Where to go for BREAKFAST
Get the workday, meeting, or conference off on the right foot by visiting one of these locations for breakfast.
TRADITIONAL BREAKFAST WITH A FRENCH COUNTRY FLAIR
Perfect for a power breakfast or a morning meeting, Another Broken Egg Cafe boasts upscale food at affordable prices. Originating in Louisiana, this Southern comfort breakfast haven offers more than 130 menu items for breakfast, brunch, and lunch, with a French country atmosphere. The lakeside dining room is the perfect tranquil setting for enjoying eats such as beignets, traditional eggs and omelets, crab cakes cavallo, baked Brie, blackberry grits, and their legendary monster cinnamon roll. For the perfect end to any meal, try their waffle, pancake, or French toast bananas Foster. While the Egg doesn't take reservations, all they need is two days' notice and your large meeting or event will be set.
TO ENJOY AN OCEANVIEW BRUNCH
When out-of-town colleagues are visiting over a weekend or your meeting schedule includes a Sunday, why not enjoy a nice brunch? Voted best ocean view by the St. Augustine Record, the Reef serves a Sunday brunch like no other. With space for as many as 100 guests, you can enjoy serene views of the Atlantic, indoors or oceanfront, while taking in a relaxing set of live jazz and classical guitar. But it's the food that really seals the deal. A carving station, fresh omelets, crab legs with drawn butter, fresh fruit and cheeses, and champagne keep guests coming back year after year.FOR A CLASSIC TRADITION WITH A MODERN TWIST
Sunday brunch is typically about the food, but at the Boheme Restaurant at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Orlando, its so much more than that. Proclaimed downtown Orlando's Sunday tradition, the Boheme draws many professionals out on the weekend to enjoy some eggs and maybe even do a little business. Fully equipped with contemporary jazz and an array of art, the Boheme caters to those looking for an elaborate meal with an eclectic ambience. Offerings include specialties such as house-smoked salmon, hand-rolled sushi, a chef's carving table, a raw bar, Belgian waffles, and gourmet omelets. With more than 10,000 square feet of meeting space at the hotel, the Boheme is a great start to any business retreat or weekend conference.
FOR AN ELEGANT BREAKFAST AFFAIR
Billowing white draperies and a hand-etched Venetian glass mirrored bar create an air of dramatic sophistication at the Blue Door at the Delano Hotel on South Beach. Chef Claude Troisgros creates a refined modern French cuisine with Brazilian and global influences in his signature Blue Door Benedict with sliced truffles. Guests can dine in the enchanting dining room or on the terrace overlooking the spacious hotel gardens. There are accommodations for parties of as many as 200, with room for 90 in the main dining room.
Where to go for LUNCH
Great locations across the state for a power lunch or relaxing midday meal.
IF BISTRO DINING IS WHAT YOU'RE AFTER
Tucked away in the historic San Marco district is the seasonal Mediterranean- and French-inspired Bistro Aix. Named after the French town Aix-en-Provence, Bistro Aix features 1940s brickwork and French antiques and pottery. The garden patio, accented with a murmuring fountain, oversize flowerpots, and climbing vines, is ideal for alfresco lunches reminiscent of a bistro from the south of France. Two private dining rooms can be opened up to accommodate parties of as many as 65 people for business meetings or lunches, with audiovisual equipment available. In regard to food, the warm lamb French dip with rosemary aioli, roasted peppers, Havarti cheese, and lamb jus is just one of the many selections that perfectly complement the robust wine list with more than 250 choices. The bistro's in-house pastry chef, Anita Adams, creates a daily assortment of homemade desserts. In fact, her cakes are an event all their own, and are available to order.
FEWER CALORIES WITH EXCEPTIONAL TASTE
With business lunches and dinners becoming the norm, calories can add up pretty quickly. However, Seasons 52 in Orlando has managed to create the perfect atmosphere for your meeting, without sacrificing the enjoyment of a delectable lunch. Its semiprivate dining room can accommodate 25 guests for a meeting or function. Chef Clifford Pleau, recent winner of Nation's Restaurant News' award for chef/innovator of 2007, puts his culinary skills to healthy use, creating delicious entrées with fewer calories. Dishes such as jumbo shrimp stuffed with lump crab, filet mignon, and even roasted rack of lamb weigh in at fewer than 475 calories. Known for natural cooking techniques and a seasonally changing menu, the restaurant seeks to capture the essence of good food without unhealthy side effects. Seasons 52 also has a location in Fort Lauderale.
FOR INDULGENCE AND INCOMPARABLE SCENERY
As its name implies, the swanky appeal of the Vineyard Grill at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes is its simple, chic garden-style furniture and lush surroundings. With accommodations for as many as 120 people and seating for 80 on the terrace, the grill can suit a small or large business function. The menu consists of dishes such as vine-ripe-tomato carpaccio, a filet mignon steak sandwich, and a swordfish melt. New to the position of chef de cuisine is Luis Loujan, whose expertise earned him first place in the National Young Mexican Chef Competition in 2005.
FOR OCEAN VIEWS
If you'd like to stare out at the water while sipping your beverage of choice and enjoying a relaxing business lunch, then head to the Bay View Bar & Grill. Just on the marina behind the Ritz-Carlton, the grill's patio seating is a breathe of fresh air (no pun intended) during a hectic workweek. Here you can enjoy Maine lobster quesadillas, Key West jumbo shrimp, Tall Mike's pulled-pork sandwich, or other fresh selections while cutting the next big deal.
FIRST-CLASS MIDDAY MEAL
Since it opened in May 2004, North One 10 has been attracting the likes of Tony Blair and Howie Long. Husband-and-wife team Dewey and Dale LoSasso have revamped the intimate eatery, housed in the former Il Tulipano Cenotdieci space, with warm tones of amber and tortoiseshell to keep the space inviting and modest. With seating for as many as 80 patrons, the contemporary American restaurant is a great spot for a power lunch. Whether it's privacy you're seeking or just a spot close to the bar, the back wine room can host as many as 25 and features, as the name implies, brick detailing reminiscent of a wine cellar. Fall lunch menus, starting at $22 for three courses, reflect seasonal dishes such as cool gazpachos and warm risottos created by chef LoSasso and his all-star team, including Christopher Woodard and Paul Malonson, named among 2007's best sous chefs by the Miami New Times.
EATING GOOD IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Chef Michael Schwartz has done it again with a laid-back bistro in the design district. Michael's Genuine Food and Drink, a 2,500-square-foot eatery, can accommodate 50 inside, 60 outside, and an additional 16 at the bar and four at the food bar. A separate dining with room for 30 is another option for private meetings. With rich wood accents in the bar area and 18-foot ceilings in the dining room, the decor is simple yet noteworthy. Local farm-fresh ingredients provide Schwartz's signature flare, and contemporary American fare is prepared in an open kitchen. Buyouts and off-site catering are also available.
Where to Go for DINNER
Whether you're looking to host a private dinner meeting or gala, or simply to entertain out-of-town executives and colleagues after a long workday, we've got you covered.
FINE DINING IN NORTH FLORIDA
For a more refined dinner function, head to 95 Cordova Restaurant inside the Casa Monica Hotel in St. Augustine. Nearly 10 years old, the restaurant has drawn many heads of state and V.I.P.s alike to enjoy the refined atmosphere and succulent entrées. The restaurant has personal event coordinators in-house to help you plan your meeting. Three private dining rooms, each with its own unique decor, are available for groups of 10 to 50 guests. Parties of fewer than 20 can order from the restaurant's main menu, or you can choose a customized menu made special for your event.
FRENCH CUISINE MEETS SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY
Hidden under shady oaks in the heart of Tallahassee's Midtown sits Chez Pierre, a unique French restaurant with a Southern twist. Their seasonally changing menu boasts items such as the ahi tuna salad nicoise, roast duckling atop baby arugula, and an open-faced prosciutto sandwich with Brie and basil jam. The restaurant's most recent add-on, 2Chez, an outdoor grill and full-service bar, is the perfect place to go if you want a livelier version of the neighborhood brasserie. For private dining, guests can choose from eight locations for anywhere from 14 to 250 people. Banquet menus are available, as well as assistance with planning, audiovisual equipment, decorations, and music. As the menu reads, "Bon appetit, y'all!"
FLORIDA'S FINEST
Citrus Restaurant, the latest from the Urban Life Management Restaurant Group, opened last May in the uptown district of downtown Orlando. The restaurant features a uniquely crafted menu of regionally inspired New American cuisine in a relaxingly chic atmosphere. Your group may enjoy starting with the smoked salmon and Brie fondue. For dinner, sample one of their signature dishes, such as the bacon-wrapped Maine scallops with sweet-potato corn hash and pineapple-mint chutney. Their private dining room can hold as many as 50 guests for dinner or 70 for a cocktail reception, and features state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment. For a more intimate gathering and a special experience, a chef's table is available in a semiprivate room for as many as 10 guests, and features custom menu items.
MEAL FIT FOR A CELEBRITY
Emeril Lagasse is best known for his namesake restaurants across the country, New Orleans cuisine, and his signature "Bam!" However, Cajun food isn't all the famous chef can create. At his Orlando restaurant Tchoup Chop (pronounced "chop-chop"), Emeril blends Cajun flavors with Polynesian and Asian influences to truly take your palate on an adventure—dishes such as the ginger barbecued Gulf shrimp with steamed rice and crunchy wontons give you an idea. Tchoup Chop is available for buyouts and can accommodate 300 guests, or you can reserve the Sunset Room for a dinner party of 80 or cocktail reception of 125. Floral arrangements, invitations, and audiovisual equipment, along with live entertainment and more, are all additional options that can be included with your reservation.
FOR AN ELEGANT EVENING
Overlooking the Sarasota Bay, Pattigeorge's is great for a large dinner function of 150 or a more private meeting of 40. The beautiful bay views, international cuisine, and flexible meeting space make this restaurant ideal for an elegant business dinner. Some of the chef's signature dishes include yellowfin tuna, Thai green curry red snapper filets, and fedelini with Manila clams. Special accommodations for large groups include bus parking, a free meal for your driver or escort, and a specialized group menu, as well as off-site catering.
A TASTE OF NEW ORLEANS
Straight from New Orleans comes chef Alex Patout, one of the top hot 25 chefs in America, according to Food & Wine magazine. Patout brings his culinary expertise to Christabelle's Quarter, the hot New Orleanian restaurant recently opened in Coconut Grove. The brainchild of John El-Masry and Kim Koch, Christabelle's combines the best of Cajun and Creole cooking. Dishes like seafood gumbo, Louisiana crawfish étouffée, and Cajun stuffed mushrooms are just a few of the mouthwatering options. Christabelle's offers private dinner menus for groups with a minimum of 50 people, as well as special bar packages and pricing.
RESERVATION FOR 170 PLEASE
The product of Robert De Niro and Agostino Sciandri, Ago Restaurant is the ultimate in sophisticated and upscale dining on South Beach. With a private dining room for 70 and a large terrace for as many as 170, Ago is ready to host your dinner soiree or cocktail party. When it comes to the food, the restaurant recommends family-style dining to ensure that all your guests get to sample the many offerings, including homemade ravioli and the signature bistecca alla fiorentina (T-bone steak), expertly cooked in a brick oven grill. Personalized group menus are available, as well as catering for large groups in the indoor dining room.
Where to go for DRINKS
Great locations across the state for after-work cocktails or a fine wine experience.
FOR WINE CONNOISSEURS AND NOVICES
Recently opened in Jacksonville, Tastings: A Wine Experience is a perfect locale for aficionados and novices alike to enjoy a fine glass of vino. The bar stores more than 100 bottles of wines and has one of the largest selections in the world of wines-by-the-taste. Should your tastings prove to be extra enticing—as the owners expect them to be—all of the wines are available by the bottle for you to take home. Or, uncork it right at your table and share with all of your colleagues. The entire stock of wine is available by the taste, glass, or bottle, and there is an additional location in St. Petersburg.
AFTER-WORK COCKTAIL, ANYONE?
Jacksonville's hottest happy hour spot, the Twisted Martini, has just opened its newest location in Ponte Vedra Beach. Folio Weekly named the Jacksonville location best after-work bar, a fitting title as the bar hosts a large number of corporate professionals who unwind there at the end of the day. It may not take long for the Ponte Vedra location to join the rankings. In particular, stop by for the best martinis in the city, as determined by Jacksonville Magazine. With rave reviews like that and a wide selection of tapas on hand, who wouldn't want to get a little bit twisted?
SCENIC VIEWS WHILE SIPPING COCKTAILS
Want to take your entertaining skills not just up a notch, but straight through the roof? Then head to Sky 60, a hot rooftop bar in Orlando. Outfitted with cozy cabanas, killer drinks, mood lighting, and the perfect tunes, Sky 60 is the place to be for those over 30, according to CitySearch. If you're tired of visiting the same old bars, but still jonesing for a smart cocktail after work, take it to the roof at Sky 60.
CHANNEL CUBA WITHOUT LEAVING MIAMI
The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne unveiled its newest endeavor with the opening of RumBar. This Havana-inspired bar features more than 50 selections of rum from 18 countries. While you enjoy your foray, sample some of the appetizers and main courses available on the menu, such as sugarcane prawns and mini short-rib burgers. For the cigar lover, RumBar is equipped with humidors fully stocked with a selection of stogies. Additionally, V.I.P. rum lockers are available. Nostalgia, RumBar's five-piece Latin band, is on hand on select nights for your listening pleasure.
FOR THE ULTIMATE SOUTH BEACH EXPERIENCE
If you really want to get a taste of what South Beach is like, head over to the Big Drink Island at the Clevelander Hotel. On Ocean Drive, the hotel is currently undergoing renovations to make it bigger and better in 2008. Friday happy hour, however, is just as thriving now as it's always been. There is a band on hand every night to entertain, with showgirl performances on Mondays; and Tuesdays are designated ladies' nights.
LOW-KEY WINE WITH AN UPSCALE VIBE
The only thing better than one taste of wine is three. The Grape, which opened in February in Coral Gables, is a posh wine bar that features more than 120 wines available by the splash, glass, or bottle. A favorite for all patrons is the Grapes by the Bunch tasting flight, where guests can peruse the extensive menu and select three or more wines to sample in 2.5-ounce glasses—something that would make any corporate gathering a good time. The signature wine classifications list, which ranks each wine by taste and color, is helpful to novices and experts alike. Each of the gourmet appetizers, salads, spreads, and desserts can be perfectly paired with a recommended wine for the ultimate tasting experience. The Grape also features live music on Thursdays and Saturdays until 11 p.m. All of the wines are on display and available for purchase.
FOR AUTHENTIC BLUES
Fully equipped with a ticket booth, beer coolers, a jukebox, and the owner's personal collection of about 700 cocktail shakers, here comes the Bamboo Room blues bar in Lake Worth. The walls are lined with animal heads and artwork depicting great blues pioneers, and the stage regularly features live music from the genre. Call ahead and reserve a table, or come early with your coworkers to ensure a good seat. Voted best live music in AOL's City's Best awards for 2007, this old-school bar serves cocktails, wine, and an extensive selection of beers.
Where to go for FUN
We've found a variety of ways and places across the state to get executives, out-of-town colleagues, and local staff mixing and mingling.
FOR A STEALTHY ADVENTURE
Ready to forget work and cut loose? Then Paintball Adventures in Jacksonville may be just what you need to get your execs and staff having fun together. As many as 250 people can participate in the adventure at once. In the tactical training program, former and current law enforcement and military instructors lead you through a hostage negotiation and rescue exercise, then cover pursuit, and even evasive driving on their closed course. Paintball Adventures' newest location opened in June with seven scenario fields in the woods, and two inflatable paintball fields. If you'd like the party brought to your doorstep, Paintball Adventures can accommodate you with three portable speedball courses and a pop-up target range.
COMPETITION NEVER TASTED SO GOOD
CHeF Andy, responsible for the revamping of Michael Jordan's "23" restaurant menu in North Carolina and many other South Florida five-star properties, has brought his stellar reputation for exceptional food and casual elegance to the consumer. As many as 25 people can participate in this one-of-a-kind culinary competition, based out of Orlando. Before the challenge begins, participants are divided into teams, and Chef Andy lays out the ground rules, and gives instructions on safety, sanitation, and good knife skills, plus tips on how to create the perfect meal. The judging criteria for each team include communication, timing, creativity, and of course, taste. After judging, it's time to sample the results and enjoy the fruits of each team's labor. Starting at $75 per person, the price includes groceries, cooking materials, and the facility and instructor fee.
A TWIST ON BEACH VOLLEYBALL
If a little physical exertion and some healthy competition is needed, gather your group, split into teams, and get ready to sweat. Nightspiker Black Light Volleyball puts a new spin on beach volleyball by using black lights to illuminate the net, boundaries, volleyball, and players' clothing. To really up the glow factor, florescent body paint is provided at all events for players to slather on, which can add a humorous element to your party. Nightspiker is a great activity for something a bit out of the ordinary that's easy fun. After all, when the boss is decked out in bright pink glow paint, it could keep the office talking—or laughing—for days.
FLICKS IN THE PARK
Going to the movies seems like a usual Sunday afternoon retreat, right? Well, at Sunset Cinema in Miami, there's nothing usual about watching a movie. Near the bay and under the stars, a 60-foot blow-up movie screen is erected on the grass with lawn chairs ready for moviegoers to enjoy a relaxing (or heart-pumping) movie in the great outdoors. Restrooms are available, and there's a large grassy area for dinner tables or a tent, as well as a concession stand, though you are permitted to bring your own food and drink. Additionally, the cinema section of the park can be rented for a private screening. The scheduled show season begins November 9.
Get the workday, meeting, or conference off on the right foot by visiting one of these locations for breakfast.
TRADITIONAL BREAKFAST WITH A FRENCH COUNTRY FLAIR
Perfect for a power breakfast or a morning meeting, Another Broken Egg Cafe boasts upscale food at affordable prices. Originating in Louisiana, this Southern comfort breakfast haven offers more than 130 menu items for breakfast, brunch, and lunch, with a French country atmosphere. The lakeside dining room is the perfect tranquil setting for enjoying eats such as beignets, traditional eggs and omelets, crab cakes cavallo, baked Brie, blackberry grits, and their legendary monster cinnamon roll. For the perfect end to any meal, try their waffle, pancake, or French toast bananas Foster. While the Egg doesn't take reservations, all they need is two days' notice and your large meeting or event will be set.
TO ENJOY AN OCEANVIEW BRUNCH
When out-of-town colleagues are visiting over a weekend or your meeting schedule includes a Sunday, why not enjoy a nice brunch? Voted best ocean view by the St. Augustine Record, the Reef serves a Sunday brunch like no other. With space for as many as 100 guests, you can enjoy serene views of the Atlantic, indoors or oceanfront, while taking in a relaxing set of live jazz and classical guitar. But it's the food that really seals the deal. A carving station, fresh omelets, crab legs with drawn butter, fresh fruit and cheeses, and champagne keep guests coming back year after year.FOR A CLASSIC TRADITION WITH A MODERN TWIST
Sunday brunch is typically about the food, but at the Boheme Restaurant at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Orlando, its so much more than that. Proclaimed downtown Orlando's Sunday tradition, the Boheme draws many professionals out on the weekend to enjoy some eggs and maybe even do a little business. Fully equipped with contemporary jazz and an array of art, the Boheme caters to those looking for an elaborate meal with an eclectic ambience. Offerings include specialties such as house-smoked salmon, hand-rolled sushi, a chef's carving table, a raw bar, Belgian waffles, and gourmet omelets. With more than 10,000 square feet of meeting space at the hotel, the Boheme is a great start to any business retreat or weekend conference.
FOR AN ELEGANT BREAKFAST AFFAIR
Billowing white draperies and a hand-etched Venetian glass mirrored bar create an air of dramatic sophistication at the Blue Door at the Delano Hotel on South Beach. Chef Claude Troisgros creates a refined modern French cuisine with Brazilian and global influences in his signature Blue Door Benedict with sliced truffles. Guests can dine in the enchanting dining room or on the terrace overlooking the spacious hotel gardens. There are accommodations for parties of as many as 200, with room for 90 in the main dining room.
Where to go for LUNCH
Great locations across the state for a power lunch or relaxing midday meal.
IF BISTRO DINING IS WHAT YOU'RE AFTER
Tucked away in the historic San Marco district is the seasonal Mediterranean- and French-inspired Bistro Aix. Named after the French town Aix-en-Provence, Bistro Aix features 1940s brickwork and French antiques and pottery. The garden patio, accented with a murmuring fountain, oversize flowerpots, and climbing vines, is ideal for alfresco lunches reminiscent of a bistro from the south of France. Two private dining rooms can be opened up to accommodate parties of as many as 65 people for business meetings or lunches, with audiovisual equipment available. In regard to food, the warm lamb French dip with rosemary aioli, roasted peppers, Havarti cheese, and lamb jus is just one of the many selections that perfectly complement the robust wine list with more than 250 choices. The bistro's in-house pastry chef, Anita Adams, creates a daily assortment of homemade desserts. In fact, her cakes are an event all their own, and are available to order.
FEWER CALORIES WITH EXCEPTIONAL TASTE
With business lunches and dinners becoming the norm, calories can add up pretty quickly. However, Seasons 52 in Orlando has managed to create the perfect atmosphere for your meeting, without sacrificing the enjoyment of a delectable lunch. Its semiprivate dining room can accommodate 25 guests for a meeting or function. Chef Clifford Pleau, recent winner of Nation's Restaurant News' award for chef/innovator of 2007, puts his culinary skills to healthy use, creating delicious entrées with fewer calories. Dishes such as jumbo shrimp stuffed with lump crab, filet mignon, and even roasted rack of lamb weigh in at fewer than 475 calories. Known for natural cooking techniques and a seasonally changing menu, the restaurant seeks to capture the essence of good food without unhealthy side effects. Seasons 52 also has a location in Fort Lauderale.
FOR INDULGENCE AND INCOMPARABLE SCENERY
As its name implies, the swanky appeal of the Vineyard Grill at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes is its simple, chic garden-style furniture and lush surroundings. With accommodations for as many as 120 people and seating for 80 on the terrace, the grill can suit a small or large business function. The menu consists of dishes such as vine-ripe-tomato carpaccio, a filet mignon steak sandwich, and a swordfish melt. New to the position of chef de cuisine is Luis Loujan, whose expertise earned him first place in the National Young Mexican Chef Competition in 2005.
FOR OCEAN VIEWS
If you'd like to stare out at the water while sipping your beverage of choice and enjoying a relaxing business lunch, then head to the Bay View Bar & Grill. Just on the marina behind the Ritz-Carlton, the grill's patio seating is a breathe of fresh air (no pun intended) during a hectic workweek. Here you can enjoy Maine lobster quesadillas, Key West jumbo shrimp, Tall Mike's pulled-pork sandwich, or other fresh selections while cutting the next big deal.
FIRST-CLASS MIDDAY MEAL
Since it opened in May 2004, North One 10 has been attracting the likes of Tony Blair and Howie Long. Husband-and-wife team Dewey and Dale LoSasso have revamped the intimate eatery, housed in the former Il Tulipano Cenotdieci space, with warm tones of amber and tortoiseshell to keep the space inviting and modest. With seating for as many as 80 patrons, the contemporary American restaurant is a great spot for a power lunch. Whether it's privacy you're seeking or just a spot close to the bar, the back wine room can host as many as 25 and features, as the name implies, brick detailing reminiscent of a wine cellar. Fall lunch menus, starting at $22 for three courses, reflect seasonal dishes such as cool gazpachos and warm risottos created by chef LoSasso and his all-star team, including Christopher Woodard and Paul Malonson, named among 2007's best sous chefs by the Miami New Times.
EATING GOOD IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Chef Michael Schwartz has done it again with a laid-back bistro in the design district. Michael's Genuine Food and Drink, a 2,500-square-foot eatery, can accommodate 50 inside, 60 outside, and an additional 16 at the bar and four at the food bar. A separate dining with room for 30 is another option for private meetings. With rich wood accents in the bar area and 18-foot ceilings in the dining room, the decor is simple yet noteworthy. Local farm-fresh ingredients provide Schwartz's signature flare, and contemporary American fare is prepared in an open kitchen. Buyouts and off-site catering are also available.
Where to Go for DINNER
Whether you're looking to host a private dinner meeting or gala, or simply to entertain out-of-town executives and colleagues after a long workday, we've got you covered.
FINE DINING IN NORTH FLORIDA
For a more refined dinner function, head to 95 Cordova Restaurant inside the Casa Monica Hotel in St. Augustine. Nearly 10 years old, the restaurant has drawn many heads of state and V.I.P.s alike to enjoy the refined atmosphere and succulent entrées. The restaurant has personal event coordinators in-house to help you plan your meeting. Three private dining rooms, each with its own unique decor, are available for groups of 10 to 50 guests. Parties of fewer than 20 can order from the restaurant's main menu, or you can choose a customized menu made special for your event.
FRENCH CUISINE MEETS SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY
Hidden under shady oaks in the heart of Tallahassee's Midtown sits Chez Pierre, a unique French restaurant with a Southern twist. Their seasonally changing menu boasts items such as the ahi tuna salad nicoise, roast duckling atop baby arugula, and an open-faced prosciutto sandwich with Brie and basil jam. The restaurant's most recent add-on, 2Chez, an outdoor grill and full-service bar, is the perfect place to go if you want a livelier version of the neighborhood brasserie. For private dining, guests can choose from eight locations for anywhere from 14 to 250 people. Banquet menus are available, as well as assistance with planning, audiovisual equipment, decorations, and music. As the menu reads, "Bon appetit, y'all!"
FLORIDA'S FINEST
Citrus Restaurant, the latest from the Urban Life Management Restaurant Group, opened last May in the uptown district of downtown Orlando. The restaurant features a uniquely crafted menu of regionally inspired New American cuisine in a relaxingly chic atmosphere. Your group may enjoy starting with the smoked salmon and Brie fondue. For dinner, sample one of their signature dishes, such as the bacon-wrapped Maine scallops with sweet-potato corn hash and pineapple-mint chutney. Their private dining room can hold as many as 50 guests for dinner or 70 for a cocktail reception, and features state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment. For a more intimate gathering and a special experience, a chef's table is available in a semiprivate room for as many as 10 guests, and features custom menu items.
MEAL FIT FOR A CELEBRITY
Emeril Lagasse is best known for his namesake restaurants across the country, New Orleans cuisine, and his signature "Bam!" However, Cajun food isn't all the famous chef can create. At his Orlando restaurant Tchoup Chop (pronounced "chop-chop"), Emeril blends Cajun flavors with Polynesian and Asian influences to truly take your palate on an adventure—dishes such as the ginger barbecued Gulf shrimp with steamed rice and crunchy wontons give you an idea. Tchoup Chop is available for buyouts and can accommodate 300 guests, or you can reserve the Sunset Room for a dinner party of 80 or cocktail reception of 125. Floral arrangements, invitations, and audiovisual equipment, along with live entertainment and more, are all additional options that can be included with your reservation.
FOR AN ELEGANT EVENING
Overlooking the Sarasota Bay, Pattigeorge's is great for a large dinner function of 150 or a more private meeting of 40. The beautiful bay views, international cuisine, and flexible meeting space make this restaurant ideal for an elegant business dinner. Some of the chef's signature dishes include yellowfin tuna, Thai green curry red snapper filets, and fedelini with Manila clams. Special accommodations for large groups include bus parking, a free meal for your driver or escort, and a specialized group menu, as well as off-site catering.
A TASTE OF NEW ORLEANS
Straight from New Orleans comes chef Alex Patout, one of the top hot 25 chefs in America, according to Food & Wine magazine. Patout brings his culinary expertise to Christabelle's Quarter, the hot New Orleanian restaurant recently opened in Coconut Grove. The brainchild of John El-Masry and Kim Koch, Christabelle's combines the best of Cajun and Creole cooking. Dishes like seafood gumbo, Louisiana crawfish étouffée, and Cajun stuffed mushrooms are just a few of the mouthwatering options. Christabelle's offers private dinner menus for groups with a minimum of 50 people, as well as special bar packages and pricing.
RESERVATION FOR 170 PLEASE
The product of Robert De Niro and Agostino Sciandri, Ago Restaurant is the ultimate in sophisticated and upscale dining on South Beach. With a private dining room for 70 and a large terrace for as many as 170, Ago is ready to host your dinner soiree or cocktail party. When it comes to the food, the restaurant recommends family-style dining to ensure that all your guests get to sample the many offerings, including homemade ravioli and the signature bistecca alla fiorentina (T-bone steak), expertly cooked in a brick oven grill. Personalized group menus are available, as well as catering for large groups in the indoor dining room.
Where to go for DRINKS
Great locations across the state for after-work cocktails or a fine wine experience.
FOR WINE CONNOISSEURS AND NOVICES
Recently opened in Jacksonville, Tastings: A Wine Experience is a perfect locale for aficionados and novices alike to enjoy a fine glass of vino. The bar stores more than 100 bottles of wines and has one of the largest selections in the world of wines-by-the-taste. Should your tastings prove to be extra enticing—as the owners expect them to be—all of the wines are available by the bottle for you to take home. Or, uncork it right at your table and share with all of your colleagues. The entire stock of wine is available by the taste, glass, or bottle, and there is an additional location in St. Petersburg.
AFTER-WORK COCKTAIL, ANYONE?
Jacksonville's hottest happy hour spot, the Twisted Martini, has just opened its newest location in Ponte Vedra Beach. Folio Weekly named the Jacksonville location best after-work bar, a fitting title as the bar hosts a large number of corporate professionals who unwind there at the end of the day. It may not take long for the Ponte Vedra location to join the rankings. In particular, stop by for the best martinis in the city, as determined by Jacksonville Magazine. With rave reviews like that and a wide selection of tapas on hand, who wouldn't want to get a little bit twisted?
SCENIC VIEWS WHILE SIPPING COCKTAILS
Want to take your entertaining skills not just up a notch, but straight through the roof? Then head to Sky 60, a hot rooftop bar in Orlando. Outfitted with cozy cabanas, killer drinks, mood lighting, and the perfect tunes, Sky 60 is the place to be for those over 30, according to CitySearch. If you're tired of visiting the same old bars, but still jonesing for a smart cocktail after work, take it to the roof at Sky 60.
CHANNEL CUBA WITHOUT LEAVING MIAMI
The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne unveiled its newest endeavor with the opening of RumBar. This Havana-inspired bar features more than 50 selections of rum from 18 countries. While you enjoy your foray, sample some of the appetizers and main courses available on the menu, such as sugarcane prawns and mini short-rib burgers. For the cigar lover, RumBar is equipped with humidors fully stocked with a selection of stogies. Additionally, V.I.P. rum lockers are available. Nostalgia, RumBar's five-piece Latin band, is on hand on select nights for your listening pleasure.
FOR THE ULTIMATE SOUTH BEACH EXPERIENCE
If you really want to get a taste of what South Beach is like, head over to the Big Drink Island at the Clevelander Hotel. On Ocean Drive, the hotel is currently undergoing renovations to make it bigger and better in 2008. Friday happy hour, however, is just as thriving now as it's always been. There is a band on hand every night to entertain, with showgirl performances on Mondays; and Tuesdays are designated ladies' nights.
LOW-KEY WINE WITH AN UPSCALE VIBE
The only thing better than one taste of wine is three. The Grape, which opened in February in Coral Gables, is a posh wine bar that features more than 120 wines available by the splash, glass, or bottle. A favorite for all patrons is the Grapes by the Bunch tasting flight, where guests can peruse the extensive menu and select three or more wines to sample in 2.5-ounce glasses—something that would make any corporate gathering a good time. The signature wine classifications list, which ranks each wine by taste and color, is helpful to novices and experts alike. Each of the gourmet appetizers, salads, spreads, and desserts can be perfectly paired with a recommended wine for the ultimate tasting experience. The Grape also features live music on Thursdays and Saturdays until 11 p.m. All of the wines are on display and available for purchase.
FOR AUTHENTIC BLUES
Fully equipped with a ticket booth, beer coolers, a jukebox, and the owner's personal collection of about 700 cocktail shakers, here comes the Bamboo Room blues bar in Lake Worth. The walls are lined with animal heads and artwork depicting great blues pioneers, and the stage regularly features live music from the genre. Call ahead and reserve a table, or come early with your coworkers to ensure a good seat. Voted best live music in AOL's City's Best awards for 2007, this old-school bar serves cocktails, wine, and an extensive selection of beers.
Where to go for FUN
We've found a variety of ways and places across the state to get executives, out-of-town colleagues, and local staff mixing and mingling.
FOR A STEALTHY ADVENTURE
Ready to forget work and cut loose? Then Paintball Adventures in Jacksonville may be just what you need to get your execs and staff having fun together. As many as 250 people can participate in the adventure at once. In the tactical training program, former and current law enforcement and military instructors lead you through a hostage negotiation and rescue exercise, then cover pursuit, and even evasive driving on their closed course. Paintball Adventures' newest location opened in June with seven scenario fields in the woods, and two inflatable paintball fields. If you'd like the party brought to your doorstep, Paintball Adventures can accommodate you with three portable speedball courses and a pop-up target range.
COMPETITION NEVER TASTED SO GOOD
CHeF Andy, responsible for the revamping of Michael Jordan's "23" restaurant menu in North Carolina and many other South Florida five-star properties, has brought his stellar reputation for exceptional food and casual elegance to the consumer. As many as 25 people can participate in this one-of-a-kind culinary competition, based out of Orlando. Before the challenge begins, participants are divided into teams, and Chef Andy lays out the ground rules, and gives instructions on safety, sanitation, and good knife skills, plus tips on how to create the perfect meal. The judging criteria for each team include communication, timing, creativity, and of course, taste. After judging, it's time to sample the results and enjoy the fruits of each team's labor. Starting at $75 per person, the price includes groceries, cooking materials, and the facility and instructor fee.
A TWIST ON BEACH VOLLEYBALL
If a little physical exertion and some healthy competition is needed, gather your group, split into teams, and get ready to sweat. Nightspiker Black Light Volleyball puts a new spin on beach volleyball by using black lights to illuminate the net, boundaries, volleyball, and players' clothing. To really up the glow factor, florescent body paint is provided at all events for players to slather on, which can add a humorous element to your party. Nightspiker is a great activity for something a bit out of the ordinary that's easy fun. After all, when the boss is decked out in bright pink glow paint, it could keep the office talking—or laughing—for days.
FLICKS IN THE PARK
Going to the movies seems like a usual Sunday afternoon retreat, right? Well, at Sunset Cinema in Miami, there's nothing usual about watching a movie. Near the bay and under the stars, a 60-foot blow-up movie screen is erected on the grass with lawn chairs ready for moviegoers to enjoy a relaxing (or heart-pumping) movie in the great outdoors. Restrooms are available, and there's a large grassy area for dinner tables or a tent, as well as a concession stand, though you are permitted to bring your own food and drink. Additionally, the cinema section of the park can be rented for a private screening. The scheduled show season begins November 9.
Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
Joseph Pessar
Christabelle's Quarter
China Grill Management
Michael Frencha
Tchoup Chop
Grand Bohemian Hotel