Catfish Dewey’s

Status

Lunch, October 2023 – 4003 N. Andrews Ave, Oakland Park – Until I moved to Florida I had no idea what Stone Crabs were. Now I join with native Floridians and transplants who eagerly await the arrival of this seasonal crustacean. The season this year runs from October 15 through May 1. We decided to sample the early crop at Catfish Dewey’s and we were not disappointed. The restaurant opened for lunch at 11:30 and there were already several stone crab fans waiting to get in. The day’s stone crab offerings are listed on a card along with their regular menu. The daily availability is also posted on their website, https://www.catfishdeweys.com/stone-crab-status. Our server brought out a sample of the available sizes from which we chose a pound each of the large and jumbos, served with Cole Slaw and Hush Puppies. The fresh crab with its delicate flavor pared well with the accompanying mustard dipping sauce. A must-try!

Mister 01 Extraordinary Pizza

Posted on August 22, 2023 by alanEATS

Lunch, February 2023, 415 NE 4th St., FTL – Who makes the best pizza in Fort Lauderdale?…that’s a non-starter conversation for me. Many people I food chat with have a mental list of their favorite pizza places ready to share and defend. Oy! The best is the one you like. As for me, I’m a NY pizza guy. When I was growing up, the best place was the local pizzeria. Mine was Angelo’s on Johnson Avenue in Riverdale. Angelo would twirl the pizza dough in the air, load it with sauce and mozzarella, pop it in the oven, and serve it to you on a small round aluminum pan. All this for a slice that cost 15 cents (1960). It was a beautifully thin pizza hot from the oven with molten cheese that burnt your lips if you didn’t fold it. Fond memories! Pizza today is no longer that cheap snack. Here in Fort Lauderdale, I’ve begun to try some of the new chef-inspired pizza places offering wonderful ingredients, great new ovens, and attentive service. Let me say up front that I enjoyed eating at Mister 01 Extraordinary Pizza. An experience for sure. Chef Renato Viola has created an inviting place to devour his “Extraordinary” pizza in 12+ locations. The staff we spoke with were polite, well trained and will, without hesitation, can explain the menu and all the preparations. We ordered the specialty of the house, the Star Luca pizza with mozzarella, Italian tomato sauce, spicy salami Calabrese, basil, and star points stuffed with ricotta…the best part. If you’re like me, you’ll have no problem eating all of this pizza including the crust and probably lick your fingers after. We also tried the Meat Lovers 2.0 with mozzarella, pepperoni, ham, Italian sausage, spicy salami Calabrese, and Italian tomato sauce. We wanted extra cheese on this one so our server suggested slices of Fior di Latte, a cow’s milk mozzarella. A must-try! Since this place is newly opened, so be prepared to wait if you go in the evenings or on weekends. The best time to sneak in for a taste is during the week around lunchtime. https://www.mistero1.com

Blue Willy’s Barbecue

Posted on November 13, 2013 by alanEATS

Blue Willy’s Barbecue – 1386 S Federal Hwy, Pompano Beach, (954) 224-6120, http://on.fb.me/1dmTZ61

I’ve been waiting for something like this for a long time. A local Florida BBQ joint that just does it right…with folks who know what they’re doing and enjoy it! The owner, Will Banks, not only tends to the smoker and meat prep, but also works the line while schmoozing with the customers. Originally from Tennessee, this guy is no stranger to BBQ biz and in years past could be seen flogging Que from his food truck parked near the Courthouse in downtown Fort Lauderdale. In July he opened his first brick & mortar store off Federal Hwy in Pompano Beach. Using social media and word of mouth they came…the foodies, former food truck customers, BBQ aficionados & the curious…all to sample some of the wonderful meats he prepares. Now this is not a fancy sit-down restaurant with table service. Some days there’s a line just to get in. But once you do you’ll be in BBQ heaven. The experience is reminiscent of Lockhart, Texas, where they’re famous for serving up your meat order on trays lined with butcher paper with some bread and plastic utensils. The focus here is on the food.

The place has got a kind of strange electricity about it. Grown men seated around communal wood tables eating their treasured trays of Que and discussing with others, in most cases perfect strangers, the great favors and techniques that must have been employed to achieve it! One gentleman quickly sat down near us with his Pastrami sandwich and immediately called his friend, “get down here now” he implored, “they’ve got it and its going fast!” My group left that day…belly’s full, appetites sated and new friendships made.

So what should you have at Blue Willy’s? Well first of all bring some friends so you can taste everything. I’d start off with a pound of Brisket…so juicy it will make your mouth water and your momma cry. Nice bark and smoke ring…this is the real deal, Texas style. Next have rack of St. Louis style spare ribs with that nice dark bark and wonderful smoky porky taste you want. Got room? The Carolina chopped pork is moist…good on a sandwich, but I order, by the pound and eat it with a squirt of sauce. You must try the house made sausage. This is just great stuff. Half an order is good if you’re sampling. Thursday is Pastrami day and this you must try! This stuff is so popular that devoted fans, me included, wait on-line to get a couple of sandwiches and it’s all gone by 1 or 2pm. All hand cut and house made, Blue Willy’s is one of a handful of places in Florida that can produce a product like this and do it well. The sides we tasted were good…we had the Mac n’ Cheese, Cornbread, & Baked Beans. There are several sauces on the tables that represent some of the regional favorites. If your like me you’ll taste a little of each. Check out all my Blue Willy’s pix at http://on.fb.me/1j2sbFg

For me this trip was the best of all things…eating some of the best local BBQ, meeting an owner/operator who has built his business by working hard and a staff that shares the owner’s excitement about what they do. Also… it didn’t bother me at all that I finally ate somewhere, really good, before Guy Fieri, Andrew Zimmern and Anthony Bourdain. Just say’n!

Finster Murphy’s

Posted on July 2, 2013 by alanEATS

Finster Murphy’s– 1497 SE 17th St, Fort Lauderdale, (954) 765-3461 – http://www.finstermurphys.com

This is not your typical fishmonger . You will find the expected large seafood assortment including, extra large Shrimp, Diver Scallops, Stone Crab (seasonal), and as well as a fresh assortment of fish fillets, seafood salad, conch salad, fresh Salmon salad, Crab cakes, Tuna Burgers, Salmon Burgers and freshly picked Lobster meat. The unexpected is that in addition to purchasing these fresh gems for your kitchen, you can also have your purchase grilled, sautéed, blackened or fried while you wait. Try their awesome daily soup-of-the -day, and Fish & Chips made with Cod too. Seriously, the only way to get fresher than this is to stowaway on a fishing boat.

Rock n Roll Ribs

Posted on June 20, 2013 by alanEATS

Rock n Roll Ribs – 4651 State Rd 7, Coral Springs, Coral Creek Plaza, 954-345-7429, http://www.rocknrollribs.org

Tucked into a shopping center in Coral Springs is a Rock n Roll themed BBQ restaurant that the locals flock to when they want to get their “Heavy Metal” Q on. My twelve-year-old nephew is a regular and made me promise to try the Baby Back Ribs. Turns out this kid can eat a full rack on his own. What you get is St. Louie style ribs that are first smoked then liberally brushed with sauce and finished off on the grill. The meat falls off the bone and the sauce has that nice tang that you’ll happily lick off your fingers. We also liked the X-large Stack of Onion Rings with spicy Grammy Sauce for dipping. The well-rounded menu has many options for non-Q folks like hotdogs, burgers, chicken and fish. Causal, friendly and a no brainer especially if you live in the area.

Rosie’s Bar & Grill

Posted on June 18, 2013 by alanEATS

Rosie’s Bar & Grill– 2449 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, (954) 563-0123 – http://www.rosiesbarandgrill.com

From the way it looks now, its hard to believe that Rosie’s occupies a building that was once a Burger King, however many folks also remember that site as Hamburger Mary’s. Today, everyone in Wilton Manors is well aware that Rosie’s Bar & Grill is the place to go for Burgers, sandwiches, salads and unique dishes that keeps both locals and visitors coming back for more. Try the Burger Nirvana, Rosie’s top prize winning entry in the 2013 Riverwalk Burger Battle IV, and you can try 24 additional specialty burgers on the menu. Some other standout items for me were a grilled chicken sandwich called Young Ranch Hand a Grilled Shrimp, bacon, cheese thing called the Key West Club and a spicy chicken tender wrap with the name The Gypsy Rosie Lee Wrap. The menu is large so take your time. Also check out their Sunday brunch menu. Try any of their Belgian waffles with fresh fruit toppings!!! Wow. Sunday brunch is extremely popular so go early or be prepared to wait. Not too bad if you’re enjoying one of their wonderful Mojitos.

Diner By-The-Sea

Posted on June 4, 2013 by alanEATS

Diner By-The-Sea- 215 Commercial Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, (954) 491-0642 http://on.fb.me/ZipKni

Well… it is close to the sea, about 2 blocks, but it’s the old-time diner experience and honest food you’ll remember. A smallish storefront restaurant that really is like a diner once you walk through the door. The menu has the usual list of items for breakfast and lunch, but it’s the prices that make you think you’ve gone back in time. The portions of food are generous and the staff is homey and friendly enough to prod you along with your order if you can’t decide. Expect it to be busy on the weekends and many evenings.

Red Cow

Posted on June 3, 2013 by alanEATS

Red Cow – 1025 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale,(954) 652-1524, http://redcowftl.com

There’s a new Q in town where you’ll find all the expected BBQ meats and some new twists. I enjoyed the dry rubbed slow smoked Spare Ribs, which had a nice bark and tender meat. Unexpected was the Pan-seared Scallops with Pork Belly served over grits. Don’t forget the sides, like the fried Brussel Sprouts, Cauliflower Puree and Slaw. I’m slowly going through all twelve of them. For my next visit I’ve got my eye on the Shepherd’s Pie with Burnt Ends. Truth be told, it would be nice to go in just for their starters with names like, Chile Dusted Port Rinds, Fried Quail & Waffle and “Jerk Cuterie” Plate. Even with a full stomach, I was almost tempted to order the Chocolate Pecan Pie for dessert…maybe next time. Nice place, attentive service, casual and easy to like.

Texas Hold’em BBQ

Posted on June 1, 2013 by alanEATS

Texas Hold ’em BBQ, 2528 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, (954) 527-4115 – http://www.texasholdembbq.com

This place recently moved to a new water view location on Federal Hwy. They say “third times the charm”, so if true, owner Jay Armstead is well on his way. This is Texas style BBQ…smoked with dry rub and a tangy vinegar based sauce offered on the side. BBQ favorites include Pork Ribs (Spare Rib & Baby Back), Pulled Pork, Brisket, BBQ Chicken and more. I usually order the 6-bone Spare Rib dinner with collards and slaw. Liked their Mac ’n Cheese too. Click here for more info.

Green Bar & Kitchen

Posted on May 22, 2013 by alanEATS

Green Bar & Kitchen- 1075 SE 17th St, Fort Lauderdale, (954) 533-7507 – http://greenbarkitchen.com/menu/

I have to say this first…I’m not a vegan and don’t think I will be one, however, the Green Bar is a non-threatening vegan eatery with enough interesting, healthy and flavorful dishes to satisfy most people. Having looked at the menu before arriving, I was ready to have the Firecracker Kale, recommended by a fellow food hound, but was sidelined by one of the day’s specials…the ”Chickun” Salad Sandwich. Amazingly my brain recognized it immediately as chicken salad. The sandwich was served on grain bread and I opted for a cup of their soup of the day…Sweet Potato & Garlic Soup with its creamy pungent goodness. I washed the sandwich down with my first taste of Kombucha– this mildly fermented green tea is said to promote good stomach and liver health. Along with daily specials you can find Craft Beers, Wines, Juices, Smoothies and a Bakery. I’m told they do a Sunday Brunch with eggs that are not eggs and bacon that is not bacon. The people here are friendly and the place is cheerful and clean. While I wasn’t converted, I must say that I will be back to taste more. Like my mother’s chicken soup, it couldn’t hurt!

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