SOUTH FLORIDA

FIRST COURSE

One of the interesting things about the holidays is that the traditions surrounding them can be so enjoyable, and oftentimes so delicious, that even the most staunch atheist can feel hesitant to completely abandon them. Even those who still identify with a particular religion can often forgo the rituals, services, and prayers associated with certain holidays but will definitely embrace the gift exchanges, parties, and most definitely the food. I’m certain that not everyone has been making sacrifices for Lent. Many Catholics have probably forgotten that Palm Sunday was this past weekend, many more will be observing Holy Week as just another week, and there are probably quite a few who don’t plan on going to church this coming Sunday. Nevertheless, many self-identifying Christians will probably be making plans to enjoy an Easter meal this weekend. Along with the warmer weather our northern compatriots hope to experience, our recent “spring forward” to which many of us are still adjusting also marks an unofficial start to “the brunch season.” Sure, we enjoy leisurely al fresco brunches all the time in South Florida, but brunch never seems as mandatory as it does during one of the Spring’s most brunch-friendly holidays, Easter. In case you have yet to make plans for this weekend, here are a few of Joonbug’s suggestions for restaurants serving up Easter brunch in South Florida:

FIRST COURSE

Still haven’t decided where to take your sweetheart for Valentine’s Day? Don’t sweat it; we’ve put together a list of some remarkably romantic restaurants to visit for a perfect Valentine’s Day dinner in South Florida. These picks are known for their fantastic fare, delightful décor, and amazingly romantic ambiance; but most importantly, all ideal for a dinner date. Just be sure to call ahead for reservations since they’re sure to be full of other loveable couples celebrating that night.

Hakkasan in Miami Beach- The Fontainbleau has really made a comeback, especially in the restaurant scene. Hakkasan at the Fontainbleau is no exception. Voted Best Ambiance by Open Table and recipient of the AAA Four Diamond Award, Hakkasan is the quintessential romantic Asian restaurant to check out. Its chic modern décor is sure to impress you. Why not share a Dim Sum Platter with your sweetie as a starter? Don’t forget to end the night with one of their delectable desserts, such as the White Chocolate Mousse with Passionfruit Sorbet. 801 Arthur Godfrey Rd, Miami Beach. 877-326-7412

FIRST COURSE

Still undecided where to spend this country’s most religious Sunday in sports? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of some cool places you can watch the Big Game this Sunday. Each location has its own special going on, from free food to a full on Super Bowl party. They’re guaranteed to help you kick-off your Super Bowl Sunday on the right foot!

THE CLEVELANDER: The Clevelander South Beach is throwing a special Super Bowl bash. Starting at 3 p.m. on Sunday, you can join Miami Beach’s biggest party. They have 30+ HD TVs, plus a model showcase, body painting, and jumbo screens that will be playing the game. 1020 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, 877-532-4006.

FIRST COURSE

Top chefs and wine conosciours! Come one come all! Join us for the 12th year at one of the premiere charity food and wine events in South Florida, March of Dimes Signature Chefs and Wine Extravaganza at Jungle Island Treetop Ballroom on October 14, at 6:30 p.m. Foodies will be delighted to feast on creations from over 30 of the areas best chefs and restaurants, including Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill’s Timon Balloo, Meat Market’s Sean Brasel, Edda’s Cake Designs’ Edda Martinez, AltaMare’s Simon Stojanovic, Allen Susser of Chef Allen’s and Kris Wessel of Red Light. To add to the wonderful culinary dishes, guests will be served wines and champagnes from the world’s most exquisit vineyards and distilleries, courtesy of Southern Wine and Spirits. Tickets are $150 per person in advance and $175 at the door. Celebrity guest, and Food Network star Sunny Anderson, host of Cooking for Real, will host the event. There will be a live and silent auction where all proceeds will be benefiting the March of Dimes.

FREQUENCY

Even the palpable heat and caked humidity could not stop Silversun Pickups from rocking out the nascent Sunset Cove Amphitheater in Boca Raton, FL. What promises to be a prodigious epicenter for music in South Florida with upcoming acts like Cypress Hill, Slightly Stoopid and the reemerging Sublime with Rome, decided to invite Silversun early on to sample Boca’s new musical Coliseum.

Silversun frontman Brian Aubert took a few minutes out only hours before his June 16 show to call Mike Rothman to discuss this new venue, Latin food in South Florida, the meaning behind the esoteric name Silversun and the influence touring with bands like Foo Fighters and Muse had on the Pickups. Aubert also made one lucky fan’s day, maybe even year, as David DiCristina was invited to drop in with a few questions of his own.

FIRST COURSE

Tonino Lamborghini Caffe Corsa
600 Silks Run Road
Hallandale Beach, FL 33009
954-456-4500
toninolamborghinirestaurantmiami.com

Lamborghini is not just about cars anymore. The name synonymous with luxury sport automobiles has moved into the realm of luggage, watches, perfumes, and now food, thanks to Tonino Lamborghini. As of February 11, the South Florida area has received a taste of what the Tonino Lamborghini Caffe Corsa has to offer by way of head chef Paolo del Papa's creative and inventive menu.

FREQUENCY

Meshing different genres into their feel-good reggae vibes, The Resolvers have been satisfying South Florida’s live music lovers for the past three years. Keeping spectators on their dancing feet for hours on end, the quintet delivers a handful of original tunes, some familiar covers, and a spirit of harmony at every show.

The Resolvers mostly perform original material at their gigs. They are currently focused on a self-produced CD of songs they’ve written themselves entitled H’amsa. All of the work is done in-house at a studio/warehouse in Deerfield Beach. "We want to keep grass roots and build it one person at a time with a quality e-mail list. We plan on acquiring a strong fan base and get people to join our family,” explained electric guitarist and harmony vocalist Ron Eisner. "We like to spread ourselves out all around South Florida to different venues."

FREQUENCY

On November 24, South Florida will get to hear the greatest rock music ever created, backed by a full-piece orchestra. The Music of Led Zeppelin will fill the Broward Center for Performing Arts' Au-Rene Theater to provide a truly unique Zeppelin performance for those lucky enough to attend.

Created by Windborne Music, the show is a classical rock symphony that plays a variety of Zeppelin hits. In addition to the orchestra, The Music of Led Zeppelin includes a vocalist, bassist, drummer, guitarist and an electric violin player. Members of the rock symphony wear all black, and audience members of all ages dress up in their most authentic Zeppelin attire. The psychedelic light show perfectly reflects the changes in beat and the intricacy rivals a Broadway show.

On the road since last summer’s CD release, North Hollywood Shootout, Blues Traveler kept South Florida on its dancing feet last week. Packed into Fort Lauderdale’s Culture Room, the boys wasted no time getting their groove on. A mixed room of music lovers in their 30s and 40s danced joyously to Blues Traveler’s extended jams. The trick is old hat to the veterans from Princeton, New Jersey who got together in 1987.