Two South Florida traditions, Christine Lee’s and Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino, came to an agreement whereby the restaurant will move operations to Gulfstream Park’s third floor.

Christine Lee’s is a world-class addition to the many existing amenities at Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino. Globally known for the quality of its thoroughbred meeting, Gulfstream Park also boasts of two casinos, each with 1,200 Las Vegas-style slot machines; a luxurious poker room; one of South Florida’s finest buffets and the Breezeway Bar.

Renowned for its prime sirloin steaks in addition to its Asian cuisine, Christine Lee’s has been doing business in the area since Christine Lee Mallock opened doors at the Golden Strand 37 years ago. The restaurant has relocated in the past: In 1974 it went to the Thunderbird Resort Motel and in 1995 it re-established itself on Collins Ave., about 4½ miles from Gulfstream Park.

Mary Lee took over the restaurant upon the passing of Mrs. Mallock, her mother, in 1996. Through the years, its guests have included such celebrities as Frank Sinatra, Jerry Lewis, Liza Minelli, Lenny Kravitz and Gov. Charlie Crist.

Dining at Christine Lee’s is a culinary experience, as symbolized by its being given the Five-Star Diamond Award by the American Society of Hospitality Science in 1997. With its familiar and superior quality in service and cuisine, it has enjoyed a tremendous following for over 30 years.

Fred Maas, Sunny Isles Beach Police Chief, in a story on the restaurant, was quoted as telling the Miami Herald: “When you walked in that door, you were someone special.”

 Mary Lee said, “We look forward to continuing to provide our clientele – new and current – with the same quality service that has made Christine Lee’s such a  South Florida establishment.”

 “We knew relocating to Gulfstream Park was an interesting idea from the start and, as talks with Magna Entertainment Corp. (owner of Gulfstream Park) progressed, we recognized there were great opportunities available to both parties. We are very familiar with racing fans, so we have experience with the clientele, and the design and ambience of the third-floor restaurant at Gulfstream is without equal. We are also very excited to be able to provide our dining experience to Gulfstream’s casino and poker patrons.”

The restaurant features two outdoor lounge areas and a nearly 12,000 square-foot dining room. Ms. Lee said she also plans to add a sushi bar. The restaurant will seat approximately 400 people.

Sam Gordon, President of the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, said: “As a longtime South Florida resident and as someone with a vested interest in the future of our organization as well as Gulfstream Park, I can tell you this promises to be a huge hit with locals as well as wintertime tourists. I commend Mary Lee, (MEC Chairman) Frank Stronach and (Gulfstream Park President) Bill Murphy for the foresight they have shown in making this agreement.”

Christine Lee’s will be replacing Chase, the restaurant that Gulfstream Park managed since the clubhouse was completed in the winter of 2006.

 “Chase had its following, but Mr. Stronach sees this as an irresistible and exciting opportunity,” said Mr. Murphy. “Christine Lee’s success, under Christine and Mary Lee’s management, has been nothing short of spectacular through the years and we have every confidence in looking forward to a long and prosperous partnership.”

Mary Lee said she expects to open Aug. 1.