Lotus Chinese Kitchen in Fort Lauderdale, small eatery with a big following

At Federal near Oakland Park Boulevard
(Kenann building in background)

Lotus Chinese Kitchen
3020 North Federal Hwy, Ste 1, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306
954-566-5565
954-566-5605
LotusChineseKitchen.com

Hours:
Monday – Closed
Tuesday -Friday – 12 pm-9 pm
Saturday and Sunday 3 pm-9 pm

By Jane Feehan

Open for more than four decades, Lotus Chinese Kitchen seems to be outliving its competition. They operated in Wilton Manors for most of their history but moved to Federal Highway near Oakland Park Boulevard about two or three years ago. The new location, with a prominent neon sign facing Federal Highway, has helped grow its reputation and customer base.

The restaurant seats about 45 patrons, far fewer than at the old location; at times there is a wait. It’s worth it.

Their menu features standard Chinese fare such as egg rolls, fried spring rolls, dumplings (steamed or fried) egg drop soup (and other soups), and favorites such as Kung Pao Chicken or Orange Chicken. Their robust menu also includes seafood or beef dishes, noodles and rice choices and a lineup of vegetarian plates. It’s all here and quite good. Quality and quantity have not changed over the years. Their fried rice choices—beef, chicken, shrimp, vegetable—could also serve as a main course. Wine and beer are available.

Yu Shang Shrimp

Service is good. Parking is easy and free. Lotus does not take reservations. They were open for Christmas 2024 and told me they were extremely busy. They expect the same for New Year’s Eve and day. . They operate year-round, closing only for Thanksgiving. If Christmas or New Year’s Eve or day fall on a Monday, they close.

Lotus also offers takeout.

Tags: Chinese restaurants in Fort Lauderdale, restaurants open Christmas, restaurants open New Year's Eve, restaurants open New Year's day, Fort Lauderdale dining

ALDI prices ring up inflation relief

Fort Lauderdale

By Jane Feehan

I’ll admit it. I came late to ALDI world.  With grocery store prices going up monthly, if not weekly, at other markets, I decided to see what all the bargain buzz is about.

For those unfamiliar with these no-frills stores, a short list provided below of items for comparison to some other supermarkets may prove interesting; the lower prices may even send some running there. I hesitate listing prices because they change as does inventory but estimates of how a product stacks up to those of other stores is provided. Savings are substantial at ALDI--no question.

With US headquarters in Illinois, the chain claims “2,000 stores across 36 states.”  More are on the way if there is not one in your area yet.

My purchases December 2024

Aluminum foil – a dollar+ less than at other stores

Avocados – the weeks I went, they were about 65 cents each – at least half the price of those at other stores.

Lacura Makeup Removing Cleansing Towelettes – less than $2.00 per package of 25 at my purchase; at other stores they generally run $5.99-8.99

Honey – organic – about a third less than at other stores

Maple Syrup –organic 100% pure – nearly half the price of other places for 12.5 ounces when I made the purchase.

Kitty litter 14 pounds in easy pour container with handle, about $4-5 less than other stores.

Cat food – small cans – about 20 cents less.

Facial tissue – slightly smaller box but about a dollar less than other stores.

Orange juice – 52 Fl. Ounces, about half the price of that at other markets

Paper plates – a dollar+ less than same quantities at other stores

Raisin bread – about half the price of popular stores. Slightly smaller size and with a small window of expiration but freezes well and tastes great. Wide assortment of other breads

Sponges – a package of three, about half the price at other stores

Waffles – frozen – about $2 less than other stores in a box with more servings.

Wet mopping cloths, small size - about $1.40 less than other comparable store brands (and same quality).

Wines generally run about $8-9.99 with a couple at $14.99. Reds are quality blends.

Bring a quarter to insert for a grocery cart; when the cart is returned the quarter will be available.

By the way, checkout lines go very fast; cashiers don’t bag groceries. Bring a bag and stop at a counter provided on the way out where customers can bag or box.

Visit www.aldi.us  to sign up for weekly deals via email.

Tags: ALDI, Grocers in Fort Lauderdale, SOFLA grocers

Doc B's in Fort Lauderdale worth a visit

 

Doc B's

https://www.docbsrestaurant.com/locations/fort-lauderdale

452 N. Federal Highway (near Fresh Market)
Fort Lauderdale FL 33301
754-900-2401
M-Thurs: 11 am-10 pm
Fri-Sat 11 am -11 pm
Sun: 10:30 am-9 pm
Happy Hour, M-F, 5-7

By Jane Feehan

Part of a small chain of nine or 10 stores*, Doc B’s in Fort Lauderdale attracts a steady stream of customers for brunch, lunch, dinner or drinks and food at the bar.

Their menu presents a casual line up of salads, chicken variations or beef dishes such as ribs, burgers, and steaks. Seafood is limited but shrimp and blackened white fish for sandwiches are available. Bar food includes wings, tasty meatballs, guacamole with house- made sweet potato chips and a variety of other items. For those with a sweet tooth, “Homemade Oreo ice cream,” headlines the list (it's delish).

Burgers and salads will make most customers smile. I tried their turkey burger, an exceptional version with avocado, tortilla strips and an excellent vinaigrette. The dressed up blackened fish sandwich also elicited accolades. On another visit, I chose the California salad with an add-on of grilled chicken. The waiter asked if I wanted the chicken cold or hot. The menu description—grilled—implied (to me) that it would be hot. The salad arrived with warmed up strips of tough chicken. However, the dish didn’t need anything else with its kale, avocado, dried cranberries, roasted sweet potatoes, wasabi peas, pistachio and tortilla and that tasty vinaigrette. Wow, a knockout!

If you’re looking for fancier chicken dishes, such as chicken paillard, this may not be the place. I was disappointed on a subsequent visit with that choice. Typically, paillard is chicken pounded so thin it covers a plate. Doc B’s version was a tough chicken breast barely exposed to the meat pounder.  It was blanketed with a generous portion of arugula drizzled with that excellent vinaigrette, which redeemed it … sort of.

The atmosphere is trendy and appeals to all ages. Seating is available both inside and on a covered patio or adjacent tables with umbrellas A bar greets customers at the entrance with tables arranged around it. Service is excellent. Reservations suggested, especially for brunch. Free parking is available in an adjoining garage.

 *Other locations: Coral Gables, and Tampa in Florida, several in Texas, including an excellent one in Austin at the Domain, Chicago, Indiana and a new one soon in North Carolina.

 

 

Tags: Fort Lauderdale dining, casual dining in Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale brunch, Happy Hour in Fort Lauderdale

Restaurants open Christmas Day in Fort Lauderdale and Pompano 2024

For Christmas dining some establishments take reservations via Open Table (check there first); others take phone reservations. Call to confirm they are open. Some places change plans depending on reservations, which most require for that day. 

This is not an inclusive dining list. Restaurants may be added below.

Anthony’s Clam House (Commercial Boulevard) – 954-467-9720

Aruba Beach Café (Lauderdale-by-the Sea) – 954-776-0001

Batch New Southern Kitchen and Tap (Flagler Village) -754-757-0000

Benihana (Lauderdale-by-the-Sea) – 954-776-0111

Blue Moon Fish Co. (Lauderdale-By-the-Sea) 954-267-9888

Burlock Coast (Ritz Carlton on FTL beach) – 954-302-6460

Café Max (Pompano) – 954-782-0606

Cafe Sensei  (Pan Asian, E. Las Olas Boulevard) 954-530-4176

Chima Steak House (Las Olas Boulevard) – 954-712-0580

Dal Contadina Trattoria  (FTL off Oakland Park Blvd) – 954-900-2714

Del Frisco’s Grille (FTL downtown) – 754-312-3235

Dune (FTL Auberge Beach Residences A1A) - 754-900-4059 

EaTapas (Oakland Park) -754-779-7554

Evelyn’s Four Seasons (FTL beach) – 754-336-3100

Flanigan's (several around town) Oakland Park  954-493-5329

Fogo de Chao (FTL downtown) – 754-900-3111

Lasso Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse (FTL Sunrise Blvd) – 754-223-4660

Lotus Chinese - (Federal near Oakland) 954-566-5565 first come, first served

Morton’s Steak House (FTL downtown) – 954-467-9722

The Terrace at The Dalmar (FTL Marriott on U.S. 1) 954-945-9500

Timpano (Las Olas) – 954-462-9119

Vitolo – Conrad Hotel (FTL central beach) – 954-414-5100

Wild Sea Las Olas (FTL Las Olas Boulevard)  -954-467-2555

Zuckarello's - (FTL E. Commercial Blvd. 776-4282

Tags: 

Restaurants open Christmas Day in Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach,

restaurants open Christmas Day in Fort Lauderdale, restaurants open Christmas Day in Pompano 

Chowder Heads dominates New England style seafood in Jupiter

 

Lobster roll

Chowder Heads
Driftwood Plaza
2123 South US 1, Jupiter, FL 33477
561-203-2903

https://chowderheadsusa.com

info@chowderheadsusa.com

Open 11:30 am – 9 pm Monday through Sunday

By Jane Feehan

If Chowder Heads were in a place with more foot traffic, there would be a line waiting for a table. This is the place to go for New England style seafood in the Jupiter area. They’ve earned “The Best of Jupiter” award four years.

The award is well deserved.

Lobster, lobster rolls, clams, clam strips head the lineup of typical New England fare, but the menu includes much more such as haddock, shrimp and scallops, and of course New England (or Manhattan) chowder and lobster bisque. Their rolls, the buttery, soft, lightly toasted rolls one would expect “up North” for seafood sandwiches hold sweet pieces of lobster, shrimp or scallops. All delicious and fresh. Onion strings (or rings) are among the best anywhere.   

Haddock McLaughlin

We lunched on the lobster roll and scallop roll. These were so good we returned for the Chowder Heads signature dish, Haddock McLaughlin. Lightly cracker crusted, the super fresh fish serving was generous as were two lemon wedges --something not served with regularity at other seafood restaurants. An encore order of onion strings and a hefty salad completed the meal.  A subtlety-spiced creamy sauce and a catsup-based sauce accompanied all meals. The creamy version earns a big nod. It’s a terrific complement to any dish. Burgers, chicken and pasta dishes and an array of tasty salads and soups also available.

Chowder Heads, a small eatery, is casual, with seating inside and a few tables outdoors. Reservations available but not necessary unless for a large party. A small bar serves beer and wine and a TV is available for sports enthusiasts. Parking is easy. They do a brisk takeout business and orders can be submitted online.

Customers come from other towns. One said he stops by at least every two weeks from Palm Beach Gardens. It’s worth the eight-mile drive from Palm Beach Gardens; traffic on US 1 in this area is light. Get to Chowder Heads for your "lobsta" and plenty more.

 

Tags: Jupiter seafood, Juno seafood, Palm Beach County seafood, New England seafood in South Florida, Lobster restaurant

Cafe Sole scores a home run by touching all the bases in Juno

 

Café Sole

Grouper Livornese

4300 U.S. Highway 1, Space 202 (near Publix) Jupiter 33477 (Jupiter-Juno)
https://www.cafe-sole.com/
561-612-0575
Breakfast – 7-10:30 am
Lunch – 10:30 am-3:30 pm
Dinner – 4-10 pm
Takeout available

By Jane Feehan

It’s hard to miss Café Sole with its bright yellow umbrellas atop a small patio in front of the eatery. Its proximity to Publix, a door or two away, attracts customers; great food builds its reputation.

The patio seats a handful of patrons during the day. Inside a modest décor with tables covered with crisp, white linens and a square bar provides a cozy neighborhood ambiance.  A small criticism: a horizontal mirror behind the two-seat tables would accommodate the polite diners who opt for or had no choice about the wall-facing seat.

Few restaurants serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and do it well. Café Sole does. Menu offerings are extensive. Their house-made focaccia bread serves as delicious envelopes for sandwiches and the foundation for their popular pizza. The Rosemary Chicken Sandwich and Blackened Red Snapper – both on focaccia—with dressing and a crunchy topping of slaw and onion ranked as my blue-ribbon winners. Few finish Café Sole portions.

A return trip to sample dinner proved to be just as satisfying. Grouper Livornese—capers, tomatoes and olives—served with perfectly sauteed spinach and a large dollop of mashed potatoes was commendable for freshness and taste. A small house salad was marred by thick dressing that didn’t pour from a small take-out type plastic container, a small complaint for an otherwise outstanding meal.

 “We have one of the best happy hours,” claimed the waiter. Good wines at $6 verified the claim. A collection of wines and an array of cocktails draws a collection of friendly neighbors served by cheerful staff. In addition to the food, people gather here for fun.  

Takeout business is brisk at the café. Customers walking out with takeout orders is a common sight – even on Easter Sunday. I can taste why and highly recommend this Jupiter/Juno jewel.  

Lots of menu choices for every meal (see their online menus, you’ll be enticed), great taste and service…will prompt my next visit, which will be for breakfast. Parking is easy to find near the Café Sole entrance; the restaurant sits in a shopping center. The location is listed as Jupiter-Juno. The mailing address may be Jupiter but the location is Juno Beach.

Rosemary Chicken on focaccia

Tags: Jupiter restaurants, Juno restaurants, Jupiter seafood restaurants, Juno seafood restaurants, Jupiter breakfast, Juno breakfast, Jupiter patio dining, Juno patio restaurants 

Little Moir's Leftovers Cafe - among Jupiter's best, Florida's best

 

Little Moir’s Leftovers Café

451 University Blvd., Jupiter, FL 33458, 561-627-6030
Pet friendly; call to confirm appropriate seating is available.
No reservations. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; 

Friday and Saturday, 11 am until 9:30 pm.
Check their calendar on website for bands.
https://www.littlemoirsjupiter.com/leftovers-cafe

 By Jane Feehan

Making Yelp’s list (2023) of top 100 restaurants in Florida, Leftovers Café in Jupiter should be on everyone’s roster of must-dine at establishments when visiting Palm Beach County. It’s one of Little Moir’s collection of great seafood eateries in the area.

 A small, but elongated dining room in an unassuming corner of a shopping plaza welcomes patrons to a very casual atmosphere some might describe as funky. Walls painted in a Florida motif of oranges on green leaves and a wood (faux?) floor complete the theme. If visiting at the right time, a live band and singer will greet you with easy rock sounds. A small bar serves beer and wine and daily cocktail concoctions that staff eagerly participate in creating.

Menus are also daily creations offering the freshest fish around. I supped on an oversized filet of potato-crusted Pompano—a SOFLA fish getting harder to find each year and a bargain meal at $24. Served with a huge mound of sauteed vegetables (broccoli, pepper, onion, squash, cauliflower and more), the dish was destined to come home with me as leftovers…and so this reason for the name, right? 

Wrong.

Owner Mike “Little Moir” coined the name when he picked out the space for his new restaurant in 2008. It was filled with an assortment of things left there. It proved to be prescient choice.  

Back to my meal: it came plated with a tiny cup (a bit larger than dipping sauce size) of a tropical spiced fruit salad and another metal cup with a taste of fried plantains. Dessert was an oversized piece of oatmeal bread pudding. It was a very distant cousin of the bread pudding people are familiar with along the Gulf Coast of Mississippi and Louisiana, but still a taste bud tantalizer. 

Leftovers menu includes sushi, pasta, chicken and beef in an array of preparations. This café thought of everyone and cooks it in an open kitchen every which way. 

Check menu variations online. Great staff. Parking is free and it's fairly easy to get a spot. Busy weekday lunch hour traffic may present a few brief issues.

Tags: Little Moir's Leftovers Cafe, Leftovers Cafe, Jupiter restaurants, Jupiter seafood restaurants

Another restaurant win for Jupiter, FL - 1000 North

1000 North 

Jupiter, FL 33477

https://www.1000north.com
561-570-1000 - 

Reservations suggested. Call for hours

By Jane Feehan

I love Jupiter. Beautiful beaches, plenty of New Jersey accents and some outstanding restaurants. Retired hooper Michael Jordan and partners added to its list of must-try eateries when he opened 1000 North in 2018.

Name and address the same, 1000 North sits off US 1 along the Intracoastal. Most seating—inside and out on the patio—provides a terrific view of the waterway and a peak at the historic Jupiter Lighthouse. A private club on the second floor draws a young crowd at night during the winter season.

I recently stopped by for a Saturday brunch. COVID-careful, the place was busy with ample room between tables and wait staff with gloves and masks. The menu offered enough choices to please most palates.

We ordered Lobster Benedict, Chicken Street Corn Chicken and Crispy Brussel Sprouts. The lobster dish came with two medium-poached eggs astride an English muffin in Hollandaise sauce, a generous serving of watercress with a simple but tangy light dressing and, of course, a lobster tail. Street Corn Caesar, a variation of that traditional salad, is touted as one of their more popular dishes. With thick pieces of sliced chicken and crunchy seasoned corn atop crispy Romaine lettuce, it earned its place on the list of “populars.” Both plates pleased but the Crispy Brussel Sprouts, a side dish, took the taste prize. Caramelized in an air fryer along with huge fresh mushrooms, onions and with a drizzle of lemon aioli, this large side served as a conversation piece; it provided the perfect counterpoint to the other dishes we sampled.

Perhaps most of the conversation will center on the clientele, many who probably don’t know who Michael Jordan is nor his place in basketball history. This youngish well-heeled crowd, mostly under 40, dressed in haute couture casual, some with Jimmy Choo shoes, many in long resort-style dresses. This is not a place for cutoffs, jeans and flipflop shoes. Some men wore stylish shorts but I didn’t see any women in them. The beautiful people gather at this exceptional restaurant. I’ll be back but after I try Tiger Woods’ place—Woods Jupiter—a couple of miles away.

Reservations suggested. Call for hours of operation; COVID concerns prevail at this writing. Valet parking.

Tags: Jupiter, FL restaurants

Crispy Brussel Sprouts