Author Archives: alanEATS

Tropics Restaurant and Piano Bar- Sunday Brunch Buffet

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Tropics Restaurant & Piano Bar- Sunday Brunch Buffet, 2000 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors  http://www.tropicsftl.com/

Tropics restaurant is synonymous with Wilton Manors and “the drive.” Sunday Brunch started out here many years ago as a once a month thing and became more frequent as time went on. Now every Sunday the restaurant transforms into one of the most extensive Breakfast Buffets around. Everybody goes there including “alanEATS.”  After years of Sunday brunching at Tropics, I have a plan of attack for this monster feast.  First, as with all buffets…get there early to avoid the crowds of the uninitiated buffet eaters…those are the ones that scurry around piling on the food. I prefer to gently graze and enjoy the experience. So here’s what I recommend. You’ll want to grab your breakfast stuff first. Choices range from Eggs Benedict to an assortment of Quiche.  The usual scrambled and fried eggs are there too, accompanied by Bacon, Sausage, Corned Beef hash and Potatoes O’Brian.  There’s even some tame Sushi Rolls with all the extras. You’ll also notice a tray marked French Toast.  It actually tastes more like Bread Pudding, so I usually pick some up later to enjoy with a cup of coffee. Now on to the main dining room buffet for Salads, Shrimp, Nova Lox and a Carving Station, which can include; Roast Beef, Ham, Pork and Turkey. In addition, Chef Nate and his staff prepare three main dishes that change weekly. Some favorites you may find are Lasagna, Kielbasa and Sauerkraut, Chicken Purses, Fish & Chips, Beef Pot Pie, Stuff Shells and Jambalaya. Let’s not forget about dessert.  These are plated and are lined around the main bar. Here you’ll find an assortment of cakes, pies and cookies. Some are done in-house so please ask your waiter to point them out. All of the above with two beverages will run you under $20. Amazing! Reservations are a must. In season you may have reserve several days in advance.

Update-December 2011- The Tropics Omelet Station is back! Returning this year is omelet Chef extraordinaire Danny, equipped with double burners and an assortment of omelet fillings to make your perfect meal. Just this alone is worth the price of admission. I order one with spinach, bacon and cheese…yum. The omelet station is only here during the winter season so catch it before Chef Danny packs up his pans and heads north.

Click the link to see more pictures from Tropics with comments. http://on.fb.me/tpdVLC

© 2011 alanEATS

Aruba Beach Café- Sunday Brunch Buffet

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Aruba Beach Café- Sunday Brunch Buffet,1 Commercial Blvd., Lauderdale-by-the-Sea  http://www.arubabeachcafe.com/home.htm

On the beach, off A1A and Commercial Blvd., is a fun place to have Sunday Brunch near the beach.  It’s not expensive and the food is good, so get ready to be there at 11am when they open or be prepared to wait.  Everything here is on one line, so take what you crave most on the first pass or you may have to wait on line again. Which is, I’ll happily admit, what I did! While there are fewer dishes here than at some of the other places I’ve been to, what’s offered is plentiful and satisfying.  Get your plate and load up on the breads and spreads. As you turn the bend you have Scrambled Eggs, Eggs Benedict, Breakfast Meats, Corn Beef Hash, Grits, Sliced Roast Beef, Cheese Blintzes, Fresh Fruit, French Toast, Waffles, and real Maple Syrup if you like. You know, I’m not one to pile on the food and then slather on the diet Aunt Jemima at the end because I feel guilty. NOT ME I!! Normally I’m just too busy enjoying my food to notice much, but I must admit, having breakfast on the beach in front of a large picture window with a view of the sea, the beach and the people is like one of those “wish you were here” cards you’d send your friends back north. It’s priceless. Coffee and drinks are extra, but there are usually some desserts as part of the deal.

J Mark’s Restaurant

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J Marks- 1245 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale  http://www.jmarksrestaurant.com/

To begin with let me just say up front that I genuinely like this place and the folks who run it.   I’m going to tell you about some of the dishes I enjoy, but first a short background. I discovered J Mark’s a couple of years ago, way before I began alanEATS. My foodie friends suggested a new place that had been getting good reviews, so we drove to Pompano for dinner.  At the time, J Mark’s had only the one location.  We were seated at a table in the bar area and I could see the place had a nice friendly buzz to it.  But what instantly endeared me to this new restaurant was the involvement of the two owners who could be seen checking in frequently on the kitchen and randomly stopping by tables to introduce themselves and inquire about the food and service. One of them stopped by our table and after a short chat we were treated to tastes of some new items they were trying out. You may have experienced something like this at a restaurant before, but my sense was that this was different.  These guys really mean to please and want feedback as to how they’re doing and correct things that aren’t working. Which brings me to the one year old, J Mark’s in Fort Lauderdale.  This additional location has not dampened these guys desire to produce good food at reasonable prices. Even off-season there can be a wait at peak times.

So lets begin with appetizers you shouldn’t miss.  I really like the Jamaican Grilled Wings. They are grilled, not breaded and have a slight sweet/sour kick from the tamarind. They’re served with a tasty dipping sauce. Also not to miss is the Ahi Tuna Appetizer with Wasabi Pesto (careful…has peanuts) and the wonderful Cajun Crusted Ahi Tuna Sliders served on mini-buns. For the meat eaters, try the Prime Rib Sliders with horseradish and basil pesto. I could make a dinner of appetizers.  Actually I have!

Do you like fish? Well, surprise…I’m not a huge fish fan, but I’m warming up to it because the fish dishes here are fabulous. Every day there are at least two fresh catch specials in addition to their regular menu offerings.  When available, try the Chilean Sea Bass with Miso Glaze. It’s like seafood candy. This moderately oily fish goes well with the miso glaze. Other fish you may find on special are the Red Snapper and the Swordfish, each with special preparations of the day. You really can’t go wrong. Now for the meat! Here’s what I’ve tasted and enjoyed. Top on my list is the Hawaiian Rib Eye.  I know you’ve seen a marinated rib eye at other places, however this one is consistently tasty, less fatty and served to your doneness.  Remember, if you’re still ordering meat medium well or well done you’re missing out on some important flavor. The 12 oz slow roasted Prime Rib is also really good here. Its served with all the trimmings, but I always ask for some teriyaki sauce on the side. Yum! They make a set amount, so when they’re out…they’re out! There are two other special cuts of beef, the 20 oz. Rib Eye and the New York Strip. Unless you’re really hungry, you’re taken some home.

Finally, Sunday brunch.  J Marks does an off-the–menu brunch with no less than seven Benedict egg dishes from the Classic to one with Angus Beef tips. I haven’t tried them all, although I’m working on it, but I’ll tell you the poached eggs are done perfectly and the Hollandaise sauce is rich. If you’re several people and hungry, start out with the Smoked Fish Dip off the regular menu.

© 2011 alanEATS

Cafe Italia

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Café Italia- 3471 N Federal Hwy., 
Oakland Park                                http://cafeitaliafortlauderdale.com

Recently some friends of mine introduced me to an Italian restaurant that I’ve wanted to try, but was never motivated enough to visit.  After all, to say we have a lot of Italian restaurants in the Lauderdale area is a gross understatement.  So with the further inducement of…”we’re buying”…I relented.  When I walked into the place and met owner, chef, food impresario, and wise philosopher Francesco, I was instantly hooked.  It was like when Golda Meir shook hands with Anwar Sadat for the first time and said, “ What took you so long?” Francesco is very proud to tell you that he’s from the Abruzzo region of Italy and will point to a map in the dining room to show you exactly where. He is also very proud of his food and eagerly explains about its freshness and authenticity. When the food arrives you know everything he said was true. It turns out Francesco can sometimes be the greeter, take an order and prepare the meal although on most nights his wife does the honors in the kitchen. All entrées are served with a house salad and fabulous Italian bread from Grand Forno Bakery. Try the Lamb Meatball Ragu with spaghetti, the Eggplant Parmigiana with a side of spaghetti, the Lasagne alla Bolognese and the Spaghetti Vongole.  All very reasonably priced. I’m sure I’ll have more suggestions for you after my next several visits. Until then, follow the link to a Sun Sentinel review on this restaurant that some say, is the best-kept secret in Fort Lauderdale.  http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sfl-dinecafeitalia,0,7418101.story

Christina Wan’s

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Christina Wan’s – 664 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, http://www.christinawans.com/

I eat at Christina’s frequently, as those of you who follow my travels on Twitter and Facebook can attest to. However, I have made my way through many of the local Chinese restaurants from the older style Cantonese ones to the newer corporate incarnations.  Fort Lauderdale it seems, has them all. I experienced Christina’s soon after moving here seven years ago.  There is a Christina Wan and she and her family have been in the restaurant business since 1966 beginning with a restaurant in Miami. On the face of it, Christina’s appears to be just nice neighborhood restaurant…and it is if you order your standard fare of: wonton soup, egg rolls, egg foo young and etc.  But it’s when you depart from the expected and try some of Christina’s, and now my, favorites and you’ll see why folks from Miami and Hollywood take the drive to eat here. Try the Colossal Ginger Shrimp served with bok choy or the Sizzling House Wor Ba (I know you’ve had this before, but its wonderful here.) If Christina has live Lobster on hand ask her to prepare Ginger Lobster…whole Lobster in the shell chopped and cooked with Ginger and vegetables. A treat you won’t forget. The Szechwan Chicken, Singapore Rice Noodle with Curry and the Pepper Scallops with its dark peppery sauce should also not be missed. A large part of the energy of this place is Christina and her family. All can be seen greeting customers, taking orders and making frequent runs to the kitchen. Christina is always on hand to guide you through the menu options especially if you’re in an adventurous eating mood.

And finally, I’d like to tell you about the famous Christina Wan almond cookie. Those who know about this thin, delicate cookie with a sliver of almond on the top, seek it out on each visit. The recipe is a closely guarded secret known only to Christina and sources say she bakes them herself. Should you find yourself at Christina Wan’s, mention that you read this in alanEATS and one or two of these tasty treats may find their way to your table.

© 2011 alanEATS

Crazy About You

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Crazy About You- 1155 Brickell Bay Drive, Miami         http://crazyaboutyourestaurant.com/

My dear friend and foodie, Maiko, just emailed me about a restaurant she and some friends ate at the other day. Since I trust her food sense and she seemed so excited about it, I asked her if I could post it here…even before I’ve had a chance to go! I checked out the menu (link above) and from the standpoint of value you can’t go wrong. There are three price points for entrée that includes a choice of appetizer. The food is a mix of Mediterranean with a little Italian and Spanish flavor thrown in. Maiko says, “The choice of menu items is pretty cool and the location is awesome. If you sit outside, there is a dining area with a view of the bay…and a cat to greet you too!” I need to put this place on my Miami to-do-list! Here are a few pix of what Maiko and her friends ate. Shown is The Flash Fried Avocado with chopped tomatoes and balsamic vinaigrette; Fish Sliders Duo: Key West fried Dolphin and seared Ahi Tuna; and the sweet and spicy Petit Pork Ossobuco. Maiko suggests a glass of wine with this last dish. Have you dined here? Share your thoughts.

Luigi’s Coal Oven Pizza

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Luigi’s Coal Oven Pizza- 1415 E Las Olas Blvd, 
Fort Lauderdale http://luigiscoalovenpizza.com

There really is a Luigi and you can see him preparing food in front of the coal oven to the rear of the dining room.  He’s authentic, from Milan I’m told, and so is the food.  Pizza here is thin and crisp with plenty of Luigi’s homemade sauce. Ok, there are several places that do coal oven pizza. This one is up there with the best. I usually order the House Salad that can feed 2 or 3. Oh yes, bring someone to eat with you or you’ll end up packing it up or making friends on-the-fly. Try the Mozzarella in Carrozza served with a dish of tomato sauce, the Chicken Wings done in the coal oven served with caramelized onions and focaccia bread and also a couple of Luigi’s Meatballs. Now let’s talk about the pizza. Pizza is one of those food products that engender a passionate following. We all know the ones we don’t like and the ones we would crawl across broken glass to get our hands on. I’ve dined at Luigi’s on several occasions and must say that I have enjoyed his crisp thin coal oven pizza. I may not be a pizza purest, but in the end I know one thing…it has to taste good. And Luigi’s did not disappoint me. Try the Margherita Napoletana Pizza. It’s simple and tasty and you can always add a topping. Now after that you’d figure, he’s done. Sorry no!  Normally I don’t have desserts, but you should not leave Luigi’s without having a portion of his Italian Cheesecake. Mangia!

© 2011 alanEATS

Sushi Rock

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Sushi Rock- 1515 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale

My brother enjoys good sushi. I’m not sure if it was all the lox he ate as a kid or just his love of all things fish, but eating sushi is one of his passions. In fact, it was he who introduced me to Sushi Rock.  I was there the day he asked our server if they could recreate a roll that was made for him by a sushi chef & friend in Massachusetts.  That roll is now served at the restaurant; however, it is not on the menu.  You need to ask for it by name, the “Super Larry Roll.” It is a spicy tuna with jalapeño & crunch, inside out roll, wrapped with alternating strips of tuna and white tuna with spicy mayo and spicy masago. Normally we’ll start off with the Shrimp Dumplings (Ebi Shumai) served with a creamy mustard dipping sauce or for some real fire, the Steamed Pork Dumplings infused with wasabi (Great Balls of Fire.) I also recommend the Spicy Tuna Salad with crunch, masago, seaweed and kimchee sauce. While I eat a lot of sashimi and sushi, here I tend to eat more rolls…partly because they’re so darn good.  Some that I recommend are; the Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Blondie, The Mack Daddy and the Big Bopper.

© 2011 alanEATS

BTTR (Biscayne Triangle Truck Round-up) Food Truck Events

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BTTR Food Truck Events- http://miamifoodtrucks.com/

If you don’t know what this is all I can say is…where have you been hiding! Food trucks are hot.  This West Coast phenomenon has made its way to south Florida in a big way. These gourmet food palaces on wheels serve up tasty treats representing many different cuisines. How do you find them? Usually you hear about one truck and begin to follow them on Twitter. Every day the trucks, with names like; Big Kahuna, Clara Belles, Daddy’s Grill, Divan Bakery, Dog Eat Dog, Gastro Pod, Giuseppe’s Italian, Jefe’s Original, Latin Burger, Miso Hungry, MsCheezious, Nacho Bizness, Nacho MaMa, Purple People Eatery, Red Koi, Slow Food Truck and the Rolling Stove to name a few, will tweet where they will be. When lots of these trucks link up at one location the result is a mobile food court party. Every Tuesday, BTTR assembles 30 food trucks near the campus of Johnson & Wales University. The result is an amazing selection of foods prepared while you wait. Hundreds of folks turn out to walk the line of trucks as they try to read the menus and make their selections. A large lawn nearby serves as your dining room. Just throw down a blanket and enjoy your meal. The atmosphere is an electric combination of sounds and smells. See more BTTR pix on my alanEATS Facebook Page.  http://on.fb.me/iBp6o0

Hot Dog Heaven

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Hot Dog Heaven- 101 East Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, http://hotdogheaven.infinology.net/home.htm

I grew up in the Bronx, that’s NY, and for me a kosher hotdog was the start of any meal at the local deli.  Back then, unless you were from Chicago, who knew anything else existed other than a Hebrew National dog on a steamed bun with brown mustard and sauerkraut.  A Chicago dog is truly different and I have found it to be something to be savored & enjoyed.  One of the best places to try one is Hot Dog Heaven.  It’s a small roadside stand with a devoted group of customers who gladly wait on-line during lunch to wrap their lips around this dog.  I order the Super Dog served on a steamed poppy-seed bun with the works; yellow mustard, sliced pickles, hot sport peppers, tomatoes and salary salt.  Couple that with fries and a drink and you’re done. They have many other items on the menu that I’m sorry to say I haven tried, but will on future trips.