Pick-ITA-up Italian fast food

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Posted on August 16, 2023 by alanEATS

Lunch August 2023, 1823 East Commercial Blvd – They may call it fast food but, you’ll be convinced you’re in a full service Italian restaurant charging twice the price. At this writing, all main dishes are $12 and sides are $3. Make your selections then pay at the register and your meal is brought to your table. The food is served on real plates with heavy weight utensils. My Chicken Parmigiana was moist, tender, and filled the plate. The side of Penne Al Pomodoro was perfectly al dente with a terrific classic pomodoro sauce, Molto Bene! Also ordered was Eggplant Parmigiana with Mortadella, tomato sauce melted cheese. This is a must try restaurant for good for that won’t break the bank…and an alanEATS Fav!

PENNE AL POMODORO – Penne tomato sauce and basil.

Catfish Dewey’s

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Lunch, October 2023 – 4003 N. Andrews Ave, Oakland Park – Until I moved to Florida I had no idea what Stone Crabs were. Now I join with native Floridians and transplants who eagerly await the arrival of this seasonal crustacean. The season this year runs from October 15 through May 1. We decided to sample the early crop at Catfish Dewey’s and we were not disappointed. The restaurant opened for lunch at 11:30 and there were already several stone crab fans waiting to get in. The day’s stone crab offerings are listed on a card along with their regular menu. The daily availability is also posted on their website, https://www.catfishdeweys.com/stone-crab-status. Our server brought out a sample of the available sizes from which we chose a pound each of the large and jumbos, served with Cole Slaw and Hush Puppies. The fresh crab with its delicate flavor pared well with the accompanying mustard dipping sauce. A must-try!

Goldberg’s Delicatessen and Bagels

Posted on September 9, 2023 by alanEATS

– 2701 E Oakland Park Blvd – A new place for Bagels, appetizing, deli, and more is opening its doors, at 7 AM tomorrow (Thursday, September 7). I was able to get a sneak peek of the completely renovated location and look over the menus. Food pix to follow. Check out their website. https://www.goldbergsbagelsfl.com

Update – What a difference a day makes. The empty storefront I viewed the day before was transformed overnight into a busy deli. The display cases are filled with smoked and baked salmon, whitefish, an assortment of salads, knishes, and salami. There were also fresh Bagels and other bakery items. But today I was here to taste the Pastrami made by the famous NY deli, Carnegie. Before ordering I took a quick look behind the counter to see the steam tables containing both the Carnegie Pastrami and Corned Beef. I had to ask the counter person who was slicing the meat, “How’s the Pastrami today” and he answered with a smile “It will melt in your mouth”. I have to say…he was right. The thick-cut Pastrami reminded me of Katz’s, another famous NY deli. In all, it was a very nostalgic and satisfying meal.

Mister 01 Extraordinary Pizza

Posted on August 22, 2023 by alanEATS

Lunch, February 2023, 415 NE 4th St., FTL – Who makes the best pizza in Fort Lauderdale?…that’s a non-starter conversation for me. Many people I food chat with have a mental list of their favorite pizza places ready to share and defend. Oy! The best is the one you like. As for me, I’m a NY pizza guy. When I was growing up, the best place was the local pizzeria. Mine was Angelo’s on Johnson Avenue in Riverdale. Angelo would twirl the pizza dough in the air, load it with sauce and mozzarella, pop it in the oven, and serve it to you on a small round aluminum pan. All this for a slice that cost 15 cents (1960). It was a beautifully thin pizza hot from the oven with molten cheese that burnt your lips if you didn’t fold it. Fond memories! Pizza today is no longer that cheap snack. Here in Fort Lauderdale, I’ve begun to try some of the new chef-inspired pizza places offering wonderful ingredients, great new ovens, and attentive service. Let me say up front that I enjoyed eating at Mister 01 Extraordinary Pizza. An experience for sure. Chef Renato Viola has created an inviting place to devour his “Extraordinary” pizza in 12+ locations. The staff we spoke with were polite, well trained and will, without hesitation, can explain the menu and all the preparations. We ordered the specialty of the house, the Star Luca pizza with mozzarella, Italian tomato sauce, spicy salami Calabrese, basil, and star points stuffed with ricotta…the best part. If you’re like me, you’ll have no problem eating all of this pizza including the crust and probably lick your fingers after. We also tried the Meat Lovers 2.0 with mozzarella, pepperoni, ham, Italian sausage, spicy salami Calabrese, and Italian tomato sauce. We wanted extra cheese on this one so our server suggested slices of Fior di Latte, a cow’s milk mozzarella. A must-try! Since this place is newly opened, so be prepared to wait if you go in the evenings or on weekends. The best time to sneak in for a taste is during the week around lunchtime. https://www.mistero1.com

Theos Estiatorio

Posted on August 20, 2023 by alanEATS

Theos Estiatorio, Dinner July 2023, 1826 E. Sunrise Blvd. – A new Greek restaurant has opened next to the Gateway Theater on Sunrise Hwy. The space, formally a wine bar, was transformed into a light and airy Mediterranean restaurant with all the elements of a Greek taverna. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful. The simple food preparations highlight the fresh meats, vegetables, and seasonings used in Mediterranean cooking. We ordered the oven-baked Chilean Sea Bass Plaki with Vidalia Onions, Potato, Tomato, and Herbs in a light fish broth; and herb marinated Lamb Chops with lemon potatoes & Tzatziki. We finished the meal with a large Baklava, which was daunting. Check out photos of the entire meal.

Saganaki Cheese – Lightly Fried Kefalograviera Cheese

Blue Willy’s Barbecue

Posted on November 13, 2013 by alanEATS

Blue Willy’s Barbecue – 1386 S Federal Hwy, Pompano Beach, (954) 224-6120, http://on.fb.me/1dmTZ61

I’ve been waiting for something like this for a long time. A local Florida BBQ joint that just does it right…with folks who know what they’re doing and enjoy it! The owner, Will Banks, not only tends to the smoker and meat prep, but also works the line while schmoozing with the customers. Originally from Tennessee, this guy is no stranger to BBQ biz and in years past could be seen flogging Que from his food truck parked near the Courthouse in downtown Fort Lauderdale. In July he opened his first brick & mortar store off Federal Hwy in Pompano Beach. Using social media and word of mouth they came…the foodies, former food truck customers, BBQ aficionados & the curious…all to sample some of the wonderful meats he prepares. Now this is not a fancy sit-down restaurant with table service. Some days there’s a line just to get in. But once you do you’ll be in BBQ heaven. The experience is reminiscent of Lockhart, Texas, where they’re famous for serving up your meat order on trays lined with butcher paper with some bread and plastic utensils. The focus here is on the food.

The place has got a kind of strange electricity about it. Grown men seated around communal wood tables eating their treasured trays of Que and discussing with others, in most cases perfect strangers, the great favors and techniques that must have been employed to achieve it! One gentleman quickly sat down near us with his Pastrami sandwich and immediately called his friend, “get down here now” he implored, “they’ve got it and its going fast!” My group left that day…belly’s full, appetites sated and new friendships made.

So what should you have at Blue Willy’s? Well first of all bring some friends so you can taste everything. I’d start off with a pound of Brisket…so juicy it will make your mouth water and your momma cry. Nice bark and smoke ring…this is the real deal, Texas style. Next have rack of St. Louis style spare ribs with that nice dark bark and wonderful smoky porky taste you want. Got room? The Carolina chopped pork is moist…good on a sandwich, but I order, by the pound and eat it with a squirt of sauce. You must try the house made sausage. This is just great stuff. Half an order is good if you’re sampling. Thursday is Pastrami day and this you must try! This stuff is so popular that devoted fans, me included, wait on-line to get a couple of sandwiches and it’s all gone by 1 or 2pm. All hand cut and house made, Blue Willy’s is one of a handful of places in Florida that can produce a product like this and do it well. The sides we tasted were good…we had the Mac n’ Cheese, Cornbread, & Baked Beans. There are several sauces on the tables that represent some of the regional favorites. If your like me you’ll taste a little of each. Check out all my Blue Willy’s pix at http://on.fb.me/1j2sbFg

For me this trip was the best of all things…eating some of the best local BBQ, meeting an owner/operator who has built his business by working hard and a staff that shares the owner’s excitement about what they do. Also… it didn’t bother me at all that I finally ate somewhere, really good, before Guy Fieri, Andrew Zimmern and Anthony Bourdain. Just say’n!

Finster Murphy’s

Posted on July 2, 2013 by alanEATS

Finster Murphy’s– 1497 SE 17th St, Fort Lauderdale, (954) 765-3461 – http://www.finstermurphys.com

This is not your typical fishmonger . You will find the expected large seafood assortment including, extra large Shrimp, Diver Scallops, Stone Crab (seasonal), and as well as a fresh assortment of fish fillets, seafood salad, conch salad, fresh Salmon salad, Crab cakes, Tuna Burgers, Salmon Burgers and freshly picked Lobster meat. The unexpected is that in addition to purchasing these fresh gems for your kitchen, you can also have your purchase grilled, sautéed, blackened or fried while you wait. Try their awesome daily soup-of-the -day, and Fish & Chips made with Cod too. Seriously, the only way to get fresher than this is to stowaway on a fishing boat.

Sweeter Days Bake Shop

Posted on June 25, 2013 by alanEATS

Sweeter Days Bake Shop – 1497 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, 954-396-3979, http://www.sweeterdaysbakeshop.com

Small specialty bakeshops like this started turning up around New York’s Greenwich Village around 15 years ago. Many would set up in old brownstone storefronts where I remember frequently having to wait on-line in the summer sun to get one of the baked treats inside. I think that was fun! The owners of Sweeter Days have created an oasis of confections in a small shopping center away from the downtown area, where they produce a stunning array of cupcakes. They also make cookies and brownies. But it was a cupcake I was in for recently and so my buddy Matt, a cupcake aficionado, selected for me… a Salted Caramel with White Cake. Macadamia Nut & Almond Buttercream. Wow! What did that taste like? Don’t ask…run down now and get your own!

Valentino Cucina Italiana

Posted on June 24, 2013 by alanEATS

Valentino Cucina Italiana– 620 S Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, (954) 523-5767, http://www.valentinocucinaitaliana.com

It’s all about fine Italian dining. This is one of those places you hear about when folks gather to speak of great meals they’ve had. Chef Giovanni Rocchio has created a beautiful setting to enjoy his menu, to which he adds daily specials. A unique feature of the restaurant is limited seating at the kitchen bar, where you can view all of the action in the open kitchen. And then there’s Chef Enzo DiPasquale, from Milan, who cooks a special menu of unique small bites, which look as interesting as they taste. Try the Calamari Artichoke Tart appetizer, the Black Bass and the Short Rib entrees. There are truly no bad dishes. Service and decor are in keeping with a restaurant of this caliber and is never fussy or pretentious. Reservations are a must.

Rock n Roll Ribs

Posted on June 20, 2013 by alanEATS

Rock n Roll Ribs – 4651 State Rd 7, Coral Springs, Coral Creek Plaza, 954-345-7429, http://www.rocknrollribs.org

Tucked into a shopping center in Coral Springs is a Rock n Roll themed BBQ restaurant that the locals flock to when they want to get their “Heavy Metal” Q on. My twelve-year-old nephew is a regular and made me promise to try the Baby Back Ribs. Turns out this kid can eat a full rack on his own. What you get is St. Louie style ribs that are first smoked then liberally brushed with sauce and finished off on the grill. The meat falls off the bone and the sauce has that nice tang that you’ll happily lick off your fingers. We also liked the X-large Stack of Onion Rings with spicy Grammy Sauce for dipping. The well-rounded menu has many options for non-Q folks like hotdogs, burgers, chicken and fish. Causal, friendly and a no brainer especially if you live in the area.