Even though at the end of the day, I usually feel better if I’m cooking my own meals, I never turn down a good opportunity to try a new restaurant. When I’m on vacation, that opportunity turns into many and soon I have a laundry list of places to share about. If you’re ever in the Fort Lauderdale area, check out some of the restaurants below.
1. Bimini Boatyard Bar and Grill --It's Florida. There has got to be seafood galore. But seafood (especially good seafood) is usually fairly expensive. Well, in terms of price, Bimini Boatyard was very fair. The portions of food were huge and more importantly, really tasty. We started off dinner with a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc and their "famous" bread which was a sweet bread served with whipped butter. It's sugary stickiness was not overpowering but completely enhanced with a layer of their whipped butter. We ordered three different dishes: Blackened Wahoo, Jamaican Festival Grouper and Blissful Belize Pompano. The menu offers specialty seafood that comes out in a specific way with predetermined side orders or the option of eight different fish, blackened, jerked or grilled, with your choice of any two sides. I jumped on the opportunity to try a new fish (Wahoo) and have some much needed wood-fire grilled vegetables and broccolini. The blackened fish was not too spicy, which made it number one in my book. The Jamaican Festival Grouper was topped with a mango and red curry glaze, plantain and pineapple mélange and asparagus. It was served alongside a roasted corn and mango salsa (which I adore). The Blissful Belize Pompano was a little "fishy" for my parents liking... but c'mon people, it's fish! I liked it (but it was my least favorite of the three). It was served with an avocado and papaya salsa type thing served with basmati rice and more asparagus. The restaruant looks glitzy on the inside but like I said, very reasonable and very delicious! One downside -- I don't think it was on the water. Maybe it was and we just didn't sit at a window. Regardless, we're surrounded by water, so one night didn't kill us.
2. Mangos -- This is Susie's favorite in the area. Maybe it's the festive ambiance, the extensive menu selections or the good food, but whatever the case, I'm a believer too. The first thing I liked about this place was our waitress' honest opinion about food selction. I hate it when you ask for advice only to hear that the waitress "hasn't tried" more than half of the menu. Seriously? Ours was very good about saying "this is my favorite," "this is the healthier but maybe not as flavorful version," or "everyone loves that." Very helpful because we ended up ordering four dishes that were completely devoured (and that's only the entrees). We started with a glass of Sauvy for me, a bottle of wine for the parents and a beer for Vanessa. We also got a basket of toasty bread. My only complaint is that it was cold butter. I much prefer whipped. Trivial, I know! But I'm just being honest. Bread baskets can make or break a dinner (Hellooooo Aussie Rolls from Great American chains). Anyway, we all also got a salad which meant we had four different dressings to choose from between our whole quartet: buttermilk herb, a balsamic vinaigrette, a lemon caper and a mango. Definitely a major fan of the buttermilk herb and the balsamic for the salads. But wait! I got the blackened mahi-mahi and I used the mango dressing to jazz it up a little. Genius, yes. It came with my choice of mashed potatoes, fruit, some vegetable or fries. Went with the mashed taters and was super happy. Vanessa got Chicken Oscar which was a bronzed chicken breast topped with lump crab meat and asparagus. The whole thing was covered in a rich silky béarnaise sauce that was finger licking good. I'd definitely recommend this one. Sue and Dick, who always share, split the Jambalaya and the Las Olas Shrimp, which is a scampi with black olives, garlic butter and linguine. I much preferred the Jambalaya. Very flavorful and generous. Sadly, my least favorite was the scampi, which usually I'm a huge fan of. I think the flavors from the other dishes just made it seem a little bland. Though we were all completely stuffed, our waitress recommended the key lime pie. Good decision for the palate. Bad decision for my already stuffed self. No regrets though. I must say, I make a pretty mean Key Lime Pie myself, and if you like this Florida favorite, check out my recipe!! All in all, a good choice right downtown.
4. The Floridian --Rachael Ray went here... and so did The Messie Kitchen, which is way more impressive. Little did they know that they were being judged by the semi-professional blogger me. We went here for breakfast, but the place is open 24-hours a day. It's a diner-type with charming old pictures and big food. Big portions. If you have a big appetite, this is the place for you. My favorite thing that we ordered was a grilled peanut butter chip muffin. Yes, grilled. Definitely tasted like dessert. I ordered an omelette with feta, spinach and onion and ate about half before I was stuffed. Vanessa got the Huevos Rancheros Wrap which was scrambled eggs with sausage in a cheese wrap with salsa picante and homefries on the side. Not my first choice because I usually don't like heavy breakfast but it sure tasted good. Dad got a "breakfast sandwich" but really it was a western omelette served on a bagel. Huge. Gigantic. Tasty. Susie got poached eggs and toast. I really can't say this was too exciting...it's just poached eggs. But, all in all, a good choice for diner-style food and a bustling atmosphere.
5. St. Barts Coffee -- If you want an absolutely stunning view of the water for breakfast or lunch at a low price. There are about 10 tables set up outside right across the street from the ocean and every time I’ve walked by, most have been filled. The breakfast menu features big bagels – very generous – and they are grilled which gives them this great crispy crust. The BLT was my favorite but the egg sandwich is also great because they don’t use powdered eggs… what a novel idea! I got a big bowl of oatmeal and it was chock full of dried cranberries, bananas, brown sugar and walnuts. Not the most exciting thing on the menu but the point is, if you’re trying to be healthy you’ve got a few options, too. I also snagged lunch there once. Vanessa and I puttered down the beach and grabbed one Panini and one grilled wrap. I’m so predictable because I got the Tomato, Basil and Mozzarella but it was good! A lot of balsamic though. Next time I might ask for a big less. Vanessa got the Chicken Pesto wrap. I love me a good pesto and the wrap was grilled just like the Panini. Works for me. The only downside of this place? The pigeons love it. In fact, the woman sitting across from me just sat down to her plate of eggs and toast and a gigantic muffin only to have a pigeon you-know-what all over her and heriPod . Not funny. But hilarious.
6. Barbara Young Bake Shop -- Though I had several cups of coffee on this trip, this place was my favorite. Right on trendy Las Olas Boulevard, Barbara Young has specialty cakes, lots of breakfast items, tasty looking treats and a banging coffee menu. I didn't get anything exciting, but the iced coffee was perfect. I don't know how to convince you... but just get it, okay?
7. Kilwan’s -- You will see these all over the place down here. The Michigan based company has brought full-fat dairy to skinny minny Florida, and it seems to be working. Aside from tons of creamy ice cream flavors (sugar free and fat free included), there is a complete fudge shop andcandy apple gallery. I was a huge fan of my chocolate caramel cashew but didn't get a picture. Oopsies. But, if you're in the Fort Lauderdale area, there is an ice cream place I'd recommend before Kilwan's... keep reading!
8. Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor -- Oh yes. This completely gaudy, carnival-like joint is an absolute must for ice cream fanatics. As you all know, I'm a connoisseur of this creamy concoction, and this place is legit. Apart from the line busting out from the door to eat in the restaurant, another line was patiently (or not) waiting to order to-go ice cream. Sundaes, floats, shakes, cones, you name it. I was a major fan of my chocolate peanut butter ice cream. Vanessa got the mocha chip which was very tasty too. The chips were high quality chocolate, which was a nice addition. Susie got the Praline's and Cream, which is not my favorite ice cream flavor, but she seemed to think it was delicious. This is a little ways away from down town; in fact, it's in Dania Beach, but it's worth the short drive, trust me. You'll see it if you're driving toward the airport. Get it. That's an order. You won't be disappointed.
9. David's Café -- Well, this was in South Beach, but if you're here, this little cafe is a great place for Cuban cuisine. Vanessa and I stumbled upon it while wandering the streets. We were mostly looking for iced coffee but were tempted by the menu so gave in and just had lunch. First and foremost, their iced coffee was to-die-for. Loved every last drop of it, including the foam on the top. And I loved our waiter… he was so friendly. Anyway, I got roasted chicken with moro and plantains. Moro was just an extremely flavorful rice and black bean combo. It was the perfect amount of spice and complimented the chicken well. I was the most excited about the plantains. I like a little more bite to mine but the flavor was nice and not too heavy. The chicken was an herby spicy leg, but it wasn’t anything to write home about. Vanessa on the other hand, got a Cuban sandwich. That was a wise decision. It was SO good. The bread was perfectly crispy and grilled and filled with pork, ham and swiss cheese with pickles and mustard. Sounds like a sort of strange combination but it went together perfectly. If you’re going to get Cuban food, Miami seems like the appropriate place. The best thing was that she only ate half of it (and this was Friday) and so I had the leftovers on Monday and it was still awesome. That's good eats.
10. BREW Urban Cafe -- We saw BREW while exploring the streets. In fact, we probably wouldn't have gone in except this older man looked very happy sipping on his coffee reading the morning paper so we asked if it had good joe. Obviously. He said "best for ten years!" and that's a bold statement. Needless to say, we tried it. Yes, I got (drumroll please) iced coffee! Good stuff. And Susie and Dick liked their bold hot coffee. This place was a little quieter than Barbara Young's, so it might be a good place to get work done. Then again, I went here on a workday morning instead of the holiday weekend, so that might be the culprit. Whatever the case, this place seemed to have tasty looking baked goods and a solid cup-o-joe. So it's a solid choice. Please, people, branch out fromStarbucks and Dunkin! You will be glad you did.
11. Downtowner Saloon -- This place was recommended to us as "the place that locals go," and who are we to turn down local color? This was a nice diversion from the overcrowded joints up on the main street, and while not quite "dive" caliber, it was close. The bar had lots of old pictures and a well-weatherd feel, and you could tell it wasn't full of a bunch of dumb tourists (like us). Every day has a different special, so there's a reason to go back seven times a week! If you're going to be offended by the wait staff calling you "baby" or sitting down next to you to talk for a bit, don't come here. But, if you're like me, and appreciate a little character, try it. My dad started with a cream of mushroom soup that I was not excited about. Our waitress was right though, it was the best I've ever had! I ordered a New York Strip Steak which came with mashed taters and broccoli. And it was steak night so it was pretty inexpensive! Susie got Pasta Primavera with Fried Scallops. If you're expecting a lot of vegetables (because it was a primavera) guess again. It had some parsley sprinkled around the side. That's enough green right? Tasty scallops and pasta, but I would have liked a little more veggies in there. Dad got the Pork Loin with mashed potatoes and gravy. Down-home cooking. Excellent gravy. Good deals. Good food. Good service. Charm. If you're more bougie, this place probably isn't for you. It gets a thumbs up from The Messie Kitchen though.
12. Carlos and Pepe's -- This was a little Mexican place that was away from all the hustle and bustle of downtown. Maybe it was my deep craving for good sangria, or maybe it was a colossal vat of guacamole, but this place was really tasty. I ordered what I thought was tacos al carbon with steak, but instead received chicken and steak. The tacos were very simple and I had to add my own toppings, but I really liked that the only thing they put on top was fresh cilantro. It made for a very fresh tasting plate. My parents split combination fajitas which I always love. Vanessa got a chimichanga... awesome. The chicken was so tender and I mean, anything smothered in cheese is okay with me. The only down fall of Mexican is the ridiculous amount of chips I eat. Oh well, vacation right?
Well folks, that's all for me. Fort Lauderdale was awesome. Good food. Good weather. Good times. I'm looking forward to my parents retiring here. Hint hint, Mom and Dad! If you're ever in the area, check out any or all of these for a safe bet. Happy eating!
1. Bimini Boatyard Bar and Grill --It's Florida. There has got to be seafood galore. But seafood (especially good seafood) is usually fairly expensive. Well, in terms of price, Bimini Boatyard was very fair. The portions of food were huge and more importantly, really tasty. We started off dinner with a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc and their "famous" bread which was a sweet bread served with whipped butter. It's sugary stickiness was not overpowering but completely enhanced with a layer of their whipped butter. We ordered three different dishes: Blackened Wahoo, Jamaican Festival Grouper and Blissful Belize Pompano. The menu offers specialty seafood that comes out in a specific way with predetermined side orders or the option of eight different fish, blackened, jerked or grilled, with your choice of any two sides. I jumped on the opportunity to try a new fish (Wahoo) and have some much needed wood-fire grilled vegetables and broccolini. The blackened fish was not too spicy, which made it number one in my book. The Jamaican Festival Grouper was topped with a mango and red curry glaze, plantain and pineapple mélange and asparagus. It was served alongside a roasted corn and mango salsa (which I adore). The Blissful Belize Pompano was a little "fishy" for my parents liking... but c'mon people, it's fish! I liked it (but it was my least favorite of the three). It was served with an avocado and papaya salsa type thing served with basmati rice and more asparagus. The restaruant looks glitzy on the inside but like I said, very reasonable and very delicious! One downside -- I don't think it was on the water. Maybe it was and we just didn't sit at a window. Regardless, we're surrounded by water, so one night didn't kill us.
My wonderful Blackened Wahoo..Look at all those veggies! |
The Pompano |
I loved the seaweed slaw of the Grouper |
2. Mangos -- This is Susie's favorite in the area. Maybe it's the festive ambiance, the extensive menu selections or the good food, but whatever the case, I'm a believer too. The first thing I liked about this place was our waitress' honest opinion about food selction. I hate it when you ask for advice only to hear that the waitress "hasn't tried" more than half of the menu. Seriously? Ours was very good about saying "this is my favorite," "this is the healthier but maybe not as flavorful version," or "everyone loves that." Very helpful because we ended up ordering four dishes that were completely devoured (and that's only the entrees). We started with a glass of Sauvy for me, a bottle of wine for the parents and a beer for Vanessa. We also got a basket of toasty bread. My only complaint is that it was cold butter. I much prefer whipped. Trivial, I know! But I'm just being honest. Bread baskets can make or break a dinner (Hellooooo Aussie Rolls from Great American chains). Anyway, we all also got a salad which meant we had four different dressings to choose from between our whole quartet: buttermilk herb, a balsamic vinaigrette, a lemon caper and a mango. Definitely a major fan of the buttermilk herb and the balsamic for the salads. But wait! I got the blackened mahi-mahi and I used the mango dressing to jazz it up a little. Genius, yes. It came with my choice of mashed potatoes, fruit, some vegetable or fries. Went with the mashed taters and was super happy. Vanessa got Chicken Oscar which was a bronzed chicken breast topped with lump crab meat and asparagus. The whole thing was covered in a rich silky béarnaise sauce that was finger licking good. I'd definitely recommend this one. Sue and Dick, who always share, split the Jambalaya and the Las Olas Shrimp, which is a scampi with black olives, garlic butter and linguine. I much preferred the Jambalaya. Very flavorful and generous. Sadly, my least favorite was the scampi, which usually I'm a huge fan of. I think the flavors from the other dishes just made it seem a little bland. Though we were all completely stuffed, our waitress recommended the key lime pie. Good decision for the palate. Bad decision for my already stuffed self. No regrets though. I must say, I make a pretty mean Key Lime Pie myself, and if you like this Florida favorite, check out my recipe!! All in all, a good choice right downtown.
Buttermilk Herb, Mango, Lemon Caper, Balsamic |
Simple Salad... Lots of Cheese |
Scampi |
Chicken Oscar |
Jambalaya |
Blackened Mahi-Mahi |
How can you resist Key Lime Pie in Florida? |
3. Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza -- Ahh the craft of a fine pizza. Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures of the food we stuffed ourselves with (minus leftovers), but this was good stuff. It's the thin kind of pizza that gets those crust bubbles in it... my favorite. First of all, the salads were humongous. Between the four of us we split two but in retrospect should have gone for one. Oh well... greens are good. Vanessa and I got opted for a pizza with pepperoni and onion and my parents split one with sausage, peppers, olives, onions. The usual, for sure. Though we were tempted by the cheesecake for dessert, we just shuffled home. For good pizza, this is a solid choice.
4. The Floridian --
Charming Vintage Feel |
Can poached eggs look exciting? |
If you've never grilled a muffin, DO IT. |
Omelette? Omelet? |
Huevos Rancheros |
Marketed as a sandwich when really it's an omelette on bread. |
5. St. Barts Coffee -- If you want an absolutely stunning view of the water for breakfast or lunch at a low price. There are about 10 tables set up outside right across the street from the ocean and every time I’ve walked by, most have been filled. The breakfast menu features big bagels – very generous – and they are grilled which gives them this great crispy crust. The BLT was my favorite but the egg sandwich is also great because they don’t use powdered eggs… what a novel idea! I got a big bowl of oatmeal and it was chock full of dried cranberries, bananas, brown sugar and walnuts. Not the most exciting thing on the menu but the point is, if you’re trying to be healthy you’ve got a few options, too. I also snagged lunch there once. Vanessa and I puttered down the beach and grabbed one Panini and one grilled wrap. I’m so predictable because I got the Tomato, Basil and Mozzarella but it was good! A lot of balsamic though. Next time I might ask for a big less. Vanessa got the Chicken Pesto wrap. I love me a good pesto and the wrap was grilled just like the Panini. Works for me. The only downside of this place? The pigeons love it. In fact, the woman sitting across from me just sat down to her plate of eggs and toast and a gigantic muffin only to have a pigeon you-know-what all over her and her
Right by the ocean |
Simple but tasty breakfast |
Loved their grilled wraps |
And as always, my TBM panini |
6. Barbara Young Bake Shop -- Though I had several cups of coffee on this trip, this place was my favorite. Right on trendy Las Olas Boulevard, Barbara Young has specialty cakes, lots of breakfast items, tasty looking treats and a banging coffee menu. I didn't get anything exciting, but the iced coffee was perfect. I don't know how to convince you... but just get it, okay?
The only gloomy day...still great coffee! |
The scene |
Cakes in the window! |
Hard at work |
Loved all the old fashioned photos |
7. Kilwan’s -- You will see these all over the place down here. The Michigan based company has brought full-fat dairy to skinny minny Florida, and it seems to be working. Aside from tons of creamy ice cream flavors (sugar free and fat free included), there is a complete fudge shop and
8. Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor -- Oh yes. This completely gaudy, carnival-like joint is an absolute must for ice cream fanatics. As you all know, I'm a connoisseur of this creamy concoction, and this place is legit. Apart from the line busting out from the door to eat in the restaurant, another line was patiently (or not) waiting to order to-go ice cream. Sundaes, floats, shakes, cones, you name it. I was a major fan of my chocolate peanut butter ice cream. Vanessa got the mocha chip which was very tasty too. The chips were high quality chocolate, which was a nice addition. Susie got the Praline's and Cream, which is not my favorite ice cream flavor, but she seemed to think it was delicious. This is a little ways away from down town; in fact, it's in Dania Beach, but it's worth the short drive, trust me. You'll see it if you're driving toward the airport. Get it. That's an order. You won't be disappointed.
Always with the ice cream |
Right after Susie almost knocked down this monstrocity over. |
9. David's Café -- Well, this was in South Beach, but if you're here, this little cafe is a great place for Cuban cuisine. Vanessa and I stumbled upon it while wandering the streets. We were mostly looking for iced coffee but were tempted by the menu so gave in and just had lunch. First and foremost, their iced coffee was to-die-for. Loved every last drop of it, including the foam on the top. And I loved our waiter… he was so friendly. Anyway, I got roasted chicken with moro and plantains. Moro was just an extremely flavorful rice and black bean combo. It was the perfect amount of spice and complimented the chicken well. I was the most excited about the plantains. I like a little more bite to mine but the flavor was nice and not too heavy. The chicken was an herby spicy leg, but it wasn’t anything to write home about. Vanessa on the other hand, got a Cuban sandwich. That was a wise decision. It was SO good. The bread was perfectly crispy and grilled and filled with pork, ham and swiss cheese with pickles and mustard. Sounds like a sort of strange combination but it went together perfectly. If you’re going to get Cuban food, Miami seems like the appropriate place. The best thing was that she only ate half of it (and this was Friday) and so I had the leftovers on Monday and it was still awesome. That's good eats.
Reason alone to go to South Beach |
Vundebar! |
Well, not the most colorful plate ever. |
Cuban! I will be recreating this shortly. |
10. BREW Urban Cafe -- We saw BREW while exploring the streets. In fact, we probably wouldn't have gone in except this older man looked very happy sipping on his coffee reading the morning paper so we asked if it had good joe. Obviously. He said "best for ten years!" and that's a bold statement. Needless to say, we tried it. Yes, I got (drumroll please) iced coffee! Good stuff. And Susie and Dick liked their bold hot coffee. This place was a little quieter than Barbara Young's, so it might be a good place to get work done. Then again, I went here on a workday morning instead of the holiday weekend, so that might be the culprit. Whatever the case, this place seemed to have tasty looking baked goods and a solid cup-o-joe. So it's a solid choice. Please, people, branch out from
BREW |
So urban? |
Gallery in the coffee shop... not as good as Habatat! |
Iced coffee goodness |
11. Downtowner Saloon -- This place was recommended to us as "the place that locals go," and who are we to turn down local color? This was a nice diversion from the overcrowded joints up on the main street, and while not quite "dive" caliber, it was close. The bar had lots of old pictures and a well-weatherd feel, and you could tell it wasn't full of a bunch of dumb tourists (like us). Every day has a different special, so there's a reason to go back seven times a week! If you're going to be offended by the wait staff calling you "baby" or sitting down next to you to talk for a bit, don't come here. But, if you're like me, and appreciate a little character, try it. My dad started with a cream of mushroom soup that I was not excited about. Our waitress was right though, it was the best I've ever had! I ordered a New York Strip Steak which came with mashed taters and broccoli. And it was steak night so it was pretty inexpensive! Susie got Pasta Primavera with Fried Scallops. If you're expecting a lot of vegetables (because it was a primavera) guess again. It had some parsley sprinkled around the side. That's enough green right? Tasty scallops and pasta, but I would have liked a little more veggies in there. Dad got the Pork Loin with mashed potatoes and gravy. Down-home cooking. Excellent gravy. Good deals. Good food. Good service. Charm. If you're more bougie, this place probably isn't for you. It gets a thumbs up from The Messie Kitchen though.
Where friendships last forever. |
We went early...so it's not crowded |
Specials from the waitress to you. |
More of the scene. |
Strip steak, dinner of champions. |
"Midwesterners love their gravy." Okay, Dad. |
It really was the best cream of mushroom soup, EVER. |
I don't see primavera but still pretty tasty. |
Don't you dare miss 2-4-1! |
12. Carlos and Pepe's -- This was a little Mexican place that was away from all the hustle and bustle of downtown. Maybe it was my deep craving for good sangria, or maybe it was a colossal vat of guacamole, but this place was really tasty. I ordered what I thought was tacos al carbon with steak, but instead received chicken and steak. The tacos were very simple and I had to add my own toppings, but I really liked that the only thing they put on top was fresh cilantro. It made for a very fresh tasting plate. My parents split combination fajitas which I always love. Vanessa got a chimichanga... awesome. The chicken was so tender and I mean, anything smothered in cheese is okay with me. The only down fall of Mexican is the ridiculous amount of chips I eat. Oh well, vacation right?
<3 Sangria |
Holy Guacamole |
Gooooooooooo Mexico! Tacos! |
We will call this... CHIMICHANGA |
Fajitas are always a good choice |
Well folks, that's all for me. Fort Lauderdale was awesome. Good food. Good weather. Good times. I'm looking forward to my parents retiring here. Hint hint, Mom and Dad! If you're ever in the area, check out any or all of these for a safe bet. Happy eating!
3 comments:
Chicken Oscar looks GREAT!
I live in Ft Laud and LOVE it!
Good call on Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza! I have one a few miles away from my house so I am very lucky!
And Jaxson's is SO good for a nice treat :)
I don't even know where to begin...but I do know that I'm really hungry now! All the food and restaurants you shared look incredible. I'm saving this for when I visit Florida. I can't wait to hit some of these spots. I'm so glad you had a safe trip (full of good eating too!)
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