I’m a sucker for a good Indian restaurant. Several years ago, I wasn’t all that adventurous, preferring to stick to turkey burgers or standard Chinese food when I ate out with friends. Luckily, several years ago, a good friend of mine got me hooked on Indian and I never looked back. These Indian restaurants, located in and around Fort Lauderdale and a very short drive from the Desoto, have tasty selections and authentic atmosphere.

Bombay Café

I went here with some friends a few weeks ago, and we stayed so long in the red, brown, and yellow dining room that we forgot about our movie plans and just stayed, chatting over generous helpings of jasmine rice and chicken curry. A wonderful local find, I’m stunned I managed to never set foot in there before. Located on Andrews Avenue and West Oakland Park Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, Bombay Café has excellent service, decent prices, and a wonderfully authentic feel to the place. Call 954-568-0600 for more information or go here.

Udipi’s Café

Hidden away in a South Florida strip mall off of University Drive, just north of Sunset Strip, Udipi’s Café is the place to go for all vegetarian Indian food. If you’re not a carnivore, you’ll love the veggie and bean filled dishes of this fantastic little café. Many of the main dishes have a garbanzo or lentil bean base. Huge potato dosas are served with the meal and be sure to stop by on Sundays for Udipi’s authentic – and very inexpensive – all you can eat Indian buffet.  The décor is simple, the walls lined with paintings of Ganesha, the god of writing and luck. Udipi’s is charming, calm, and authentic, truly one of South Florida’s best kept secrets.

Royal India

Awarded four stars by the Gourmet Society and serving Fort Lauderdale for over 20 years, this classic Indian restaurant serves every kind of dish imaginable. Both meat eaters and vegetarians will find plenty to satisfy their taste buds at Royal India. Whether you drop by for lunch to sample their daily buffet, or mingle with the dinner crowd, Royal India is one of South Florida’s best places to go for authentic Indian cuisine.

What kind of Indian restaurant sounds good to you? Where will you go?

By Marissa Cohen

Photo By eliazar

The post Fort Lauderdale’s Best Indian Food appeared first on Hollywood Florida Ocean View Hotels.

Just as the tagline says “food we can all live with,” you can tell that Darbster is a restaurant that will do you good. This unique vegetarian restaurant is located in West Palm Beach. They offer a creative menu that appeals to vegetarians and all other eaters, too! Through their delicious and natural vegetarian cooking, they incorporate some classic dishes as well as some innovative ones.

Welcoming You

Darbster sits alongside a waterside deck, allowing both locals and visitors to enjoy the natural surroundings of sunny south Florida. In case you are wondering, the name Darbster comes from the owners’ poodle’s name, Darby. The staff here invites you in with open arms, a knowledge of food and the desire to take care of each and every one of their customers.

More Menus

In addition to the regular menus, Darbster offers specials each week. The menu offers a huge variety of foods like organic salads, soups, sandwiches and wraps. There are many vegetarian dishes that could be mistaken for actual meat! The quinoa loaf and classic cheezeburger, made from quinoa, vegetables, lentils, brown rice and beets will amaze your tastebuds! For someone who does not normally eat vegetarian, these dishes are a great start! There is also a kids menu, plenty of sides and desserts, too! Brunch is also served with a menu of its own!

There is a whole menu dedicated to teas. Earl Grey is a popular choice, but you can try to many more. Mint and Honeybush tea are some of the more flavorful picks. For a kick without caffeine, try the Firefly Chai tea. Darbster also serves wine and beer. Choose from dozens of reds, whites and craft beers.

Giving Back

Darbster also does its part to give back. Their foundation assists in animal welfare and rights through education and contributions. They also support efforts of local residents. In 2011, the foundation was responsible for the TNR of over 200 cats and the adoption of many kittens. 2012 through June the foundation is on track to do 300 TNR this year. You can donate to the foundation by contacting them at info@darbster.com.

Check out Darbster on Facebook to stay up-to-date with them. Also check out their photos to get a look at the delicious food!

By Lauren Grossberg

Photo By SanFranAnnie

The post Darbster – Food We Can All Live With appeared first on Hollywood Florida Ocean View Hotels.

Last week, I wrote about Miami Museum Month – a Miami based program that allows culture lovers to enjoy select Miami museums as a part of a Buy One, Get One ticket deal or at a very discounted rate. . Members at any participating museum receive free admission to many of the other participating museums. Not only is this one of my favorite new deals, but it’s a fantastic and versatile way to enjoy some of Miami’s best attractions, whether you want to enthrall the kids or go on a solo exploration.

I’m one of the few people I know who has been born and raised in South Florida, so, while there are plenty of museums on the MMM list that I haven’t explored, there are just as many that I’ve loved and enjoyed. Here are two of my personal Miami museum favorites.

Miami Children’s Museum

Also known as MiChiMu (get your kids to say that five times fast!), the tiniest patrons of the Miami Children’s Museum can explore permanent exhibits, such as the Castle of Dreams, a castle where kids can look at sand from all over the world, a bank, a mini health and wellness center, and a Pet Central. There’s also the Meet Miami exhibit, about different periods in Miami history, and The Sea and Me. The Miami Children’s Museum will have many fun exhibits for kids even after Miami Museum Month is over, including the summer’s return of Dino Island, opening on June 8 and extending through the summer. Kids can enjoy lifelike dinosaur models, dino footprints, and facts about dinosaur evolution, and a performance by the Miami Children’s Museum players.

Viscaya

James Deering’s vision of a South Floridian Italian villa is one of the east coast’s most enchanting and stately homes. With ten acres of gardens, including a maze, Viscaya has been featured on many network shows, including many of the Travel Channel’s shows. Built in the early 20^th century, this gorgeous estate will immerse you in a world of glamour and natural settings.

If you want to explore more about Miami Museum Month or many individual Miami museums, go here.

What will you enjoy?

By Marissa Cohen

Photo By Smart Destinations

The post A Double Experience of Miami Museums appeared first on Hollywood Florida Ocean View Hotels.

Diners are considered as American as mom’s apple pie. A good diner is, usually, not a chain restaurant, but instead is a place that has its own character. Some of these South Florida diners are newer than others, some are open 24 hours, and some have the best dessert I’ve ever tasted. Enjoy your blue plate special – where even vegetarians have dishes to call their own. Whether you’re a local on a good staycation or planning your South Florida summer vacation, these Fort Lauderdale diners will leave you full and happy, and all of them are open 24 hours.

The Peter Pan Diner

Kitschy is as kitschy does at this Fort Lauderdale institution. Borderline trashy with a menu that looks like it was created on a dot-matrix printer, you know this is the place to go before or after a concert or play, or if you want to rub elbows with everyone from college kids to slightly shadier characters.  Spent your evening dancing the night away at one of FTL’s clubs? Then this inexpensive diner is the place to be.  Good coffee, huge deserts, and back booths where you can be as anonymous as you want.

Lester’s

I have fond college memories of this Fort Lauderdale truck stop, cramming for finals and drinking cup after cup of their 14 oz cup of coffee. As with Peter Pan, the deserts are huge, but here the waitresses are sassy, gossipy, and eager to share their life stories. The food is solid, well-priced, and really, really good – a classic South Florida diner, 1950s style (even though it first opened in 1967). Lester’s was famous – and some say it was the inspiration for Mel’s Diner from the hit 70s tv show, Alice. 

The Floridian

This dive diner has long been a fixture for locals. While I’ve heard some lucky friends tell me that this been-there-forever diner now accepts credit cards, I’d play it safe and go with cash in hand. Located at the end of Las Olas, The Floridian’s huge portions and reasonable prices make this one of my all time favorite Fort Lauderdale diners. This old-style Florida hang out hasn’t lost its charm since it opened in 1937.

What’s your favorite thing about 24 hour diners?

By Marissa Cohen

Photo By dicharry

The post A Taste of Fort Lauderdale’s 24 Hour Diners appeared first on Hollywood Florida Ocean View Hotels.

While the weekend almost always comes to an end too soon, a Sunday brunch can help you enjoy it a bit longer. With the abundance of restaurants all over South Florida, they are often visited for dinners. Many restaurants open on Saturday and Sunday mornings for those who are looking for a good brunch. This offers visitors a chance to taste some alternative menu choices and discover some local hot spots. Whether you are in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale or West Palm, you are sure to find a brunch spot that you can visit to extend that weekend fun!

Miami

OTC in Brickell offers brunch on both Saturday and Sunday. Short for ‘over the counter,’ the offer a fast, moderately priced, quality meal in a laid back, social environment. With the menu offered until 4:00, you can enjoy bottomless drinks like mimosas, bellinis and sparkling wine all day long!

Head down to Miami Beach to enjoy an outdoor brunch at News Cafe. Don’t worry if you’re late, they are open 24 hours! Since 1988 this has been a popular spot for locals and tourists. Breakfast is served 24 hours so you can enjoy french toast, pancakes, steak and eggs and more – all day long!

Ft. Lauderdale

Centrally located near the downtown area, Big City Tavern on Las Olas Boulevard is a bruncher’s paradise. With a great menu and bottomless mimosas and bloody mary’s, you will be sure to satisfy both your hunger and thirst! The crab cake benedict is one of the most popular items here! The rustic feel of the restaurant will take you back to the old tavern feel of cities like New York and Boston while still remaining in sunny South Florida!

Rosie’s Bar & Grill in Wilton Manors is another hot spot. Their Sunday Funday Brunch includes a DJ and drink specials. Their brunch menu is filled with fun-named items like the Fat Elvis, a ripe banana smothered in peanut butter and stuffed into challah bread and fried! From eggs to pancakes, they certainly have it all – and more!

West Palm

If you want an ocean-view brunch, head to Benny’s on the Beach, located directly on the Lake Worth Pier. They open early to offer a huge breakfast and brunch menu. Try the different french toast like the island, stuffed with tropical cream cheese and topped with fresh fruit! The omelet options are also great, the zesty volcano and athenian are only a few of them! This place is often referred to as a hidden gem, but now you can check it out for yourself!

There is said to be a legend of Johnny Longboat. A poor fisherman who used his boat to help people get back to the mainland after a bad hurricane in 1928. This Singer Island restaurant honors the local legend with fresh food and a good time! Their benedicts include eggs, crab, smoked salmon and corned beef. Stuffed french toast and blueberry pancakes are made hot and fresh. They have special items for seniors and kids, so you can enjoy a good meal with the whole family!

This weekend try one of these hot spots for brunch or discover somewhere new.

What is your favorite South Florida brunch spot?

By Lauren Grossberg

Photo By thomasglobal

The post Brunching Around the Town in South Florida appeared first on Hollywood Florida Ocean View Hotels.

When most people hear about Miami, they think of our wonderful, vibrant culture, restaurants, celeb sightings, and, of course, our glorious sunsets. But Miami as a home to opera? The word conjures up images of elegance and refinement, theater boxes, intense music, delicate sopranos, and passionate legends – perhaps not images that at first you’d associate with Miami, but Miami is home to many operas and jazz singers this summer.

La Traviata: Verdi’s Classic from Florida Grand Opera

In its final days from the Florida Grand Opera, Verdi’s La Traviata tells the story of Violetta Valery, a prostitute whose affair with a rich man leads to her demise. (Summer romances can be such a pain.) This performance is also available as part of Miami’s Culture Shock program – where teens and young adults between the ages of 13 to 22 can qualify for discounted tickets. For more information about the Florida Grand Opera and its summer performances, please visit their website.

Angelique Kidjo: Jazz of West Africa

The Grammy award-winning singer, called Africa’s premier diva by Time Magazine, has performed with other famous and award-winning singers such as Josh Groban, Carlos Santana, and Joss Stone. Culture Shock tickets are also available for this event. Experience Kidjo on May 31 at the Arsht Center Knight Concert Hall. To purchase tickets, please go here.

Miami Lyric Opera: Two One-Acts Back to Life

Since the start of the Miami Lyric Opera (MLO) in 2004, the MLO has grown and expanded to include performances at downtown Miami’s gorgeous Olympia Theater at the Gusman Center for the Performing Arts. Many young national and international artists have gotten their exposure at the MLO. Two of their upcoming performances are Puccini’s Il Tabarro (The Cloak) and his Gianni Schicchi, in part based on Dante’s Divine Comedy, the classic tale of heaven and hell. Gianni Schicchi contains one of opera’s most famous arias. To learn more about their season and to plan your vacation around some of these wonderful experiences, visit MLO’s website.

Miami has much more to offer than beaches and sunsets – explore the cultural side of Miami this summer with these award-winning and cultural experiences.

Which performance will you most enjoy seeing? Tell us!

By Marissa Cohen

Photo By Knight Foundation

The post Musical Miami: Opera and Jazz in the Summer appeared first on Hollywood Florida Ocean View Hotels.

Eating well and living a healthy lifestyle greatly involves the choices you make as far as the food you put into your body. At Choices Cafe in Miami, every choice you make does just that! This vegan vegetarian restaurant offers you items for breakfast all the way to dinner! When I say everything I mean it! Breakfast smoothies, salads, wraps, pizza and more!

Super Smoothies

I was very impressed by the extended menu of smoothies that Choices Cafe offers. Ingredients like young coconut, almond butter, sea salt, flax and chia are just some of the many healthy ones included in them. Whether you are more of a fruity fan (try the tropic escape) or like to stick to the greens (the green envy) you are sure to find something to your liking. What I like about the menu is that they really include the Miami spirit by offering a Miami Heat smoothie! This delicious choice includes mango, jalapeno, lime, plantain, hemp, flax, chia seeds and ice. Now that sounds like a Miami smoothie!

Cantina Time

Don’t have time to head to the store? That’s what the cantina is for! Every time you purchase something here, you automatically earn points. When you reach 500 points, you can redeem them for a $25 gift certificate! Use it to make more online purchases on yummy items and food. If you are dining in, you can also earn points. Besides the food and desserts, you can even order t-shirts to represent the store!

Juice Xpress

As with many other health stores and restaurants, they offer juicing cleanses to help you get healthier from the inside, out! Since no two people are alike, there are different levels of the cleanses. If you are new to juicing, you can read up on the process of it here. You can click on each cleanse to learn about what is included and what the purpose of the ingredients are in regards to your health.

Mouthwatering Menu

The extensive menu really does include just about everything. I couldn’t possibly list all the items here. But, some that have caught my tastebud’s attention include the tofu scramble, the chipolte walnut wrap and the simran burger. These items not only look and sound good, but they are good for you, too! The only way to know for sure is to head to Choices Cafe for yourself!

Follow them on Facebook to stay updated!

By Lauren Grossberg

The post Make the Right Choice at Choices Cafe! appeared first on Hollywood Florida Ocean View Hotels.

Miami will offer all visitors and locals some amazing chances to visit some of Miami’s most varied and extraordinary museums in the month of May. Miami Museum Month gives both locals and out-of-towners a Buy One Admission, Get One Free at some of Miami’s most popular museums and exhibits. MMM also gives a Join One, See Them All offer. For one month, membership at any one of these museums gives you a free pass to any other participating museum.

Museum Hopping

Visitors will see everything – from the Coral Gables Museum, to cultural museums such as the Haitian Heritage Museum and the Jewish Museum of Florida at Florida International University’s campus. View over five centuries of art at the Bass Museum. Take the kids with you and visit the Miami Children’s Museum or the Miami Science Museum, perfect for little scientists! Experience the beauty and glamour of one of my favorite museums – James Deering’s famous 16th century style villa, Viscaya Museum and Gardens, or experience the 1.2 million dollar renovation of the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens. Want something a little less flowery and more…exotic? Leave the kids at home and take your love to the sexy and sassy World Erotic Art Museum, where 12,000 square feet of tasteful and priceless erotic art await you.
Plus, check the main website for several individual Miami Museum Month 2013 parties and events!
This May, Miami’s got it all, whether you’re visiting or looking for a fantastic and inexpensive staycation opportunity.

The Desoto to Miami: Only a Short Drive

The Desoto, our unique beachfront inn in the heart of downtown Hollywood, is only a short twenty minute highway drive to the heart of Miami. In a short afternoon trip, patrons of the Desoto can visit the absolute best of Miami Museum Month. Start the morning with some lounging on Hollywood Beach and then jump in the car and spend the day exploring some of Miami’s best and world-famous museums.

When You Go

For a complete list of the participating museums and details on which program supported by each museum, visit their main site. Miami Museum Month is organized by the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau.

What museums will you enjoy this May?

By Marissa Cohen

Photo By alesh_

The post May is Miami Museum Month! appeared first on Hollywood Florida Ocean View Hotels.

Sponsored by MIA Encore, the very first “First Friday” started in Downtown Miami in April and will continue every month on the first Friday of the month, from 6-10 pm. Come out for the “First Friday” art event which brings together Miami’s non-profit organizations with local galleries for a night of art, special exhibits, openings, performances, tours, and more. Admission to MIA Encore, the art gallery aboard, SeaFair, is complimentary during the First Friday exhibition.

Only a Short Drive from The Desoto

This event is approximately 20-30 minutes from the Desoto Inn in downtown Hollywood and is the perfect event for visiting couples looking for a romantic date idea for their South Florida vacation.

What Will You See?

Many participating organizations offer a variety of art pieces that reflect many different outlooks, styles, and trends. A few of the participating organizations are Dimensions Variable, Miami-Dade College Museum of Art + Design, Giants in the City, Ocean Back Art Space, Art in Public Places, and many more of Miami’s finest artistic organizations. The goal? To bring all kinds of art to the public and to show visitors the abundant and varied art scene that Miami has to offer both travelers and locals. All organizations are conveniently located near to public transport, and both exhibition admission and trolley transport are free and open to the public.

When Should You Go?

Downtown Miami’s First Fridays will be in May and June of 2013, so take advantage of this fun summer event right away! First Fridays will restart in the fall, from October to December 2013. Since the event begins at 6 pm, we recommend getting an early start to avoid rush hour.

Is This For Kids?

While artsy, mature teens may enjoy this event, leave the little kids at home. Instead, take them to the Miami Children’s Museum over the weekend! First Friday is perfect for couples or singles looking to get a taste of Miami’s abundant art and cultural scene!

For more information, visit the main website here.

By Marissa Cohen

Photo By miamism

The post Downtown Miami Starts “First Friday” appeared first on Hollywood Florida Ocean View Hotels.

One thing about South Florida that is almost always guaranteed, is the weather on a summer day. You are sure to find plenty of sunshine, warm temperatures and clear skies. This outdoor environment makes South Florida a great place to take on nature. You can spend your summer days doing a variety of outdoor activities. Whether you are a local, or visiting for the summer, here are some great activities to take on!

Paddleboarding

A relatively new “sport” to many, paddleboarding is a great way to enjoy the ocean or lake waters while using your core at the same time! Paddle your way through a great workout. There are also different variations of paddleboarding. Stand Up Paddle in Fort Lauderdale offers yoga paddleboarding. Learn as you use only your body weight to guide you through a workout testing the best of your balance. If you are not into yoga, you can always enjoy a nice slow-paced ride on the waves!

Cycling

Getting on your bike is an efficient way to get around and get a workout in! For those who enjoy a slower paced ride, beach cruisers are available for rent all throughout the South Florida regions. There are many bicycle sharing programs such as Deco Bike in Miami. If you are up for more adventure, you can head to Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach where you can take your mountain bike throughout the seven mile loop!

Horse Back Riding

We may not have mountains and hills in South Florida, but that doesn’t mean we can’t get our riding on! Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek offers a scenic trail perfect for a quaint ride. Walk or trot your way through the beauty that South Florida has to offer.

Golfing

If you are a golf lover, coming to Florida could be extra special for you! There are so many golf courses and country clubs scattered all over the region. If you are all the way down in Miami or up in West Palm Beach, there is sure to be an area nearby. You can practice your swings, take private lessons or enjoy a round with the locals.

No matter what you decide to do, try to take it outdoors this summer. The sunshine and clear skies are calling your name!

By Lauren Grossberg

Photo By Visit St. Pete/Clearwater

The post Outdoors for Summer in South Florida appeared first on Hollywood Florida Ocean View Hotels.