Flounder's Chowder House
800 Quietwater Beach Road 850/932-2003
Web: flounderschowderhouse.com
Take the menu advice to "Eat, Drink And Flounder" in this fun setting by starting with some Diesel Fuel, a high-octane tropical drink great with beer-boiled shrimp or seafood nachos, followed by fresh-caught Pensacola grouper, mahi-mahi or tuna. Lunch, $6 to $13. Dinner, $12 to $20.
TALLAHASSEE
Cypress Restaurant
320 E. Tennessee St. 850/513-1100
Web: cypressrestaurant.com
Tallahassee natives David (Culinary Institute of America grad) and Elizabeth Gwynn returned home after working the kitchens of Golden Sapoon winner Criolla's and the legendary Mansion on Turtle Creek in Dallas to add mightily to the joys of dining out in our capital, serving "sophisticated Southern regional cuisine." Lunch, $7 to $12. Dinner, $19 to $27.
ORLANDO
Hue
629 E. Central Blvd. 407/849-1800
Web: huerestaurant.com
The show-stopping martinis are only the beginning of the excitement. Oysters with wasabi caviar, lobster bisque and tamari roast duck are also standouts as is everything else -- including the service. Lunch, $10 to $20. Dinner, $20 to $34.
TAMPA
The Laughing Cat
1820 N. 15th St. 813/241-2998
Chef Franco LoRe has worked the world since the '60s, and he brings his experience to this little Italian oasis, overflowing with a huge luncheon buffet ($8.95) and a dinner menu (available at lunchtime also) reflecting all his previous posts. Dinner, $8 to $40.
FORT LAUDERDALE
Casablanca Cafe
A1A and Alhambra Street 954/764-3500
A model of adaptive restoration, a two-story reminder of the simpler past with patio panoramas of the beach, stimulating sidewalk people parade and marvelous Mediterranean/American menu skillfully executed by a highly competent kitchen. Lunch, $8 to $14. Dinner, $17 to $25.