I don't know what price level you're looking for; but how about either Cafe Boulud in Palm Beach (since they'll already be in West Palm for the matinee)...or the Restaurant in the Four Seasons Hotel (however, since you didn't say when this event is happening, I will caution you about this rec...the chef at the Four Seasons has given his notice; so if you're not going in the next two weeks or so, then I can't vouch for the Restaurant beyond that without knowing who the new chef will be). Both offer fabulous (not condescending nor rushed) service with great food and a quiet refined atmosphere. The courtyard is very pleasant this time of year at Cafe Boulad as is the room at the Restaurant. The prices at both are a bit more than the restaurants you mentioned; so if price is an issue, or you're not going to the matinee with them, then Palm Beach/South Palm Beach won't work for you. As for the 3 Delray restaurants you mentioned as possibilities, they're all fine; but I wouldn't say that any of them would be very special. If it's a weekend that you'll be out, City Oyster would most likely be the noisiest as being on the Avenue. I haven't been to the Sundy House in awhile (one chef back in time); but that's in Delray and if the weather is nice, the outdoor setting is beautiful. Perhaps some others on this board could chime in on whether it's still good food.

The food/menu had been exactly the same at both locations. The only difference was the price. For the longest time, the Coral Springs location's dinner also included your choice of salad which you had to pay for separately out east. Having said that, I was back at the CS location about four weeks ago only to discover that they had changed their menu that week. I believe it was done in an effort to appease the "westerners' who had balked at the lower prices to begin with. Having said that, the new menu still had virtually all the same main courses both restaurants originally had; but now they had lowered the prices of those mains even more; but the salads are no longer included. They added quite a few appetizers to their already lengthy app. menu. I did order one of the new shrimp apps. Don't recall the preparation now; but the portion size was very, very large...about a dozen decent sized shrimp...way too much for one person to polish off if he/she wanted to make it through all the main course and possibly dessert.

But I digress...to answer your question...the eastern location is much more pleasant when the weather is nice; so I think a bit more fun for a bday celebration. On the other hand, the food is the same and you will save money out west. The CS outpost is attractive; but nothing extraordinary compared to the primo water view you pay for out east. As for what is on the brunch menu, their menus are on-line; so you can judge for yourself if there is enough options for the non-seafood eaters. Those that eat seafood will truly enjoy it.

I would choose dinner at the Four Seasons. While the brunch offerings at the Breakers are awesome, it is a buffet. Dinner at the Four Seasons is in a lovely room, the tables are spaced far enough apart for private conversation. The piano music is a nice accompaniment without being intrusive. (in fact, when you book your table they ask if it is for a special occasion and if you tell them it's for your uncle's birthday, when they serve dessert, the pianist seques into a muted version of Happy Birthday). The service is terrific; yet not stuffy, and the ever-changing menu always delicious. Neither of these two places are what I think of as "fun" place; but both will be memorable. Either one you choose, enjoy, and happy b-day to your uncle.

Count me in as one of the Johnnie V fans on Las Olas. Sometimes not stellar; but can always be counted upon for a solid meal. I echo the rec of TP of Canyon. The food and drinks are terrific; but be forewarned, the later you eat there, the more crowded it gets which might affect your experience if you don't have one of the tables near the windows as opposed to near the bar. It also causes the noise level to rise; but from their prickly pear margaritas with any of their fine apps and mains, down to their awesome desserts, it's never disappointed. If you don't mind venturing away from "downtown" Ft. Lauderdale, I'd also strongly recommend both Sunfish Grill and Cafe Maxx (the former for creative fish and the latter for creative new American fare) Oh, and lest I forget...you should go to Blue Moon Fish Co. on the Intracoastal waterway in Ft. Lauderdale. Very good fish with a great view (especially when the weather is as nice as it has been, to be enjoyed outdoors).

I've made the following recipe (handed down through two generations although I think the original source was a local newspaper) for years also to rave reviews. Like Nancy Berry, I also use a pizza cutter to divide the dough; but when I'm lazy, I roll the dough into a rectagular shape instead of a circle, and just cut straight strips to roll up as they roll up much faster and oftentimes much neater than when you do it the correct way (crescent shapes). These freeze very well and come to room temperature quite quickly so that they are a good treat to always keep on hand for surprise company or just a nice treat for yourself.

Rugelach

In mixing bowl, combine 2 cups sifted all purpose flour, 1 cup (1⁄2 lb) unsalted butter, 8 oz. Cream cheese. Mix well. Form into 4 balls of pastry. Wrap in wax paper. Refrigerate at least two hours (pref longer). On floured surface, roll each piece into a 1/4 inch thick round approx. 10-12 inch in diameter.

In small mix bowl, mix together, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1 tblsp cinnamon, 1⁄2 cup raisins, and 1⁄2 cups chopped walnuts.

Sprinkle mixture onto dough.

Cut into wedges. Roll into crescents.

Spread on greased cookie sheet. Bake in preheated oven at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes.. Makes about 4 dozen.

Here is the p.s. We ended up brunching at the Castaway. Yes, the food was nothing to write home about; but on the other hand, it was a satisfactory way to pass a few hours on a pleasant day. The selection was wide and varied with plenty of breakfast fare (although I didn't have any of that) and an offering of boiled shrimp, crawfish, oysters (which were fresh; but unfortunately most had fallen out of their shells), and crab legs. The sushi was not particularly good; but some of the salads were (the dilled asparagus, the seaweed salad to name a few). There were plenty of breads, sweet and otherwise, and desserts, but none were a stand out; with the cinnamon ice cream in a waffle cup the best bet. It was a beautiful day; so sitting around with a pleasant view eating whatever looked interesting, while not a choworthy event, was pleasant enough. Coming off an awesome dinner at Sideberns the night before where the menu creativity and execution continues to shine made for another enjoyable quick getaway from SoFla. Thank you all for your input.