The Best of South Florida: Most Romantic Restaurant

(WSVN) Finally the votes are in and don't worry, there are no hanging chads. Tonight, the first installment in our "Best of South Florida" series.

Every thursday, from now until the end of the year, we will be announcing your favorites on everything from the sunniest beach to the tastiest barbeque.

How about the most romantic restaurant in the area?

Whether it's your first date or your fiftieth anniversary, everybody is searching for that special place to set the mood.

But three of them truly are the best.

A kiss isn't just a kiss and a night doesn't have to be a just night if you know where to go.

According to our online poll, cooking up amore is no problem in South Florida.

Our viewers suggested hundreds of restaurants. But it was The Rusty Pelican which took third place.

Rod Westmaas, says about Rusty Pelican, "The ambiance, the view, what we have here you cannot fail but to fall in love. When you look into your beloved's eyes."

From a romantic sunset around the fire, to exotic drinks in the restaurant, to mouth watering dishes from Chef Tony - newlyweds Sandra and Brenner Francois are proof this is definitely a place to fall in love.

Sandra Daley-Francois says "Our first big date we came here. Had dinner right in that back room. Just walking into the restaurant, starts the mood going."

They even had their wedding reception here, kissing on the front walk.

The second most popular place for romance: Red Fish Grill in Mattheson State Park.

Chris Klaic says, "The setting. That's what it's all about. You know, this place, I don't think there's any place in the state of Florida like this."

This historical coral building is surrounded by palm trees, twinkling lights and tiki torches help the mood.

So much so Roxy and David nunez had their wedding here.

Roxy Nunez, who was just married, says "I just thought it was beautiful. It was really our fantasy wedding. Everything that we had thought of came true that night."

Chef Denton serves up fresh fish, mixed with wine, soft music and tropical breezes.

Many men have chosen this place to pop the question.

"People wanted us to put it in the wine glass, so when she's finished drinking red wine, she'll see the ring. We put in food, in deserts and all kinds of stuff."

So where do our viewers say the best place for romance is?

From the moment you enter, the grass beneath your feet gives it away right away to those who know.

The most romantic restaurant in all of South Florida according to our viewers is right here on South Beach, with every aphrodisiac that you could ever desire, and it's called Tantra.

It's a happening South Beach restaurant that puts erotica and romance right in your face.

Willis Loughhead says Tantra has "A lot of exotic spice blends and a lot to make the dining experience more pleasurable."

The four page wine list combined with netting, fans, candlelight and a water fall wall, makes special nights with that special person - extra special.

"From the sound, the texture, the smell. We're always experimenting and it's a constant search to make it a better experience for the diner and a more romantic experience for the couple."

And if that's not enough, every item on the menu will tempt more than your taste buds.

There's oysters, there's foi gras, there's truffles, there's down to the most basic black pepper and saffron and ginger. They're all aphrodisiacs. It's very multi course thing.

And it's a sure bet when your looking for romance in South Florida.

Our viewers get to vote every week on a different topic.

This week we're taking votes on the best get away weekend in South Florida.

Just log onto www.wsvn.com and next thursday we'll tell you the best place to get a massage.

(Copyright 2002 Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)