Thursday, February 28, 2013

B'stro on the Beach & Bonnet House Presents...



 What better way to spend an evening than with delicious food, tasty wine, and a phenomenal show? If you agree, than you have only two chances left to experience such a perfect night! Your night begins at B’stro on the Beach where you can sip on your choice of six of B’stro’s finest wines.  You will also be treated to a delectable display of fine meats and cheeses garnished with fresh fruit and vegetables as well as dipping mustard, honey and fresh bread. As the reception draws to a close at 7pm, the group will head out for a short yet delightful walk to the Bonnet House Museum.

Each month, the Bonnet House is hosting the Young Artist Music Series on their beautiful veranda.  Wine, dessert and coffee are included in the price of your ticket. Relax under the stars and enjoy the show, which will feature the University of Miami Frost Opera Theater Vocal Arts Program on March 21, and the Florida Grand Opera’s evening of operatic arias and duets on April 11th. The music, refreshments, and setting are sure to create a unique and enchanting experience you won’t soon forget. For more information about the reception and the show please click here.

                                             

Red Dog Cantina


Red Dog Cantina

Red Dog Cantina located in North Village Fort Lauderdale is the place to go for authentic Mexican cuisine.  Their menu includes delicious starters like their house mad guacamole or spicy Aztec wings.  Order a basket of their crispy house fried corn chips with a side of salsa fresca.  Before your meal be sure to taste the toasted corn tortilla bisque while enjoying the live music. Click here for Intown’s listing of Red Dog Cantina. 
 
When it’s time for the main course, Red Dog Cantina’s menu has delicious Tacos with your choice of Chicken, Beef, Pork, or Fish and Shrimp. For those interested in sandwiches and burgers, Red Dog offers a Battered Cod Sandwich, a Fajita Burger, or a simple Cheeseburger Americano. Like every good Mexican restaurant, there are plenty of Quesadilla and Burrito options as well. Click here for Intown’s Gallery of Red Dog Cantina. 
 
Spicy yet scrumptious Red Dog Specialties like the Shrimp Diablo Mexicana will leave your stomach full and your lips tingling for days! Sides, desserts, and choices for the kids round out this extensive and mouth-watering menu.  For the competitive eater in your group, Red Dog Cantina challenges you to become part of the RED Dog Club.  To become a member, you must eat a 4 Pound Burrito AND the sides that come with it within 45 minutes.  IF you complete the challenge, your meal is free, you get a t-shirt, and your picture on the wall for all eternity.  If not, you just purchased a $29.99 burrito and a whole lot of fun!Click here for Red Dog Cantina’s Website. 
 

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Tuscany Caffe & Restaurant Italiano



The aroma of fresh bread, pasta and parmesan fill your nose as you enter Dania Beach’s charming Tuscany Caffe.  You will be greeted by Franco, who hails from a city in delightful Tuscany between Naples and Rome. He cheerfully explains each dish on the menu and expertly describes the specials and each of his favorites.  The walls are covered in maps and photos of Italy and old world Italian music fills the restaurant.


Located on NW 1st Avenue off of Dania Beach Boulevard, this tucked away delicious secret is sure to please. Tuscany Caffe’s dinner menu boasts a variety of dishes including simple meat and cheese plates as well as lobster ravioli, lasagna, pear pasta, fresh seafood and more. For dessert enjoy tira misu, cannolis or Italian ice cream. Whether sharing family style or enjoying a three-course meal, you will not be disappointed. 


Tuscany Caffe opened just a few years ago and became an instant success.  To accommodate their ever-growing crowd, their outdoor dining area is currently under construction and expected to open early next year.  Reasonably priced, Tuscany Caffe also features an extensive lunch menu.  Pizzas, paninis, pastas and salads are all available from 10am-4pm each day. From your first bite of complimentary bruschetta to your last sip of hazelnut frangelio, Tuscany Caffe is an undeniably mouth-watering escape to the Italian Countryside.   

Villa Sinclair Beach Suites and Spa


Villa Sinclair Beach Suites and Spa
Fall into the charming yet elegant world of Villa Sinclair Beach Suites and Spa. Located just steps from the beach in Hollywood, this enchanting getaway encompasses all the beauty and charisma of Southern France.  If you are coming to South Florida in search of romance, relaxation or simply the comfort of a warm sea breeze, Villa Sinclair Beach Suites and Spa is the perfect destination. 
 

 
A peaceful lounge area with ipads available for you to rent provides the perfect spot to check up on things at home.  Unwind in a cabana during the heat of the day and move to the hot tub at night for a fun and relaxing evening.  Villa Sinclair’s suites are complete with a full service kitchen for your use and a state of the art grilling space on the patio.
 
 
 
 

Coming to South Florida for a romantic getaway? A family vacation? To simply escape from the cold? Villa Sinclair is the perfect spot for every type of vacationer. With cozy rooms just steps away from the beach and Hollywood’s famous boardwalk, Villa Sinclair has it all. Complete with laundry facilities, cabanas, hot tub, barbeques, bicycle rentals, scanners, printers and ipads, visit Villa Sinclair for a weekend, a week or a month…because once you check in, you’ll never want to leave. 
 

Bird Watching in South Florida


Bird Watching in South Florida

There are many great places in South Florida for bird watching.  Located near the beach in Fort Lauderdale, north of Sunrise Boulevard is Hugh Taylor Birch State Park.  New mitigation areas have attracted many species of birds to the park. In the fall, an abundance of warblers were seen each day, including rare species like Worm-eating, and Prothonotary warblers.  Various species of swallows such as Barn Swallows and Bank Swallows are also seen each year.  Kingbirds, Cooper’s Haws and Merlin Vireo can also be found.  
 
Also in Fort Lauderdale, located on Sheridan Street near Pine Island Ridge Road, is Brian Piccolo Park.  The main bird that can be found at this park are Burrowing Owls.  The owls are protected by stakes and ropes from other human activity in the park such as baseball fields and joggers.  Look for these ropes and stakes around the park to spot the owls. 
 
In central Hollywood, a tiny nature path known as John Williams Park is a mecca for songbirds during migration.  Bird-watchers will also find Screech Owls, Yellow-billed Cuckoos and Cooper’s Hawks.  There is a wide paved trail perfect for watchers, joggers as well as a playground for children.  Just west of State Road 441 north of Sheridan Street, this bird-watching hotspot is a well-kept secret. 
 

South Florida Graffiti Art


South Florida Graffiti Art

Graffiti as an art form is taking over large cities all over the USA, including Hollywood, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale.  What began as a way to send messages on the street, has evolved into a bold and colorful expression of emotion and artistic talent.  Throughout South Florida, Graffiti Art Communities are forming and sharing their messages on the city landscape. 
In Fort Lauderdale, Fat Village is one such community.  They hold regular competitions and battles to determine the best graffiti artists in the city.  Their work can be found mostly in downtown Fort Lauderdale and areas surrounding the train tracks.  Some may mistake these pieces for vandalism, but if you take time to check them out, it is clear that this is art…these artists simply have a bigger canvas than most.
In Downtown Hollywood primarily on Harrison Street, much of the same type of art can be found.  Similarly to Fat Village, these artists are attempting to change the way that we view graffiti by creating graffiti that inspires the same way that classical art does. 
Further south in Miami, you can find Wynwood Walls. This gallery is located downtown on NW Second Avenue between 25th and 26th Street.  They are open to the public and require no reservations or tickets. Wynwood is definitely the most popular and well-developed of the three locations featuring artists such as Paris’ famous graffiti artist Invader, and Brazil’s Nunca. Wander through the colorful buildings and discover the hidden messages within the walls. 

Unique Museums


Unique Museums

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is a beautiful place to discover South Florida’s unique connection with Japanese Culture.  Wander through six different gardens each designed to represent a specific historical period and Japanese gardening style. Travel through time and discover Japanese culture both traditional and contemporary as you roam through Morikami’s varied exhibits, educational programs, Pan-Asian cuisine and gift store. For your very own special event, choose Morikami for a beautiful and calming setting. Each month, attend one of their offered cultural demonstrations or festivals.  
South Florida has a variety of great museums if your group includes children.  One of the best is The Young At Art Museum.  Exhibitions are interactive and allow children to learn and experience different aspects of art and culture.  All exhibits are based on a child’s view of the world through the interpretations of internationally known Haitian, Seminole, African, Japanese, and Cuban artists. 
Another unique museum to check out is the Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum.  The museum started as a non-profit with the goal of preserving the history of the Packard Motor Company.  Step onto the floor of a Packard showroom circa 1920 and explore unique motorcars from the first half of the 1900s.  In addition to the cars, the museum also includes pieces of memorabilia and rare parts that come together to create a unique peek into American History.  

Mountain Biking in South Florida


Mountain Biking in South Florida!

Enjoy and adventurous day outdoors at Markham Park Mountain Bike Trails.  Located in Sunrise, FL, Markham Park has a variety of trails perfect for all skill levels.  With approximately 10 miles of trails, you are sure to both enjoy and challenge yourself. The trails are built from left over fill that was used to dig the lakes in Markham Park and provides the perfect terrain for varied routes.  So strap on your helmet and hop on for an exciting ride through Markham Park!

Florida’s largest urban Park, Oleta River State Park is host to miles of off-road bike trails.  Located on Biscayne Bay in North Miami, Oleta River Park offers a scenic yet exciting ride.  Trails are well maintained and always ready to ride.  Head towards the north end of the Park along the Oleta River and you will find a large preserve of native plant and animal life.  Oleta River Park also hosts occasional night rides for an extra splash of adventure!

Recently rebuilt, Amelia Earhart Park in Hialeah, FL provides an exciting and thrilling ride for a small $6 per car entrance fee.  Amelia has about 8 miles of trial ranging between easily ridden roads for those new to mountain biking as well as extremely challenging rides for advanced or expert riders. Located off the beaten path, Amelia Earhart Park is the perfect place to spend a day with family or friends. 

Exploring the Everglades


Exploring The Everglades

What better way to explore the Everglades than through an Everglades Tour in Sawgrass Recreation Park? See endangered wild animals and plant life while you whiz through South Florida’s unique treasure on an airboat.  You will learn the history of the Everglades as well as how we can protect one of the rarest ecosystems surviving today.  So gather the family and let/s go see what the Everglades has to offer in Sawgrass Recreation Park!

Another great way to explore the Everglades? Florida Everglades Kayak and Hiking Tour from Kayak Dave's Adventures of South Florida.  Start your tour by crossing over a fresh water slough where you can catch unparalleled views of alligators, snakes, turtles, fish, birds and other creatures of the “glades”.  Then hop into your kayaks and slither alongside the snakes to truly experience the Everglades up close and personal.  You can’t get any closer than this!


Come see the Gator Boys at Fort Lauderdale’s very own Everglades Holiday Park.   An educational and thrilling show will demonstrate just how powerful these ancient reptiles can be.  Featured on Animal Planet, the Gator Boys are the best of the best when it comes to gator shows.  Most episodes are filmed right here in Holiday Park! Get as close as humanly possible to real gators, and hold your breath as the experts get even closer!

Xtreme Indoor Karting


Xtreme Indoor Karting

Race into the fast paced world of Xtreme Indoor Karting.  Begin your ride by obtaining your coveted drivers license, ride card, and head sock that is yours to take home! Choose your race duration and off you go to the track.  All that’s left to do is grab a helmet and hop into the drivers seat! You’ll tear around tight corners and sprint through the straight-aways on a thrilling 8-30 minute ride. 

In the event of a spin out, Xtreme staff are quick to react and get you back in the race! After racing, enjoy a beer or cocktail in the Finish Line Sports Bar while you review your lap times and race info.  You can watch other racers challenge each other at speeds up to 45 mph.   With your ride, you receive 2 for 1 drinks at great prices available only after you race. Try your hand at billiard games, shuffle board, and pool inside the sports bar too!
Xtreme Racing has more to offer than thrilling car races. Surrounding the track is an extensive arcade.  Play games like Pac Man and Time Crisis, Nascar simulatiors, and air hockey! Xtreme even has a separate arcade for children.  If you are up for it, wander over near the entrance where Xtreme has a state of the art mini golfing course that is fun for the entire family! So head on down to Xtreme Indoor Karting and get your game on!

Om'echaye Fitness and Wellness Center


Om'echaye Wellness and Fitness Center

With a promise to nourish your body and soul, your journey to better health starts at Om’echaye.   Extremely knowledgeable instructors will push you to reach and surpass your fitness goals.  On my recent visit to Om’echaye, I took an Iyengar Yoga class with instructor Javier Wilensky.  I was extremely impressed with the enthusiasm and level of drive he brought to the class.  The session was challenging and extremely rewarding.


Om’echaye offers over 120 classes every week including Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, Body Blast, Cycling, Body Pump, Body Sculpting, Power Training, Core Workouts and Circuit Training.  Yoga classes at Om’echaye are anything but boring.  They have hot yoga classes as well as traditional forms of Kundalini, Vinyasa, Iyengar, and Prenatal Yoga. 




In addition to getting a great workout at Om’echaye, members also have access to periodic wellness lectures and fat burning regimens. Om’echaye’s integrative approach towards health is obvious the moment you step through the door.  The staff is dedicated to increasing your physical and mental health through creating a plan that works for your body. Click here to visit Om’echaye Wellness and Fitness Center’s website.    

Fort Lauderdale Eye Care and Eye Wear


Fort Lauderdale Eye Care & Eyewear


Fort Lauderdale Eye Care and Eye Wear is the place to go for all of your eye care needs.  Located on SE 17th street in the Southport Shopping Plaza, Fort Lauderdale Eye Care offers a convenient location and professional optometry.  Whether you simply need a check up, or you are in the market for some fashionable new frames, they will have exactly what you need.  The friendly front desk will help you schedule an appointment anytime Tuesday-Saturday. 
Dr. Bearden and Dr. Hanley offer a variety of services including glasses, contact lenses, and prescription sunglasses. Their large selection of designer eyewear includes Takumi, Ralph Lauren, Rayban, Nike Sports Wear, and BCBG.  Fort Lauderdale Eye Care and Eyewear is also able to perform tests in order to detect possible glaucoma or other ocular diseases and injuries.  Using Facebook and Twitter, as well as their online website, Fort Lauderdale Eye Care and Eyewear offers many online promotions.  Jump online before your appointment and discover instant savings! 

For visitors to Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale Eye Care and Eyewear conveniently accepts walk-ins.  With high-quality, professional eye exams from experienced doctors you can’t go wrong.  So next time you forget your glasses or contacts on vacation, no need to worry! Just pop into Fort Lauderdale Eye Care and see your problems disappear.