by Mercedes J | Aug 17, 2010 | Fort Lauderdale
by Mercedes J
The Bonnet House
Ninety-one years ago, Hugh Taylor Birch gave a lavish wedding gift to his daughter and new son-in-law; the grounds to a tropical 35 acre estate. One year later, the couple began construction to build a unique oceanfront winter retreat for their family. In 1983, the last surviving owner of the home, Evelyn Fortune Bartlett made the largest charitable donation in Florida’s history by donating the home to the Florida Trust for Historic Perseveration.
The home’s architectural theme was intended to capture creativity without the lavishness of comparable homes in the area. Their artistic and eccentric dwelling is now known as The Bonnet House. According to tour guides, the appellation came from the sight of alligators peeking their heads from the waterways along the front of the home. When the alligators surfaced, flowers and lily pads often clung to their heads, resembling a bonnet hat.
Today the historic home is open as a museum and whimsical locale for special events. The Preservation society strives to conserve the integrity of the home by featuring original artwork, furnishings, and décor. Visitors will not only find avant-garde artwork from home owner — the late Frederick Clay Bartlett, yet also various paintings and sculptures the family collected. The grounds house five separate ecosystems in addition to the beautiful gardens and courtyards. Tours of the property are offered Tuesday-Saturday 10:00am to 4:00pm and Sundays 11:00am to 4:00pm. To tour only the grounds costs $10. A guided tour is $20.00 and there are special discounts for seniors and young children. From August 12-September 5 you can view the exhibit of artists: Sandra Camper, Barbara Dix, George Dolan, and Sandy Dolan. Check the Bonnet House website for other special events, exhibits, and additional information – www.bonnethouse.org
The Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
900 N. Birch Road
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
by Mercedes J | Aug 16, 2010 | Fort Lauderdale
by Kate and Mercedes J
Every now and again, the high faloutin’ members of the FTLC enjoy some posh winin’ and dinin’. Recently, Kate and Mercedes J took pleasure in each other’s company at the intimate and swanky restaurant, The Grateful Palate. Tucked inside a strip mall off 17th Street Causeway, we were surprised to find such a culinary gem located beside a pawn shop and a Subway sandwich shop.
The Ambience
Upon entering the Grateful Palate we were greeted with a welcoming smile from the host who escorted us to a table. The gorgeous restaurant is small and intimate with warm earth tone décor, dim lights, and lounge-esque furniture. The eatery is separated into two halves with one being a wine bar and lounge, the other a small dining room with approximately 10 tables. We were seated in the lounge section at a cozy table for two which was almost too comfortable. “It’s like sitting atop a soggy marshmallow,” Mercedes J remarked regarding the plush seat cushions.
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by Kate | Aug 13, 2010 | Fort Lauderdale
If you’ve ever considered that your binge drinking is problematic, come out this Saturday to make yourself feel a little better about it. The local chapter of the non-profit organization, Room to Read, is hosting their first annual BEERS for BOOKS party this Saturday August 14th at the (self-proclaimed ‘World Famous’) Parrot Lounge on Fort Lauderdale beach. If you’ve ever found yourself stumbling around on the north end of the beach, chances are you have been to this Philadelphia Eagles-themed dive bar. All drunk jokes aside, the event will raise money to support Room to Read in their effort to fund youth education in Asia and Africa. The average cost for the organization to send a child to school for one year is $250 and by patrons sparing a small admission fee, you are helping Room to Read reach that goal. Admission to BEERS for BOOKS is $12, which includes one drink and access to the free buffet. Similarly, you can choose to donate a book, and your ticket will cost you only $10. The organization will also be raffling off tickets to an upcoming Toby Keith concert (if you are unfortunate enough to be into that sort of music). Venture down to the Parrot Lounge this Saturday to show your support for Room to Read and put your night, what otherwise might have been a sloppy Saturday night, to a good cause.
Saturday, August 14
3:00p.m. – 7:00p.m.
The Parrot Lounge
911 Sunrise Lane
Admission: $12 / $10 with book donation
by Miguel Bravo | Aug 10, 2010 | Fort Lauderdale
by Mig
Local music is a common interest among all of the FTLC bloggers. Oftentimes, our weekend plans revolve around checking out some of our favorite artists or bands that we hadn’t seen before. The problem is, there aren’t enough outlets for information about upcoming shows or regional bands. Outside of the powerhouse blogs such as New Times’ County Grind (headed by the huggable Reed Fischer) and City Link’s Mixtape, no local blog follows the current rock ‘n roll scene better than Mood Vane’s Courtney Hambright. Before Poorhouse had a website with an event calendar (it’s about frickin’ time!), her blog was the only way we’d know what band was playing at our preferred downtown watering hole. The first time I read about a show at Monterey Club was from Courtney’s website. When 1921 was throwing parties with bands and DJ Mig (shameless plug, I know) every third Friday, she was the first on the scene. Many times, I’ll learn about new Broward bands from her posts. Plain and simple, quality local music blogs are as common as submarine sightings off the coast of Fort Lauderdale Beach. If you like supporting local music, there’s no excuse to not subscribe to Mood Vane.
by Mercedes J | Aug 6, 2010 | Fort Lauderdale
by Mercedes J.
The finish line from the hectic work week rat race is just within sight. Yet, instead of being handed a refreshing Gatorade as you sprint across the proverbial vocational finish line, imagine the end flowing with glasses of beer, wine, and appetizers. The FTLC recommends 5 spots for this Friday after 5 o’ clock.
The Riverside Market Café
608 SW 12th Avenue
In celebration of the North Fork New River Bridge reopening after a year long repair, the Riverside Market Café is hosting a gourmet food and craft beer pairing this Friday evening beginning at 6pm until 8pm. Join the neighborhood celebration with delicious noshings and microbrews for $15.00 entry fee.
Himmarshee Bar and Grill – Side Bar
210 SW 2nd St
Swanky restaurant and bar, Himmarshee Side Bar, is hosting a special summertime “Appy Hour” which includes $2 appetizers such as ancho guava glazed chicken wings or blue cheese stuffed dates along with buy one get one free drinks from 5-8pm. Although the apps portions are somewhat minuscule, you can order five and still only spend $10! Not too shabby.
Las Olas Gourmet and Wine
111 SE Eighth Ave
Every Friday beginning at 7pm, this food and wine market offers an all you can drink wine tasting featuring large selections of wines for $40 per person. The friendly owners typically offer some of their mouth-watering food along with great company and music.
Bamboo Beach Tiki Bar @ Ocean Manor Resort
4040 Galt Ocean Mile Dr
Along the pristine beach of Galt Ocean Mile is the beautiful Ocean Manor Resort. Poolside at the Tiki Bar, enjoy your favorite island libation at a reduced rate for (happy hour 5-7pm) while listening to waves crash on the sandy Ft. Lauderdale shore.
Southport Raw Bar
1536 Cordova Rd
Rustic Southport Raw Bar offers food and beer specials from 4-7pm. After you disembark your private yacht (most likely named Aquaholics) at the free boat dock, kick your feet up on the patio and enjoy $3 bottle beer or $6.50 pitchers along with $6 clams, shrimp, and wings.
