by Kate | Aug 19, 2010 | Fort Lauderdale
by Kate
Are you bored with drinking bottom-of-the-line well liquors and buckets of Coors Light? We are too, so we thought we’d share some FTLC secrets as to where to score the tastiest libations around Fort Lauderdale. Our picks are not the cheapest concoctions, nor will they be found at a local dive bar, but they make up for breaking your wallet by stimulating your taste buds and giving you a much-welcomed buzz. We are thirsty just writing about it! Here they are (in no particular order):
The Cubeltini – Trina Restaurant & Lounge at the Atlantic Hotel
This signature drink at Trina on Fort Lauderdale’s beachfront is both crisp and refreshing. Served in a martini glass, the cucumber mint beverage is more like a mojito than a martini. The energizing coolness of the cucumber as it hits your palate makes this cocktail perfect for a hot summer day. The Cubeltini is comprised of Belvedere vodka, lime juice, simple syrup, cucumber slices, and refreshing mint. The Cubeltini will set you back $11.
601 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd.
The Devil’s Hammer – YOLO
As the satanic name suggests, you may be ‘praying’ to the porcelain god if you consume too many Devil’s Hammers. YOLO sets a limit of three of the ever-so-popular cocktails per customer and we can vouch for why you should follow this rule. The Devil’s Hammer is made with tequila, cherry-infused bourbon, agave nectar, orange and lime juice, and a sprig of mint. Until recently you were able to order this cocktail extra spicy but YOLO has since replaced the hot red peppers with a much more mild and dull green pepper – but still worth a shot. The Devil’s Hammer costs $12, and never mind the limit of three, after $36 you’ll probably want to switch to something less pricey.
333 E. Las Olas Blvd.
Cucumber Watermelon Martini – Himmarshee Side Bar
One of the most frequently ordered cocktails at Himmarshee Side Bar is the Cucumber Watermelon Martini. This martini is a mix of tequila, sweet & sour mix, simple syrup, fresh watermelon (giving it a thick consistency), and cucumber. It is difficult to have only one of these martinis, so go during happy hour when they are 2-4-1! The Cucumber Watermelon Martini will cost you $12.
210 S.W. 2nd St.
Prickly Pear Margarita – Canyon
Canyon is a quaint and dimly lit southwestern restaurant that serves up one of the finest cocktails in town, the Prickly Pear Margarita. The restaurant is very secretive about divulging the ingredients but we can guess it is made up of tequila, Cointreau, prickly pear-infused simple syrup, lime juice, and sugar or salt for a garnish. Whether you are waiting at the bar for a table or enjoying one of these famous margaritas with your dinner, the Prickly Pear Margarita is always a crowd-pleaser and a drink that will keep you coming back. The price tag on Canyon’s delicious cocktail: $10.
1818 E. Sunrise Blvd.
by Miguel Bravo | Aug 18, 2010 | Fort Lauderdale
by Mig
Living downtown is great and it’d be really easy to write a post about all the perks of living near FTL’s mini skyscrapers, but let’s face it, complaining is a lot more fun. Despite double digit noise complaints and 2 evictions, I’ve loved living in historic Sailboat Bend for the last 4 years; however, I do have some requests to improve the downtown community. Here are 5 that I’ve hand picked off my carefully chosen list (in no particular order):
Super Publix Parking Garage
Like most days, my fridge is empty. The main reason for the lack of groceries is that I loathe having to park my minivan on the 2nd story of Publix‘s parking deck. Even though it extends my grocery store trip by only 1-2 minutes, it just feels so unnecessary. It’d be worth it if the actual inside of the grocery store was bigger than most supermarkets, but it’s not — in fact, I think it’s smaller. Just to top things off, sometimes you’ll get the moron with the full shopping cart who forgoes the elevator and clogs the people mover, forcing you to painfully stand idle for the longest minute of your life. For the sake of downtown locals, can someone from Publix make a deal with the bail bonds people across the street for more 1st floor parking?
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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.
by Kate | Aug 4, 2010 | Fort Lauderdale
by Kate
Living in South Florida we are all too familiar with drawbridges, but it was just over one year ago that I discovered Fort Lauderdale is home to one of few swing bridges that still exist across the globe. Tucked away in a quiet residential corner of downtown Fort Lauderdale, two historic neighborhoods, Sailboat Bend and Riverside Park, have been connected by the North Fork New River Bridge since it was constructed in 1927. This historic bridge is the oldest of five in the state of Florida. Unlike drawbridges, swing bridges rotate on a pivot generally in the center of the bridge, swinging the bridge to allow waterway traffic to pass through on either side. I’m unsure of the advantages or disadvantages of having a swing bridge, but regardless, it is a unique piece of Fort Lauderdale’s history that deserves some sort of recognition.
The bridge provides easy access to downtown Fort Lauderdale for residents of Riverside Park by allowing them to drive across the New River into the more conveniently located (if you consider downtown access convenient) Sailboat Bend. Unfortunately for the inhabitants of Riverside Park, the bridge underwent much needed renovations in late summer of 2009 and only just re-opened this past Sunday, August 1st. I’ve rarely had the need to travel to Riverside Park in the past year but for whatever reason, the bridge closure felt extremely problematic. Maybe because I had some strange desire to drive across the bridge simply because I could not or maybe because I used that as an excuse for not hanging out with a friend that resided in Riverside Park for several months. All excuses aside, the bridge has now re-opened and there is an opportunity to explore a part of Fort Lauderdale that I know little about.
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by Miguel Bravo | Aug 3, 2010 | Fort Lauderdale
by Mig
There are two unofficial sections of Fort Lauderdale Beach. If you are going to FTL Beach with your family or enjoy spiking a volleyball, you’ll be heading to stretch of sand between the Yankee Clipper and outdoor basketball court (don’t forget, free parking in the South Beach lot). If binge drinking and people watching is your thing, chances are that you’ll be lounging on the sand in front of Blondies, Elbo Room, Pirate Alley, or Rock Bar. I’m here to tell you there’s now a third option on the beach — a little spot I discovered a couple of years ago know as The Jetty
Now, I realize that a bunch of you probably already know about this local treasure (heck, there’s a Facebook fan page for the jetties). Also, I expect some people to berate me in the comments, telling me that they’ve known about this spot for decades. The fact is, every local deserves to know about this hidden site. For those of you who are learning about The Jetties for the first time, let me illustrate what you should expect:
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The longest stretch of beach in Fort Lauderdale. Walking from the beach access to the water feels like a trek through the desert. It takes awhile to touch the Atlantic, so you might feel inclined to take a cigarette break or swig from your Vitamin Water bottle halfway through the journey. Make sure to bring a frisbee or football. You’ll have room to play a 100 yard game of two hand touch.
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On the south corner is the jetty, a pile of massive boulders. Sit on the rocks with your favorite significant other and watch the waves crash. You’ll be sure to score some points with your girlfriend if you take her here, especially if you can make it for the sunrise.
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Apparently, it’s a good spot for fishing as well. You will always find a couple of hardcore fisherman on the rocks. Don’t bring your $20 fishing pole you got from Sports Authority though. I promise you won’t catch anything (trust me, Fat Hand and I already tried and failed miserably).
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Probably the reason most people head to this spot is to watch the giant cruise ships pass by. If you’re lucky, you can find some corny old timers who make signs like “Come Back Soon” for the people on the cruise ships. Don’t be shy to join them; after all, most of the people you know are probably getting hammered on 190 Octanes from Fat Tuesdays on the other end of the beach. The Jetty people won’t judge you.
The only problem with the jetty beach is the parking. Unless I’m unaware of covert parking spots (email me mig@ftlcollective if you know of more parking), there are only a handful of places to parallel park — all free. Once you park, walk down SE 20th Street until you hit the beach access. I’ve attached a screenshot of Google Maps, complete with manually drawn arrows and the address for the parking to aid you.
by Kate | Jul 30, 2010 | Fort Lauderdale
by Kate
On the first Sunday of every month residents of greater Broward County gather for an event like no other–The SunTrust Jazz Brunch in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Why is this event like no other? Because I cannot think of a single event that I’d want to sit through in the scorching midday heat that doesn’t involve sports or the heavy consumption of alcoholic beverages. Don’t get me wrong, people do drink at Jazz Brunch. However, given the extremely warm South Florida temperatures, I’ll take my intoxicated Sunday brunch inside, thanks.
The lawn of the Esplanade (park across from the Museum of Science & Discovery) becomes so packed that the event quickly consumes the entire area from the Performing Arts Center all the way to the railroad tracks. In addition to the sounds of soft, poppy jazz tunes (I’ll get to that shortly), the Jazz Brunch soundtrack comes complete with crying babies, barking dogs, and the occasional interrupting train, which in comparison to a 5-year old screaming, is actually quite pleasant. On the City of Fort Lauderdale’s website, on the Special Events page, it mentions that “everyone is welcome to attend, including well-behaved, leashed pets.” Obviously this is not a rule that is abided by. Leashed? Yes. Well-behaved? Tell that to the woman pushing the yapping Shih Tzu in a Louis Vuitton stroller.
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by Kate
The Devil’s Hammer – YOLO
