a managing partner named Marc Grooverman, and I think that makes a huge difference.  He greets and talks to everyone, always making sure things are perfect, and under his expert supervision,  no matter how busy they are, their entire team prepare some of the best food in South Florida, and on a consistent basis every time.

  • Bill Feinberg, President, Allied Kitchen & Bath

 

We love going to The Boatyard on 17th Street. The food is great, and we love the feeling of being connected to the water. We’re also suckers for really good bread. Bimini Bread is worth the diabetes.

  • Bob Denison, President, Denison Yacht Sales

 

 

Pizza Al Fresco in Palm Beach.  We love the food and relaxed family atmosphere in a beautiful setting.

  • Charles Bender, Founding CEO, Place of Hope

 

 

We seem to always end up at the Cheesecake Factory for special occasions, birthdays, etc.  I think it’s good for us with a large family. They can accommodate big parties and we can be loud.  Also, the menu has something for everyone, and of course, we can end the celebration with dessert!

  • Chris Lane, President First Priority of South Florida

 

When we celebrate a special event, I often choose Seasons 52.  Not only is the food fresh and creative, with new dishes each season, but it also has special memories for me. Young women from my church selected this restaurant to honor several us who had been mentoring them. We were welcomed into the intimate “wine” room, seated with our bare feet resting on hand made pillows. Live worship accompanied our feet being anointed with oil and our shoulders massaged as they prayed for us. I always peek into the wine room when I go there to reflect on that wonderful memory.

  • Deborah Cusick, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship FAU Campus Volunteer

 

This answer is solely dependent on the mood of my bride of 21 years. Getting away from our kids is key to our choice, as it’s always important to have a date night for us … got to keep those fires burning! Some of the places we enjoy are Backstreets Wellington, Raindancer West Palm Beach, The Beach Club Lake Worth Gold Club, JB’s On The Beach Deerfield, and Bonefish Grill.

  • Dennis DeMarois, Director, The Gathering Palm Beach County

 

Years ago Burt & Jacks at Port Everglades was my go-to for every occasion or just a great meal with a great view. I miss B&J.  Now we float around, including Café Europa on Las Olas, any Brazilian Steakhouse, PF Chang’s, Aruba’s, or even Cracker Barrel. Depends on the mood. My mom’s kitchen will always be my favorite place to eat and celebrate, so hoping for that again in eternity.

  • Dolores King-St. George, Station Manager, Moody Radio, WRMB

 

It is funny how we tend to go to the restaurant we feel the most comfortable for dinner out or a special occasion. Chuck’s Steak House on Commercial Blvd. is casual, they have friendly “longtime” staff, great prices, easy parking and a killer salad bar.

  • Don Campion, President, Banyan Air Service

 

 

My Fav Restaurant – Any sushi restaurant with a YELP rating above 4 — anything less could be the worst dining experience of the year.

  • Doug Sauder, Pastor, Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale

 

 

 

Timpano’s on Las Olas always has a great atmosphere and with its location, it is easy to walk on Las Olas after your meal and make a night of it!

  • Fred Scarbrough, DVM, Founder, Scarbrough Animal Hospital and Hope South Florida

 

 

We like to celebrate at Ruth’s Chris Steak House. They have a great steak served very hot!

  • George R. Moraitis, Jr., Moraitis, Cofar, Karney, Moraitis & Quailey

 

 

 

“Taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8a).

Casa D’ Angelo – Over 20 years ago Angelo and Denise opened their first (now they have 6) restaurant.  It was across the street from my husband’s office and there it began. Angelo & Denise Elia became our good friends, and years later Denise invited Jesus into her heart at Casa D’ Angelo one night after dinner.    Now  we pray and attend Bible Studies together.  She is a precious sister in Christ, and Angelo and I share the same birthday as well.  Ten years ago we hosted a beautiful rehearsal dinner there for our daughter.  Our son even worked in the kitchen at D’ Angelo’s  for a few years.  He cooks like a chef now. The staff is like family to us.  Needless to say, Casa D’ Angelo is very special to us,  our family and the community.  God has blessed the work of their hands and our special friendship!

“Blessed is the man (and woman) – Angelo, Denise & Casa D’ Angelo, who trust in Him” (Psalm 34:8b).

  • Gita Santangelo, Community Prayer Partner

 

My go-to restaurant is Houston’s in Boca Raton. The food and the service is consistently top shelf, and I like the vibe.

  • Gregg Sjoquist, Wasie Foundation

 

 

 

My wife Liz is our social director and always comes up with a fun date night. We have several favorites, but for special occasions we love Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami . They are celebrating 100 years of business, and it’s truly a destination event. Closer to home we enjoy Capriccio’s Italian Restaurant. The atmosphere is always fun as they have live entertainment. I’ve been known to cut a rug and feel like a big Pisan on a Friday night!!

  • Gregg Wallick, President and CEO, Best Roofing, Inc.

 

One of my fav places to frequent is Kapow! They have a great take on traditional Asian dishes like Ramen noodles and fried rice. Plus it’s located in Mizner Park, so you can walk off the meal, do some shopping and maybe grab some dessert close by!

  • John Novoa, Financial Associate, Southeast Region, Thrivent Financial®

 

 

 

Yu Mi Sushi in North Palm Beach – we love it there because we love the owners, and they always make it so special. It’s not fancy but it is the best sushi we’ve ever had. Anytime we have out-of-town guests that we want to celebrate, we go there!

  • Julie Mullins, pastor, Christ Fellowship

 

 

Latitudes at Delray Sands Resort– fabulous ocean view and delicious food! Have had wonderful celebrations there as well as business meetings and events. It’s special! We stayed there and had breakfast there before starting our honeymoon almost 18 years ago before the beautiful renovations. In the last year I’ve had multiple business dinners and meetings there and a great date night, too!

  • Karen Granger, Community Relations Director, Palm Beach County, 4KIDS of South Florida

 

Our go-to restaurant is Maggiano’s. Their food is excellent – reasonably priced and you get to take a meal home! In addition, their gluten free menu is very good and tasty.

  • Mary Drabik, President, South Florida Bible College & Theological Seminary

 

 

Our family favorite is Flemings in the Gables. Specifically, Sunday night for the Prime Rib Special. Great food, service and a good value.

  • Mike Pappas, CEO/President, The Keyes Company

 

 

 

When our family has a special occasion to celebrate, our go-to restaurant is Sea Watch on A1A, and we always try to get there before dark so we can enjoy the beautiful ocean view!

  • Nancy McDonald, President/CEO, Hope Women’s Centers

 

 

The go-to restaurant for my wife and I when we celebrate a special occasion is the Sea Watch restaurant located on North Ocean Blvd. in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. We Love this restaurant because of its ocean scenery.

  • O’Neal Dozier, Pastor, The Worldwide Christian Center

 

 

When I want to get away with my husband or family, I enjoy places that are near the water. One of these places is the Sea Watch in Ft. Lauderdale.

  • Patricia Colangelo, EdS, Director of Operations, Trinity International University Florida

 

 

My go to restaurant is Falafel Bistro in Coral Springs.  It is Mediterranean/Israeli food and is incredible.  You can eat very healthy or not so healthy, depending on your taste.  If you like falafel and hummus, this is the place to go. Nice atmosphere too.  Good for lunch and dinner.

  • Robyn Wilk, Branch Leader, Jews for Jesus

 

 

Benihana is always a favorite for our family for birthdays or graduations. The food is really good, it’s fun to watch the preparation and the chef is usually very entertaining.

  • Romney Rogers, Managing Partner, Rogers, Morris, Ziegler, LLP

 

 

Whether it be with my wife or staff, I love an outdoor by the water restaurant (Houston’s) when I celebrate anything special. The open air, the fresh smells and the water is a break,  a change of pace, from the regular indoor restaurants we regularly visit. It’s refreshing and revitalizing to the mind body and soul!

  • Ron Bramos, Senior Pastor, Victory Life Church

 

 

 

I don’t really like eating out, so I celebrate at home with my dogs.  My favorite meal is hamburger helper cooked by my wife Cindy, who is an amazing cook.

  • Samuel Lamerson, President/Professor of New Testament, Knox Theological Seminary

 

 

 

 

I like to take our staff to Cracker Barrel.

  • Scott Baugh, Lead Pastor, Journey Church South Florida

 

 

 

We enjoy going to Ichiyama Sushi Restaurant or a Greek restaurant in Boca Taverna Kyma

  • Sue Trombino, Founder, Women Impacting the Nation

 

 

 

My go to restaurant?  Any establishment with a waterfront table.  After that, the rest falls into place.  Magical.

  • Susan Kassing, Community Leader

 

 

 

Our lives are so busy. We love the theater. We try to take in a Broadway play at least once or twice a year. We went to Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. We grabbed Chick-fil-A and then took in the play. We also love to go to find restaurants along the ocean so we can take in a meal and a walk on the beach.

  • Tewannah Aman, Executive Director, Broward County Right to Life

 

 

 

The answer to that for us is pretty much anywhere we can get to by boat. We have a little boat, and dinners out on the boat for us are as much about the journey as the destination. With that said, once we’re on the boat, we like to go to Coconuts, Kaluz, Southport and the Nauti Dawg.

  • Tom Hendrikse, Senior Pastor, Rio Vista Community Church

 

 

Great Thai Food at any great Thai restaurant. Our favorite is Uncle Tai’s in Boca.

  • Thomas L. Lukasik, Vice President Community Engagement, 4KIDS of South Florida

 

 

 

Honestly, a great night out and a special occasion occur at many, too numerous to mention go-to wonderful restaurants here… where I don’t have to cook!!!  Friends and Family gatherings out are delightful. After many years of cooking in my own kitchen, I am eternally grateful for those hard working restauranteurs who are blessing people every day in every way!  CHEERS to those culinary businesses!  Each and every one of them.

  • Virlee “Vee” Stepelton, Ministry Advocate
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