4 Things We’re Ordering at Riverwalk’s Food Truck Rally

by Miguel Bravo | Jul 25, 2011 | Fort Lauderdale

This Wednesday, downtown Fort Lauderdale gets to finally join in on the food truck craze. Let me tell you, it’s about damn time. The rally called Gourmet In The Park will be located at Esplanade Park (the park just in front of the Museum of Discovery and Science). While I wish Broward had more representation at some of these local rallies, I’ll just be happy that these Miami trucks are willing to drive across county lines. At this rally, the following trucks will be present: CheeseMe Mobile, The Fish Box, Nacho Mama’s Mexican Grill, Ms. Cheezious, Sugar Rush, Latin Burger, Sugar Yummy Mama, Nacho Bizness, Slow Food Truck, Big Kahuna, The Rolling Stove, and Dim Ssam A Go-Go.

Here are 4 food items we have our eye on at this Wednesday’s food truck rally:

Ground Beef Nachos @ Nacho Mama’s Mexican Grill 

photo from FoodTruckCatering.com

As an appetizer, we’re going to order some nachos from Coral Springs-based food truck Nacho Mama’s. Ordering tex-mex seems like a no-brainer when it comes to food trucks. Since Nacho Bizness is usually outside of Fat Cat’s on any given weekend night, we figured Nacho Mama’s might be worth a shot. In an article on Miami New Times, one of the owners recommended the shrimp burrito or the skirt steak nachos. Both those items are not listed on their online menu, but if they’re available on Wendesday, we’re might switch our order to one of those.

Custom Grilled Cheese @ CheeseMe Mobile

photo from Yelp.com

I must admit that when I planned on writing this post, CheeseMe’s Mac N Cheese Pancakes were on the top of my list. However, after reading a lot of negative reviews, I’ve changed my mind. The best aspect about this truck is the ability to custom order your own cheesy creation. My eye’s on the Texas Toast with vintage cheddar and roasted turkey. I will add that prices are a little steep (cheese + bread is $6, add $2 -$6 for insertions).

Short Rib Sandwich @ Slow Food Truck

photo from BurgerBeast.com

While a lot of happy reviewers spoke highly of a sandwich called The Ono, I couldn’t find the sandwich on their online menu. So I’m opting to try their other highly praised sandwich Short Rib Sandwich.

G.O.A.T. Cookie @ Sugar Rush

photo from BurgerBeast.com

Almost every online reviewer loves this cookie, so I must try it. It’s a chocolate cookie with fudge inside. With reasonable prices on the menu, there’s no doubt I’ll be ordering more than one item. I’m looking at you Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding. This food truck appears to be a sure bet. Make this your final evening stop to cap off a greasy dinner.

Side note: There are so many good food trucks coming this Wednesday, and just because we didn’t include a food truck in this post doesn’t mean they aren’t good– chances are that we have tried them before or will include them in the next food truck post. For reviews of the other food trucks, search Burger Beast. That guy is the aficionado of South Florida food trucks. 

The Week’s Happenings

by Strawberry Jam | Jul 18, 2011 | Fort Lauderdale

We’ve missed the past few weekend’s posts, so here’s something to hopefully add a little fun to your upcoming workweek. Make sure to click on the links for more details about the events. 

Monday

Sweeter Days celebrated the release of the last Harry Potter movie by baking up a batch of  butterbeer cupcakes.  They were supposed to last only through the weekend, but it’s definitely worth a call in to find out if there are any left:  (954)396-3979

Tuesday

Been meaning to check out The MoA FTL photography exhibit “The Art of Caring”? “Like” The Salvation Army of Broward County on Facebook, then head over to the museum Tuesday from 11am-6pm, mention the Salvation Army, and get in for free.

Wednesday

Poor House is debuting it’s new monthly event Sliders and Spirits. For $15 (if you click ‘Attending’ on Facebook) or $20 at the door, you’ll get 3 sliders, 1 desert slider, a couple Jack Daniels drinks, a live cooking demo, and live music by Chris Horgan, Lavola, and Young Circles. 

How about checking out “the largest Drive-in in the world”?  Screen 9 is said to be the original screen which debuted in 1963.  Do a Google search for “swap shop drive in” for showtimes or click here.

Thursday

All Together Now is bringing local screenprinters to The MoA FTL from 6-9pm.  Bring a shirt and choose from several designs for free while supplies last.

Fight Like Animals and Lavola will be featured at this week’s Digital Love at Green Room. Doors at 10. Free drink token before midnight if you mentioned “FTLC”.

Friday

One of Ft Lauderdale’s biggest annual art shows Red Eye is happening at ArtServe. The event is a fusion of varying types of arts including (but not limited to) paintings, poetry, installations, live artistic performances, short films, music, and graffiti artists. The event runs from 6-9pm. More info on their Facebook event page. 

The Bubble is having their second annual Itty-Bitty Blazar Gala, a live music and fashon focused event. There’s a whole bunch of stuff going on at this event, I recommend checking the Facebook invite for all the details. 

Twilight Notes celebrates three years with a charity event at the Rooftop Sky Lounge of Nu River Landing downtown appropriately named Skyline. $25 includes an open bar, apps, an auction, and DJs through the night which runs 7-11:30pm. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.

Saturday

Cinema Paradiso is hosting another Indie Craft Bazaar. This one has an extra clever title, Bohemian Craftsody. The event runs from 1-6pm. $4 to get in, free swag bags to the first 100 people.

Gallery Saturdays at Green Room is having a fashion trunk show with 3 different designers, Camelopardus, Marta Dero, and Sur Real. Young Circles will be the featured band of the night. There will also be new artwork by local artists on both the 1st and 2nd floor galleries. Doors at 9pm. No cover. Free champagne from 9-11 if you mention “FTLC” at the door.

Let Us Help You Find Nirvana (No, We Don’t Mean The Band)

by Strawberry Jam | Jul 11, 2011 | Fort Lauderdale

Even cats know it's good for 'em

Love yoga but not sure if you can commit to a monthly membership anywhere?  If you didn’t already know, our community has various forms for you to choose from for a small donation or sometimes even nothing at all.  Most classes are for all levels and don’t require great amounts of strength or prior knowledge so long as you are able to mimic the positions modeled to you.  If you find something you enjoy below, look into making it a regular habit to allow improvements in your mind and body to be more evident.

Tuesdays
The Riverwalk Trust sponsors yoga in Esplanade park (20 N New River Dr, FTL) from 6:30-7:30pm. Click the link for contact info.

Thursdays
Bombay Room (2737 E Oakland Pk Blvd Suite 103H, FTL) offers a slow-flow community class from 12-1:30pm.  “Focusing on proper alignment and positioning, with deeper attention being paid to the foundation of your yoga practice, your instructor will guide you through the basics of Vinyasa Flow.” *Donations accepted.

If you’re in need of a lighthearted break or are just looking for a unique experience, “laughing yoga” might be right up your alley.  Though it may take you a little while to adjust, you might find yourself surprisingly refreshed in the end.  No mat required, just bring your hehes and hahas and be able to stand through the class which meets in Hollywood Beach (1301 S Ocean Drive, Hollywood) at 7pm (also on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings in TY Park).

Saturdays
If chanting and/or meditation is more your thing, help bring “peace and harmony” to the world through Yoga Warehouse (508 SW Flagler Ave, FTL) from 7:30-7:55am

Sundays
Wind down and get yourself ready for the coming workweek with some sunset yoga on FTL beach (A1A and Sunrise). Have your mat or a towel ready on the sand at 6:30pm. *Donations accepted, plus $1.25 for parking.

More free meditation is brought to you by Yoga Warehouse, this time the guided kind and paired with a short reading.  From 7-8:30pm.

*Also be sure to follow Red Pearl Yoga (918 NE 20 Ave, FTL) and the Yoga Community of South Florida on Facebook for monthly schedules, class offerings, and events.  When and if you decide to commit, make sure to ask about discounts as many places offer various forms- bike there, bring a friend, be a public school teacher, first timer, etc.

May The Fourth Be With You This Independence Day Weekend

by Strawberry Jam | Jul 1, 2011 | Fort Lauderdale

It’s been a while since we’ve done one of these, probably because we’ve been so wrapped up in the tons of events that have been going on, but here’s a quick roundup of events for this extended weekend.

Friday
First + Friday-  For our Hollywood-folk, and those that require a fix of DJs and art before Gallery Saturdays, Downtown Hollywood indie bar PRL will be hosting five DJs and two artists.  As if over 100 different beers weren’t enticing enough.  The event is from 9pm to close.  Check out the above linked Facebook event page for set times.

Saturday
FTL Beach will be getting another dose of Mas Carne from 12pm-12am on the sand near the Yankee Clipper.  Tunes and good vibes are free, and a donation gets you some grilled grub and beer.  According to this New Times article, donations will also go to the family of former member Julio Buenano who tragically passed away last October.

Local garage rock band ATTN: Radio will playing this week’s Gallery Saturday.  Said to sound similar to The White Stripes and Death From Above 1979, it should make for yet another toe-tapping, hip-swaying night at Green Room.  South Florida Camera Club artists plus Keith LeBlanc, Daniel Korzeniewski, Nick Sears, Marcos Rivera, Monica Pedrique, and Misha Grosvenor’s work grace the walls and there will be live painting by Gina Bentivegna.  As always, no cover, doors at 9pm, $2 PBRs, and free champagne until 11 by RSVPing to miguel@jointherevolution.net.

Sunday
Rocco’s Tacos really wants you to start celebrating a little early for the 4th at their Fiesta Fabulosa block party from 11:30am (ok?) to 2am.  They’ll have $5 margaritas, $3 Coronas, $15 pitchers, a DJ, cover band The Edge, a mariachi band, and, according to the flyer, free Patron “when Rocco is on the bar”.

For the Dub-heads out there, check out Feed Me featuring Skism, John B, Mister Gray, Somejerk and others, at Revolution.  Tickets are $20 at the door and the event is from 8-11pm.

By now you should all be tipsy enough to check out Green Room’s Babble On Karaoke Night without hesitation.  Chances are, most everyone is off Monday so this time you really have no excuse.  Doors at 7, 2-4-1s til 10, or all night if you flash some ITB proof.

Monday
Weather permitting, plan to spend the day forgetting this rain-filled week by baking at the beach save some energy to mosey around various events on the beach and last until the fireworks (9pm at FTL Beach).  Music, games, and contests will go on from 12:30pm until nighttime.  Additionally, The Heat’s Mario Chalmers wil be at the Ford Focus display from 4-6pm.

If you prefer something more family-oriented, or perhaps more quiet, have a Hometown 4th of July Celebration by heading over to Charnow Park in Downtown Hollywood for “games master and DJ Tony Tiru” from 1-6pm.  Once you’ve parked and meandered around, you can take a free 4th of July express shuttle from the parking garage at Van Buren and 20th Ave from 4-8pm to Hollywood Beach.  Check out the bandshell which is near and dear to FTLC’s heart and may soon be plagued by a Jimmy Buffet monstrosity. Musical entertainment starts at 6 with country band Rodeo Clowns, and is followed by a Santana Tribute band.  The free shuttle resumes after 9pm fireworks on the beach and stops running at 11pm.  Note that personal fireworks, sparklers, glass containers, coolers, and alcoholic beverages are prohibited on the beach.