An image of devastation looms large over the otherwise bright and airy
Lauderdale Grill restaurant. A huge photograph of downtown Fort Lauderdale taken after the 1926 hurricane stretches across one massive strip of wall. Among the ruins in the picture is a building called Maxwell's Arcade, a building that now houses the
Downtowner Saloon -- a popular restaurant and watering hole that once belonged to John Baker. The man himself, dressed in a shirt from the 50th anniversary of
Where the Boy's Are event, reminisces about his childhood dream of running a restaurant in that location, which he did for many years, and then turns his attention to discussing the philosophy behind his newest venture, Lauderdale Grill: "I want people to experience old Fort Lauderdale through the pictures and I want them to have what I call "real food". We make our food and our sauces every day from scratch. I want for the food to be spectacular. That's the concept, and it shows."
The restaurant, he says, has its seafood and produce delivered fresh every morning and smokes its own prime rib, turkey, pork, ribs and, occasionally, salmon.
Restaurants built with this kind of love stand out from restaurants that are built for all of the other reasons that people go into the business. Extra touches, such as the blue cheese-stuffed olives at a make-your-own bloody mary bar speak loudly. But what do they say? They say, "Attention to what might please your palate went into this operation. If blue cheese isn't your thing, try the garlic-stuffed olives, the plain olives or the pickled okra." Other garnishes, such as jalapeño peppers and celery sticks come with the $4 price tag for a double shot of vodka at the restaurant's Saturday and Sunday morning bloody mary bar.
The menu includes a variety of light-dining items, such as Tuscan and Pesto Chicken flatbreads, Florida fish dip, and sandwiches such as the blackened prime rib sandwich and the ahi tuna club (This is what I had, and I highly recommend it. I ordered the tuna rare. The sandwich came on multi-grain bread with arugula, beefsteak tomato, avocado and basil mayo and a side of crispy french fries.) Lauderdale Grill also serves up surf and turf entrees, such as the Key West Seafood Sampler (grilled shrimp and scallops atop blackened mahi with key lime cilantro white wine sauce) and the Twin Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon (apple bacon wrapped 4 oz. filets flame broiled with gorgonzola cheese).
Lauderdale Grill's food and drink specials and weekly events allow you to plan a visit around your culinary and nightlife tastes. For example, the outside patio, with its Florida Keys tiki bar vibe, hosts a Burgers & Beers cookout from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday afternoons with $4 Angus burgers, $3 rum runners and $2 beer specials. On Wednesday nights, ladies receive free house wine and 2-4-1 martinis from 7 to 10 p.m. Saxophonist Brian Wesolowski performs while ladies sip on their drinks of choice. On Friday evenings, the restaurant and bar hosts an eclectic mix of '80s, rock 'n' roll and jazz.
Juanita Dixon and Jeff Prine perform on Saturdays. Wine lovers, put down Lauderdale Grill's four course wine pairing dinner on your calendars for the last Monday of each month. Also, the family-friendly restaurant has a small arcade area for kids and the NFL package for sports fans. Lauderdale Grill is located in
Harbor Shops -- a shopping center off of Cordova and 17th Street Causeway with a Publix, Total Wine and several restaurants.
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Mention Angus Beefeater Steakhouse to someone who knows it and you're likely to get an effusive recommendation! Angus Beefeater features authentic Argentine cuisine and utilizes the traditional Argentine method of grilling à la parrilla over oak wood and a bank of hot coals. This family owned restaurant has been in operation since the 1980s and has won many diners choice awards, including beast steaks in Hollywood! Click here for InTown’s listing of Angus Beefeater Steakhouse!
The appetizers at Angus Beefeater Steakhouse don't flirt with the trendy but go back to a more traditional (and more enjoyable) selection. The empanadas are a must. Our favorite is matambre de pollo, chicken rolled up around a filling of hardboiled eggs, ham and cheese, served sliced, with a cream sauve on the side. Do not forget to try their famous Chimichurri, served with every warm bread at every meal. Click here for InTown's Gallery of Angus Beefeater Steakhouse.
All of the beef served at Angus Beefeater Steakhouse is Angus, and even less expensive cuts, like the skirt steak, have a deep beefy flavor. Stretched out lengthwise to what looks like a foot, it is juicy and chewy, a steak with texture. And, for veggie lovers, try the spinach ravioli, we tried it with the cream sauce, which was amazing, but you have your choice from three different sauces. Click here for Angus Beefeater Steakhouse's website.
I have officially found my favorite Italian place! It's Davie's best-kept secret, Tommy's Italian Restaurant, where the food is fresh, homemade, and amazing. This restaurant had me enamored from the moment I walk in. The decor is amazing (New York meets Italy). Every detail is accounted for, especially their food. Everything from the lunch to the dinner menu is cooked to order. Even the desserts are made from a pastry chef. First, it is an absolute must to start their meals with the MeatballTini, which are homemade meatballs beautifully placed in a martini glass. 
Tommy’s Italian has also made a gluten-free menu! They’ve created gluten-free meals that include shrimp marinara, calamari scampi, and chicken bonapart (divine!). Eat your soup in a one-of-a-kind mini-pot, and catch their dinner specials ($15 per person), which consist of their pasta of the day, pork chop bonapart, horseradish encrusted tilapia, and much more. Once you’ve finished eating your delicious entrée, save room for dessert. I highly recommend the heavenly, mouthwatering White Russians and mini-shots of tiramisu, key lime, and chocolate mousse. 
You cannot find food like this anywhere! They are personal recipes of Tommy’s and his daughter, Sabrina, who are each award-winning executive chefs in their own right. Ask for the fresh-baked bread served with “schmutz” (Tommy’s name for an olive oil, cheese, and herb dip). The feel of this family restaurant is warmly there. The staff will bend over backwards to meet your every whim, which is quite refreshing. They carry a vast knowledge in foods, including nutrition, and always have the answer for your dining satisfaction….or can pull a “life-line” to get it. Tommy’s Italian Restaurant will also make surefire, homemade goodness for the kids (1/2 portion and ½ price). Ask about their Little Chef classes on Saturday. Stop by Tommy’s Italian Restaurant and I guarantee you will be coming back for more! 
Divulge yourself with the ever-present beauty and experiences that the City of Hollywood has to offer! We all know about the gorgeous ocean and sandy beaches, but Hollywood is oh, so much more that that. InTown, with the assistance of Hollywood CRA, has the 411 on where to go, what to do, and what to see in this beautiful town. My personal favorite is located right in the heart of Hollywood. Yes, the Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa is more than a place – it’s an experience! And you can also easily find more quality-certified hotels in Hollywood at 
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Hollywood CRA was “created to redevelop Hollywood as a dynamic place to invest, work, live, and play”. And that’s exactly what it is. The people, venues, history, and liveliness in the City of Hollywood is contagiously enticing. It’s no wonder one of 
