FORT LAUDERDALE. Asian food lovers savor striking flavors and international wines in this sophisticated dining room.

POMPANO BEACH. Cafe Maxx is known for its exquisite menu of Floridian specialties. The restaurant features a fusion of flavors, each served up with an artistic attitude. Innovative combinations include Norwegian salmon, Florida black grouper, or stuffed veal chops. Some entrées also pack a bit of an accent ­ Hunan BBQ grilled quail (on Asian noodle cake and stir fry vegetable, red chili oil) or crispy yucca-scallion Florida grouper (with vanilla rum butter, sweet mash, asparagus & Parisienne vegetables). Consistently awarded as one of the top restaurants in the region, with excellent service and a great wine list. Upscale casual attire. Reservations highly recommended.

DOWNTOWN ­ WILTON MANORS. This popular, casually stylish restaurant delivers outstanding Thai and Japanese cuisine. Indeed, the skilled kitchen staff serves up everything from pad Thai to curry dishes to sushi and sashimi, and the refreshingly diverse menu ensures that you won't get bored. Friendly service and a pleasant, upscale atmosphere enhance the overall experience. Wine and beer are served, and outdoor dining is available.

OAKLAND PARK. This restaurant has served excellent, traditional Cantonese and American dishes in an exotic atmosphere for almost half a century. The decor makes you feel like you are on a Polynesian village, with a thatch roof, statues, tiki torches, and a bridge at the entrance. The restaurant has received excellent reviews for its Cantonese seafood dishes, grilled steak, and Peking duck. Try any of 51 frosty tropical umbrella drinks, and don't miss the Islander Revue, an entertaining showcase of authentic Polynesian dance and costume.

EAST FORT LAUDERDALE. The Fort Lauderdale outpost of this fashionable Chinese bistro gets high marks for its contemporary interior and eclectic menu. Start off with do-it-yourself lettuce wraps ­ these alone are worth the trip. Afterwards, take any route you like, from Szechwan or Hunan to Cantonese or Shanghai. Chang's daily specials are always worth considering as well. Keep your fingers crossed that Szechwan shrimp or pan-fried noodles are available when you drop by! Dessert-wise, leave room for the luscious Great Wall of Chocolate.