Sand Bar and Grille - a slice of heaven on Fort Lauderdale beach

Sand Bar and Grille

Sun Tower Hotel (north of the Pelican Grand Resort)

2030 N. Ocean Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305

954-565-5700

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days 8 am- 9 pm

By Jane Feehan

A little slice of heaven, the Sand Bar and Grill provides an intimate setting atop the beach in Fort Lauderdale. Not many eateries sit as close to the shoreline as this place, which is located on a terrace at the family-owned Sun Tower Hotel.

The food is basic breakfast, salads, burgers, sandwiches, but they work hard to please patrons. There are

just a few tables; the ambiance is similar to that of dining at a private house. An indoor bar with booths provides a respite from the hot weather if breezes don’t kick in.

Their cocktail hour draws locals and visitors from all over the globe. It’s now high on my list of casual places to recommend to Fort Lauderdale visitors who want to dine inexpensively with a great view of the surf  ... without sitting on the sand.  Next door to Pelican Grand Resort ... Parking tight here. Metered or ask the hotel front desk if there are unoccupied guest spots.

Copyright © 2012/2019 All rights reserved. Jane Feehan.

Tags: Fort Lauderdale seaside dining, casual dining beach side Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale restaurants, waterside dining Fort Lauderdale, breakfast  on the beach in Fort Lauderdale

Beach towels!

15th Street Fisheries Dockside Cafe - Fort Lauderdale: Touristy

15th Street Fisheries Dockside Café

1900 SE 15th Street, Fort Lauderdale

954-763-2777

Open for lunch daily at 11:30 

http://tinyurl.com/88xak5r

By Jane Feehan

If a tourist asks a cabdriver where to go for seafood in Fort Lauderdale, 15^th Street Fisheries tops the list. So do its prices because it draws mostly visitors. Lunch at its outdoor Dockside Café is a better match for the plebeian purse.

I ordered their signature Lauderdale Marina salad ($14), which was gargantuan. But artichokes, tomatoes, heaps of lettuce, a good vinaigrette and half a hardboiled egg couldn’t make up for the unappetizing mound of soft, soggy shrimp; frozen they were - not a hint of fresh. An abundance of crab meat helped remedy the

Not so good ...

meal but next time I’ll try something else. I would have sampled the fish and chips but they use tilapia, one fish I don’t eat. Prices run from $9 to $21 for sandwiches, fish, lobster rolls, steak, chicken, alligator and shrimp, a sautéed seafood medley and more.

Sights and nautical ambiance provide enough reason for visiting the Dockside Café. Mega yachts gas up at the adjacent Lauderdale Marina where kids of all ages (including adults) can buy food to feed the tarpon splashing a few feet from diners.  Also, a view of Pier 66 with its bevy of yachts across the Intracoastal provides a slice of quintessential Fort Lauderdale.

Service is very good. Full bar. Family friendly. Dogs allowed at perimeter tables. Copyright © 2012. All rights reserved. Jane Feehan.

Lola's Seafood Eatery - Fresh seafood, stellar concept - Palm Beach Gardens

Lola’s Seafood Eatery

4595 Northlake Blvd.

Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410

561-622-2259

Open for lunch and dinner seven days

Mon-Thurs: 11 a.m. – 8:30 pm

Fri and Sat: 11 a.m. -  9 p.m.

Sun: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

TAKE OUT AVAILABLE

By Jane Feehan

If I hadn’t heard heaps of praise for Lola’s Seafood Eatery, I probably never would have stumbled upon it. Lola’s is hidden behind a large hedge off Northlake Boulevard in a small shopping center once the home of Joseph’s Classic Market.

Set up like a fast food eatery, Lola's is much more. It's order at the counter (they deliver to the table) but part of the menu changes frequently with catch-of-the-day specials.

With seafood galore and more, Lola’s serves a somewhat authentic fried shrimp po’ boy - not piles of shrimp like Gulf coast sandwiches where shrimp is cheap - but a pared down version, which was tasty.  Sides – fries, cole slaw, black bean and corn salsa – are packed with flavor and stand as exceptional complements to a  menu that includes New England style rolls - lobster, clam strip, or oyster and more elaborate fare such as seafood paella, a number of seafood salads, crab cakes, fish tacos, pasta bowls and chicken dishes. 

The best of Lola’s could be the three-course meals for $18 or less that feature fresh fish like scrod or wild salmon – a seafood bargain. Chef’s suggestions for these three course meals change daily. Dinners include soup or salad, fish entrée, and a dessert which could be a beignet, crème brulee or brownie. An ample selection of modestly priced wine and beer is available to top off a meal.

An attractive patio draws diners when the weather cooperates.  Expanding to a third location in Saint Lucie West (another operates in Stuart), Lola’s offers an excellent alternative to expensive fresh seafood dining.  It’s a winning concept that’s sure to catch notice. Family-friendly and very casual.

For additional restaurants in Palm Beach Gardens, see:

 http://janesbits.blogspot.com/2010/11/dock-boat-at-intracoastal-restaurants.html

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Tags: Palm Beach Gardens seafood restaurants, casual seafood in Palm Beach Gardens, lobster in Palm Beach Gardens, clam strip rolls in Palm Beach Gardens, fresh seafood Palm Beach Gardens

Florida: Dim lights, it's May ... turtles are on their way

Rescue recovering at Juno

By Jane Feehan
  

Each year, between May and November, thousands of sea turtles come ashore in Florida to build nests and lay their eggs. Before the heavy development and population of the coastal areas, turtle hatchings found their way back into the ocean by instinct, following the silhouettes of dunes and vegetation and light from the sky.

Today, many of these habitats are overshadowed by towering condominiums or other edifices of densely populated areas that cast artificial light, disorienting turtle hatchlings as they take their first steps. Instead of trekking back into the ocean, they head inland and succumb to dehydration, fire ants, ghost crabs – or cars.

This may be the reason – scientists are not sure – that the loggerhead species of sea turtles are threatened and green sea turtles and leatherbacks are endangered. To protect these sea creatures, lighting ordinances have been adopted throughout the state of Florida since the late 1990s.

Rescued turtle recovering in Juno

Ordinances attempt to diminish or redirect artificial lighting, though turning lights off is the simplest way to deal with the issue. If that isn’t an option, there are three rules or guidelines to keep artificial lighting to a minimum:

• Keep it LOW - mount the fixture as low as possible to minimize light trespass, and use the lowest amount of light needed for the task.
• Keep it SHIELDED - fully shield the light so bulbs and/or glowing lenses are not visible to minimize light trespass.
• Keep it LONG - use long wavelength light sources (ambers and reds) in the appropriate lighting fixtures.

There is also no solid data on the efficacy of lighting ordinances to protect turtles. Though lighting ordinances have been controversial over the years, many Florida residents have come to accept them. Residents often adopt protective lighting as a way of life for safety.

For more about where turtles recover from illness and injury in Juno Beach, see: http://janesbits.blogspot.com/2010/10/saving-sea-turtles-one-by-one.html

For  more information, visit: http://myfwc.com/media/418417/SeaTurtle_LightingGuidelines.pdf

Could turtles dim the Hillsboro Lighthouse? See  http://tinyurl.com/846le3u

Tags: sea turtles, Florida turtle lighting ordinances, turtle eggs, turtle hatchlings, protecting turtles

Underwater grace: Mermaids at Fort Lauderdale's Wreck Bar

MeduSirena Swim Show

Wreck Bar 

The Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach (formerly the Yankee Clipper)

1140 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 http://www.sheratonftlauderdalebeach.com/

www.medusirena.com

By Jane Feehan

There are only a couple of bars remaining in the United States with four portholes to a pool and Fort Lauderdale is lucky enough to claim one of them (there used to be several in this city). It’s the Wreck Bar located on the first floor of the B Ocean Hotel,* once known as the Yankee Clipper Hotel (for history of this landmark, see http://janesbits.blogspot.com/2011/06/florida-history-fort-lauderdales-yankee.html).  

I stopped in recently to see MeduSirena, a sub-surface water act headed by retro-performance artist and mermaid-in-chief, Marina Duran-Anderson.  It was 30 minutes of oohs and ahhs from the audience, many of whom were standing in the packed room. I highly recommend the colorful spectacle; it’s sophisticated, beautiful -- and unique.

Held on Fridays, 6:30-7 p.m., this Las Vegas-caliber performance is a great way to start an evening out on the town. It’s also free (please tip!).  Call to confirm the show will be held that night before heading over. The Wreck Bar opens at 6 p.m. but arrive by 5:30 p.m. to stand in line to get a seat. It’s worth it. If you can’t make the show, visit the Wreck Bar for a drink or light meal; it's a piece of Fort Lauderdale history.

See medusirena.com for more information about Ms. Duran-Anderson, “The Fire Eating Mermaid” and the shows she presents throughout Florida and the US.

* As of early December 2014, the hotel was acquired by the InSite Group and will operate in affiliation with B Hotels and Resorts. Renovations are planned and many hope they maintain the Wreck Bar with this notable show. 

Tags: Things to do in Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale nightlife, Yankee Clipper Hotel, mermaid show, Wreck Bar, porthole bar, bar with windows to the pool, Gill Hotel, entertainment in Fort Lauderdale

Nauti Dawg Marina Cafe: View is better than the food

Nauti Dawg Marina Café – 954-941-0246

Lighthouse Point Marina 

2841 Marina Circle

Lighthouse Point, FL

Breakfast, lunch and dinner every day except for Tuesday

Open 7 a.m -  9 p.m.

www.nautidawg.com

Dockage Available

Beer and wine served

Lighthouse Point Marina: http://www.lhpmarina.com/

 By Jane Feehan

With new owners and a new name since I was last here, Nauti Dawg Marina Café looks much the same in its beautiful yacht basin setting. Unfortunately, the food has gone south.

Two of us headed there for a late lunch one Saturday.  The crowd had cleared and only a handful of tables remained; we anticipated getting served right away. We almost left after 45 minutes of waiting for our orders but held back after the waitress told us our meal would be delivered soon. Another 10 minutes went by.

We would have left had we known the food we waited for so long would be

almost, well … bad. An uninspiring Greek salad (about $13 with mahi mahi) was thrown together with lettuce that had an unwashed taste and a grilled chicken sandwich (about $11) was barely chewable with its tough French bread. Onion rings were greasy and tasteless.

We’ll be back to give it another chance. The view is beautiful from both indoors and out. A steel drum player kicks up the vacation-like atmosphere a notch or two on weekends from 2-6 p.m. Nauti Dawg celebrates when the moon is full with live music and local partiers. Breakfast overlooking the marina will be a great way to start my day on the next visit. I’ll bring a book.  Maybe I’ll have a positive update afterward … stay tuned.

The Lighthouse Marina, home of Nauti Dawg, is not easy to find. It’s next to the boat landing for Cap’s Place. If you’re driving north from Fort Lauderdale turn right at the pink church, which lies north of Copans Road. Follow the signs for “marina” and/or Cap’s Place. Dress is casual.

Tags: Waterfront dining Lighthouse Point,

waterfront dining Broward County, waterfront dining South Florida

waterfront breakfast Broward County

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.: life is a bucket of shrimp in Jupiter

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. CLOSED - RUSTIC INN NEXT - CLOSED ALSO

1065 N. Hwy A1A                                      

Jupiter, Florida 33477

561-744-1300
Open seven days, lunch and dinner

Update: service has gone downhill here and so has the food.

http://www.bubbagump.com/assets/menus/jupiter.pdf

http://www.landrysinc.com/concepts/restaurants/bubbagump.asp

By Jane Feehan

Landry’s closed Crab House a few months ago in Jupiter and reopened at the location as Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. The menu boasts all things shrimp (of course) and changes to the building are minimal. The view of the Jupiter Lighthouse remains outstanding.

The façade has changed a bit to display the Bubba Gump logo. An additional bar has been added indoors where the buffet table once sat. The deck bar remains basically the same except for a small portion, parallel to the inlet, now occupied by tables. Lounge seating next to the bar has been upgraded for comfort and looks. Those with an attachment to the 1994 movie, Forrest Gump, or who hold a particular fondness for the restaurant can purchase T-shirts and tourist trinkets at the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. store on the premises.

Thanks to Landry’s management style, the kitchen was right on top of things a few days after the restaurant opened. That’s impressive. The menu offers lots and lots of shrimp-based fare such as mac and shrimp, shrimp gumbo, shrimp po boys, shrimp and grits and much more. Steaks and burgers and salads are available for the seafood shy. Bubba Gump features many menu items for $12 or less – great for families and the budget conscious.

In the movie, Forrest Gump and his partner, Lt. Dan, made plenty of money with the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Enough to buy shares of Apple to make them wealthy.  I can’t predict how much money Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. will reel in for Landry’s in Jupiter but it’s sure to make those happy who believe a good life includes a tasty bucket of shrimp.

For more waterfront restaurants in Jupiter, see:
http://janesbits.blogspot.com/2010/07/waterfront-dining-thrives-in-jupiter.html)

Tags: Waterfront restaurants in Jupiter, seafood restaurants Jupiter, shrimp in Jupiter

Prime Catch prime dining in boring Boynton

Prime Catch

700 East Woolbright Rd.

Boynton Beach, FL 33435

561-737-8822

http://primecatchboynton.com

Lunch 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Dinner: M-Th, 4:30-10 p.m.

F; S: 4:30-11 p.m.

Use search box at top right to find other seafood restaurants and seafood markets

By Jane Feehan

The best thing about Boynton Beach is Prime Catch. No fried fish and burgers-with-fries joint, this eatery serves fresh local seafood such as snapper and grouper. They also specialize in Maine lobster and other shellfish as well as cater to those who seek gluten-free meals.

Most items on the menu are worth repeat performances except the fish and chips; save that for the beach and beer joints. Florida Rock Shrimp Chowder rings bells as do their seafood crepes. Salads and fish are fresh, bread is warm. Those averse to seafood will be pleased with the range of beef and other meat offerings. 

View from patio

On the Intracoastal (the only restaurant in town on this waterway), Prime Catch’s interior is just as pleasant indoors as out on the patio. The lounge area, the best place to eat when the weather is inclement, features a large dark wood pub-style bar and comfy booths. It’s a great setting with a view of the Intracoastal that makes for a relaxing happy hour 4:30-7 pm. downing a drink and an oyster shooter or two.

Prime Catch does an outstanding job with large parties and banquets and is open most holidays. Service is quite good. Both valet and self parking available. Patience is required during the season while waiting for a table. Reservations for parties of five or more. I suggest business casual attire during the evening.

They also own Banana Boat, and Fifth Ave Grill

http://www.bananaboatboynton.com/

http://www.5thavegrill.com/

Food Network has fabulous seafood recipes at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/search/delegate.do?fnSearchString=seafood+recipes&fnSearchType=recipe

Tags: Seafood restaurants Palm Beach County, seafood restaurants near Delray, banquets, Intracoastal dining, fine dining, gluten free dining, oyster shooters