#8 Amar (Downtown Delray): This authentic Lebanese bistro runs two neighborhood bakeries churning out hot fresh pita for its Turkish-, Arab- and French-influenced food, resplendent with lamb, lemons, garlic, chick peas, seeds and unique spices. Nicolas Kurban, hospitality exec with celebrity chefs (Thomas Keller, Wolfgang Puck), brings his hometown best. Our favorite: Fried Kibbe: beef, bulghur wheat and pine nut croquettes, with mint-cucumber yogurt. Try Hummus with Lamb (fabulous!); creamy, smoky eggplant Baba Ghanouj; Fattouch, salad mixed with toasted pita chips and sumac-pomegranate vinaigrette; and Arnabeet Mekle, fried cauliflower, almonds and raisins in spicy tahini. Add Grilled Lamb Chops, Almaza beer, Tahini Dark Chocolate Cake…and go home to nap.
#7 Casa d’Angelo (Downtown Boca): Self-taught chef Angelo Elia balances southern rusticity with Tuscan elegance and artisanal products. Highlights: Bruschetta, olives and delicious breads; Crispy fried cheese-stuffed zucchini flowers; pancetta-wrapped jumbo tiger prawns with garlic & oil broccoli rabe; Paccheri (large rigatoni) with pan-fried eggplant, Tuscan Pecorino and basil tomato sauce; and Bucatini “Cacio & Pepe” pasta with ricotta, salt, tiny hot peppers, and 10 oz. of Maine lobster medallions. Add fire-grillied seafood or char-grilled meats (Chicken with Tuscan potatoes, one lb. Veal Chop, or Rack of Colorado Lamb). Espresso and pistachio Tartufo are la dolce finale to a lovely dinner.
