Is Fort Lauderdale a Food & Wine Town?

By Eschel Hamel, Eat, Drink, Go! photographer
First installment in the blog series Is it a Food & Wine Town?


Ok, so first we have to answer the initial question. Is Fort Lauderdale a food and wine town? To that end, and to put it simply, I’d have to say no.

Fort Lauderdale, for all it’s seeming culture and sophistication is still, at it’s core, the oversized suburb of Miami to the north. Oh, plenty would argue otherwise, and it definitely has its merits, but when someone is looking for true elegance and culture, they invariably head to her sister city to the south.

But enough about what it isn’t. Let’s discuss what it is.

Fort Lauderdale is entertaining city. It’s got a decent night life, a collection of bars and restaurants that’s quite impressive. Unfortunately, much of that nightlife is comprised vast consumption of hard liquor and beer, rather than anything of real value or substance. But if you look carefully, you’ll find a few shining beacons of of quality amid the sea of mediocrity.

1. Eduardo de San Angel - excellent upscale Mexican fusion, the agave wine margarita is a must-try http://www.eduardodesanangel.com/

2. Himarshee Bar & Grille - a surprisingly elegant eatery in the heart of the party street, with an impressive wine selection http://himmarshee.com/

3. Galanga - a superior Japanese/Thai restaurant with great sushi and highly enjoyable cooked dishes as well http://www.galangarestaurant.com/

4. Greek Islands Taverna - some of the best Greek food I’ve ever had the pleasure of eating http://www.greekislandstaverna.com/

5. Chima - a taste of a Miami-style Brazilian churrascaria, all you can eat and gluttonously good http://www.chima.cc/

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