TCPalm Stories: Diana Foote

The French revere food almost as much as they do Jerry Lewis. I think I know why.

Vero Beach residents already are lining up at Johnny D's, the month-old market and bistro on A1A, just south of the 17th Street Causeway.

You wanna get all tangled up in your meal?

Oohs and aahs come from every table in this pretty trattoria, painted with bucolic Italian landscapes. Animated guests eat Vesuvius-sized portions of old standards, including cheese lasagna ($17), spaghetti and meatballs ($15) and chicken Parmesan ($20).

Driving on U.S. 1 the other night, only one restaurant sported a crowded parking lot. Outback, the laid-back, high-end chain that takes its name from the Australian bush, was packing them in.

There's a low-down feel to the New England Eatery, perfect for a boiled lobster and a bib in a room decorated with license plates from up North, a place teeming with the briny deep's king of crustaceans.

Vogue Magazine's legendary editor-in-chief Diana Vreeland once said: "Pink is the navy blue of India."

Chuck's Seafood, an Indian River Lagoon institution for locals, also draws lots of tourists.

Beach side in Vero, Ristorante di Mare opens into a lovely (but dark) dining room, defined by angled windows set off with old-fashioned window posts. The menu appears just as retro.

For years, the 14th Avenue Steakhouse looked like a bedraggled spot where Cinderella might end up, after the ball was over.

In honor of the Italian flag, red, white and green predominate at Pizzoodles, the casual Neapolitan restaurant on Royal Palm Pointe. Banquettes salute the colors of Italy, too, and various Italian flags flutter near the ceiling.

When we arrived at the Dockside Grille, our hostess admonished us that she'd been holding our table. I checked my watch. We were five minutes late. I guess bona fide Docksiders know to be precisely on time.

Welcome to the Polo Grill, where men wear ties even though they don't have to.

We two ladies arrived early for dinner at Bobby's, the venerable restaurant that was once the hangout of ball players back when there was a Dodgertown.

Sumo House is the kind of place that has fanatically loyal fans and those who think it's a little overrated. I'd fall squarely in the middle of the sushi roll at this Japanese-Thai establishment.

Sake, like smooth fire coursing down the throat, is the namesake of Sake, the gem of a restaurant on Royal Palm Pointe in Vero Beach.

From the moment you walk into The Melody Inn in downtown Vero Beach, you'll feel you're in Little Switzerland, a magical place where flavors from bordering countries cross-pollinate and bloom anew.

A couple of years ago when I took an out-of-town guest to Mr. Manatee's, she wondered why the name of the place was so formal.

Food does not take center stage at some restaurants. That was the case at Squid Lips the other night. This popular Sebastian hangout, plopped atop the Indian River, drew all ages to the dance floor, kicking it up.

Restaurant critic review: Maison Martinique offers good food, good times

Restaurant critic review: Johnny D's: Gourmet market on outside; upscale bistro on inside

Restaurant critic review: Oodles of noodles available at Shandong Noodle house

Restaurant critic review: Food so good at La Cucina di Nola you can hear it when you walk in to Vero Beach eatery

Restaurant Review: Outback packs in customers, hearty dishes

Restaurant Review: New England Eatery gives southerners real taste for seafood

Restaurant Review: Bombay Masala brings fire to downtown Vero Beach

Restaurant review: Food proves why Chuck's Seafood in Fort Pierce has been around for decades

Restaurant review: Italian food tastes better at Ristorante di Mare

Restaurant Review: Spiffy new setting greets guests at 14th Avenue Steakhouse

Diana Foote: Food, decor at Pizzoodles in Vero Beach pay homage to Italy

Restaurant Review: Dockside Grille's crab crakes, mahi mahi wow diners

Restaurant critic review: Vero's Polo Grill a tasty throwback to yesteryears

Restaurant review: Bobby's is alive with fun, great food in Vero Beach

Restaurant review: Sumo House in Vero Beach creates original sushi sensations

For the best sushi around, visit Sake

Restaurant review: Authentic Jewish deli offerings shine at Toojay's

Restaurant Review: Melody Inn offers genuine continental flair

Restaurant review: Broiled grouper, steamed clams a big hit at Mr. Manatee's in Vero Beach

Restaurant Review: Squid Lips offers great atmosphere