Going to Gulfstream for the Donn
 

I'm taking the money I would have been wagering on Gulfstream, but can't thanks to the Mid-Atlantic/Tracknet fiaso, and getting on a plane. My buddy has a condo in Ft. Lauderdale and said, come on down. The only bumout is Hialeah will be closed.

Any advice for first time at Gulfstream? Any must visit restaurants? What about the track itself? Anything I have to see, do, eat or drink while there?

This is going to be a good year for me. I'm going to Saratoga for the first time since 1987 in late-August. It's always been: "I'll go next year." Well, this is the year.

The chinese restaurant and Texas de Brazil are both very good. The buffet in the Ten Palms is about average.

The Chinese restaurant at the track is pretty good. Of course, when you sit there it almost brings you to tears because they built this this above average restaurant (for the inside of a racetrack) and you can tell there was no regard for racing at all. There are like ten tables from which you can see the races.

NT

Yeah but if you go after the card is over at Gulfstream you can still wager on the west coast tracks at the windows they keep open!

Yes, my dear, but don't you realize Uncle Frank has given Gulfstream attendees yet another exciting post-race option?

From the website: "MI-VI, The Evolution of Nightlife.....coming soon"

You might get a few minutes with the Gulfstream glitterati sure to be out in full force.

NT

A little tip on parking too - If you're there early enough, if you head towards valet parking, there is a parking garage with full security next to the Crate & Barrel that is free to park in and closer to the track than the self-parking lots.

Christine Lee's is pretty good American Chinese--it has been around for ages, but just moved to GP in the past couple of years. When GP is not running it is only open for dinner BUT they open for lunch for the triple crown races and BC (or they have in the past couple of years). THEN is a great place to hang out.

Oh sure, as a simulcasting spot you can tell it'd be outstanding. It's a disappointment for the live product.

NT

If it was open generally during the GP simulcast period, I'd never go to CRC.

I'd weigh 600 pounds, too.

So far it sounds like the Chinese restaurant will definitely make it on my "to- check-out" list. Thanks guys.

order the Steak Kew and an egg drop soup.

It is good, but again it is an American Chinese. If you are used to truly authentic Chinese that you might find in most major cities on the West Coast, or in NYC or Toronto, it may be something different than that.

http://www.christinelees.com/gulfstream_menu.html

I ordered the Lobster Cantonese and enjoyed it thoroughly. Of course, I'm the type that has what is described as a "hearty appetite."

NT

If you are staying in Ft. Lauderdale, Bistro Mezzaluna is a great spot! I hope you make a hit because you need your wallet. Can drink well drinks 2 for 1 during the week at happy hour, that can soften the tab. Good luck!

I am the frigging Zen master of Indian and Vietnamese places if you need recommendations. There is a great lunchtime Indian buffet just down the street from Pompano Park/Isle of Capri casino. And for Vietnamese, there is very good place near Calder and one near the Seminole Coconut Creek casino (just get three or four banh mi and be happy).

The Donn is Super Bowl Saturday, so it will be tough to get into some places. I'd hate to see the bribe....err "upfront tip"....needed to get a table at Joe's on Friday and Saturday (maybe the whole week, since the Pro Bowl is the prior Sunday).

Matteo's, east on Hallandale Beach Bld from the track (with ads in the program), is delicious, family-style Italian.

The fact that it's SB weekend totally missed me. Oh well, I should be home in time for the game.

Gulfstream schedules the races to end in plenty of time to get home for the game that day.

can you tell me about the place near calder?

I'll add my 2cents

Pho 78 Vietnamese Restaurant
7849 Pines Boulevard, Pembroke Pines, FL


There is also a GREAT sushi place in that area called Nami... freshest sushi in town ( http://www.mynamirestaurant.com/ )

8381 Pines Blvd.
Pembroke Pines, FL