The Satori Blog

Last Thursday, Satori and Altman Companies sponsored the South Florida Gay and Lesbian Community Center (GLCC) Founder's Reception. The event took place outside of the Satori Leasing Center, which is located at the Galleria Mall next to Neiman Marcus. When guests of honor began arriving at 6:00pm, they left behind the mall parking lot and passed through an inviting archway of blooming cherry blossoms and bamboo to discover that the street in front of the leasing center was transformed into an exotic enclosure. Tall green plants lined the perimeter and oriental lamps dangled down from the trees above to give off an ethereal glow, as upbeat music filtered through the well-heeled crowd. Adding Zen ambience to the scene was a rotating slideshow of exquisite scenes from the Far East, projected onto the billowing white backdrops that created an essence of intimacy and privacy for the GLCC guests.

GLCC members were treated to hors d'oeuvres from Galanga Thai Kitchen and Sushi Bar (a Satori-recommended venue located in Wilton Manors) and an open bar featuring "Satorinis"-a green-hued martini made with imported Saki and green tea, served in recyclable martini glasses. High-top tables were spread throughout the enclosure, featuring lotus blossom centerpieces situated in crystal vases that glowed from LCD lights concealed at the base. There were also tables set up to collect contributions and provide more information about the GLCC agenda-promoting equal rights, social activeness and networking amongst Fort Lauderdale's GLBT residents.

One of the most exciting aspects of the Satori apartment rental community is its proximity to downtown Fort Lauderdale's renowned attractions, as well as the fine dining and fun activities of neighboring Wilton Manors. But sometimes the perfect night out isn't a boisterous concert or big-budget meal. Sometimes it's just sharing a relaxing movie-going experience with someone special, followed by a satisfying bite at the right romantic restaurant. And how about ending the evening with a tranquil stroll back to your apartment for lingering conversation and a goodnight kiss? Well, if this date night sounds like your ideal Friday evening, then you're in luck, because Satori is located just a short walk from the Gateway Plaza, where you can watch the latest box office hit and then step next door to Il Mulino Cucina Italiana for a glass of wine and savory Italian fare.

Just a few blocks east on Sunrise Boulevard from the entrance to Satori you'll find the Gateway Plaza. This well-known landmark features Sunrise Cinemas at Gateway, the city's oldest venue for popular and independent, foreign and domestic films-from Old Hollywood classics to the newest blockbusters. Whether it's a romantic comedy to set the tone for your date night, or a scary thriller that will be the perfect excuse to cozy closer to your companion, Sunrise Cinemas always offers a variety of movies for a reasonable $9 per person. Getting lost in a story with someone you cherish is the perfect way to end your week-or to begin a new relationship.

Just a few doors down from Sunrise Cinemas in the Gateway Plaza is Il Mulino Cucina Italiana. Il Mulino is a relaxed, intimate bistro serving traditional Italian favorites, ranging from homemade pasta to brick-oven pizza. For your romantic evening, we suggest starting out with an appetizer of mussels and clams (rumored to be an all-natural aphrodisiac), which are served pan-sautéed with wine, tomato and basil sauce. Sharing courses is a unique way to bond with your dinner companion, which is why we recommend an antipasto salad for two, followed by an easy-to-share entrée such as the Il Mulino specialty of Sea Bass Francese, a sizeable portion of fresh fish seared in wine lemon butter sauce and served with a side of primavera pasta. And every course should be coupled with the perfect glass of red or white wine, which your server can recommend. To add to your good spirits, you'll be pleased to find that your entire meal for two totals less than fifty dollars (making it easy for you to treat your date and make the right impression).