by Guest Writer | Sep 27, 2010 | Fort Lauderdale
by Guest Writer Brady Newbill
Often times over the course of my life when I’ve sought some kind of peace of mind or understanding in this chaotic reality, I have found such solace in the almost hypnotically wise and natural music of Neil Young. And so a few months ago when I saw the announcement that Neil would be doing a solo show at the Seminole Hard Rock, I threw up in my mouth a little bit. For the Seminole Hard Rock, as I already knew, is the very antithesis of anything natural, pure or wise; and therefore the environmental antithesis of everything I feel when hearing Neil Young’s music. But I went anyway, simply because I had never seen Neil live before and after spending the majority of my life missing him due to circumstantial or financial reasons, I was ready to see him anywhere at anytime….just to see the man.
And so in the weeks leading up to the show I became increasingly excited, feeling a strength in the force upon the imminent arrival of a true Jedi master (it should be understood at this point that one of the only ways outside of Neil Young’s music to draw understanding of the world for me is to realize life as a never-ending series of Star Wars references). The disturbance of having to infiltrate the Seminole Hard Rock (aka “the house” or “the Death Star”) was especially eased on the way to the show when I learned that American musical treasure Allen Toussaint would be opening. “Wow”, I thought as we were sitting in traffic, “that might actually be enough Jedi purity to counterbalance the power of the Dark Side emitted from that God-less epicenter of materialism, superficiality, and greed.”
We walked in a couple of songs into Toussaint’s set and sat in our seats in the front row of the third level, mysteriously facing away from the stage with three steel bars directly in our line of vision. “Oh this is nice,” I thought, “I didn’t actually want to see the stage anyway.” Concerts are always much more enjoyable when you wake up with a sore neck the next day. But that wasn’t my real problem here. Allen Toussaint, musical genius and historic bridge between jazz and rock & roll, is on stage alone at a piano singing songs and telling stories. And that is a wonderful situation completely lost on this crowd- talking throughout his set and even at one point, in the middle of a story, almost boo-ing him off the stage. I was disgusted and ashamed of my hometown crowd- seemingly unwilling to give anything they don’t hear on Big 106 every day a chance to teach them something.
(more…)
by Fat Hand | Sep 24, 2010 | Fort Lauderdale
by Fat Hand
Pep Rally in Mr. H’s Plaza
First, at 4:30 Friday afternoon is the “Orange Offensive” Dolphins Pep Rally at Huizenga Plaza located at Las Olas and Andrews Ave. Remember how much fun high school pep rallies were? No, you don’t? Well now imagine if instead of high school kids, it’s a bunch of adults. Yeah, that sounds good to me too. Actually, there is something that we can all cheer about: last year’s pep rally featured a Jimmy Buffet-themed band…not Buffet himself mind you, just Buffet-themed. But the Miami Dolphins’ Jimmy Buffet era is behind us like the chicken pox…supposedly that will never happen again. So come out to Huizenga Plaza sporting your most offensive orange clothing and support the Fins before their home opener against that green team Darrelle Revis used to play for.
Las Vegas! In Miami! In Downtown Ft. Lauderdale at Riverside Hotel’s huge mistake!
Conveniently starting 1/2 hour after the end of the Offensive Orange Pep Rally in a convenient location just three blocks east on Las Olas Boulevard, an outdoor cocktail party! Now, the Riverside Hotel is a building. I am a person. But I really understand the Riverside Hotel. Not their fancy rooms or why they continue to put those ugly gold lions out front, but I understand starting a huge project, sticking with the project just long enough to cause real damage, and then getting tired of the project and completely ignoring it, trying to convince myself there never really was a project. Riverside Hotel decided to expand, evicted several of Las Olas’ more successful businesses, tore down a block of buildings, and then got tired of the whole thing. Years later, we now have…kind of a park! And tonight, that kind-of-a-park is hosting something called “Gravitate”, described as “Las Vegas Nightlife with South Beach Style”, and then in much smaller letters “on the lawn at Riverside Hotel.” The New Times has a blatently self-promotional slideshow of photos from a previous Gravitate event. Take a look at the pics and if it looks fun, be there tonight, and be sure to get your VIP table and bottle specials. I looked at the pictures, and I plan to attend anyway.
by Strawberry Jam | Sep 23, 2010 | Fort Lauderdale
by Strawberry Jam
A new spot to get some caffeine in your veins, an old local favorite with a view that can’t be beat, a hidden gem reader recommendation and we are back with three more fine locations for your next pick-me-up.
Brew LaLa
445 N Andrews Ave
As the third coffee shop in it’s location, you might say Brew LaLa has some pressure to succeed, and we’re not talking the pressure that percolates the espresso into your latte. Situated a bit of a way off the main drag of downtown Ft Lauderdale eateries and other businesses, Brew LaLa has it’s work cut out to attract customers. The upside is they offer food such as wraps, salads, and baked good. However, unless they’re still settling in and since visiting have made changes, even the most gourmet food cannot make up for coffee at a coffee shop being served from one of those plastic pump containers. Come here if you want a quick bite or some quiet time to take care of that paperwork, as there will probably be few others there to distract you.
St. Bart’s Coffee Company
845 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd
With tasty breakfast, lunch, coffee, and smoothie options and a pristine view of Ft Lauderdale Beach’s turquoise waters, it’s hard not to be compelled to revel in the moment and blow all your money at this relaxing ocean-side eatery. Away from the chaotic main stretch of beach shops and restaurants, St. Bart’s comfy atmosphere, cool tunes, and friendly service will easily make you feel like you’re on vacation. $12 can’t be spent any better way than on a hearty breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, bagel, chopped salad with cheese, and an iced soy latte.
Expresso Drive-thru Coffee
1900 S Andrews Ave
Do you hate resorting to Starbucks or DD but need something fast and can’t spare a minute to get out of your car? Then the reader-recommended sweet little shack known as Expresso is your answer. Their wide variety of coffees and genuine service is perfect for when you’re shot for time. They even have a chalkboard menu with changing food choices such as Quiche, tuna salad, and cold pastas. Don’t be surprised if you come up short and are told you can owe them later : )
by Miguel Bravo | Sep 21, 2010 | Fort Lauderdale
by Mig
It took several months, but I finally made it to the brink of Broward County to taste one of South Florida’s better burger at Charm City Burger Company (Facebook fan page link). After reading the overwhelming amount of positive reviews about this place’s food (check out the links at the end of the post), I put it at the top of my must-try list. What can I write about this hole-in-the-wall eatery that hasn’t already been written? After one bite of their 8 oz. Cowboy burger, there’s no denying that this is one of the best burgers in our metro area. Along with the burger, I sampled the french fries, onion rings, sweet potato fries, and chocolate Blue Bell milkshake. The meat was juicy, the bacon was crispy, the aged cheddar was melted just right, and the grilled and sauteed veggies were perfect toppings. Both types of fries and rings were tasty as well — I give the onion rings a slight edge in taste (sadly though, they only give you 5 rings); however, the sides were greatly overshadowed by the belly-busting burger and the thick ice cream milkshake that would give Jenny Craig night terrors.
Enough about the details that the local food bloggers has already covered. I’ve read a lot of deservingly great reviews about this Deerfield Beach restaurant’s meat and fried side orders, but I have yet to read anything about their veggie burger. You might ask yourself, why would anyone go to Charm City and order a meatless burger? Well, it just so happened that 2 animal-friendly people at my table willingly ordered the Hippie, a burger made of mushrooms, black beans, and herbs. I asked famed FTLC blogger Strawberry Jam and Edos Minnos (the FTLC’s future Turkish restaurant correspondent) their opinion of Charm City’s cow-free burger. Here’s what they said:
“It was filling, juicy, and well-seasoned. The bun was disappointing. Just because you don’t want meat doesn’t mean you want to forego the tasty sweet bun the other burgers get.
Ps: They should include sides as a meal. And sell cole slaw.”
– Strawberry Jam
The veggie burger was piquant and satiating…but to be completely honest, it wasn’t the greatest veggie burger I’ve ever had, so I can’t think of anymore adjectives.
– Edos Minnos (pronounced Ay-dosh Me-nosh)
I was able to steal a few bites from S Jam’s meatless burger, and I thought it tasted excellent. Keep in mind though, I don’t usually opt for vegetarian options at restaurants, so I don’t have much to compare.
So apparently Charm City isn’t perfect, so what. I agree with the multitude of positive reviews about this place, and recommend it to all of the FTLC’s carnivores. This is a must-try if you enjoy a good hamburger. If you choose greens over beef, don’t miss trying their milkshake and onion rings and in my opinion, the Hippie is worth a taste.
Some additional notes:
-
I enjoyed the eclectic selection of indie music they played while we were eating. Songs by Passion Pit, Ratatat, and the XX were all heard at some point during our meal.
-
The staff is extremely friendly, and didn’t mind that we took 5 minutes to decide between a vanilla or chocolate shake.
-
Here are some links to other blogs that have already written about Charm City: Jeff Eats, Burger Beast, Clean Plate Charlie,
Here are some pics of the food, taken with our crappy cell phone cameras. These photos don’t do the food justice.
by Miguel Bravo | Sep 20, 2010 | Fort Lauderdale
by Mig
If you see me in the streets, come say hi!
Every blogger fears it, but most refuse to believe it’ll happen to them….and then it hits you like a ton of Riverwalk bricks. I am referring to Blogger’s Despair, the moment when you question whether or not you should keep your web log alive. There are many causes for BD, but in my case, it’s the fact that the FTLC has lost it’s ‘collective’ of writers and the guest writers stockpile of articles has run dry. Some moved on to paid blogging gigs, others retired early, some got bloggers block (another common blogging illness). Fact of the matter is, after 71 posts, I’m the only one left among the founding fathers/mothers. Unfortunately, lots of promising South Florida blogs experience BD and die early deaths; I refuse to let the FTLC go inactive anytime soon.
In the future weeks/months, I plan on:
- finding new guest writers and potential staff members.
- making physical changes to the website to make it easier to navigate and find useful links.
- diversifying the topics of the articles. Specifically, more about local music and dining.
- organizing another party, similar to our highly successful launch party in June.
- starting a guerrilla ad campaign to attract new readers.
- continuing to stay true to the 3 F’s (Fort, Factual, and sometimes Funny)
If you enjoy writing, and would be interested in blogging about greater FTL (pretty much all of Broward County) send me an email at mig@ftlcollective.com .
Find me in the streets and say hi (that’s me in the photo above). Thanks for reading our blog. ¡Viva el FTLC!
by Miguel Bravo | Sep 14, 2010 | Funny
One the nicest areas to go for a walk in Fort Lauderdale is Riverwalk in downtown. A typical stroll down along the New River produces lots of sights: a good view of the skyline, the Jungle Queen, the massive yacht of the owner of the New Orleans Hornets, the Urban Market, Old Fort Lauderdale, the well dressed homeless guy who feeds the stray cats, the Jimmy Buffet crowd at Briny’s, high schoolers filming skateboarding videos at Huizenga Park, the Venice-style gondola, and our tallest building (a condo, go figure). Chances are, most people aren’t staring at the ground while they walk along this visually stimulating area of downtown. Luckily for you, S Jam and myself spent a portion of an afternoon with our eyes glued to the red rectangular slabs of concrete beneath our feet, searching for the best bricks in the city. The signature bricks can be found as far east as the Cheesecake Factory, but we decided to focus on the portion of bricks from The Symphony Condos to the SW 4th Avenue circle. Unsurprisingly, the majority of the bricks are boring and unimaginitive; we did manage to find some a few good ones though, and we’ve included the photos below. If you’re interested in having your own custom brick, buy one online at goriverwalk.com . Prices start at price$50.
by Mercedes J | Sep 10, 2010 | Fort Lauderdale
by Mercedes J
Bright lights, loud music, free drinks, and people dancing their asses off. No, we aren’t at an NSU undergrad house party, we are playing bingo. But not your Nana’s type of bingo, a new wave of energetic, glow stick fist pumping fun called Cosmic Bingo at The Seminole Casino Hollywood. Every Friday night at 10pm, ten bones will get you 12 bingo cards and two free drink tickets. Proclaim “Bingo!” simultaneously with a fellow competitor and expect to dance your way to win the cash prize. The bingo dance party attracts quite an eclectic crowd and it is an experience you definitely don’t want to miss. Here are some of the highlights from my recent visit to Seminole Hollywood Casino:
What I love about Cosmic Bingo:
-
Tons of prizes and free stuff – Twelve bingo cards means 12 games and 12 cash prizes worth $100 each. Not to mention they host two general dace offs for anyone who wants to give it a go, one at the beginning of the night and one at intermission for a cash prize. As previously mentioned, you also receive two free drink vouchers. Be sure to check the floor – you are likely to find more blue stubs warranting you additional booze. But that’s not all; the energetic DJ will throw 100s of free glow-in-the dark jewelry from his ivory tower to your grasping hands.
-
The Dance offs – If you tie a competitor during a bingo game, you will need to win over the audience with your best dance moves in order to claim the cash prize. When I was there, the first bingo tie resulted in a dance off between a 20 something male and a 50 something woman. The DJ introduced the dueling couple as “woman versus you, the dude who has no chance.” The second dance-off was between an 80-year-old man wearing suspenders who dropped it lower than the interest rates of 2005. How he didn’t break a hip continues to astound me, but he won $300 for those moves.
-
Smoking – Bring your favorite pack of ciggies, because you can smoke your face off at the Casino. There is an ash tray every four feet and one on every bingo table.
-
Clean toilets – I heart a toilet with an automatic rotating plastic thingy, one can rejoice in the fact that you can sit on the john without any sanitation worries. But I have one question, is there an endless supply of clean plastic in that automatic rotating thingy or is the plastic seat cover just going around in circles? Let’s hope for the former.
-
Great elbow room at the spacious tables – I couldn’t get over how much space each individual had at the long rectangular tables. Even if you weigh 1000 pounds, you will not touch the person beside you. Think of it as your own personal dance/bingo zone.
A few cons:
-
The doors to the bingo room remain closed until 10pm. This means that droves of eager bingo players are lining up and anxiously waiting to get their groove on. As I impatiently stood in line to enter the room, I had a horrific flashback of the similar cow herding that occurred during my last flight on Southwest Airlines. Yuck.
-
I hate to complain about free booze, but I need to be honest about the alcohol at Cosmic Bingo. The putrid libations will leave a bitter taste in your mouth, literally. Remember the handle bars of Aristocrat that as an underage drinker you convinced the homeless guy standing outside of the liquor store to buy for you? Yes, the alcohol at Cosmic Bingo is that bad — similar to that of a REALLY low budget wedding, keg beer and all.
As my Cosmic Bingo evening came to a close, I looked across the table to my new friend Mindy, as she yelled “This is the best $10 I have ever spent!” I agree Mindy, Cosmic Bingo is the TRUTH!
Seminole Casino Hollywood
4150 N State Rd 7, Hollywood
954-961-3220
by Miguel Bravo | Sep 9, 2010 | Fort Lauderdale
by Mig
Every city has it’s default “dangerous” neighborhood — Liberty City in Miami, Compton in Los Angeles, Harlem in New York City, you get the idea. Fort Lauderdale has Sistrunk. Most people I know haven’t traveled far down NW 6th Street because of the neighborhood’s bad reputation; sadly, this means that they’ve probably missed out on one of the tastiest budget eateries in our city, Betty’s Restaurant and Barbeque. Here’s the breakdown of my experience at Betty’s:
The Entres
I split 2 plates with FTLC blogger Strawberry Jam, so I was able to try to different meats, the fried chicken and the country ham. I preferred the fried chicken over the ham, but both meats were delicious and served in large portions. Although my fried chicken tasting is limited to the Publix deli or fast food chains, I really enjoyed the fact that the skin was less greasy yet exceptionally crispy, and the meat was juicy. The ham was thick and savory. The generous slice of pig reminded me of Thanksgiving dinners with the family.
Side Orders
By no means do I think of myself as a restaurant connoisseur like The Burger Beast or Jeff from Jeff Eats, but I’ve never tasted better side dishes in a Fort Lauderdale restaurant than at Betty’s. The mac and cheese, my favorite of the sides, had the perfect combination of cheese and noodle. The collard greens were full of flavor. The homemade potato salad helped me reminisce of my days in North Carolina. Even the rice with gravy, my least favorite of the sides, hit the spot nicely and was a nice change from my usual black beans and rice. The sweet tea will give you an intense sugar high, but was a must to compliment this kind of meal.
The Dining Area
One of the first things you will notice after you are seated is that the owners have a fondness for Obama and Michael Jackson. In fact, we counted over 30 total pictures of MJ and Obama lining the walls. You’ll also notice the old school diner seating near the front entrance and the vintage juke box that will randomly try to compete with the episode of 106 & Park playing on the TVs. All in all, it has a very unique look, something that many FTL restaurants lack in my opinion.
The Service
The staff was extremely helpful and efficient. When we asked for help choosing between the potato salad and yams, our waitress gave us her honest opinion. When our cups were empty, she quickly asked if we wanted a refill. Before we left, the cashier genuinely wanted to know how we liked the food.
The Price
Unbelievable value for the quality and quantity of the food. I ended up having enough for another dinner the next night. Most dinners run from $8 – $16 and come with 2 sides and cornbread.
Overall
Tastiest sides in town, great atmosphere, large menu, and great price — I’ll be back for sure.
Betty’s is located at 601 NW 22nd Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311. Their phone number is 954-583-9121.
Additional notes:
- There’s no quicker way to lose street cred than by calling Betty’s Restaurant and Barbeque by it’s full name. An African-American co-worker and local soul food enthusiast informed me, “black people just call it Betty’s”
- As soon as you pass under I95, going west on Sistrunk from 7th Avenue, you are going to have to veer to the right on a side street (NW 22nd Rd.). It’s easy to miss if you’re driving too fast
by Fat Hand | Sep 8, 2010 | Fort Lauderdale
by Fat Hand
FTLC loves the New Times blogs. FLTC reads them all the time. Some FTLC writers read almost every word (even the food blog). New Times blogs do better indepth reporting than the Sun-Sentinel, dominate coverage of the local music scene, yet still find space for non-traditional stories, and even the far-out tales of Evan Rowe. And all of that is great. But the New Times is not perfect, so below is the list of reasons why the New Times blogs collectively are the second best blog in Ft. Lauderdale.
5. FTLC Does Not Do As Many ‘Five Reasons Why’ Lists
Americans love top-five lists. The New Times blogs love them most of all, as can be seen here, here, here, here, here, here, and here. Yes, each of the foregoing links is an inspiration for this post, and yes, it is fun to make this list. But the FTLC promises it will never produce as many top five lists as the New Times blogs. If we tried, the sheer volume of content would overpower our computer server.
4. FTLC is Due to Break a Big Story
New Times blogs have broken countless important local stories, consistently producing the most ground-breaking, Broward-shaking journalism in our fair city. All-world reporter Bob Norman and his Pulitzer-worthy work (which recently includes the notable Scott Rothstein saga, as well as the criminal fleecing of taxpayers by the corrupt Broward County School Board accepting bribes from developers in exchange for a cool $350 million of local tax revenue to build empty classrooms), is complemented by The Juice, which relentlessly followed Jeff Greene’s disturbing Senate campaign until finally going national with a first-person account of partying on Greene’s yacht. (Also, a blog at the New Times’ sister paper, the Miami New Times, broke the feel-good story of 2010: George Rekers’ rent-boy vacation). But anybody paying minimal attention in Bro Co knows there is plenty of corruption to go around. The FTLC has yet to break a story larger than a bunch of nerds hiding notes around our city, so we are due. The law of averages suggests the next big story will be broken by the FTLC. Does Mayor Seiler own a sweatshop in South America? Will Lebron have a rent-boy of his own? Will former School Board member Beverly Gallagher bust out of prison and go on a non-violent bribe solicitation spree? Who could know such things? Watch this space to find out.
3. FTLC Appreciates Spirit Airlines
Tom Francis is a fantastic local reporter and his Juice, as mentioned above, is a fine blog. But I will say this about Tom Francis…he does not like Miramar-based Spirit Airlines AT ALL. He criticizes everything from their charging for services one might expect to be free, to Spirit’s gimmicky, sexually-charged advertising campaigns. But the FTLC, with its many graduate degrees in economics, thinks it is brilliant to strip the hidden costs out of the price of an airline ticket and allow people to pay only for the services they use. You do not want a beverage? Then why should you subsidize that weird lady’s bloody mary mix? Not checking a bag? Then no need to pay for that jerk sitting next to you to check his satchel of dildos and Hawaiian shirts. These policies help Spirit offer cheap tickets from Ft. Lauderdale to destinations all over the United States, the Caribbean, and South and Central America. The FTLC appreciates the ability to fly direct to cities like Medellin, Columbia at a very reasonable price…even if it is just for a quick run, I mean trip.
2. FTLC is Not a Slave to its Corporate Ownership.
It might surprise regular readers of this site, but FTLC is member-owned, member-managed. Although the quality of writing and expensive-looking website might suggest a deep-pocketed patron behind the scenes, the FTLC is beholden to no rich master. But the New Times, the local “alternative” rag, is owned by Village Voice Media, owner of more than a dozen such papers around the country. Village Voice Media is kind of an “alternative media conglomerate”, or, more accurately, just a “media conglomerate”. Check out the websites of other Village Voice owned newspapers around the country (here, here, and here, among others). See what I mean? At the FTLC you are sure to get one of a kind, independent stories and analysis. We are slaves only to the truth.
1. FTLC Does Virtually Nothing to Support the Pain Pill Industry Destroying Portions of our Nation.
Ok, so this last one is not a direct criticism of New Times blogs (if only the New Times blogs were obsessed with the top four reasons something happens, I would be done already!); it is a comment on the hard-copy version of the New Times distributed free from those horrendous green boxes of blight.
I am not claiming the FTLC does much to help places like rural Kentucky, but we do virtually nothing to destroy such locations either. Here are the facts: Many argue that Broward County and the State of Florida do a less-than-optimal job of regulating pain clinics. Such policies (or complete lack thereof) have led to a flourishing of pain clinics in Bro Co. People drive down from places such as rural Kentucky and go from pain clinic to pain clinic stocking up on extremely powerful pills. Those people drive home with a trunk-load of pills. Many places such as rural Kentucky have serious problems with pain pills and subsequently kids die.
The New Times did not create the policies that have allowed this (and in fact have done a good job documenting the problem), and certaintly did not cause people to become addicted to pain pills. But if I wanted to go clinic-hopping all I would need to do is grab a hard copy of the New Times and peruse the advertisements for my roadmap to carnage. No, here at the FTLC we do not support the pain pill industry and do not accept advertising dollars from these still-tolerated death dealers. But if any prostitutes reading this column want to advertise on this blog, let us know…the New Times isn’t the only game in town.
by J Fine | Sep 3, 2010 | Fort Lauderdale
by Guest Writer J. Fine
Tonight is a good time to pay a visit to the Monterey Club in FTL who’s “rockabilly” ambiance is perfect for the bands playing – Laramie Dean, No Class Action, and To Be Hated. I would first suggest that if you are of legal drinking age and plan to get your drunk on, that you do one or all of the following; plan to do a little tailgating, pre-game, or bring a flask. Monterey Club, while being a very hip and swanky venue which books good shows; lacks in the booze department. My 85 year old Nana would be hard pressed to catch a buzz in this bar. If this is something you are not accustomed to, plan ahead.
First band in Friday’s line up is No Class Action whose music can best be described as hardcore. These upstanding young men are locals and have been playing together since 2009. With influences such as Raffi, John Denver and D.R.I. – you can’t go wrong. Not to mention song titles such as “Baby in a Microwave” and “Titty Bar Buffet”. Their last show at Monterey Club included midgets moshing (individuals with dwarfism moshing), so with an opening band like this one, get ready for an insane evening.
Next, your eardrums will be tickled, if not already blown out, by the music of local punk band To Be Hated (together since 2006). The self described “socially aware” (bunch of hippies) features a female vocalist, I like them already.
The night’s headliner is the amazing LARAMIE DEAN who is currently on his first solo tour joined by drummer Korey Kingston. The “Surf Punk” artist has toured with Agent Orange and was a guitar tech for Dick Dale. Upon exposure to just a taste of his music, you will be a fan after hearing the catchy tune Hava Nagila. And why don’t we do what the Hebrew saying suggests — that is rejoice that a band is still willing to make the schlep to Broward County from California. Hallelujah and mazel tov brother!
Tonight’s show at Monterey Club has a lot to offer from hardcore to surf punk and quite possibly some midget action – don’t miss it.
The Monterey Club
2608 South Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale
Doors open at 9pm; no cover
