Eating Local at Big City Tavern

Big City Tavern located on Fort Lauderdale’s Las Olas Boulevard prides itself on its use of locally grown ingredients.  With over 10 successful years in the industry, Big City Tavern has always had a delicious and varied menu. But Chef Louis Bossi has taken excellence to the next level as he produces house-made charcuterie including pancetta, guancaile, pasciuto, salami and lardo on site.  Menu specialties change daily depending on which local products are available. 

Using local purveyors such as Palmetto Creek Farms and Farmhouse Tomatoes, Big City Tavern does not skimp on quality.   Chef Bossi’s passion for creating a menu filled with house-made, local and seasonal ingredients is apparent with the first bite.  From the crackers to the salami, everything is home-made and absolutely delightful. Try a delectable fresh cheese plate served with nuts and figs, or Big City’s famous French fries to compliment your home-made charcuterie. http://www.intown411.com/big-city-tavern. 

Click here to see Intown's Gallery of Big City Tavern. 

With a rich, downtown vibe to their décor, Big City Tavern is a big restaurant with a big goal. To give every customer a taste of something fresh, seasonal, and created right here in South Florida. Underrated simply because of its long-lived presence on Las Olas, Big City Tavern is often overlooked.  Stop in and ask about the house-made pasta and charcuterie to experience a unique and satisfying meal.  Flavor and variety fill every bite, leaving every diner happy with their choice. Click here for Big City Tavern’s Website.

Delicious Seafood at Billy's Stone Crab

If you are looking to enjoy a romantic dinner on the water complete with sunset views and delicious stone crabs, look no further than Billy’s Stone Crab Restaurant. The allure of Billy’s innate elegance, their extensive and innovative menu, and friendly and knowledgeable staff combine to create a flawless dining experience. Your night begins by walking into a newly renovated dining room complete with romantic lighting and floor to ceiling windows overlooking the water.

While Billy’s Stone Crab is known for the all you can eat stone crab and world famous mustard sauce, the menu offers a variety of options. You can begin with a tasty chowder or salad, or choose from expertly prepared hot and cold appetizers.  Don’t forget to explore Billy’s newest addition to their menu - fresh sushi.  Rolled to perfection, Billy’s sushi rolls are simple yet scrumptious. For your main course, enjoy Jumbo Alaskan King Crab Clusters, Fresh Florida Black Grouper, Yellow Tail Snapper, Lobster, Oysters, Clams a Filet or New York Strip.

Fresh fish of the day is prepared many different ways.  The Bretone is sautéed with mushrooms, capers, crabmeat and jumbo shrimp in a lemon butter and white wine sauce.  The Key West preparation is lightly sautéed in butter and white wine sauce and then topped with jumbo shrimp, jumbo lump crabmeat and garnished with sliced avocados.  Billy’s generous portions and fresh ingredients will keep you coming back.

Head downstairs to Billy’s Marketplace on the lower level.  Here you can find fresh shrimp, stone crab, snapper, and grouper to purchase.  Billy’s Stone Crab prides themselves on their selection of fresh Florida seafood that is wild caught, and never farmed. You can taste the difference from the first bite. Wander towards the back of Billy's Marketplace and take some time to experience Billy’s newly remodeled wine room.  This room is available for parties, and it is also the perfect spot to stop for lunch, or a quick casual dinner.  At Billy’s Stone Crab Restaurant you can be confident that you are eating the best fresh seafood in South Florida.

Chima Brazilian Steakhouse

Located in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale on East Las Olas Boulevard, Chima Brazilian Restaurant is a beautiful blend between traditional Brazilian cuisine and fine dining sophistication.  Enter through a magnificent courtyard, complete with giant banyan trees, modern fountains and picturesque lighting. Continue through the chic and romantic patio to be greeted by a friendly and welcoming staff into Chima’s main dining room.  Be sure to come hungry and pace yourself. Dining at Chima is worth every bite. Click Here for Intown’s Listing of Chima Brazilian Steakhouse.

 

To begin, Chima offers an extraordinary salad bar including an assortment of fresh salads and cheeses, carpaccio, fresh vegetables, soups and rice. Displayed beautifully in the back part of the dining room, each dish is fresh and delicious.  But don’t fill up on salad! Chima presents an extensive selection of Brazilian Rodizio (meats) for the main course.  Traditionally dressed Brazilian Gauchos serve each table the finest cuts of meat upon request.Click Here for Intown's Gallery of Chima Brazilian Steakhouse.

 

 

Choose from a variety of Chima’s premium rodizio including Picanha (Top Sirloin), Beef Ancho (Ribeye), Costela de Cordeiro (Lamb Chops), Costela de Boi (Beef Ribs), Peixe Espada (Swordfish), and the restaurants specialty, the Fraldinha (Flank Steak). And don’t forget about dessert! Chima boasts delectable dessert choices including a Brazilian Pudim (cream caramel), Papaya Crème, Passion Fruit Mousse served with warm chocolate sauce, Tiramisu, Crème Broulee, and Vanilla Ice Cream served with sliced hot bananas and a hint of cinnamon. The perfect way to end the perfect meal. Click Here for Chima Brazilian Steakhouse's website.

New Years Eve Parties in South Florida

New Years Eve in South Florida

Bring in 2013 in South Florida style. Here are our picks for some of the best parties!

33rd Street Wine Bar
Wine lovers rejoice! 33rd Street Wine Bar is hosting a Black Tie "Plump Jack" Wine Dinner with entertainment, party favours and a champagne toast. More information here.



15th Street Fisheries
Enjoy the holidays on the waterfront! Join 15th Street Fisheries in Fort Lauderdale on New Years Eve for a special Four Course Dinner. For more information, or to make dinner reservations, call 954-263-2777.



Chima Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale's premeir Brazillian steak house is throwing a party you do not want to miss. Attendees will receive Rodizio dinner, two hours of open bar on premium liqours, a countdown with a champagne toast, live entertainment and more! More information here.


Face Restaurant and Bar
Hollywood's newest hot spot will be throwing a party complete with dinner, dancing, a champagne toast and a special show. Located right on Hollywood Blvd, you will have many pre and post party options as well! Call 754-263-2811 for reservations and more information.


Jimbo's Sandbar
If you like great food, live music and casual fun (who doesn't?) check out Jimbo's Sandbar. Crowd favorite Rock & Roll Trio will be playing live on the dock stage! If you have a boat, feel free to dock it right at Jimbo's on the Intracoastal in Dania Beach. For more information call 954-927-9560. Or, check them out on Facebook here.



Joe's Tiki Bar
Dance your way into 2013 at Joe's Tiki Bar in Hollywood. There will be performances from The Voice contestant, Dany Flanders and American Idol contestant, Aishya. Of course, there will be food and drinks all night! For more information, check out the party flyer here.


Mangos Las Olas
Mangos on Las Olas is already famous for their excellent food, delicious drinks and great entertainment. Take those great ingredients and mix together with bringing in the New Year on Las Olas and you have victory! For more information, call 954-523-5001.


Mickey Byrne's Irish Pub
Want to celebrate, but don't like the hassle and the fight of getting a party secured? Mickey Byrne's is for you! No cover charge. No reservations. No hassle.DNA will be performing live and there will be a complimentary champagne toast at midnight! For more information, look here.



Soprano's Dueling Piano Bar
We dare you to tell us something more fun than a dueling piano show! Fortunately for us South Floridians, one of the best piano bars is located at Beach Place in Fort Lauderdale. All New Years reservations include party favors, a champagen toast and reserved seats for the evening. Click here for more information!

ROK:BRGR Fort Lauderdale

ROK:BRGR

In short, this is no ordinary burger joint. ROK:BRGR has become widely recognized for its inventive gourmet burgers and a wide variety of craft beers, as well as its creative twist on classic American comfort foods. ROK:BRGR offers guests a welcome reprieve from Fort Lauderdale’s dizzying bar scene. The understated 1920s speakeasy atmosphere allows ROK:BRGR’s delectable menu to take center stage – just as founder Marc Falsetto imagined it would. Click here for Intown's Listing of ROK:BRGR

As its name suggests, ROK:BRGR is known for their 17 signature burgers that will rock your taste buds. The Las Olas burger – ten ounces of American Kobe Wagyu beef topped with cave-aged gruyere cheese, caramelized onions, and garlic aioli – is a must-try! Or get the burger that won ROK:BRGR top honors at Riverfront Trust’s 2012 Burger Battle: the Bacon Jam – ten ounces of certified prime angus beef, brie cheese, and maple bourbon bacon.

Wash down your meal with one of the dozens of craft beers, like local brews Key West Sunset Ale and Florida Lager, or treat yourself to one of ROK:BRGR’s handcrafted cocktails, like the Strawberry Basil Manhattan – a concoction of fresh strawberry and basil, muddled with Bulleit Frontier Rye and sweet Vermouth. ROK:BRGR stays true to its gastropub roots by using high-quality local and sustainable ingredients to give guests a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Click here for the ROK:BRGR website

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ROK:BRGR is also working with Intown411 and the Humane Society of Broward County in the You Save, They're Saved! program. With every purchase of an InTown411 discount certificate to ROK:BRGR, 25% of the proceeds go directly to the HSBC to help our furry friends.

Hollywood Parasail

It’s a beautiful day in Hollywood!  Why not take it all in with a bird’s eye view?  All you have to do is head to Hollywood Parasail and enjoy a gorgeous view over the waters of Hollywood Beach.  You can go single, double, or even triple on the parasail.  Experience flying through the skies and over the ocean.  It’s definitely a thrilling ride, and perfectly safe!  Click Here for InTown’s Listing of Hollywood Parasail.

Hollywood Parasail is conveniently located behind the Marriot Hotel on Hollywood Beach.  The staff is friendly, efficient, and before you know it, you’ll be on a boat for your parasailing voyage.  The captain is experienced, knowledgable, and ensures your takeoff is smooth and gentle.  You can choose to stay dry or have a little fun getting dunked in the ocean.  Soar above the blue waters of Hollywood and as you parasail, you may even spot some fish below or birds flying past you.  Hollywood Parasail provides a memorable water and air adventure. 

Take in the view, enjoy the breeze, and look over everyone in Hollywood Beach.  It's also a great way to cool down with the Florida heat.  While you will have ample time in the air, all good things must come to an end.  And as your parasailing adventure comes to an end, Hollywood Parasail will make sure you land just as smoothly as you took off.  It's not completely over.  Descending back on the boat is a fun ride in itself.  So pack some sunscreen, a towel, and you'll be ready for the great time awaiting you at Hollywood Parasail.  Click Here for Hollywood Parasail's website.

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Crowne Plaza Hollywood Beach

There’s nothing more relaxing than coming to a beautiful hotel with upscale decadence and tranquil amenities.  The Crowne Plaza is reminiscent of a tropical sanctuary right in Hollywood Beach.  You can soak up the sunny weather in their vast infinity edge pool while overlooking the Intercoastal Waterway.  You can even catch a ride on the Water Taxi, which docks right by the pool area.  As you lounge at the Crowne Plaza, the music in the background and the tiki bars truly delivers the feeling of an island getaway.  Click Here for InTown’s Listing of Crowne Plaza Hollywood Beach.

Crowne Plaza Hollywood provides it all.  Enjoy a full breakfast, which includes a waffle station, at the Elements Bistro.  Then feed your Starbucks coffee craving at Cool Beans Coffee Shop.  As you lounge poolside, have lunch served to your from the Lava Tiki Bar and Grille.  The homemade vegetable spring rolls and BBQ bourbon chicken sandwich are a delicious must-try!  Elements Bistro also offers an upscale, sophisticated, yet comfortable ambiance for dinner, or you can simply order some room service.  The friendly and attentive staff at Crowne Plaza Hollywood will ensure your every need is met.  Click Here for InTown’s Gallery of Crowne Plaza Hollywood Beach.

Throughout the day, enjoy the specialty cocktails, such as the Lava Punch, and frozen drinks at the Lava Tiki Bar and Grille.  Happy hour is also offered there from 5-7pm.  In the evenings, the gorgeous infinity edge pool area is lit up, and you can dance to the sounds of steel drums or guitars from 6-9pm.  Relax your cares away in their hot tub while overlooking the beautiful water view.  The Crowne Plaza even offers specials!  Simply like their Facebook page and you could win tickets to the Madonna concert, a free stay at the Crowne Plaza, complimentary breakfast, and Madonna’s new CD.  You can get a discount at the Lava Tiki Bar and Grille after using Foursquare to check in.  Click Here for Crowne Plaza Hollywood Beach’s website.