Cooper Avenue, South Beach

Went to Cooper Avenue in South Beach last week.

http://cooperavenue.com/

It was a large, trendy new restaurant just north of Lincoln Road just behind the new H&M store.

Seems like they also have a 'buffet style' lunch offering.

The restaurant was mostly empty which is normally a bad sign but I think people just don't know about this yet for dinner.

Everything was very good but not that memorable. I can't even remember what I had or what it cost.

7.5/10.

I'll probably try it again one day.

Casa D'Angelo, Ft. Lauderdale

Went to Casa D’Angelo last night in Ft. Lauderdale just north on Sunrise on US #1.

http://www.casa-d-angelo.com/

I had been there is 2006 but for some reason it was not memorable. BOY WAS I WRONG in 2006.

To start with, during the waiter’s reading of the specials I was advised that my first grandson was born so obviously it will be memorable this time. Every single dish was simply amazing and the service was as good.

The meatballs were as good as I’ve had as was the veal chop with cheese in a mushroom sauce. Mona-Lee’s branzino was equally as good and the apple tart dessert reminded me of the same dessert at the old Mark’s on Los Olas.

All in all it was easily a 10/10. As good Italian as I’ve ever eaten including Valentinos.

I will definitely go back.

Meal was $190 with drinks. I actually had my first glass of Champagne.