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

Patsy's Italian Restaurant NYC - more about characters than food

Patsy’s Italian Restaurant

236 W. 56^th Street

New York City, NY

212-247-3491

www.patsys.com

By Jane Feehan

Located off Broadway at the center of the theater district, Patsy’s does a booming business with theater goers and tourists and a smattering of locals who venture in for the characters rather than the food. This was one of Frank Sinatra’s hangouts during the day where he held court upstairs. The same family has run Patsy’s for decades; their graciousness is one reason why so many return here—in spite of hum drum food.

On my first visit I supped on Shrimp Scampi looking for a garlic fix. I didn’t taste any garlic and the pasta was overcooked. A Caesar salad earned the same dismal assessment. The couple sitting next to me, frequent visitors to the place, said the food isn’t great but they come back to see who’s there.

Singer Michael Bublé and wife came in on one of my visits but did not stay to eat. He had to know that role model Sinatra frequented the restaurant. Characters still flock here but not so much the high-profile type. I couldn’t help but notice that some dining could have been “made guys” or wanted to be. Most of all they wanted to see or be seen, providing aware guests some entertainment with their bear hugs of old and new associates.

On another visit with a friend, we dined on seafood and pasta, and gnocchi and had to discretely  extricate shrimp shells from mouthfuls of pasta. Not a pleasant experience for those who tend to get embarrassed by such things.

Service is excellent and they expertly move customers in and out of the crowded spot. A small full-service bar offers a few seats but this is not the place for a leisurely drink before dinner. Move ‘em on, head ‘em out.  

Tags: New York City restaurants, restaurants near CBS David Letterman Theater, Italian restaurants in NYC, restaurants near Broadway, Pre-fix pre-theater menus in NYC

Tallest hotel in Western Hemisphere - Marriott Residence Inn New York Manhattan/Central Park

Marriott Residence Inn New York Manhattan/Central Park

1717 Broadway (entrance at 321 W 54 St)

New York, NY 10019
212-324-3774

By Jane Feehan

The Marriott Residence Inn New York Manhattan/Central Park towers over other hotels in New York City; it also stakes claim as the tallest hotel in the Western Hemisphere. It took nearly a decade to build its 65 stories with spectacular views when it opened late December 2013. Adjoining Courtyard is part of the new hotel complex and guests share common areas with those of the Residence Inn.

Don’t expect the typical Residence Inn suite.  Many rooms are quite small (especially those in room

numbers ending in 3; rooms ending in the number 4 are more spacious) but all accommodate travelers with compact kitchens. A small fridge, microwave, dishwasher, dishes and cookware are available. I asked for a hot plate for a long stay and they delivered it within minutes of my request. If hotel room cooking is not your pleasure, food delivery is quite popular in New York City and there are, according to one restaurant owner, 24 restaurants on two blocks nearby.

Like most new hotels, this Marriott (a franchise) has a few facility problems to work out. Guests have told me their air conditioning unit or refrigerator had to be repaired or replaced. Air conditioning in my room went out until a part was quickly changed. Fire alarms went off a few times the first month it was open and a very small electrical fire during my stay was cause for an evacuation of several floors. Service problems in their two great rooms have yet to be settled but it is coming together; staff is extremely responsive and engineers are available around the clock.

The hotel provides a laundry room, a rarity in New York City hotels, and comes equipped with plenty of washers and driers. A breakfast buffet and full bar with a light menu is also available. Residence Inn New York Manhattan/Central Park also has an outstanding fitness center with a stunning vista of the city skyline. Located on Broadway, this hotel lies at the epicenter of the theater district. Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and Central Park are each a 10 minute walk away; so is boisterous Times Square. Business or leisure travelers will be pleased with this new addition to Marriott; the Residence Inn New York Manhattan/Central Park lies within a short distance of  the best the city has to offer.


Tags: New York City Hotels, Marriott hotels, Marriott hotel reviews, Residence Inn, Jane Feehan, tallest hotel in Western Hemisphere

Rue 57 - a bit of Paris with a NYC following

Rue 57

60 W. 57 Street

New York City, 10019

Mon-Fri: 7:30 a.m.- Midnight

Sat-Sun: 9 a.m.-Midnight

Brunch – Sat-Sun: 9 a.m.-3 :30 p.m.

212-307-5656 -Rue57.com, delivery 

By Jane Feehan

When I asked some New Yorkers for a short list of good restaurants near my hotel, Rue 57 was at the top. A “Brasserie Parisienne et Sushi Bar,” Rue 57 is a clamorous place with interesting fare that continues to beckon my return.

Located a few blocks from Central Park at the busy corner of 57^th and Avenue of the Americas, Rue 57 serves up some beautiful dishes for brunch, lunch and dinner. My first meal there, lunch, was a turkey burger with fries served with a side of artichokes and tomatoes that placed my pedestrian choice over the top.  A sautéed red snapper special on the second visit wasn’t as intriguing, nor the kale salad with apples and citrus dressing, which didn’t prove as tasty as the menu suggested. The salad was redeemed when more apples and dressing were delivered upon request. The not-so-fresh snapper was prepared beautifully but the dish was an unpleasant juxtaposition of mediocre ingredients and a valiant attempt at a cover up. A pleasant dessert of Profiteroles (cream puffs) in chocolate sauce made me soon forget the main course.  We returned a few weeks later for fluffy French toast with fruit, and an omelet with three cheeses ...  a perfect brunch.

I’ve yet to sample their sushi with so many dishes to choose from … next time. Service is quite good, reservations recommended, especially during peak hours when visitors vie with locals for a table at this popular corner of 57^th Street and Aveune of the Americas. Full bar and sidewalk table seating available.

Tags: New York City brunch, restaurants near Central Park, restaurants near the Marriott Residence Inn Central Park, NYC sushi restaurants 

Coolinary Café - American culinary variations - Palm Beach Gardens

Coolinary Café

4650 Donald Ross Rd. Suite 110
561-249-6760

www.coolinarycafe.com

Open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Closed Sundays

By Jane Feehan

Authentic American dining with an innovative twist or two is in store for diners at the fast-paced Coolinary Café. Look for a spartan room tucked away in the Donald Ross Villages Plaza with people waiting to get a seat. It’s worth the wait.

For those who’ve dined at Charlie’s Reef Grill (Juno) and Little Moir’s Food Shack (Jupiter), Coolinary will seem familiar: an austere elongated dining space with tables, some counter seating and an open kitchen with a few very organized pros preparing food at the grill. Owners of the three places once worked together.

The menu at Coolinary Café changes often to accommodate season, availability and local sources. I supped on very fresh, delicately sautéed Pompano with lemon butter and sautéed brussel sprouts – a plate that could have met the standards of a sophisticated, more formal dining establishment. The same can’t be said about the Bouillabaisse, their version of a fish stew.

This stew was an American take on the Marseilles, France dish, which includes fish not available here but Coolinary’s version was lacking in imagination. The soup was mildly spicy—and flavorsome— but the seafood used was mainly shrimp with a few pieces of swordfish.

A very American dish was the boneless Southern fried chicken atop a jalapeno cheddar waffle with grilled lemon and coleslaw. The café put chicken and waffle together as if it had been that way from the beginning. New Orleans served as inspiration for one of their starters, crab and corn beignets. Innovative in flavor and texture, this gem is enough for a meal for one or an appetizer for three. It’s one of their most popular plates.

Coolinary does wonderful things with waffles. I ordered a “carrot cake-inspired” waffle with whipped cream and another maple-based topping. The waffle was tender and moist. There was no mistaking this was an American original, a great way to top off a meal at this fun and creative eatery.

Wine and beer served. Casual atmosphere but not ideal for small children at night; it’s a small room.

Open a casual seafood eatery, diners will come: Carmine's Crab Shack inPalm Beach Gardens

Carmine’s Crab Shack

2000 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens

561-275-2185

Open daily 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

www.carminescrabshack.com

By Jane Feehan

Carmine’s Crab Shack was open only two days when we ventured in to try some seafood. Normally I’d wait until a restaurant has its groove on before writing about it but this place is well on its way. Carmine Giardini has already chaulked up a number of dining successes in South Florida and in Palm Beach Gardens.

His newest eatery was filling up a few minutes before noon but we were immediately seated in the rustic sea-themed dining room at a large booth. Its table was covered with brown paper for those who indulge in crabs but for us it was too early to enjoy their headliner. Instead, we ordered a lobster roll, a Maryland crab cake sandwich and Clams Oreganata.

Delivered on a roll with a bulky piece of lettuce to give appearance of meat aplenty, the very fresh lobster sandwich would have been near perfect with a tablespoon more of the sea meat and a pinch of spice. Lots of fries and tiny sides of tasteless coleslaw or equally dull potato salad came with the meals.

(Management is deliberating whether fries will be included for the sake of presentation going forward. I vote YES.) The Maryland crab cake was made with more crab meat than bread, the way they should be. Clams Oreganata—clams in the shell baked with breadcrumbs and olive oil with a sprinkle of cheese—were delicious.

Carmine’s menu is ambitious with seafood galore: crabs, shrimp, lobster, fish, seafood tacos, PEI mussels, Ipswich clams, conch fritters, conch salad and more.  A few pasta entrees, some  meat dishes and a kids menu will quash any reason for not visiting Carmine’s Crab Shack.  It’s casual, reasonably priced and features a large, friendly bar (filled by 1 p.m.) for dining or socializing. Our server did a great job and the manager came by to ask if we had any suggestions as we left. This will be a busy dining spot; they are off to a great start.

Tags: Seafood restaurant Palm Beach Gardens, casual dining Palm Beach Gardens, lobster in Palm Beach Gardens, conch fritters in Palm Beach Gardens.

Easter brunch & dining 2014 - Broward and Palm Beach counties

Here are a few ideas for Easter 2014 dining. Some listed serve brunch. More may be added.

Fort Lauderdale

Beauty and the Feast - 954-567-8070
Atlantic Hotel & Spa
601 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd
www.society8.com
Breakfast/brunch 7 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Blue Moon Fish Co. 954-267-9888
4405 W. Tradewinds Ave.
Lauderdale by the Sea, 33308
Brunch 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
Adults $58.95 (plus tax and tip); children 6-12  $24 (plus tax and tip) ; children under six, free
http://bluemoonfishco.com/

B-Ocean Hotel - 954-564-1000
999 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale
10 a.m. -2 pm. free. Adults-$69- (plus tax and tip); children $31- (plus tax and tip); under five free
www.bhotelsandresorts.com/

Grille 401 - 954-767-0222
401 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
Open 2-9 - Easter and regular menu
www.grille401.com/

American  Social – 954-764-7005

721 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale

Lunch menu and buffet – 11a.m. -2:30 p.m.

americansocialbar.com

15th Street Fisheries - 954-763-2777

1900 SE 15th Street, Fort Lauderdale

Easter dinner (check hours) Chef's lobster special

www.15streetfisheries.com

Chart House - 954-561-4800

3000 NE 32 Ave., Fort Lauderdale

Serving 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

chart-house.com

Chima Steakhouse - 954-712-0580
2400 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale 
Noon to 3 p.m.; 4 to 9 p.m.
Brunch: $42.50 Adults; $21.50 children
http://chima.cc/site/  

Coconuts 954-525-2421

429 Seabreeze Blvd,,Fort Lauderdale 33316

Brunch 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.; regular menu rest of day

http://coconutsfortlauderdale.com/

Foxy Brown 754-200-4236

723 E. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale

Brunch all day - 9:30 a.m.- 4 p.m.

http://myfoxybrown.com/

Johnny V -954-761-7920

625 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale

Brunch 11:30 a.m.

www.johnnyvlasolas.com/

J Marks - 954-390-0770
1245 N. Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale
Open 11-3

Lauderdale Grill - 954-524-1118

1901 Cordova Rd., Harbor Shops - Fort Lauderdale

Brunch from 10 am

www.lauderdalegrill.com

Lips Fort Lauderdale - The Ultimate in Drag Dining - 954-567-0987
Three-course lunch - $23.50
1421 E. Oakland Park Blvd.
www.floridalips.com/

Lobster Bar & Sea Grill - 954-772-2675
450 E. Las Olas Blvd.
Open noon to 9 p.m. - Dinner menu
www.buckheadrestaurants.com/lobster-bar-sea-grille

Marriott Harbor Beach     Main number 954-525-4000

3030 Holiday Drive, Fort Lauderdale

Riva Restaurant – 954-765-3100  

Brunch – various seatings

www.marriott.com

Pelican Grand Beach Resort    954-568-9431

2000 North Ocean Blvd., Fort Lauderdale

North Ocean Grill

Serving  brunch: Seatings at 11:30 to 3:30 p.m.

www.pelicanbeach.com/

Riverside Hotel 954-467-0045

Brunch: 11:00 am – 4 p.m.

620 East Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale

http://www.riversidehotel.com/

Aruba Beach Café   954-776-0001

1 Commercial Blvd., Lauderdale by-the-Sea, Florida 33308

Easter breakfast brunch: 9 – 11:30 a.m.

http://arubabeachcafe.com/

Downtowner Saloon 954-463-9800

Special Easter Brunch - 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

10 S. New River Drive East, Fort Lauderdale

http://downtownersaloon.com/

Bimini Boatyard – 954-525-7400

Brunch: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. 

1555 SE 17^th St., Fort Lauderdale

www.biminiboatyard.com/

W Hotel – 954-414-8200

401 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd.

Steak 954  - a la carte menu 11 am-3 pm

www.wfortlauderdalehotel.com

Ritz Carlton Fort Lauderdale – 954-465-2300

Via Luna, Noon to 4 p.m.         

1 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd.

www.ritzcarlton.com/

Shooter's Waterfront - 954-566-2855 (New owner, renovated)
3033 NE 32 Ave, Fort Lauderdale 33308
Open at 11:30 - regular menu
www.shooterswaterfront.com/

Thasos Greek Taverna - 954-200-6006
3330 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
A la carte lunch - open at 2 p.m.
http://thasosgreektaverna.com/

Margate
McDivot's at Carolina Golf Club - 954-753-3500, ext 207
3011 Rock Island Rd.
Grand buffet - call for hours
www.carolinagolfclub.com/

Dania

Tropical Acres – 954-989-2500 

Easter menu, check for hours

2500 Griffin Rd., Dania

www.tropicalacres.com/ 

Hollywood

GG's  954-929-7030

606 N. Ocean Dr., Hollywood

Brunch 10:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

www.ggswaterfront.com/

Pompano Beach

Galuppi’s – 954-785-0226

1103 North Federal Hwy, Pompano Beach

Brunch: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

http://galuppis.com/

J Marks - 954-782-7000
Copans (NE 23 St), just west of Federal
Open 11-3

Seaside Grill - 954-783-3193

1406 N. Ocean Blvd., Pompano

Brunch 10 a.m.

www.seasidegrill.com

Deerfield Beach

Deer Creek Golf Club      954-421-5553

Grille Room

2801 Country Club Blvd., Deerfield Beach

Serving  brunch:  Check for hours

www.deercreekflorida.com/

Embassy Suites

BT’s Oceanfront – 954-426-0478

950 SE 20 Ave, Deerfield Beach

Easter dinner:  12:30-6 pm.

http://bit.ly/1pGh346

JB's on the Beach – 954-571-5220
300 North Ocean Blvd., Deerfield Beach

Brunch: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

www.jbsonthebeach.com/

Oceans 234                     954-428-2539

234 N. Ocean Blvd., Deerfield Beach 33441

Brunch  10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
www.oceans234.com/

  

Osteria Sapori - 754-227-5961 – Lunch-Dinner

1554 SE 3rd Ct, Deerfield
http://osteriasapori.com/index.php

Boynton Beach

Prime Catch  – 561-737-8822

700 East Woolbright Rd. Boynton Beach

Regular menu; call to check about special brunch

www.primecatchboynton.com/

Delray Beach

Atlantic Grille -561-665-4900 at  the Seagate Hotel

1000 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach

Easter Brunch 9 a.m-2:30

www.theatlanticgrille.com

D'Angelo Trattoria - 561-330-1237
9 SE 7th Ave, Delray Beach
Dinner 5-10 p.m.

Deck 84 -561-665-8484

840 East Atlantic Blvd., Delray Beach

Brunch (regular) starting at 11 a.m.  – call for details

Sundy House        561-272-5678

106 S. Swinton Avenue, Delray Beach, Florida  33444

Brunch   Seatings start at 10:30 and end with 7 pm seating

Old Calypso      561-279-2300

900 E. Atlantic Blvd. Delray Beach, Florida 33483

Brunch: 11 a.m. -4 p.m.

Marriott Delray Beach     561-274-3219

10 N. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach, Florida  

Brunch in the Seacrest Ball Room with seatings from 11 a.m.-  2:30 p.m.

Boca Raton

Abe & Louie's - 561-447-0024
2200 W. Glades Rd Boca Raton, FL 
Serving brunch 11:30 am-3 pm
www.abeandlouies.com

Brio Tuscan Grille 561-392-3777
Brunch 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
5050 Town Center Circle,Boca Raton 
www.brioitalian.com

Josephine's 561-988-0688

5751 N. Federal Hwy., Boca Raton

Easter Dinner 5-10 pm

Renaissance Hotel (Marriott) 561-368-5252

2000 N.W. 19th St., Boca Raton

Brunch 

www.marriott.com

Jupiter

The Bistro – 561-744-5054

2133 South U.S. Highway 1, Jupiter

Easter menu 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Sugar Cane Island Bistro - 561-743-4177

353 South US Hwy 1, Jupiter, FL

Brunch 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Jupiter Beach Resort and Spa   561-746-2511

Sinclair’s - Buffet: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

5 North A1A Jupiter, Florida 33477
www.jupiterbeachresort.com/

Schooners – 561-746-7558

1001 N. Hwy A1A, Jupiter

Brunch: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Palm Beach Gardens

Cafe Chardonnay - 561-627-2662

4533 PGA Blvd.

Palm Beach Gardens

Brunch menu 11 a.m. 2:30 p.m.; dinner at 4 p.m.

Paddy Mac's 561-691-4366

10971 N. Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens

Usually open at noon pm. Call to check for Easter hours. Brunch and lunch, dinner

Waterway Café – 561-694-1700

2300 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens

Serving brunch 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

www.waterwaycafe.com

Grandes Bella Cucina - 561-932-0840

4580 Donald Ross Rd.

Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Brunch 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

www.grandesflorida.com

Palm Beach

The Breakers Palm Beach     561-659-8488

One South County Road Palm Beach

Several venues for brunch. Call or visit website for details 

www.thebreakers.com

Ta-boo – 561-835-3500

221 Worth Avenue, Palm Beach

Serving brunch 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

Charley’s Crab Palm Beach 561-659-1500

456 South Ocean Blvd., Palm Beach

Brunch: 10 a.m – 2:30 p.m.

Chesterfield Palm Beach (hotel) 561-659-5800

Cocoanut Row, Palm Beach

Leopard Restaurant

Brunch served 11 a.m -2:30 p.m.

Eau Palm Beach (formerly the Ritz) 561-533-6000
100 S Ocean Blvd, Manalapan
Call for seatings
www.eaupalmbeach.com

Four Seasons Hotel -561-582-2800

2800 South Ocean Blvd., Palm Beach

The Restaurant

Brunch : 12-6 p.m

Michael R. McCarty's 561-659-1899 

50 Cocoanut Row, Palm Beach

Regular brunch 11 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.

www.michaelrmccartyspalmbeach.com

Palm Beach Grill

340 Royal Poinciana Way, Palm Beach

561-835-1077

Open normal hours (no brunch) 5-10 p.m.

www.hillstone.com/  

Dune Deck Cafe        561-582-0472 - very casual

100 N. Ocean Blvd. 7 am - 4:30

Lantana, FL (across from the Eau de Palm Beach) 33462

www.dunedeckcafe.com/

Testa’s -561-832-0992

221 Royal Poinciana Way, Palm Beach

Brunch (regular brunch):  7 a.m. – 2 p.m.

www.testasrestaurants.com/

Omphoy Ocean Resort -561-540-6440

2842 South Ocean Blvd., Palm Beach

The Terrace  - (regular Sunday Brunch) – 11:30-3 p.m.

omphoy.com

West Palm Beach

Elks Club - 
Buffet  10 a.m-2 p.m.
Adults $21.95; children under 12: $15.95
Easter egg hunt 2-3 p.m.
Call X-Cel catering at 814-270-3120

E.R. Bradleys – 561-833-3520

104 Clematis St., West Palm Beach

Brunch: 8 a.m-2 p.m.

www.erbradleys.com

Hilton Palm Beach Airport -561-684-9400

150 Australian Ave., West Palm Beach

Brunch served in ballroom - call for details

Wellington

International Polo Club 561-204-5687

3667 120^th Ave., Wellington

Easter Brunch 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. (open to public)

Tags: Easter brunch 2014 Fort Lauderdale. Easter brunch Broward County, Easter brunch Palm Beach, 

Easter dining in Broward County, Easter dining Palm Beach, Easter brunch Hollywood, Easter 2014, 
Easter brunch in Boynton

Kitchenetta - modern Italian family style. Sort of.

Kitchenetta

2850 N. Federal Hwy

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306

954-567-3333

Tues-Thurs: 5:30-10 p.m.

Fri & Sat: 5:30-11 p.m.

Sun: 5:30-9 p.m.

kitchenetta.com

By Jane Feehan

A stark modern setting with bare floors and high ceilings and an equally austere patio facing Federal Highway belies Kitchenetta’s concept of traditional Italian family-style presentation. Its ascetic décor seems to beckon the trendy set rather than families with children on an outing.

But family style entrées created in a busy open air kitchen dominate a board of daily specials brought to each diner. They really push these daily offerings, which include quality seafood. Mussels and clams served in a flavorful, full-bodied red sauce was enough for three as an appetizer. They were delicious as was the main course of fresh cod loaded with cherry tomatoes and cured olives—again for about three mouths. A side order of Italian broccoli in oil and hot pepper flakes could be shared by at least four. They make bread to “order,” which is really (they say) pizza dough with nothing atop. It’s great to sop up sauce with but not impressive on its own. Ask for two forks when ordering their ricotta cheesecake, which is not too sweet—the Italian way—and with lots of texture.

No half or side orders of pasta here, but they do serve both single and family-sized portions from the regular menu. On Sundays, Kitchenetta cooks up the time-honored weekend meal of macaroni and gravy (pasta served with slow-cooked red sauce and various meats). It’s the dish that would keep Nona, grandmother, in the kitchen at home for hours.

If one can get the hang of how and what to order, a delicious meal awaits, but family-style here seems more a profitable revenue model than homage to Italian culture. I’ll return for the pizza. They do try hard to please and service is excellent. Just don’t expect an old-style neighborhood Italian eatery with candles, cozy corners—or pasta side dishes. Reservations recommended. Beer and wine. Free valet parking.

Tags: Italian restaurants Fort Lauderdale, east Fort Lauderdale restaurants, Fort Lauderdale pizza