My family has been going to Ft. Lauderdale for as long as I can remember. My great-grandfather had a 1-bedroom condo on the ocean and we would squeeze about a dozen people into it for vacations that I will never forget. My grandpa always took us to Krispy Kreme, a delicacy that did not exist in Chicago. It was so special.

Now that I am an adult I have my favorite things, that are time tested and honored. It’s just the Way we do it.

Ft. Lauderdale Bests

Cafe Martorano: there is not other restaurant experience that I love more than this. Losing my table to Matt Damon? Ok! Sitting next to Fat Joe, as he spontaneously gets up and raps for everyone? Yes, please! Most importantly, the MEATBALL SALAD, it is my everything. He has outposts in Las Vegas and Atlantic City, too, but nothing comes close to the original on Oakland Avenue in Ft. Lauderdale. Yo, cuz!
Mai Kai: you don’t like a tiki themed restaurant with a show? Who are you?! My kids love Mai Kai and, frankly, I can’t resist it either.
Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza: I love this pizza! They make a mean pie with broccoli rabe that has my heart. I can never go to South Florida without a trip to Anthony’s Coal Fired.

Miami Bests

Versailles Cuban Restaurant: I celebrated my 19th birthday here with my husband, we were in college on spring break and he wanted to take me to a restaurant that was meaningful to him and his family. Since then, I have brought my grandmothers for my 21st birthday, and dined there for countless other family events. It is a classic Miami main-stay and such a fun old school place!
Casa Tua: the best fried zucchini flowers I have had outside of Italy! I love the space and the food; it is romantic and cozy with a delicious menu to match.
Michael’s Genuine: this restaurant gets the golden stamp of approval from my parents, which is so difficult to come by! We have never had a bad meal there.
Faena, Soho Beach House, and Beach House Bal Harbour Hotel are my recommendations for any stay in Miami!

West Palm Beach Bests

C.Orrico: Lilly Pulitzer, Roberta Roller Rabbit, and more all in one place?! Count me in! This is my favorite place to shop in West Palm Beach.
The Breakers: having stayed at The Breakers for my cousin’s wedding in 2018, I can unequivocally say it is one of the nicest hotels I have had the pleasure of visiting. It was so wonderfully kid friendly, the spa was amazing, the multiple pools and restaurants were fabulous and most importantly of all they can execute a SPECTACULAR wedding in the most fabulous way.

The Best of South Florida