Out of the few options South Floridians have for fresh produce and local goods, the Riverwalk Urban Market doesn’t disappoint with decent prices and a nice selection of various items. After suddenly disappearing from it’s original location across from the Museum of Discovery and Science the market has finally gotten around to updating their flyers with their new location: the historic district near the old River House. Here are just a few reasons to shake off that Friday night funk and make it out before they close up shop at 1pm. Though pretty consistent, most vendors sign up on a weekly basis so visit often to check for changes.
Artisan pasta
Spicy Thai linguine and peppercorn pasta are two of over a dozen varieties. At $4.50/half pound and $8/pound prices are comparable to grocery store gourmet pasta prices.
Homemade fish dip
Try a free sample if the photos of this guy smoking his fish and the vacuum packed/permanent marker DIY packaging aren’t enticing enough. Smoked wahoo dip and smoked salmon are among the choices.
Produce
Why buy from other states or countries when Florida has some of the best soil and climate to grow in? A nice selection of leafy greens, fruits, and seasonal items are available from your own backyard. The best deal here is probably the small baskets of sundried tomatoes for $3.
Herbeque
If browsing makes you hungry or if the heat leaves you parched this is your spot to stop for a meaty fix or refreshing sweet tea. They’re away on occasional Saturday caterings as well so you might want to say a prayer to the BBQ gods before your visit.
Local honey
Honey is excellent for your immune system and a good source of natural energy. Get it before the bees go extinct.
If you are fortunate enough to have a roof over your head and your stuff together, it only makes sense to help those who don’t. Doing so not only provides assistance to charitable organizations in need but also shows your support for those who’ve fallen on hard times. With the recent economy producing a new breed of homelessness, it is not uncommon for professionals, students, and single parents to seek shelter. Volunteering allows for unique experiences and conversation with others in the community. Stories might include someone’s past, to what they’re hoping to become, and how they’ve been helped along the way. Most people are just as curious to know your story and are grateful for your time as well.
At Broward Outreach, there are many opportunities to lend a hand, ranging from office work and tutoring, to food service and various annual events. Individuals seeking help can’t come and go as they please but can at any time exit the program which includes courses, housing, and meals. Classes range from job training and motivational classes, to educational courses such as basic math. There are three locations: Hollywood, Miami, and Pompano Beach.
If networking for a cause is more your thing, then Young Professionals for Covenant House might be for you. Geared towards 21-45 year olds, members attend fundraising events (oftentimes with the lure of alcohol, think Busloop), trips, or do volunteer work. Proceeds benefit Covenant House Florida which serves at-risk youth under the age of 21. Since opening in 1985, Covenant House has served over 30,000 individuals and received $1,675,000 from Young Pros.
Too many South Floridians have a predictable, yet questionable, love affair with their local Starbucks. Lucky for us, there are several inviting options in Ft Lauderdale to get your caffeine fix while supporting unique and local businesses. Here are a few spots to either refuel or stay awhile and bump elbows with your neighbors.
Located between two of Ft Lauderdale’s apples of our eyes, Radioactive Records and the Gateway movie theater, sits Caffe Rustica. With its scrumptious, homemade treats and carefully crafted beverages, Caffe Rustica is the perfect spot to grab a pick-me-up before browsing the ever-changing selection at Radioactive or before heading to that late-night movie. Outside seating is available, though its located right on Sunrise Boulevard.
2743 E Oakland Park Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306
This locale will make you feel like you’re in your good friends’ home if not your own, especially with the presence of helpful owner Aileen. Undergrounds Coffeehaus aims to please everyone with their wide variety of books, themed nights, Turkish coffee, crafting sessions, and nearly two dozen kinds of tater tots. Most books, art, and other items around for entertainment are available for purchase. Events scheduled regularly so head over to their website to keep up with what’s going on.
Broken-in leather chairs, a nice selection of national newspapers, and enticing blends of the day- it comes as no surprise that Brew was deservedly voted New Times’ best coffee shop of 2010. Enjoy some baked goods, free Wi-Fi, and super friendly service, among all the other amenities you’d expect to find in your comfy neighborhood coffee shop. Make sure you get your coffee card stamped and the 10th coffee is on them! When the sun goes down, come back and have yourself a beer or glass of wine here- they have microbrews! Two locations: Himmarshee Street and Victoria Park.
One of the perks of living in Ft Lauderdale is that there is always something interesting to do or another new event going on and this weekend is no exception. There’s no excuse for you to be stuck at your local watering hole week after week. Here are some picks to shake things up that sound promising enough to keep you on your feet for the next couple of days and downing enough caffeine fit for a small diner come Monday morning.
FRIDAY
This Friday ArtServe Ft Lauderdale and The Bubble team up for the fifth annual Red Eye, the yearly shindig that showcases local pieces “aimed at promoting fresh, underground art that serves as a conversation piece”. Featured visual art, sculpture/pottery, jewelery, fashion, and short films must be centered around either lowbrow/pop surrealism art or social commentary. The exhibit is $5 from 6-9pm at Art Serve at 1350 East Sunrise Boulevard. Afterward head over to The Bubble’s Itty Bitty Blazar Gala for a continuation of artwork, fashion show, and music from Dooms De Pop, Bad Ass, Radar vs. Wolf, Scott Mitchell Putesky, and Green Mantles. $10 includes drinks and treats. Read more about it in CityLink’s “Look into the Red Eye”.
Join Twilight Notes at Brew (209 SW 2nd Ave) from 8 to midnight for happy hour prices on beer and wine all night and music from Shade, Stell*R, and Adam Foster. The evening is to kick things off for their new monthly parties every first Wednesday of the month to be held at Himmarshee Sidebar.
Also this Friday catch South Florida reggae/Jamaican dub band Spred the Dub at Monterey Club (2608 S Federal Highway) from 10pm-2am. Be sure to click their link to see weekly scheduled shows as you don’t want to miss this smooth-sounding band that’s guaranteed to put on a good show or we’ll buy you a beer. Spred the Dub @ Monterey Club Facebook event link here.
For those slightly south of the heart of Ft Lauderdale, you have another free event: eLemental eXpressions featuring South Florida dubstep artists Somejerk, Okulus Anomali, Doctor Jones, Indovisual, and FTG. This runs from 10pm-4am at Now Art Cafe at 1802 S Young Circle. For time slots and more info check out eLemental eXpressions here and for a preview of what you’ll hear and for future events miamidubstep.blogspot.com.
SATURDAY
If Friday night’s quadruple whammy of art and music doesn’t satisfy your fix, take part in the elusive Laser Wolf Productions‘ latest event: Because We Like to Party. Art by local fave Gurty, the ever growing Iron Forge Press, and about a dozen others. Sounds provided by Blond Fuzz, Beings, and Web Low Boys. The event will be at a 4,000 ft. air-conditioned (!) warehouse at 1145 NE 9th Ave. $5 gets you in and another Lincoln gets you a beer cup til the keg runs dry.
SUNDAY
Squeeze those last few drops of the weekend out on the beach where Ft Lauderdale’s On Til Dawn will host Mas Carne, another of their free on-the-sand dance parties from 11am-8pm by the Yankee Clipper. Don’t forget to bring something yummy for the grill in appreciation for the free tunes and company. Check out ontildawn.blogspot.com for featured mixes and music news.
by Strawberry Jam
