By Rachel Galvin

The rain poured, but that didn’t stop thousands of people from crowding into Sanborn Square to enjoy the Boca Burger Battle July 13. Over 20 restaurants served up their signature burgers and 11 judges, including restauranteur Dean Max, radio personalities , the Burger Beast Sef and others, waited to try them. There was also live entertainment and other vendor booths, including the Big Green Egg company, who showed off their unique cooking concept, a unit that bakes, grills and even smokes. Students from Le Cordon Bleu helped chefs. There also were beers, wine and spirits on-hand. A portion of the proceeds benefit PROPEL. There was an after party at Jazziz Nightlife in Mizner Park. SCROLL DOWN for more pictures and WINNERS. For more information, visit http://bocaburgerbattle.com/

The rainy weather did not prevent hungry guests from arriving to Sanborn Square to take in the ambiance, mouth-watering burgers and more!

WINNERS

Judge’s Pick for Best Grill Master went to:
1st place – Bite Gastrotruck
2nd place – Potions In Motion
3rd place – Shake Shack

Judge’s Pick for Best Alternative Grill Master went to:
1st place – 4th Generation

People’s Choice for Best Boca Burger went to:
1st place – Morton’s Steakhouse
2nd place – Rebel House
3rd place – Potions In Motion

Many vendors showed off their wares, including In the Biz Solutions, which showcased their unique bathing suits.

Ashley Esnes and Isabel Stolk were having a blast playing in the rain. Ashley’s one regret was that there was not a best raincoat contest.

Robert Stanfield manages to not only brilliantly pull off a stylish yellow poncho of sorts, but also serve the judges some delectable onion rings from Tucci’s Fire N’ Coal Pizza while coordinating the entire festivities. Stanfield and Russell Spadaccini are the pair behind making events like this and others possible in the tri-state area. To see more about their culinary events, visit www.bocaraton.com.

Red Brick Grille was one of the 20 restaurants who braved the rain to serve their hamburgers.

Anisha Staton gave out samples of her gourmet fortune cookies, pictured here. This is her own business and she makes the cookies herself! www.atasteoffate.com.

Sylvia Alfonzo, a student at Le Cordon Bleu, helped serve up burgers at Kapow! These unique burgers were created with three types of meat: chuck roast, sirloin and beef shank, along with a kimchee sauce aioli wrapped in a banana leaf and served in a peking duck bun.

The burger from NYY Steak House at Seminole Coconut Creek Casino was a combination of dry aged pine brisket and ribs topped with aged white cheddar, among other tasty ingredients. They even make their own bacon in-house!

Eleven judges decided the fate of the Burger Battle competitors.

Big Green Egg grills it up! This unit not only grills, but can bake cookies, smoke fish or pretty much cook anything. The headquarters is based in Atlanta, but these units can be found here in Florida, including at Culinary Concepts in Pompano Beach, which was also on-site.

The crew from BirthdayComp.com told business owners and guests about their wonderful service that allows everyone to get special offers fro free on their Birthday day, week or month just by signing up! Businesses benefit from free exposure and guests get free stuff, from a discount on clothing or a free piece of pizza to a mini-golf game, karate class, limo ride, champagne and more. Visit www.birthdaycomp.com for details.

Did you go to Quiet Waters Park last weekend? Then you experienced a culinary extravaganza called the Deerfield Wine & Food Festival. Bringing in thousands of people, this event featured food from chefs all over the tri-county area and wines from around the world at its Grand Tasting Saturday night. Friday night featured a VIP dinner with selections from Chef Angelo Morinelli of Station House Grille perfectly paired with wines from Deerfield Ranch Winery. The weekend ended with the MARTINI Jazz Bubbles & Brunch and Cruisin Classic Car Show.

Check back for even more details. In the meantime, check out www.deerfieldbeachwineandfoodfestival.com.

Looking for a place to dine in North Broward? It’s time to join FeedingFrenzee.com, a restaurant discount community and customer loyalty network which brings you events and deals from many local restaurants. Observer favorites (check out our reviews on our website) such as Hot Tomatoe, Galuppi’s and Spanx BBQ-The Hog have all partnered with FeedingFrenzee.com. The new Lighthouse Kitchen in Shoppes of Beacon Light is offering buy one get one free on crepes with your FeedingFrenzee card (get it for free at the restaurants or sign up online at FeedingFrenzee.com). Dandee Donut’s in Pompano Beach is giving 5% off if you show the card.

Diners can join the FeedingFrenzee.com community for free and get a discount card that entitles them to benefits at all restaurants in the FeedingFrenzee community. For example, dine at Galuppi’s and buy one entrée, get the second one 50% off with your card or use in Deerfield Beach at Café Med by Bice for 15% off. Amasianing in Lighthouse Point is offering free soup or eggroll with lunch/free glass of wine with dinner if you use the card.

Owned by Tinka Hooper, a Pompano Beach resident, FeedingFrenzee was started as a way to help local restaurants increase exposure to local residents and also to help them build a regular loyal following through the discount card.

“Diners love the card because they are saving at great local restaurants,” said Hooper who, together with her team custom developed the software that sends out weekly updates to diners about specials and events in the local community. “It’s really important to support local businesses and this is one way to help them grow.”

Learn more or sign up for your FeedingFrenzee card at www.feedingfrenzee.com.

This Mothers day, Sunday, May 13th Treat Mom to our special menu and a FREE glass of Wine for Mom!

This tax “free” holiday, Chipotle Mexican Grill is offering its Florida guests FREE Food With Integrity.

Simply eat at any Miami or Ft. Lauderdale Chipotle on Tuesday, August 9, or Wednesday, August 10, and save the receipt. Return any time during tax “free” weekend, August 12 – 14 and receive a free burrito, bowl, order of tacos or salad with your receipt. No charge. No tax. No strings attached.

By Andrea Freygang
I recently dined at the Deer Creek Grill out on West Hillsboro inside of Deer Creek. I wasn’t sure what to expect in terms of food and dining. My experience in the past at country club grills has been very standard, dry fare with service catering towards the older crowd, but the ambiance and crowd at the Grill was very relaxed, with people of all ages, and not just golfers either, but women convening for an afternoon lunch, couples, businessmen etc…I arrived just after noon with my husband and son who is almost two. At first, I thought bringing my son was going to be a huge mistake, but it was so nice outside, were able to sit on the patio overlooking part of the golf course and small pond with a waterfall. Despite the fact the grill didn’t seem like a place that saw many children, the staff was very obliging in helping me keep him occupied.
We instantly got drinks (sodas), crayons, and coloring book for my son. The server always tried to engage him every time she came to our table. As a former server, this impressed me because so many times servers ignore the kids and talk to the parents instead of the child. We immediately placed an order of the kid’s menu for chicken nuggets (fresh-made, not out of a box) and fries, although this was ambitious since he was more interested in his surroundings than in any food we could place in front of him. It was nice to be able to get up and walk around with our toddler who doesn’t sit still very well. Many restaurants don’t have the scenic view; instead, we are forced to look at the endless sea of concrete or cars, nor do they have a walking path to stretch your legs.
We started with a couple bowls of soup, with the offerings that day being French onion soup and Italian wedding soup. The French onion was obviously freshly prepared, full of caramelized onions and plenty of melted cheese on top. The Italian Wedding soup has plenty of vegetables and meat in it, and wasn’t so hot that I had to wait before eating.
For our entrees, I really wanted to try one of their steaks, but it was lunchtime, so I didn’t want to be an over-inflated balloon by the time we left, so I satisfied my steak craving with their Philly cheese steak sandwich and fries. Overall, the menu had simple foods, sandwiches and salads, but despite the simplicity of the menu, everything was prepared with care.
When the sandwich arrived, the hoagie roll was overflowing with chopped steak that was obviously just cooked, prepared, and lathered with onions, but not so much that the onions overpowered the meat. The meat wasn’t dried out like some sandwiches that you can tell had been sitting out a while. The fries were hot and fresh, and not overcooked. My husband ordered a cheeseburger that was easily half a pound after being cooked, not before. He ordered fresh fruit with his, which was a nice option in today’s heavily fat laden menus. He said it was obvious that everything was well prepared, and that the cooks took their time in prepping the food, but not so much time that it took forever to get a meal.
Somehow, as usual, we never made it to dessert because we were too full (good for my waistline, bad for my taste buds!). However, with appetizers and all, we were in and out of the restaurant in just under an hour, which makes it a good place to go for a business lunch or meeting, or even just a quick meal before you have to go back to work without sacrificing taste and quality for speed of service. The ambiance of the place was business casual, and the outdoor setting was nice and relaxing without being overdone.

By Lisa Cohen

For over 16 years, the Olympia Flame Diner has been serving its customers the friendliest homemade food in the area. The Katsenos family acquired the diner, which was previously a breakfast restaurant, in 1991 and they have only built upon their strong local base of customers over the years. “It’s a family place with good service, good food and good employees,” said George Katsenos, whose father originally bought the diner. And, by the number of regulars that come to eat here, they are doing it all right.
Although the menu is extensive and offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, the best seller is the Greek salad, served either with or without chicken ($8.95 with chicken, or $3.95 without). Also the Gyro Platter ($9.95) is a favorite, and comes with many sides to choose from. Prices at this local spot are very reasonable, and a children’s menu is available for simple breakfast, lunch and dinner options.
Originally from Toronto, the Katsenos family moved to Florida in 1986 and has been in the community since. Previous experience in the restaurant industry led the family to buy the building to create the Olympia. Customers can have a good breakfast for under $5, and a home cooked dinner for under $10. There are not many places that offer such a selection at these prices. “We have been here 16 years, and that speaks for itself,” said Katsenos.
Most of the employees at the diner have worked there for over six years, and three employees have worked at this same restaurant location for over 25 years. “It’s almost like you’re eating at home, and the employees know most of our customers by name,” said Katsenos. Customers are a mix of young and old, families and those daily regulars. Even the snowbirds visit consistently when they return to South Florida.
In addition to a comfortable, home-like diner atmosphere, the restaurant also offers take-out and every dish is homemade. “Our soups are made fresh and customers always get a home-cooked meal at affordable prices,” said Katsenos. Not much has changed at Olympia in the last 16 years. Much of the menu and recipes have remained consistent. Yes, off-the-menu specials are always offered, but consistency is this restaurant’s specialty. “We have so many regular customers and they like to see continuity,” said Katsenos. If it works, then why change it? The customers at this restaurant would have to agree.
Greek specialties galore, such as Spinach Pie ($5.95) and Dolmades ($9.95) fill the menu, but also seafood dishes (from $9.95), deli-style sandwiches (from $3.95), and burgers (from $3.50). There is something for everyone on this menu, and it definitely is affordable. They also offer beer and wine selections and homemade desserts to finish off the meal. The Baklava ($2.95) is a long-time favorite.
The Olympia Flame Diner is located at 80 South Federal Highway, just south of Hillsboro. They can be reached at 954-480-8402.

By Becki Coffy

If you are looking for authentic, wonderful Italian food, then look no further than Antonio’s Ristoranté in The Cove Shopping Center.  Owners Alex Poulous and Paul Ferorelli have created a little piece of Italy right here in Deerfield Beach.  As soon as my husband and I walked through the door we were greeted with the tantalizing scents of tomato, basil, garlic and fresh bread.  White tablecloths and soft colors invite you to sit and relax.  Fried calamari, mussels and calamari Antonio, scungilli salad, mozzarella sticks and homemade soups are available to start your meal.  We chose to skip the appetizers and head straight for the entree.  Before we ordered we were served a big basket of fresh garlic rolls.  The rolls can be ordered with or without garlic, but when in Rome… The rolls were soft, warm, tender and covered with fresh garlic and olive oil.

For his entrée our waitress, Alli, suggested my husband try the chicken Dijon. This chicken dish is sauteed with mushrooms and artichoke hearts and served in a white wine and Dijon mustard sauce with cream.  His meal included either soup or salad and a side of pasta with red sauce.  He chose to start with the pasta fagiloi soup that was thick with beans, pasta and a hearty broth. There are many other chicken dishes  to choose from including chicken marsala, fancese, parmagiana, and cacciatore to mention a few.   I began my meal with the garden salad.  Creamy garlic, an Italian vinegarette and creamy romano dressings are available. I tried the creamy romano and it was delicious.  Since Antonio’s is well known for its fresh fish, I decided to try one of the daily specials and ordered the snapper francese.  The fish was tender, moist and lightly breaded and cooked in a fresh lemon, broth and cream sauce.  To go with my snapper I chose the broccoli sauteed with toasted fresh garlic and olive oil and could not have been happier.  The garlic was crisp and complemented the vegetable perfectly.  My partner selected the pasta with red sauce as his side.  The homemade sauce was thick and rich and full of spices and tomatoes.  It was a wonderful deliciate sauce for his pasta.

Antonio’s menu offers veal choices such as veal milanese, marsala, francese and parmagiana.  Pasta dishes include pasta with garlic and oil, meatballs or sausage, marinara sauce, fettuccine alfredo, penne alla vodka, angel hair carbonara and more.  Shrimp scampi, fra daivolo and armando (shrimp sauteed with scallions, sun dried tomatoes, mushrooms, artichoke hearts in a rose sauce) and linguini with white or red clam sauce are just a few of the seafood dishes available.  Of course the traditional lasagna, ravioli and ziti are always a popular selection.

For a more casual dinner you may order a calzone or stromboli or try one of their homemade or specialty pizzas.  There are daily specials that should not be missed.  The night we dined at Antonio’s we could choose from snapper, tilapia and salmon.   All fish may be ordered francese or broiled.  Owner Paul Ferorelli, feels the secret to their wonderful cuisine is the consistency.  If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to try their cheesecake or any of their traditional Italian desserts such as canolli, tiarimisu and spamoni ice cream. Be sure to give this restaurant a try the first chance you get.  You will not be disappointed.  Antonio’s has been part of the Deerfield Beach community for the past 40 years. Formerly open for business in the Publix shopping plaza on Federal Hwy., Antonio’s is located at 1636 SE 3 Ct. in The Cove Shopping Center.

Fabulous food, wonderful prices and a picture-perfect view!   If this is your idea of a wonderful evening out, then make the Patio Bar and Grill on the beach in Deerfield your next stop. You will not be disappointed. The outside portion of the restaurant is open and very relaxed, while the inside is beautifully done in browns and copper tones and feels just a little more upscale casual. Inside or out, the view of the ocean is magnificent and the breeze only adds to the romance of the setting.

Manager Julian Felder accompanied us to our table and gave us some background on the restaurant. Completely remodeled and reopened in Dec.  2007, the restaurant  offers something for everyone.  Entertainment is offered nightly and begins at 1 p.m. on weekends.  The music ranges from reggae and island to top 40. They also offer a Frank Sinatra-style crooner, an acoustic guitar performer and even karaoke on Sunday nights.  Relax and listen, sing along or get up and perform.  There is something for everyone to enjoy.

The menu offers over 52 choices (excluding dessert) and 40 of these are under $10. Chef “Pat” Pasquale Lena is incredible.  He worked closely with Chef Ernie Porco to establish the extensive menu and produce many of the delicious offerings.  However, Chef Pat has continued to use his unique talent to create some signature dishes just for the Patio Bar and Grill.

Oysters Rockefeller and Clams Casino are two of the nine choices on the raw bar portion of the menu. Louisiana Shrimp Cakes were suggested as our starting appetizer. These cakes are Chef Pat’s answer to the crab cake.  They were beautifully plated and served with a remoulade sauce that offered just a touch of heat at the finish.  The Shrimp Cakes were pan seared to a crispy finish and bursting with shrimp and flavor. Next, we sampled the shrimp and crab flatbread.  Tortilla bread covered with shrimp, crab, scallions and parmesan cheese was grilled and served warm — the combination of texture and flavor was fantastic.  Finally, we ordered the steak chimi-churra crostini — flank steak on a toasted baguette drizzled with chimichurra sauce. The steak was juicy and tender, the bread crisp and the chimichurra sauce added just the right touch to make this my personal favorite of the three appetizers.  Also available on the appetizer menu are fish and chips, chicken tenders, Black Angus sliders and even gator bites for the more adventurous. Chef Pat has created more than 26 original sauces and four house dressings for the restaurant. We chose a Caesar salad made with his homemade, white balsamic Caesar dressing that was rich and creamy and a wonderful compliment to the greens.

My husband selected the gorgonzola-crusted steak–a grilled New York strip steak baked with gorgonzola and drizzled with a balsamic reduction.  The steak was tender and juicy and cooked to perfection. It was served with garlic roasted red potatoes and delicious caramelized red onions. I ordered the Hawaiian Grouper and can’t wait to return and have it again. The grouper was pan-seared and caramelized with a sweet garlic chili glaze (just a hint of heat) and accompanied by a side of spinach-and-leek mashed potatoes.  The subtle flavor mix of the spinach and leek potatoes with the mild heat of the grouper was perfect.  Just when we thought we couldn’t eat another bite, Chef Pat encouraged us to try the chocolate ganache cake.  This rich, moist cake was filled with layers of cake and chocolate mousse and topped with chocolate ganache.  It was incredibly sinful. However, we managed to finish it. You just couldn’t stop eating it.  Cheesecake, Key West tart and Bananas Foster round out the dessert selections. The Patio Bar and Grill offers a large selection of red and white wines, and champagne and sparkling wines. Appetizers, salads, soups, sandwiches, main entrees and desserts are all available on this diverse menu.  Wino Wednesdays offers a red and a white wine paired with two different entrees chosen by Chef Pat.

Assistant manager, Paul Risi, joined us for part of our dinner and then gave us a tour of the outdoor patio bar. At least half of the staff has been with the patio grill for over 15 years and it showed in the wonderful service and attentive manner in which we were treated.  Whether it’s a special occasion or just an evening out with friends, this is one local spot that is not to be missed. The Patio Bar and Grill is located across from the fishing pier on Ocean Drive in Deerfield Beach. 954-428-2850. Until we eat again…