North Italia, drag and drop and

 

North Italia

699 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
754-315-2819
Lunch: Monday-Friday – 11 am-4 pm
Happy Hour M-F, 3-6 pm
Dinner: Sunday-Thursday – 4-10 pm; Friday and Saturday, 4-11 pm
Brunch: Saturday and Sunday – 10 am -4 pm

https://www.northitalia.com/locations/fort-lauderdale/?menu=dinner

By Jane Feehan

Located off Federal Highway a few blocks from Broward Boulevard, North Italia projects a welcoming ambiance. It’s not a typical Italian neighborhood eatery, but a chain restaurant with a modern interior with high ceilings, bright lights and evening energy from the bar. Its large menu of Italian dishes caters to a broad range of American tastes.

Our server was pleasant and attentive. To start, we ordered Italian bread with olive oil. She quickly delivered about six unappetizing, overly toasted slices. An Arugula salad, though graciously customized per our request, tasted fresh but unremarkable. My friends ordered a simple pasta dish with tomato. I ordered Strozzapreti, a pasta entrée with chicken, mushrooms, spinach, truffle, pine nuts, and parmesan cream.

I wasn’t expecting how it was delivered. After placing my bowl in front of me, a kitchen server (not the main server) with untied hair to her elbows reached across the table to deliver another plate. Her hair settled into my soupy dish and was dragged across the entire plate of food. I grabbed the wet locks and returned to her. She apologized. I lost my appetite. My friend signaled the waitress who ordered a replacement as well as a glass of wine for me. She brought the wine back and then … dropped it. It dripped over the table and missed my clothing. Accidents happen.

About the hair mishap. It was more than an accident; it reflects lax policy. Though the entrée was replaced, I couldn’t bring myself to eat it the following day. My friends enjoyed their order and said they’d return. I wasn’t sure about a return visit, but did a few weeks later for another assessment.

I tried pizza when I returned. Their 12-inch, six-slice creations come with bready but tasty dough. I ordered two—a Margharita and a Cacio e Pepe (cheese and pepper). Their Margharita pizza with fresh basil and cheese was bland. The Cacio with Romano, Mozzarella cheeses, garlic and cracked pepper ranked far above. I may return for that.

North Italia sits close to several apartment communities with hundreds of units. Many residents walk over for Happy Hour 3-6 pm or drive a short distance for takeout. This eatery does a huge takeout business. Parking lies steps from the restaurant, off eighth 8treet, on a vacant lot. They recommend making reservations on weekends. Reasonable prices

Tags: Fort Lauderdale dining, Fort Lauderdale restaurants,  Fort Lauderdale Italian restaurants  

Pomodoro - Low profile, high standards, loyal fans

 

Pomodoro
2908 E. Commercial Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
Open Tuesday through Saturday 5-9 pm
954-267-9000
https://pomodoropizza.kitchen/

By Jane Feehan

I’ve passed Pomodoro on Commercial Boulevard countless times without stopping in for a meal. UNTIL, that is, a friend who appreciates—and cooks—quality Italian dishes suggested we dine here, one of her favorite restaurants.

This low-key eatery, opened in 1989, offers more than that of a typical neighborhood restaurant. Pizza tops the menu, but its excellence resides in an array of dishes and sauces that draw Italian food aficionados. Their gnocchi, small, tender house-made creations topped with a traditional marinara sauce, arrived at the table cooked right and lightly steaming. A fellow diner said they’ve not tasted gnocchi this good even in London. This dish is unforgettable—enough for repeat visits to Pomodoro. It was light enough to eat with other dishes including with their bread.

As I’ve often said, good bread at the start of a meal usually signals a commensurate meal to follow. At Pomodoro, the fresh, warm focaccia and other house breads did exactly that.

 A generous dish of Penne Funghi with sliced mushrooms and a tomato sauce with a dash of cream also evoked enthusiastic approval as did their Spaghetti a La Checco—a simple dish of perfectly cooked pasta with tomato, garlic and olive oil.

Pomodoro’s reasonably-priced menu offers a small collection of classic Italian dishes that also include fish, organic chicken, and beef.

Italian-born Chef Piero aims to please with organic ingredients, house-made pizza dough and changes in salad and main-course pasta dishes to accommodate tastes. The menu also includes antipasti with choice of charcuterie board, eggplant rollatini and more. Wine, including a few Italian choices, are available.

I’ll be back for the same reason many others return: top-notch preparation and quality flavor. 

Pomodoro also welcomes takeout customers. A small bar provides a comfortable setting for single diners or for those waiting for an order to go. Parking is free on one side of the lot with metered spaces in front of the restaurant. Reservations recommended on weekends and during the winter season. No separate checks.

 

 

Tags: Fort Lauderdale restaurants, Italian restaurants in Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale dining

Valentine's Day dining in Fort Lauderdale 2026

 

By Jane Feehan

With Valentine's Day falling on Saturday this year, it's bound to be tough to make reservations. Not all eateries will have special menus that evening. If they do, reservations will be necessary (most take them online). Some restaurants have a dress code.

Below is a list of restaurants that may score high on romantic ambiance. However, a mention here is not an endorsement.

More will be added as (or if) they announce special menus, so visit this post frequently.

Pier Sixy-Six has provided a Valentine's Day weekend itinerary. See below.

15th Street Fisheries - 1900 S.E. 15th Street - 954-763-2777. On the Intracoastal

Aruba Beach Cafe - Lauderdale by-the-Sea beach.  954-776-0001. No reservations.

Blue Moon Fish Co. - Lauderdale by-the-Sea, 954-267-9888 - on the Intracoastal at Tradewinds Ave.

BoatYard Fort Lauderdale -SE 17th Street, - 954-525-7400 - Happy Hour Monday-Friday, 3-7 pm., see a great bites menu online. 

Burlock Coast  at Ritz Carlton - 1 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd. - 954-302-6460

Cafe Vico -  1125 N. Federal Hwy., near Sunrise Blvd. 954-565-9681

Camille's Italian Restaurant -  4165 Dixie Hwy (Oakland Park) 954-765-6496. Valentine's menu now available online.

Capitol Grille -  Galleria on E. Sunrise Boulevard - 954-446-2000

Casa D'Angelo -  1201 N. Federal Hwy (in shopping plaza) 954-564-1234 - fine Italian dining.

Catch and Cut  -  1309 E. Las Olas Boulevard -954-533-1838 - roof top lounge with dining downstairs 

Daniel's, The Florida Steakhouse - 620 So. Federal Hwy,- 

954-451-1200  (recently tapped as Florida's best steakhouse)

Il Paesano - 2465 E. Oakland Park -954-396-1700 - two seatings, at 6 pm and 8 pm. Make reservation through Yelp. First seating may be sold out. Very small, but popular eatery and market.

Lobster Bar Sea Grille - 450 E. Las Olas Blvd. - 954-772-2675

Mai-Kai - 3599 N. Federal- 563-3272. Limited valet only, for $8. They advise to take ride share or taxi.

MAASS at the Four Seasons - 525 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard - 954-256-0000

Olive & Sea - Hilton Hotel 1881 SE 17th St. Intracoastal view - 954-527-6716  Surf and Turf Valentine's special with "decadent dessert"

Pier Sixty-Six - 17th Street Causeway - provided an itinerary for Valentine's Day weekend. 

· February 11

o Celebrate Galentine's Day with our Bubbles & Bloom experience at Garni

· February 13-14 

o Enjoy Valentine's Day with a special dinner menu at our signature restaurant Calusso

· February 14

o Breakfast at Tiffany's themed brunch at Garni

o Valentine's Day Dinner at Sotogrande

OpenTable for direct reservations  for each restaurant provided below:

 · Garni

· Calusso

· Sotogrande

The Pier Top lounge - 954-565-9681 will also be open and and available for a walk through visit if there is no seating. Dress code.

                                              

S3 (surf, sun, sand) - 505 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd. (next to Hilton) - 954-523-SURF (7873)

Seasons 52 (at the Galleria on Sunrise Blvd.) 954 537-1052

Sandbar Grill

Sun Tower Hotel - Sandbar Grill - 954-565-5700 - very casual - shorts and sandals. On the beach. Only open until 9 pm. Try lunch or late afternoon. Sand is a few feet away. Casual food. Difficult to park so take ride share or cab. Next to Pelican Resort. Call to see what they plan. They said they may have something special. Lovely setting.

Takato at the Conrad - 551 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd. - 954-414-5160. Japanese -Korean Fusion

The Dalmar Hotel rooftop (a Marriott signature hotel) - 954-745-1369 - 299 N. Federal Highway - Rooftop dining and bar at the Sparrow.

Tags: Valentine's Day dinner in Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale restaurants, Valentine's Day restaurants in Fort Lauderdale

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

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 

Spell mouthwatering: Tarpon River Cafe Absolute Catering

Tarpon River Café Absolute Catering

14 SW 11 Street

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315

954-767-8306

Lunch, 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Monday through Friday

Lunch first Saturday of each month

Catering for organizations, weddings and other special occasions

For my history posts, please see index here AND visit: JanesHistoryNook.blogspot.com

By Jane Feehan

Just out of the shadows of downtown Fort Lauderdale sits an unpretentious, terrazzo-floored tiny café shrouded in trees and other flora. It would be easy to miss except for a small sign indicating its business or if someone invites you as I was.  

Catering is chef/owner Chris Stachowski’s primary occupation here, but what a find for lunch. He whips up a new menu of five entrees and a soup each day; all entrees are priced at $11. With 24-hour-notice, he’ll fill a special meal request as well as requests for the next month’s Saturday lunch.

A large group of us—about 15—ordered across the menu. I sampled a delicious, slightly spiced clam

Turkey, brie and cranberry ciabatta

chowder and off-the-frame turkey, brie and cranberry creation on a ciabatta roll. It was served with a choice of a green salad or pasta salad; the large-portioned pasta salad of perfectly-cooked macaroni ranks as one of the best I’ve had. One of us ordered a ham plate, a few others ordered pork loin—all with eye-popping thick cuts of meat. Turkey slices in my sandwich were nearly a half-inch thick as well as they were for a large off-the- menu salad entrée one diner requested. Extremely accommodating, Chef Chris also served an off-the-menu burger with several slices of bacon draped over the meat. Desserts are house made by Chris’s sister, Beth, who serves as baker extraordinaire of an array of mouthwatering pies and cakes.

With deep, life-long roots in Fort Lauderdale, Chris comes with an impressive resume and thick portfolio of wedding, special occasion and business clients as well as repeat catering customers, including Saint Anthony Church Women’s Guild. Also, for about a decade, he served as a yacht chef—one of the most demanding roles in the culinary field. He’s also been an award-winning participant in local seafood festivals…and in fishing tournaments. Chris’s interests extend to horticulture, evidenced by his collection on 11th Street of fruit-bearing trees, a cinnamon tree, three varieties of pineapple, and herbs and vegetables and a project dear to his heart: an orchid farm, which is under development.

Stop by with a big appetite or to preview a catering menu. Easy parking at Tarpon River Café, which lies across the street from historic Trinity Lutheran Church. The café is an inexpensive and peaceful alternative to the hub bub of downtown. Patio or indoor dining.

Tags: Fort Lauderdale caterers, Fort Lauderdale catering, Fort Lauderdale restaurants, downtown Fort Lauderdale lunch

Fort Lauderdale's Royal Pig Pub: Majestic fare

Royal Pig Pub
350 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
954-617-7447
www.RoyalPigPub.com
Open: Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-Midnight
          Friday/Saturday 11 a.m.-2 a.m.
          Sunday Noon -11 p.m.

By Jane Feehan

Awesome: Royal Pig Pub. Atmospheric and handsome, if not typically pub-cozy, this eatery delivers creative, high quality, sophisticated food that sets the bar (no pun intended) for other SOFLA establishments that embrace the gastropub concept.

Executive Chef Stanton Bundy brings Texas and New Orleans influences to a menu that includes bounteous sandwiches, inspired salads and main course marvels. Consider the Free range Creole Chicken Club with cheddar cheese, a delicately fried and oh-so-tasty slice of avocado topped with chipotle aioli. Enthusiasm for this creation precluded relegating any to  a common Styrofoam

Free Range Creole Chicken Club

container for takeaway. Blasphemy. Down the hatch it went with most of a side of parmesan truffle fries. The same for dining companions blissfully munching on palate-teasing Prime Beef Sliders, and a BBQ Rotisserie Pulled Pork sandwich crowned with coleslaw spicy mustard, American cheese and a fried pickle. The Rotisserie Free Range Turkey Club, encased in cranberry walnut bread, topped with cranberry compote, Vermont cheddar, bacon and avocado, tasted like Thanksgiving on a bun … and ranks among the best sandwiches I’ve eaten.

The roster of main plates (served after 5 p.m.) include New Orleans inspired BBQ Shrimp, and Seafood Gumbo. Texas-influenced Rotisserie Ribs and prime steaks join Free Range Rotisserie Chicken, “Fish of the Moment” and tons more to accommodate any craving, any appetite. The Royal Pig Pub serves fabulous fare on many holidays. Wallet-friendly, this pub offers fine cocktails, excellent wines and craft beers. And yes, the service lives up to the food.

Sophisticated, airy and New Yorkish

Parking available on the street or in a nearby parking garage.










Tags: Fort Lauderdale pubs, gastropub, Las Olas restaurants

Crash landing on oil slick, Runway 84 in Fort Lauderdale

Runway 84

330 Florida State rd. 84

Fort Lauderdale, 33315

954-467-8484

Runway-84.com

Totally different today. Upscale with music and classy food. Expensive ...

This airline-themed Italian eatery and lively bar with a three-decade history has an enthusiastic following. After a recent visit, I cannot say I am a member of that following.

Oil was in abundance in places it should not have been and was missing in another. This sad experience began with tasteless, slightly burned bread accompanied by a small dish of oil for dipping. We could not find the oil; the dish was mostly grated Parmesan with barely enough liquid to grace one slice of bread. Bread is usually the first sign of what’s to follow; this time was no exception.

Enter an appetizer of clams oreganata drowning in oil that should have come with the bread. Oil was not the only problem; the woebegone clams tasted as if they had been resurrected from the freezer. Onward. Mussels were delivered in a “sauce” that tasted more like water with a few dollops of tomato paste. It was miserably tasteless as was the house salad served with a gimmicky piece of salami holding a single sorrowful olive. Iceberg lettuce, a pepperconi here, a slice of tomato there, all drizzled in a bland dressing fit for a bottle off a grocery store shelf.

Denouement of this meal misery: two plates of pasta overloaded with oil. The rigatoni was perfectly prepared but swimming in cheap olive oil. So much broccoli rabe covered one dish that the pasta was hard to find. My plate was topped with a mushy mess of cauliflower and sliced mushrooms.

Runway 84 may be popular for their free meatballs on Thursday nights and grossly huge portions every night. It’s not cheap however; our pasta dishes were about $25 each.

To borrow from Edgar Allen Poe … Once upon a January Florida night cheery … deep into that dish peering, long I stood there wondering, really? Said this writer, NEVERMORE.

Tags: Fort Lauderdale restaurants, Italian restaurants in Fort Lauderdale, restaurants near Fort Lauderdale airport

Jet Runway Café, Fort Lauderdale: Calling all aviators – and foodies

Dining room with a view

Jet Runway Café

5540 NW 21 Terrace

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309

954-958-9900

Open Monday-Friday: 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

Saturday: 7:30-2 p.m.

Jetrunwaycafe.com

Beer and wine, catering

By Jane Feehan

Jet Runway Café, exactly as its name conveys, sits along a runway in a hangar at Fort Lauderdale’s Executive Airport. What this unique eatery lacks in exterior design (except for the airplane windows of its entrance), is more than made up for by the details of its interior and in its artful presentations from the kitchen. The café’s expanse of glass along its front and side affords all visitors a great view of the tarmac and planes taking off, landing or awaiting the next trip. Its appropriately high-ceiling, airy interior is decked out in a turbine and other aviation elements.  

Entrance

We had standard breakfasts of eggs, potatoes, and a piece of their housemade light fried bread pudding (also available as a complete serving). Presentation here is all about the details: tiny cups with butter or catsup (no ugly bottles or alumium butter wrappers here); potatoes served in a small dish atop the plated eggs. Simple fare but beautifully delivered. They also serve Brioche Almond French toast, breakfast burritos, pancakes and house made coffee cakes.

 

Thoughtful presentation 

Service is excellent. I’ll be back for lunch during this next week and hope I can find a parking space. It was impossible last Friday at 1 p.m. and I think I know why. With good food, a great wait staff and an exceptional setting, what’s not to return for? Stay tuned …

Open for private parties (great venue) only during the evening.

Tags: Fort Lauderdale breakfast, runway restautants, unique restaurant Fort Lauderdale, private party venues, unique party venue, catering

s3 - Fussy and casual not a good match at the beach - Fort Lauderdale

s3

At the Fort Lauderdale Hilton Hotel

505 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd.

Fort Lauderdale, 33304

954-523-7873

Open

Sun-Thur: 11:30 a.m. to midnight

Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

By Jane Feehan

Launched by The Restaurant People, the company behind YOLO, Vibe, and Tarpon Bend Food and Tackle, s3 (sun, surf and sand) could use some adjustments and reconsideration (or consideration?) of its theme.

Three of us brunched there on a recent Sunday. A server told us in introductions that they embraced a

“sharing” theme. We couldn't discern what was to be shared other than some side dishes of mac n’ cheese, butter braised pole beans and other vegetables. Their small plates could not be shared. Onward … I tried a weekend brunch item, chicken atop a sweet potato waffle served with bacon butter. The waffle was tough, dry and nearly tasteless. Syrup wasn’t served; I was told there was some on it … somewhere. The lightly battered and fried chicken was moist and flavorsome but it didn’t atone for the waffle. Another diner ordered oak grilled fish, which was grouper that day. It came loaded with a thick, overpowering, unappealing-looking “sauce Gribbiche,” better suited to the name “sauce gibberish” of tarragon and/or dill. That and an inappropriate ciabatta roll (too much bread for this entrée) subdued the grilled fish, which did not taste fresh. The best dish was an over-sized hamburger served on a Challah roll. A trio of mini Bloody Mary’s with different garnishes was interesting.

On the plus side is the soothingly beautiful décor, with its  earth tones set against a backdrop of dark and light woods— somewhat unusual in a beach setting. A view of the ocean can be captured from any table or from any seat at one of several bars. s3 occupies a large area at street level of the Hilton and for the most part, is covered, though open. The breeze can be stiff and the humidity uncomfortable–not pleasant for those who normally avoid al fresco dining during Florida summers.

A less pretentious, less fussy approach would be better suited to this laid back beachy atmosphere. We will return; they have a lot to work with and s3 is so very new.

Tags: Fort Lauderdale beach dining, waterside dining Fort Lauderdale, Hilton Hotel, s3, open air beachside dining

PDQ - Clucky concept outruns competition in fast food arena

PDQ

3359 N. Federal Hwy.

Fort Lauderdale, FL  

954-874-8528

www.eatpdq.com

Open 11 a.m. daily until 10 p.m. except Fri. and Sat. until 11 p.m.

By Jane Feehan

PDQ, launched by a few of the principals of Outback Steakhouse, sells chicken tenders, salads and sandwiches in several stores in Florida and in North Carolina. Plans are underway for other franchises. Business at the Fort Lauderdale store has been brisk since it opened recently. Lines for franchises may be nearly as long as they are for PDQ chicken tenders. They have a concept that works and their food is yummy.

PDQ (“people dedicated to quality”) serves fast food a few notches above its competition. It’s mostly chicken here at this "fast-casual" restaurant. To fully appreciate why PDQ stands heads above its competition, future fans might first sample their meaty tenders in one of the baskets served with hand cut fries or blueberry coleslaw. The lightly breaded, lightly fried tenders are plump (huge!) and juicy.  Two or three

tenders with a side order are plenty for even a big appetite. Chicken sandwiches are just as tasty.  They also sell grilled turkey sandwiches with a dollop of cranberry sauce, an item that also sets PDQ apart from other fast-food chains. For waist watchers, there's a small variety of large, fresh salads. Milkshakes and malts top the desert choices for those who don't worry about calories. 

PDQ's interior design makes for a pleasant, airy and somewhat noisy ambiance, but comports with its casual presentation. Drive-in service underscores the fast food experience. It’s fast food outrunning the competition, fast.





Tags: Fort Lauderdale chicken restaurant, fast food Fort Lauderdale, take out chicken, chicken tenders, historical researcher

Christina Wan's - Chinese food with flair in Fort Lauderdale

CLOSED NOVEMBER 10, 2024

Christina Wan’s

664 N. Federal Hwy (Shoppes of Victoria Park)

Fort Lauderdale 33304

954-527-0228

www.christinawans.com

Mon-Thurs: 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

Fri and Sat: 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Sun: 4 to 10 p.m.

Takeout and delivery available

By Jane Feehan

With phone orders coming in at a brisk rate and deliveries going out the door at the same tempo, Christina Wan’s is a busy place. But the best way to enjoy it is on the premises in a pleasant setting accented with white table cloths, booths, and a granite top bar with full liquor service; there is also a patio, a popular place with diners.

The food, standard American-Chinese fare, is good. No frozen, crinkle-cut veggies out of a bag here; vegetables are fresh. For the diet conscious, low carb and grilled items are available. Fried rice items such as Nutty vegetable or Egg and Onion join the pork, beef, chicken and vegetable varieties. Brown rice is also offered. Orders are generous and more than substantial for sharing. A recent dinner for two of Lemongrass chicken and Honey garlic crispy chicken will have us returning for more.

Owner Christina Wan maintains a high profile at her restaurant. She tends bar, seats patrons, takes orders over the phone – all at a frenetic pace - while engaging customers in friendly conversation. Her move from a location on Federal just north of Sunrise Boulevard was a good one. She’s now located near downtown, where a place like hers was sorely needed.

Tags: Chinese restaurants in Fort Lauderdale, Chinese takeout Fort Lauderdale, Chinese food delivery Fort Lauderdale, Chinese food

D'Angelo for pizza, tapas, and ... Fort Lauderdale

D’Angelo – Pizza, Wine Bar and Tapas

4215 N. Federal Hwy.

Fort Lauderdale, 33334 (Oakland Park)

954-561-7300 – Reservation required for parties of more than six

http://dangelopizza.com

By Jane Feehan

Brought to us by Chef Angelo Elia, the same owner behind the popular Casa D’Angelo, the more moderately-priced D’Angelo focuses on pizza, tapas and a wine bar.  It’s a concept that extends the D’Angelo name to a wider South Florida dining community. Judging by the crowds filling up the place, it’s a concept that seems to be working.

A striking modern black and white Italian décor provides a casual, smart setting to munch on an array of “artisan,” pizzas crowned with some interesting toppings, including Italian tuna, gorgonzola and buratta cheese, salmon and soft brie, arugula, dried figs and lots more. Pizza is good here if you’re less inclined to embrace traditional versions, though a Margherita may suffice – unless you order it topped with fries, which is an option.

Besides pizza, D’Angelo’s tapas ($12 and less) are also interesting, if not all tasty. Turkey and chicken meatballs are generous in size but short on flavor - no detectable garlic and slightly gummy (overabundance of bread crumbs?). But other small plates of rice balls or Arancini, crispy polenta, eggplant parmegiana, or stuffed zucchini flowers may make up for that item. D’Angelo also serves a small selection of soups, bruschette, ceviche (raw marinated fish) and carpacci (raw meats).

Daily dinner specials vary, but on my second visit included salmon stuffed with crab meat, chicken cacciatore, and a pasta dish; I chose the chicken.  A heaping plate of steaming hot chicken in red sauce and mashed potatoes came accented with tasty olives and sliced red peppers. It proved to be a good choice.

Reviews are mixed on their bread – bland – and salads. An arugula salad with white beans and shaved Reggiano drizzled in an orange citronette was terrific. A Ceasar, thrown together with two small heads of embarrassingly tired, limp Romaine lettuce, was a disappointment. That aside I’d return here for a meal. The service is excellent, the bar lively and the price is right. Valet parking, also at lunch.  Family-friendly.

Tags: Fort Lauderdale dining, Italian restaurants in Fort Lauderdale, pizza places in Fort Lauderdale, wine bar in Fort Lauderdale

Spotlight on LOBSTER at these Fort Lauderdale area restaurants

Below are a few Fort Lauderdale area restaurants advertising or featuring lobster specials, either year round or seasonally.

Fin & Claw – 954-782-1060

2476 N. Federal Hwy, Lighthouse Point

Open 4-10 p.m.

Fifth Avenue Grill -954-782-4433 - CLOSED
4650 N. Federal Hwy., Lighthouse Point

Summer Maine lobster specials – call to confirm availability

www.5thavegrill.com

Kelly’s Landing 954-760-7009

1305 SE 17^th Street, Fort Lauderdale, 33316

Monday-Thursday: 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

Friday, Saturday: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

www.kellyslandingseafood.com

Lobster House – 954-748-6080

3527 N. Pine Island Rd., Sunrise

Open daily 2-11 p.m.

http://lobsterhousesunrise.com/

Old Florida Seafood House – 954-566-1044

1414 NE 26^th Street, Wilton Manors

Open nightly at 5 p.m., Lobster tails

www.oldflaseafood.com

Rustic Inn – 954-584-1637

Crab is their specialty but they also serve lobster

4331 Ravenswood Rd., Fort Lauderdale

www.rusticinn.com

The Ark Restaurant – 954-584-3075

6255 Stirling Road, Davie

www.thearkrestaurantfla.com

Tropical Acres – 954-989-2500

2500 Griffin Rd., Fort Lauderdale

Maine lobster specials - seasonal

www.tropicalacres.com

Vinnie's Lobster Bar 954-680-3323
5810 S. University Drive, Davie 33328 (Lakeside Town Shops)
www.vinnieslobsterbarflorida.com/

For more Fort Lauderdale seafood restaurants see: 
http://janesbits.blogspot.com/2011/07/fort-lauderdale-area-seafood.html

For seafood MARKETS, see:
http://janesbits.blogspot.com/2012/03/south-floridas-best-seafood-markets.html

Tags: Lobster dinner Fort Lauderdale, lobster specials Fort Lauderdale, lobster restaurants Broward County

Waterfront dining in Fort Lauderdale, Pompano

Below are restaurants on the water in Fort Lauderdale and Pompano. Some sit ocean side, others along the Intracoastal, canals or the Middle River. Locations indicated. Some are reviewed elsewhere on this blog.

Fort Lauderdale

Anglin’s Beach Café - pier on the ocean

2 Commercial Blvd., Lauderdale-by-the-Sea

954-491-6007 - Open daily 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.

http://www.anglinsbeachcafe.com/

Review on this blog, use search box

Aruba Beach Café   – on the beach

1 Commercial Blvd., Lauderdale by-the-Sea

11 a.m.-11 p.m., casual inexpensive to moderate

954-776-0001

www.arubabeachcafe.com

Review on this blog, use search box

Asia Bay – on a fork of the New River – outdoor terrace

1111 E. Las Olas Blvd., lunch/dinner, moderate

954-848-9900

www.asiabayrestaurants.com

Bahia Cabana – on the Bahia Mar Marina

3001 Harbor Dr., Breakfast, lunch, dinner – Casual, inexpensive

954-524-1555

www.bahiacabanaresort.com

Bamboo Beach Tiki Bar – on the beach

At the Ocean Manor Hotel/Condo

4040 Galt Ocean Dr., Lunch/dinner – very casual

954-566-7500

www.BambooBeachTikiBar.com

Benihana – on the Intracoastal

276 Commercial Blvd., Lauderdale-by-the-Sea

954-776-0111

www.benihana.com

Blue Moon Fish Company – on the Intracoastal

4405 West Tradewinds Ave. Lauderdale-by-the-Sea - Moderate

954-267-9888

www.bluemoonfishco.com/

Kim Bokamper’s

Sports Bar and Grill
3115 NE 32nd Ave (Along east side of Intracoastal near Oakland Park bridge)

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 (opened Nov 27, 2013)

Locations also in Miramar and Plantation

www.bokampers.com
Phone - 954-900-5584 (not working as of Dec. 1)

Bimini Boatyard – on canal off Intracoastal

1555 SE 17^th St., moderate

954-525-7400

www.Biminiboatyard.com

Casablanca Café    954-764-3500 – Across the street from ocean

3049 Alhambra St.

www.casablancacafeonline.com

Reviewed on this blog; use search box.

Chart House (a Landry's restaurant) – on the Intracoastal

3000 NE 32 St - moderate

954-561-4800

http://www.chart-house.com/

Coconuts – next to Bahia Mar Marina, on the water

429 Seabreeze Blvd., inexpensive to moderate

Open daily at 11:30 a.m.

954-525-2421

http://coconutsfortlauderdale.com/

Review on this blog, use search box.

Downtowner Saloon – on the New River

10 S. New River Drive East - inexpensive

South of New River, east of the Andrews Ave. Bridge, behind the Courthouse

954-463-9800

www.downtownersaloon.com

Review on this blog; use search box.

East End Brasserie at  

The Atlantic Resort and Spa – Terrace across from the beach

601 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd.

954-567-8070

www.atlantichotelfl.com

Hyatt Pier 66   

2301 SE 17^th Street – two venues

Grille Room – Expensive

Pelican Landing – Casual. lunch, light dinner high up with view of Intracoastal

954-525-6666

www.pier66.hyatt.com

Pelican Landing is reviewed on this blog – use search box.

Marriott Harbor Beach   - overlooks ocean - Main number 954-525-4000

3030 Holiday Drive

Riva Restaurant – 954-765-3100 – moderate, casual

www.marriottharborbeach.com

Review on this blog; use search box.

Pelican Grand Beach Resort   - on the beach

2000 North Ocean Blvd., moderate

954-568-9431

www.pelicanbeach.com

Ritz Carlton Hotel – Terrace across from beach, lunch, breakfast

1 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd.

954-465-2300

www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/FortLauderdale/Default.htm

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At the Fort Lauderdale Hilton Hotel

505 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale

954-523-7873

Sun-Thur: 11:30 a.m. to midnight

Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

Sand Bar and Grill – very casual, with a deck and stairs to beach

Sun Tower Hotel (north of the Pelican Grand Resort)

2030 N. Ocean Blvd., Breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days 8 am- 9 pm

954-565-5700

Review on this blog; use search box.

Sea Watch Restaurant - on the ocean

6002 North Ocean Drive

954-781-2200

www.seawatchontheocean.com

Review on this blog; use search box.

Serafina – on Middle River off Sunrise

926 NE 20^th Ct., lunch/dinner, moderate to expensive

954-463-2566

www.serabythewater.com

Shooter’s Waterfront Café (New owners, Grateful Palate, reopening early 2013) 

3033 NE 32^nd St. Lunch, dinner - casual

954-566-2855

www.shooterscafe.com

Shula’s on the Beach, terrace across from the beach

Westin Resort Moderate to expensive

321 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd. Breakfast, dinner

954-355-4000

http://tinyurl.com/9clp3te

Southport Raw Bar – end of canal off the Intracoastal

1536 Cordova Rd., Lunch and dinner. Casual, inexpensive

954-525-2526

www.southportrawbar.com/

Pompano Beach

Houston’s – on the Intracoastal at the bridge

2861 E. Atlantic Blvd., Lunch, dinner - moderate

954-783-9499

www.hillstone.com/#/restaurants/houstons/

Tags: waterside restaurants in Fort Lauderdale, waterside dining in Pompano, restaurants on the beach, restaurants on the Intracoastal, Fort Lauderdale waterfront restaurants