the Foxy Brown

Posted on April 29, 2012 by alanEATS

the Foxy Brown– 723 E Broward Blvd, Fort Lauderdale http://www.thefoxybrown.com/

It’s the kind of place with foods you liked from your childhood, but with subtle twists here and there. Foods you looked forward to when the grownups took you out to eat like Mac & Cheese, Milkshake or Hotdog. You remember the polite dining instructions too—sit up straight, eat your food, no going under the table and being given the ‘look’ while hearing, ”be nice.” Your youthful memories have just been merged with what you crave today and it’s all tucked into a new intimate eatery on E Broward Blvd. The setting is comfortable and so is the food. It’s the kind of place where you plan your next meal while you’re enjoying your current one! I’ve been here many times alone and with friends and I still do that. The owners here have a healthy respect for the food they serve and know how to please their customers. And this has filtered down to the staff as well. The main menu is served throughout the day except for Sunday when a brunch menu is available from opening till late afternoon. Wine and beer is available along with a really good Draft Root Beer.

Let’s begin at the beginning…here are some of my favorite starters: Roasted Artichokes with garlic butter, served with a dipping sauce; the French Onion Soup has that nicely melted cheese with crispy edges sealing in the hot fragrant soup; Clams, Brats and Beer served in a bowl with wedges of toasted bread so you can soak up the wonderful broth its cooked in; and the Little Shorties, which are lollipop chicken wings with red bean and ginger and a garlic dipping sauce…really tasty. Several different salads are offered and although I have not sampled them yet, the portions look ample and seem to be popular. Sandwiches I liked included: the Cocka-Doodle-Do, (which the wait staff can say without snickering)- a crispy and juicy chicken filet served with herb slaw; the Nemo a fish sandwich that’s not only tasty, but healthy; and my favorite, the Bratburger, which contains bratwurst meat formed into a paddy and grilled with house made sauerkraut and shallot jam. Mere hot dogs never tasted like this. Must have some Sides with the above and the standouts for me are the Mac & Cheese, Heirloom Tomatoes and the tasty Slaw. And for those who didn’t like their Spinach as a child, the adult sauté version will finally change your mind. Under the heading Standards is a collection of larger plates. The stand out, Mabel’s Chicken, is moist roasted thigh meat nestled atop pan gravy with house made spaetzle. If you desire healthy, try the fresh fish En Papillote (in parchment), a cooking technique that steams the fish in its own juices combined with other ingredients. The Three Lil’ Cochons are medallions of breaded pork loin filled with shrimp stuffing and finished with a rich Tasso cream sauce. The sliced Iron Cast Hanger Steak will fulfill your desire for meat. It’s soft with good flavor from the dry rub. The steak is plated with Maître d’Hôtel Butter between the slices for added flavor, but it won’t harm the dish should you decide to leave it off. Finally, try the dessert of the day. They are decadent and delicious and need your attention. Did I mention they make milkshakes too?

Sunday is a Brunch day tradition in this town and the Foxy Brown recently began serving their version. So you should expect things like Donut Holes served with cereal milk, a S’more Waffle and White Chocolate Chip French Toast. Then there’s the pancake, four different Eggs Benedict and the Kipper too! My table opted for some egg dishes. I totally enjoyed the Bangers and Eggs. The Bangers, I’m told, are sourced from a purveyor in Miami and they were packed with flavor. I also sampled the Hanger Steak Hash with two eggs topped with chimichurri hollandaise. And had a taste of the Barn Yard Frittata, which was filled with Nueske Bacon, sausage, Canadian bacon and cheddar cheese. There are so many intriguing options on this menu you’ll need to make repeat visits.

The Foxy Brown is a wonderful place to connect with new & old versions of foods you loved and experience new ones. So go as a tribute to your younger days, and while you’re at it, why not take along the grownups? Let them have a good time. And remember, “be nice.”

Follow the link to see all the pictures from the Foxy Brown. https://www.facebook.com/alanEATS/photos

Shuck N’ Dive Cajun Cafe

Posted on March 5, 2012 by alanEATS

Shuck N’ Dive Cajun Cafe- 650 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale

Be a Cajun for the night and sample the fresh oysters, fried pickles, Po Boy sandwiches and Black Board specials. — Quick Bites

I discovered Cajun food from watching the Cajun TV Chef, Justin Wilson. “How y’all are?” he’d say as he opened the show every week and then began to make his reddish brown Rue adding in the Cajun Three Sisters- Green Bell Pepper, Onion, and Celery. Whenever he used tomato paste he’d wash out the can with whatever jug wine he was using and pour it into the pot. He was witty and folksy and the food was hearty, rustic Acadian-Cajun. Justin’s long gone and if you can’t make the trip to “N’awlins” you’ll need to get over to Shuck ‘N Dive to sample some of those unique flavors. “Staz” runs the show here and can be seen making sure the food is pumping out of the kitchen, the tables are clean, the beer is flowing and the TV’s are tuned to any available LSU Tigers and New Orleans Saints game.

If you like freshly shucked Oysters, you’ve found a home. I’m told their Oysters are sourced directly from beds in Louisiana. Every Wednesday night is $1 Raw Oysters, which go well with beer…mine is Turbodog Draft Beer from Albita Brewing of Louisiana, of course!. It doesn’t get much better than that as the Wednesday crowd that searches out tables would probably agree. If raw Oysters don’t work for you, try the cooked versions. Best way is the Oysters 3-Way…I choose the Bienville, Rockefeller and Black & Blues. Now these are very indulgent dishes and not meant for dieters. Oh, just smile and scrape off the bits of cheese that dripped on to the iron skillet they’re served in…the diet will still be there tomorrow. Other starters I liked were the Fried Green Tomatoes, Country Gumbo and Red Beans and Rice, made with Andouille Sausage, Tasso and Smoked Ham. Some of the salads here are a good choice for lunch. I order the Big House with red peppers, onions and Parmesan cheese then add-on Blackened Chicken. Or kick it up a notch and order the Uptown, which adds crumbled blue cheese and candied pecans. The Down South Meat N’ 2 entrees come with choice of two sides from a list of twelve. I liked the Blackened Chicken Breast, Fried Oysters and Butterflied Shrimp entrees. Side dishes to look for are, Red Beans & Rice, Collard Greens, Tater Tots (crunchy good), and the Sweet Waffle Fries. Now that’s just the stuff on the menu. Weekly and daily specials are on the chalkboard…like Mondays Muffuletta Sandwich, which might be called “the Italian Stallion,” if I were back in the Bronx. Turns out this thing was born in the French Quarter of New Orleans and is popular not only for its namesake round Sicilian bread, but also for the Italian meats, cheese and a layer of olive salad, which gives this sandwich its distinctive taste.

Shuck N’ Dive is fun, the food is good New Orleans southern style and if Justin Wilson were still around he’d probably say you’re going to have a good time…”I Gawr-On-Tee.”

The Fresh Market – Fort Lauderdale

Posted on February 13, 2012 by alanEATS

The Fresh Market – 424 N Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale – http://www.thefreshmarket.com/

“Fort Lauderdale got a shiny new Fresh Market in Feb. All the stories you’ve heard are true. Find fresh meats, fish and poultry and a large selection of prepared foods. Buy your lunch and eat outside.” — Quick Bites.

I never imagined when I started this Blog that I would be covering Supermarket openings. But when the call came inquiring if I would be interested in seeing the latest and greatest Fresh Market I didn’t hesitate to say, “sure!” Now I must confess that I knew nothing about this Market except for the almost schoolgirl responses from otherwise sober and reserved folks whom I know. They’d say stuff like, “You’re so lucky to live so close to one”, “OMG, I’d be there everyday!” & “ have you seen their meat counter?” And so when the big day arrived I parked in the pristine blacktop lot and approached the building, where I was surprised by the lack of a traditional ribbon cutting setup. Curiously I asked why and was told, “We crack the parmesan at Fresh Market openings.” That’s the first tipoff that this store is all about the food and that theme continues as you walk through the doors where you’re greeted by enthusiastic store personnel prior to starting your trek around the dazzling isles brimming with foods and treats. Am I gushing too? Well…yes! And you too will be impressed. Look at some of the food shots I grabbed during the opening. http://on.fb.me/w9FS2c . I’ve been in to the store several times since that first day and there would be no way to get these shots because of the crowds that shop throughout the day.

So what are people going crazy over? The fruits and vegetables section are what you’d expect, beautifully presented and fresh. The meat department stands out because of the large selection of fresh meats and poultry. In the pork section there are seemingly never-ending rows of different types of Sausages, Bacon and other Pork goodness. Same with the abundant offerings of fish which the company claims is delivered to the store within 2-5 days of being caught. I hovered around the prepared foods section with its Rotisserie Chickens and Wings, two types of Ribs and then sidestepped to the cold cuts area to make a purchase. There is so much to see here that one visit will not cover the endless varieties of food. Not to be missed is a ready to eat Antipasto section, a Wine area, and baked goods counter where I purchased an amazing apple pie. Stopping by the impressive Cheese counter I picked up some of that freshly cracked Parmesan, Jarlsberg Lite and sampled NY Cheddar. And on my final swing around the prepared foods counter I found my nosh nemesis…the salads section. The counter folks are more than happy to give you samples of all the items on display. Try some of the Chicken salads. I picked up the Curry, the Waldorf and the Rotisserie. A friend and good cook had already told me to be on the lookout for the Blue Cheese Potato Salad with the advice to add some fresh Bacon to it. Gosh that’s good! I next bumped into the bread dept. where I found Garlic Herb Focaccia Bread, which I surmised would go well with the humanely raised, no antibiotic/hormone, vegetable fed, Uncured ham I purchased. It did indeed!

I now have a better understanding of the devotion some have for this place and plan to be back myself. But, don’t expect to see me at every new market opening!

Tap 42

Posted on January 27, 2012 by alanEATS

Tap 42- 1411 S Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale http://www.tap42.com/

“Burgers, Fish, Salads, Bar Snacks and more…wash down with 42 Tap Beers, 103 Bottle beers and 50 Bourbons.”

I wasn’t due to write this story until I had been back a few more times, however, I felt compelled to give you my impressions of Tap 42 after reading an unfavorable review that appeared in a periodical which I highly regard for their food reviews. It’s so very easy to be negative about a place, which is why I don’t do that in this Blog. You’ll find out about a bad meal from people you know faster than reading a review. I don’t know the Tap 42 owners, but their advertised concept is to operate a Gastropub that serves a wide selection of craft beers to accompany a limited menu of “natural, organic, sustainable and locally sourced” dishes. On the several occasions I’ve been there, I must tell you that they have succeeded. In the evenings the place is over-run with people who are happy to sit anywhere for an opportunity to chow down some pub grub and socialize with friends. Not every restaurant has to be fine dining, but you do expect that what’s served will be appealing and consistent. I’d say they hit the mark here. So my advice is gather up some of your friends and park yourself at one of the indoor or patio tables. You’ll want to begin by taking advantage of the impressive list of Tap & bottled Craft Beers. Not being a beer maven myself, I usually tell my server the beers I like and let them choose one for me. If beer is not your thing they also have a collection of 50 different Bourbons and other booze. Now for some food. In my group we pass around everything…even the soup. The not-to-be-missed, Cognac French Onion soup has the expected cheese, onion and sourdough crouton, but finishes with a surprising sweetness from Cognac and Vidalia Onions. Also good was the hearty Beef Barley soup. The Chicken Wings are a hit with four different sauces…I had the HOT sauce. Next time in I need to try the Sopressata Breadsticks made with crème cheese, spinach, arugula, pretzel breadstick and cherry mustard. This just sounds so wrong, but I’m drawn to it like a moth to a flame. For lunch you’ll find salads, sandwiches a burger and a few hotdog creations. Nothing is plain and all are unique. I recently had the Chicago Dogg (sic), a Kobe Hot Dog with house made slaw, red and yellow peppers and a Hot Pepper. Went down great with my Golden Monkey Beer. By the way, the burgers here juicy and the combinations are sinister…like the Three little Piggy…that’s made with a patty blend of pork & beef topped with slices of roasted pork, ham, pickled jalapeno, and provolone served on a brioche bun. Fish people can enjoy farm raised Arctic Char, which is flaky, light and can be ordered as a platter or sandwich. And yes dearheart, there is MahiMahi on the menu.

I’m prone to like new restaurants that have taken the time to figure out who they want to be and carve out their niche. I’m pleased to report that the Miami Herald recently gave the Tap 42 a rating of three stars, Very Good. Any new place is bound to have some bumps and falls along the way, but at the end of the day it’s the customer who will decide not reviewers. I for one will be back to try some of the interesting food combos with a glass of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale…if I can find a seat!

See more pix from Tap 42 at: http://on.fb.me/wf3twM

Quick Bites- Under Construction

Posted on January 18, 2012 by alanEATS

Quick Bites- Under construction

Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza- 2203 South Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale – The restaurant that started it all…best coal fired pizzas, meatballs, chicken wings and Italian Salad. New stuff I need to try since last there.

Bagels & More- 2368 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale – A former private chef makes incredible bagels, bagel sandwiches and more!

Bank Atlantic Center- 1 Panther Parkway, Sunrise – Sports and entertainment center with many food options from sit down, buffet, food court, Kosher and numerous snack stands. I’ll give you my best advice on which venue and what to eat.

Basilic Vietnamese Grill- 218 Commercial Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale – Pho soup and its many variations are wonderful, but must try the French influenced Vietnamese Filled Crepes.

Bistro Mezzaluna- 1821 SE 10th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale – Fine dining Italian Restaurant recently moved to a new larger location. Hoping the fond memories of the old place transfers to the new. I must try soon.

Bonefish Grill- 6282 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale – Choose wisely and you can get a reasonably priced & tasty seafood meal.

Bravo Gourmet Sandwich- 2925 NE 6th Avenue Fort Lauderdale – Excellent small neighborhood Peruvian place where you can try tasty Pavo, Lechon & Cubano sandwiches with a glass of Chicha Morada…or just ask for the Turkey, Pork & Cuban sandwiches with a glass of the tasty blue liquid.

Café Jamm- 2364 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale – American comfort food with an Asian touch. The duck here is excellent.

Café Sharaku- 2736 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale – Small 18 seat restaurant with a classically trained Owner/Chef who mixes French & Asian techniques. Look, smell and taste your way through an amazing dining experience. Reservations are a must.

Capital Grille- 2430 E Sunrise Blvd, at Galleria Mall, Fort Lauderdale – The place was already renowned for their seafood and sides. They can now Char your favorite Steak. Try the wonderful Cobb Salad…even better if ordered with a Strip Steak instead of the Tenderloin that’s normally served with it.

Casablanca Café- 3049 Alhambra Street, Fort Lauderdale – Good food on the Lauderdale beach. Nice appetizers. Good burger.

Diner By-The-Sea- 215 Commercial Blvd., Fort Lauderdale – An old-time Diner ensconced in a storefront, in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. Many breakfast items.

Fresh Market- 424 N Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale – Fort Lauderdale got a shinny new Fresh Market in Feb. All the stories you’ve heard are true. Find fresh meats, fish and poultry and a large selection of prepared foods. Buy your lunch and eat outside.

Gran Forno Pronto- 704 East Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale – Quick good Italian food, sandwiches, salads, pizza and few main dishes and don’t forget that wonderful Gran Forno bread.

Greek Islands Taverna- 3300 North Ocean Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale – Really good Greek food. Charbroiled Lamb chops and large baked Shrimp.

Japango- 7367 N SR 7, Parkland – Beautifully prepared plates of Sushi & Sashimi that taste as good as they look

La Dolce Vita- 3331 Northeast 33rd Street, Fort Lauderdale – Authentic Italian cuisine. Not your ordinary Italian eatery. Chefs hail from Rome and Abruzzo. I need a return visit.

Michael’s Genuine- Farm to table restaurant with an international flair. Familiar ingredients in new preparations. Pork Belly with Kimchee. Need to revisit.

Michy’s- Owner/Chef who loves what she does…her food reflects it. Colossal shrimp with wide noodles…Short Ribs and much more. I need to return and have much more!

Mojo Restaurant/Lounge- 4140 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale – Two guys from New Jersey prove they can work the kitchen as well as workout in the gym. Baked Escargot appetizer is a mini meal. Liked the Stuffed Pork Chop and the Duck Breast. It’s season…call ahead.

New York Mart- 10065 Sunset Strip, Sunrise – Amazing new large Chinese food market that has a huge section with fresh fish some live in tanks along with turtles, crabs, eels, lobsters and more. One of the largest selections of Asian food products; fresh, caned and vacuum wrapped. A must see!

Pine Court Chinese Bistro- 10101 Sunset Strip, Sunrise, Florida – NY Style Dim Sum at its best. Rolling carts with many variations to choose from. Dim Sum served daily from opening to 2pm.

PL8 Kitchen- 210 SW 2nd, Fort Lauderdale – Small plates of foods from different cuisines. Fish tacos, Korean Ribs, Wild Florida Shrimp, Brick Oven Pizza to name a few.

Rainbow Diner- 2724 Davie Blvd, Fort Lauderdale – Old time Greek diner that’s been in the same location for 30 years. Owner/chef makes everything from breakfast to Greek specialties.

Shuck-N-Dive- 650 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale – Be a Cajun for the night and sample the fresh oysters, fried pickles, Po Boy sandwiches and Black Board specials.

Stork’s Bakery- 2505 NE 15th Ave, Wilton Manors – Eat in bakery with many dessert and food options.

Sozo- 2362 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors – Small Mom & Pop & Daughter Sushi restaurant. Old school sushi & sashimi.

Texas Hold’em- 1025 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale – This is Texas style BBQ…dry rub, sauce on the side. Brisket and pork ribs.

The Dixie Pig- 4495 N Dixie Hwy, Oakland Park (20^th Anniversary)- A local institution for southern delights. Walk up service with covered outdoor seating. North Carolina BBQ, St. Louis style ribs.

the Foxy Brown- Chic new small restaurant on E Broward Blvd serving unexpected food to an adoring crowd. Try Mabel’s Chicken or the Lump Crab Cakes. Unique, modern and satisfying.

The Grateful Palate- 817 Southeast 17th Street, Fort Lauderdale – Fine dining with a unique menu that changes daily… and a sommelier on hand to help you select your wine.

Truluck’s- 2584 East Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale – Upscale fish house with a good happy hour includes half price drinks and special bar menu. Seasonal main menu. Variety of fish pan seared or EVO grilled with additional preparations available.

Valentino’s Cucina Italiana- 1145 South Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale – Fine Italian dining. Need to revisit.

Victoria Park Diner- 1730 East Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale – Referred to by many, as the Vicky Park Diner this former Miami Sub was transformed into a Greek Diner. Known for great breakfast specials, Greek food and Hookah Nights.

Zuckerello’s- 3017 E Commercial Blvd, Fort Lauderdale – Great value, more than ample portions, local favorite.

Sea Wine & Dine

Posted on January 7, 2012 by alanEATS

Sea Wine & Dine- 235 Commercial Blvd. #105, Lauderdale By The Sea http://www.seatherestaurant.com/

I make no excuses about immediately liking Chef owned restaurants. I guess it’s because the Chef preparing the meal has put it all on the line and must produce. Tony Sindaco could have continued to work at fine hotels and restaurants, but he chose the more difficult path. Sea Wine and Dine is his creation and his work can be tasted there nightly. I often wonder where Chefs like Tony get their inspiration. This Chef is respectful of his past and firmly grounded in the present, unashamed to be his own original classic. When time allows from his duties in the kitchen, he can be seen working the tables, greeting guests and observing how his food is going down. And that food is good.

Having been to Sea several times I noticed that the fish offerings change to keep pace with market availability. Your meal can be ordered from an a la carte menu or one that is prix fixe, which I recommend and gives you a choice of both an appetizer and dessert for the price of your selected entrée. Menu items change often and are posted on two large chalkboard in the dining room, reminiscent of the old-time big city seafood restaurants I used to frequent. For those not into fish there is usually at least one non-fish selection. Now it must be said that ordering fish for me does not come easily, but I totally appreciate this place for the elegant yet not overly fussy preparations that never let you forget, it’s all about the FISH! So let me walk you through my favorites. Appetizers to look for when available are; Calamari Pomodoro, a light rustic dish with chunks of tomato, shaved garlic and tender Calamari served in a shallow bowl, Cream-less Cream of Tomato Soup, light tomatoey flavor and yes…creamy; a robustly flavored Bahamian Fish Chowder was a real stand-out for me; and finally the Grilled Shrimp which I’ve had on two occasions, each time slightly different and both times delicious. There are about seven entrées on the menu and twice a week these will change. Here are some to look for; Black Grouper Braise with green beans, squash, red potatoes and sliced garlic… great dish for dunking and if you’re like me you’ll leave nothing behind; Broiled Scallops are done perfectly here; Florida Snapper & Herb Crusted Mahi both nicely done. And finally dessert. You really don’t have to twist my arm to get me to eat dessert. My favorite is the Black & White Creme Brulee with a layer of chocolate covered by classic custard. Sinful, I know, but you’ll eat every bit of it. Check out all the food pictures from Sea at http://on.fb.me/ys9M1b .

If something I’ve said about Sea Wine & Dine has stuck a cord with you I recommend that you call ahead, as seating is limited. And please do say hi to Tony.

Timpano Italian Chop House

Posted on December 27, 2011 by alanEATS

Timpano Italian Chop House- 450 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale http://www.timpanochophouse.net/

Where do you go for a good steak in Fort Lauderdale? That has got to be the most frequent question I’m asked and it’s a tough one to answer, as this area has no shortage of fine restaurants producing good steaks. So for me it’s a personal choice based on my tastes. What I look for is a place that has dry-aged beef and the know-how to grill it. Timpano is one of those places. Although they bill themselves as an “Italian Chop House,” I’ve never had their Italian food. I come here for the steaks! I learned about Timpano a few years ago from a friend who was a Restaurateur, Club Owner/ Bon vivant man about town in New York, Los Angeles and Fort Lauderdale. One evening we were discussing local restaurants and he asked if I’d ever been to Timpano. Apparently he and his brother were regulars. When I said no, he grinned and his eyes widened as he began a thorough description of the place and precisely what to order. “You take my advice and you’re going to have an enjoyable meal”, he said. And with slight variation, I’ve been ordering this meal happily for several years.

For starters try the signature Black Skillet-Roasted Mussels  tossed with Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Kosher Salt and spritzed with a shot of fresh lemon before serving. The mussels are brought to the table on the skillet they were cooked on, steaming & sizzling…a nice show. This dish is so simple and yet so tasty, that I always dip a piece of bread into the pan after. The entrée is always steak and the two cuts I enjoy are the 20 Oz. Bone-In Rib Eye and the 14 Oz. Aged Bone-In Filet. If you don’t like navigating the bone there is also a 12 Oz. Aged Hand Cut Filet, which is more than enough food for most. The meat is dry aged, which increases tenderness and flavor unique to that process. I order my steaks “Pittsburgh-style” — charred on the outside, medium-rare on the inside. If you’re still ordering steaks well done we need to talk! The Grill people here know their stuff and consistently produce meat cooked to proper doneness. Side dishes are a must and my favorites are the Sautéed Spinach With Garlic And Chili Flakes (the spice is not over powering) and Baby Portobello Mushrooms With Fresh Herbs.

Sadly my friend Bob, who put me on to Timpano, is no longer with us. I remember his legendary enjoyment of life and his eagerness to share his dining adventures with others as I do now. So, as he wished, when family and friends join me over dinner, I raise my glass and remember…this one’s for you Bob!

JoJo’s Tacos – Restaurant/Café

Posted on December 3, 2011 by alanEATS

JoJo’s Tacos-Restaurant/Café- 216 E Commercial Blvd, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea http://www.jojostacos.com/

I’m really not sure how I heard about this place, but I heard enough good buzz to check out their website. One glance at the on-line menu got my mojo going! This is a Taco Restaurant, but if you ask Chef Joseph Parson’s, he might tell you that his place is just a “Taco stand.” I get it, but believe me…this place is more. To me, JoJo’s has an East Village, New York vibe to it…very casual and unpretentious with a nice mix of people. The space has some tables, but the best seats in the house have got to be along the long counter facing the open kitchen. From here you can see your food being freshly prepared as you watch the finely choreographed movements of the kitchen staff as they do multiple things simultaneously. One person puts something in a skillet another steps in and adds some ingredients a third retrieves some tacos shells toasting on the flat top. These folks are real serious about their food. In one respect it is like a taco stand, in that you order at the front counter. If you need plates, napkins or silverware you get up off your keister and pick up what you need from the sideboard in the center of the restaurant. After that it’s just good eating. For starters I order “the Guac” served with House-made Chips. I could eat this chunky style guacamole all by myself, but my dining guests insisted I share and I figured had to save room for what was coming next anyway. My favorite Taco is the Peachy Pollo; Peach Smoked Chicken with Blistered Corn, Habanero Peach Aioli, Romaine and  Queso Blanco. It has good flavor and just enough heat to make you smile without looking for a beverage. I also enjoyed the Shrooms & Asp (Asparagus), Cathy’s Catch and Sarge’s Piglet. Try one of the Quesos. These are skillet dishes served with House made chips, perfect for sharing if you’re not dining with me! The Chicken Queso is wonderful and the Chorizo version has more of the spicy kick I look for. There are daily specials and you’ll find them posted up front. On one visit I could not resist the Short Ribs Special. This is tender, fall off the bone and served up JoJo’s style. There are so many things I want to try, but if I don’t improve my sharing skills no one will go with me!

Click the link to see more pictures from JoJo’s with descriptions. http://on.fb.me/uIGBeh

OB-House / Old Fort Lauderdale Breakfast House

Posted on December 1, 2011 by alanEATS

OB-House/Old Fort Lauderdale Breakfast House- 333 Himmarshee St, Ft Lauderdale- http://o-bhouse.com/

Occasionally my family is conscripted to be the staff of alanEATS. Therefore, whenever I need to know about new hip places I look to my savvy nephew. Recently he’s been going on about OB-House, a new breakfast place in Himmarshee. Initially, I admit, I was skeptical, but it became clear to me the place had a devoted following so when the name kept turning up I figured it was time to see for myself. OB is a restaurant that specializes mainly in breakfast. I’ve visited there about four or five times so I guess I’m as ready as ever to give you my take. First of all it appears that a lot of time was spent thinking about how to raise-the-bar on the first meal of the day. To accomplish this they use the best quality & freshest ingredients, new interpretations, and some say, a little self-indulgence. Look…you’re just going to have to dig a little deeper into your pocket for this mornings “feed bag,” but it’s worth it! So clip on your iPhone and tell the secretary you’ll be a little late to the office. One quick word of advice… according to the menu, peanut oil may be used in the preparation of some items. Ask your server to point them out if you have that allergy.

I usually start with a glass of the pulpy fresh squeezed Orange Juice and a cup of OB Coffee about which the menu states, “ That’s not Folgers in your cup.” I don’t know whose coffee they’re using, but it’s served hot and it’s good. First time in I tried the Standard OB-House Breakfast with two Free-Range Eggs, Thick Sliced Bacon and Yukon Gold Potatoes served with thick cut 6-Grain Toast. The over easy eggs were perfect and basted, a method of cooking eggs without turning them over. My eyes next went to that thick cut bread. I confess I finished it all. On another visit I decided to take the advice of my nephew and order the popular OB Oven Pancake. This nicely sized pancake is baked in a cast iron skillet and served with a choice of filling; Pineapple Pecan, Banana, Blueberry or Strawberry. The pancake is moist and the light inside reminds me of a soufflé. It’s tasty enough to enjoy even without the portion of real Vermont Maple Syrup that accompanies it. This is so good it deserves to be on everybody’s bucket list. On subsequent visits I’ve enjoyed the OB Batter Toast made with slices of the same thick cut OB-Bread and side dishes of Maple Chicken Link Sausages and the Country Pork Sausage. Meals here are quite good and filling…so in an attempt to be a little less decadent, and keep my waist size stable, I resigned to try the healthy and House-made Granola Parfait with Yogurt and Strawberries. I will admit healthy tastes good too! Also on the healthy side were the two Specials of Poached Eggs on a bed of Spinach with potatoes & bread and Scrambled Eggs served with a cup of Fresh Fruit & Yogurt and a Muffin. No…I did not eat the muffin! I passed it along to my nephew as a reward for finding the place.

Additional pictures can be found at http://on.fb.me/vlXtJS

Betty’s Soul Food Restaurant

Posted on November 30, 2011 by alanEATS

Betty’s Soul Food Restaurant- ‪‪601 NW 22nd Rd, Fort Lauderdale

Betty’s is to Fort Lauderdale what Sylvia’s is to Harlem. And like that great New York soul food restaurant, people who know good Southern cooking in Fort Lauderdale must inevitably show up at Betty’s. I’ve heard about this place forever so after further recommendations from Clean Plate Charlie and an article from Jamie Long, both from New Times, I ventured out to try Betty’s with a foodie friend who knows Southern cooking. The place has thirteen tables and seven counter stools, all full when we arrived for lunch. I’m told Betty plays to a full house every day and for many good reasons. One would be for the Fried Chicken and that’s what I came for this day. “Hello there, I hear the chicken is good here” I said to the server. “Best you’ll ever have,” she answered confidently! With our orders placed, I continued to lust over the menu. It was difficult to pass up some of my other Southern favorites like Oxtail, Beef Ribs, Smothered Pork Chops, Chicken Livers and Fried Mullet. And then there was the stuff I always wanted to try like Pigs Tails, Ham Hocks, Neck Bones and Chitterlings. Oh my! …you must never leave me alone in this place or I’ll order it all! Regaining my composure I stuck to the plan, crispy Fried Chicken, with Candied Yams and Black-eyed Peas. The Chicken here is nothing short of amazing. Each order is prepared using Betty’s secret wet batter and fried up as needed, served hot and cooked perfectly. After a short while I had done such a good job of striping every morsel of meat off the bones they could have reassembled it as a science project. The sides of Yams and Peas were perfect for me, but next time I need to try the Mac N Cheese, Collards, Pigeon Peas & Rice, and Cabbage. Sadly I did not get to meet Betty on this trip, but I did chat with our server on the way out to tell her how much we enjoyed lunch, to which she replied with a big smile and a wink, “I told you it was the best you’d ever tasted!” I’ll be back soon Betty!

Update- March 26, 2012 – And back I did go recently for another helping of that really good Fried Chicken with Collards and Mac & Cheese this time. My dining companion had the same with the Fried Okra. Everyone in the place is genuine and happy to see you, even when we walked in after the normal lunch service. Regards to Connie, our server on this visit, a person who it seemed could be in many places at the same time. And finally, I did get to meet Betty. I thought she might scold me for not coming back sooner, as I had promised. Not so, but I’ll try not to let that happen again, I’ve got far too much to try!