TCPalm Stories: Diana Foote

The Patio reopened this month and a motley crew of men in black and the lady in red competed with more patrons to inch their way through the crowded portal into the landmark restaurant.

More than one fire had to be extinguished the other night at Kata, the pan-Asian restaurant near the post office in downtown Vero Beach.

Walk into Mimmo's Scampi Grill and you'll be enveloped by an ochre dining room that looks like so many trattorias in Rome. Packed with high and low art, the restaurant walls are full of stunning oil paintings — lovely landscapes, arresting abstracts — many the work of Mimmo himself.

Ay Jalisco on Vero's Miracle Mile is the place to go when only something from the trinity of Mexican-American fast foods favorites — burrito, taco or enchilada — will hit the spot.

While some of the grub at Waldo's inches toward sophistication, I always think of this popular oceanside landmark as more of a great bar that serves food rather than a great restaurant that serves drinks.

If you're in the mood for ice sculptures and candelabras and vanilla brioche French toast, do not go to the Kountry Kitchen for brunch.

Driving to the supermarket the other night, I saw someone leave Vincent's restaurant on Vero Beach's Miracle Mile. The mere sight of her confirmed my long-held suspicion that this pizzeria is the real (Italian) deal.

Sure it's a stretch, but the other night before a performance of "Ain't Misbehavin'" at the Riverside Theatre in Vero Beach, the restaurant we chose felt like a Broadway hangout. Think Sardi's on the beach.

You'll see row upon row of high-backed booths at the cavernous Woody's Bar-B-Q in Sebastian, the better for guests to get messy in private.

They can be found in any city, large or small — those humble little Italian restaurants that always seem as if they began as pizzerias and slowly expanded their menus in tribute to all of Mama's favorites.

During this Christmas season, there might be no better place to capture the holiday spirit — Florida style — than the Ocean Grill, that venerable old Vero Beach restaurant jutting into the Atlantic.

At the tiny new restaurant Bijou in Vero Beach's downtown, the jewel of the evening is chef Chuck Arnold, who earned his chops right across the street at Avanzare, also owned by Roger and Terry Lenzi. The collaboration has resulted in some precious taste memories.

The enticing aroma of succulent meats and fragrant spices descended upon us in waves as we entered The Wave, Gloria Estefan's strikingly beautiful restaurant in her Costa d'Este Hotel and Beach Resort in Vero Beach.

There's something magical about the garden at the Osceola Bistro, the most enchanting spot for outdoor dining in downtown Vero Beach. Just walk under its wrought iron arch and into a world Alice might have mistaken for her tea party in Wonderland.

As we entered Djon's Steak and Lobster House in Melbourne Beach, the band had just concluded an extended jazz riff. The improvisational music was a fitting backdrop for Djon's dramatic dining room. Red parachute material flutters from the high ceilings, ensconcing the elegant piano bar. The vibe is ultra-modern.

Chopsticks poised at Saigon Sushi, we eyed our appetizers, ready to pounce. Instead, we floundered.

This homey restaurant in downtown Vero Beach pays homage in décor and food to Southern Italy: the boot. And on a recent visit, Bella Napoli booted some of its competitors out of the water. The food here is authentic. More importantly, it tasted good.

When chefs take a rare day off from their own restaurants, what makes them salivate?

You don't have to go all the way to Italy to savor its distinctive flavors. While an Italian vacation would be great, there's a place closer to home to satisfy the hunger for great Italian food: the Amalfi Grille on Royal Palm Pointe in Vero Beach.

A couple of Vero chefs are playing a game of musical chairs at the intimate, urbane spot that is now Michael’s Table on Vero’s Ocean Drive. The restaurant recently replaced Tango’s II.

Restaurant Review: The Patio off to promising start

Restaurant review: Sushi excellent at Kata in downtown Vero Beach

Restaurant review: Meals at Mimmo's Scampi Grill delicious, creative

Restaurant Review: Ay Jalisco has some tasty fare for grown-up palates

Restaurant review: Quirky Waldo's in Vero Beach really a great bar that serves good food

Kountry Kitchen offers familiar, tasty food in heart of a diner

Restaurant review: Vincent's in Vero Beach is the real Italian deal

Restaurant review: Vero's Riverside Cafe boasts varied menu, copious portions

Restaurant review: Sauces, barbecue are top notch at Woody's in Sebastian

Restaurant review: Presentation, food is always inventive at Italian Kitchen in Vero Beach

Restaurant critic review: Capture holiday spirit Florida style at Ocean Grill in Vero Beach

Restaurant review: Fresh flavors abound at Bijou in downtown Vero Beach

Restaurant review: The Wave feast for the eyes as it offers up American-Latin fusion

Restaurant review: Osceola Bistro pairs local ingredients with inventiveness to delight palate

Restaurant review: Djon's excellent sauces enhance many entrees

Restaurant review: Lobster roll shines at Saigon Sushi

Restaurant review: Bella Napoli serves authentic Italian fare

Restaurant review: Bite into a burger and sip a brew at Brewgrrs

Restaurant Review: Savor flavor of Italy at home with Amalfi Grille

Restaurant Review: Michael's Table offers seasonal menu committed to sustainable cuisine