malleron

I used to visit when I was little because I had relatives there. I haven’t been back since I was 11 or so, and I don’t feel particularly inclined to return since I’ve lost touch with the few relatives I had there.

Very homey/rustic, small-town, and scenic. Definitely a place to get away from it all.

Everyone should visit Orlando at least once in their lives, even if they don’t have kids. Of course, once you go, you probably will never want to go back because it’s so completely geared to tourists. There’s not a whole lot to do (from what I’ve seen) except sleep, eat, shop, and be entertained. While that will more than fill up time and make it quite memorable (especially if you have kids), all of it is hell to coordinate unless you shell out some bucks for a package that includes everything pre-coordinated including reservations. You’ll have to stick rigidly to someone else’s schedule the whole time you’re there, but it’s really the only way if you want minimal stress.

The first time I visited Il Mulino I brought my parents who were visiting from out-of-town, and it’s been a favorite ever since.

Il Mulino has a wide variety of Italian dishes that are very satisfying and affordable. A lot of people (in my experience) think of “italian” as mostly pasta and such. And while Il Mulino certainly has these things, I much prefer their ever-changing specials.

Situated on the fork of Sunrise Boulevard and Federal Highway (US-1), Il Mulino is easy to spot with its bright red sign, but also easy to miss if you’re not familiar with the roads. Inside, the restaurant is well-lit and open with a definite modern, contemporary feel. Tables are spaced well apart so it’s easy to navigate around other diners on your way to the restrooms.

Like all great restaurants in Fort Lauderdale, Il Mulino gets busy quickly. They don’t take reservations, so if you don’t like to wait (or you’re dining with kids), get there by 6pm so you’ll be seated and served promptly. Any later and you’re looking at a minimum 20 minute wait. Of course, even when the restaurant is busy, you can still hear yourself think and even hold a conversation with your dining partner(s). This is one of the things that makes Il Mulino a haven for families and couples of all orientations.

Another thing that makes Il Mulino a favorite is their friendly and attentive staff. No one forgets you here and you’re free to relax and take your time enjoying the food and atmosphere.

Prices are very reasonable considering portion size and quality (large and high, respectively). Dinner for 2 adults (appetizers, wine, entrees, and dessert) generally runs around $40-$60 depending on what’s ordered.

If you’re dining with kids, note that there is no kids menu at Il Mulino. However, even the pickiest eaters will find something to please (for example, margherita pizza, plain spaghetti with butter, fried cheese sticks). Of course, kids with broader palates will have an easier time. Still, portions are huge, even for adults, so be sure to ask for a small plate so you can portion the entree accordingly so your child doesn’t feel overwhelmed. (I don’t know about your kids, but my daughter won’t eat hardly at all when faced with a mound of food that’s bigger than she is.)

Parking for Il Mulino is in back of the restaurant, in two small (free) lots that it shares with Canyon, the club next door. There are also metered parking and pay lots in the general vicinity. Another reason to get here early—the free lots fill up fast.

In an area that is not exactly known for great food, the Casablanca Cafe stands out as one of the best restaurants, not only on the beach but in the whole of the city.

Housed in one of the oldest former residences in the city on the corner of A1A and Alhambra St., the Cafe has 2 dining areas—one on the ground level which is mostly outdoors and one upstairs. Both areas are warm and cozy-feeling due to the muted lighting that highlights the Mediterranean architecture of the building and comfortable seating. Situated directly across the street from Fort Lauderdale Beach, the ocean views are simply breathtaking.

The staff are friendly and attentive, even to those dining alone. You definitely won’t feel rushed or forgotten here. They are also respectably knowledgeable about the wines they serve, so you can be assured that recommendations will be suitable ones.

Of course, the food is excellent! Everything is always carefully prepared, tantalizingly seasoned, and beautifully plated. This is one the very few places in Fort Lauderdale where you can be assured that anything you order from the menu will be wonderful. Indeed, I’ve been coming for here for over 2 years now and I’ve never yet had a substandard meal. My favorites: Casablanca Crab Cake (which is huge!), Lobster Ravioli (rich and flavorful), and Walnut & Chevre Crusted Chicken Breast (which is even better the second day from the doggie bag!).

Prices are extremely reasonable (imho) considering the portions are large and high-quality. Dinner for 2 adults (appetizers, entrees, drinks, and dessert) generally runs around $60-$80, depending on what’s ordered.

Since the first time I visited Casablanca Cafe, I’ve been recommending it to friends and co-workers, and taking friends and family visiting from out-of-town. Not once have we been treated less than warmly and not once have we received a dish that wasn’t top-notch. Indeed, one of my co-workers brought his team here on my recommendation and came back to tell me how great the food was and how everyone thought it was the best place they’d been to.

Some tips:

• If you don’t like to wait, get there early. Things get busy like clockwork around 7 or 8pm, so at that time lines (and waits) are long—20 minutes or longer. Best bet: Get there by 6pm and you’ll not only be seated promptly, but you’ll have more time to really enjoy the food and the scenery. If your plans don’t allow you to have an earlier dinner, you can always get started with some cocktails and appetizers at one of the small intimate tables just off the bar.

• For the best views (and diminished noise from the street), try to get a table on the second floor balcony. This is an especially good spot for romantic dinners!

• The restaurant does not have a kids’ menu, so children with more sophisticated palates will generally have the best experience here. Fried calamari, Casablanca Crab Cake, “Up East” Chowder, and Black Tiger Shrimp Cocktail are great for kids—being appetizers, they are portioned well for smaller tummies. And to balance things out, you can always ask for a side of veggies. I’ve done this myself with my 8-year-old daughter with consistent success.

• While there isn’t a hard-and-fast dress code (this is the beach, after all), it pays to dress nicely. The most casual I’ve seen here is linen shorts, polo, and street sandals. Definitely leave the tank tops and board shorts at home (or the hotel).

• One of the best things about Casablanca Cafe is the house in which it is situated. Its Mediterranean-style architecture and Moroccan-inspired interior are feasts for the eyes in their own right. However, because the house was built back in the early 20th Century (and is considered an historic place), walkways and stairs are narrow as is the space between tables. As well, there is only one bathroom per gender both of which are located inside the restaurant next to the kitchens and behind the bar. These may be issues for folks who are wheelchair-bound and for people bringing babies with strollers or bassinet carriers. As well, the restrooms do not have changing tables which is another consideration for baby-toting visitors.

I can’t wait!!!

A couple years ago I returned and found it had somehow grown smaller, dirtier, and sadder in the years I’d been away. I can’t understand how anyone can live their whole lives here as many in my extended family have done. No wonder they’re all depressed.

Of course, the French are going to have to get their political act together before that will actually happen. But still, there is much indeed to recommend Paris to anyone. For me, I fell in love with the history and architecture, not to mention the language. Would definitely go back.

People here really do catch flies with their mouths. I think that’s the only way they can be caught, because the pesticide I sprayed sure wasn’t killing them.

While on a road trip with my parents during high school, we stopped in Blytheville for the night. By the next morning, we all decided never to stop there again. It was during the summer so it was hotter than hell, with no air conditioning, flies everywhere, and just plain dirty. Definitely one of those places one has to be born into, because no one in their right mind would ever choose to live here.

...and I couldn’t wait to leave. Last year, I finally left for Florida and if I never return to Arlington, I’ll be perfectly happy.

Basically, Arlington is a soccer-mom haven. Lots of people live here to raise their families but they all work and play in Dallas-Fort Worth. Schools aren’t that great—Texas is one of the worst states for public schooling in the country. But there is one EXCELLENT charter school here.

To be fair, Arlington has its own art museum, live theatre, historical buildings, and it’s working on revitalizing its downtown area. But it still doesn’t diminish the fact that this is an urbanized province. A small town with big city problems. Unless you know someone unfortunate enough to live here, you’re not missing anything by not visiting.