AURA
Michael Bilton ( a founding partner of 32 East ) has opened his own restaurant. Located off swanky Atlantic Avenue is Aura. This American Bistro is a casual, yet sophisticated dining venue. Chef Lee Price has put together an eclectic global cuisine that is diverse enough to satisfy all tastes. The main dining room, is corridor-like in appearance. Patrons sit in parrarell tables across from each other, creating a private yet festive atmoshphere. To wet my whistle I indulged in one of the Dozen Flavoured Martinis, my date had a glass of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. For my starter I sampled the house-made lobster dumpling, made with fresh, brie,apple and sage and finished with a brown butter sauce, it was very tasty, as was the Steamed Artichoke served with Roasted Garlic Butter. The vast menue offered prime steaks, chops and pultry. I went for the Prime N.Y.Strip served medium, it was served with Lyonnaise Potatoes, Carmelized Pearl onions & Big red Zine Sauce. My date preffered seafood and ordered the Steamed Herb Crusted Halibut Provencal ( Alaskan Halibut ) served with a Lemon Pesto Broth, Fennel, Asparagus, Pearl Onions,Teardrop Tomatoes, Heirloom Poatatoes & Caperberries. She was very satisfied. Despite our belts tightening we had to have dessert. We sampled a triple layered chocolate cake and the creme brulee'. With Jazzy tunes billowing thoughout their was no sense in leaving. AURA has a jumping bar scene, both inside and outback. We gave AURA 4 thumbs up. Located : 290 East Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. (561) 243-2686 $$$

THE FOURM BAR & GRILLE
Owners Brent Eddy, Cecil Choksi & Tim Passinos have revamped the space formerly occupied by the Crazy Horse Tavern into a sophisticated yet relaxed dining venue. Arriving at The Forum for the first time with my two lovely friends ( and a ravenous appetite) we were greeted with a warm reception and seated in a spacious booth. Before I could blink we were served Lahvosh with a Creamy Spinach Spread , a welcome reprieve from the mundacity of standard bread rolls. For an appetizer I decided on the Forum Quesadillas. Filled with Marinated Chicken, Smoked Gouda, Sweet Peppers and Carmelized Onions, layered between Crisp Golden Tortillas, served with assorted dipping sauces they were simply delightful. For my main course I had The Forum Gorganzola Steak, a Tender N.Y.Strip, with Sayteed Mushrooms and "Gorganzola Cheese", Chargrilled to perfection, served with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Fried Onion. One of my dates had the special, It was an Asparagus & Tomato Fettucini and came in a very generous portion. My other date had the Blackened Mahi, served with rice. We were all very pleased with our meals and sampled one anothers. We were so full after dinner that we bypassed the amazing desert menu, but we did have a couple of the gourmet coffee's. The Forum Bar and Grille is also an ideall place for on the go executives looking for a quick bite at the bar or conducting a semi formal business lunch.
Located : 1649 Forum Place, West Palm Beach. Phone (561) 683-4494 $$

RACHELS World Class Men's Club & Steak House
I'd have to say one of the most entertaining dining experiences one's ever going to have. Besides the visually stimulating ambiance that most men enjoy ( and some women ) the food is not to be overshadowed. We started off with some appetizers, the Shrimp Rachel is allways consistent with its Jumbo size shrimp served with a tasty Habanero sauce, and the Lobster Bisque had a rich creamy texture with a puff pastry dome. Our Caeser and the Spinach salads were fresh and crisp. Known as a Steak House It was a no-brainer to order as my main course some beef. I ordered a 16oz. Prime Strip medium and for a side the alacarte' Lyonnaise Potatoes. From the first bite I realized I was eating the best steak I'd ever eaten. I never imagined a steak could be so good. My guest went for the a more surf to my turf main course. She was delighted by the size of the Australian Cold Water lobster tail, that came served with a cup of warm butter ( I guess size does matter ). For desert we finished up with a banana cream pastry. After dinner we opted to stay and soaked up the sights. The ladies of Rachel's rival that of any Las Vegas Cabaret. Ohh, and for anyone looking for a great lunching destination, the daily buffet is a fantastic deal, as its spread covers everything, from poultry, fish, Roast Beef, a large salad bar, potatoes, soups & fresh pastries.
Located: 2905 45th Street, West Palm Beach. Phone: (561) 616-9600 .
Ask for Greg or Danny .$$$$