Thirteen Restaurant and Bar just opened their doors a few weeks ago with a steak and chop menu that is out of this world! I had the 14 oz. butter and sage braised bone in chop served on mashed parsnips with apple butter and grilled garlic asparagus. This 4 inch thick chop was so tender I could cut it with a spoon! It’s my understanding that the chef takes the time to brine the chop, the result being the juiciest and most tender chop ever! Thirteen is located at 2390 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors and is not to be confused with 13 Even, the sister restaurant a few blocks south. The fried chicken sliders are amazing. They take a 2-bite, house-made, cheddar biscuit and stuff it with fried chicken tossed in Sriracha maple syrup. Yum! If that doesn’t do it for you, you can always try Thirteen’s twist on traditional hummus made with peanuts and served with Naan, carrots, cucumbers and sweet, spicy cherry peppers. The entree prices range from $14 (for a burger) to $28 dollars (for filet mignon or ribeye) Especially tantalizing is the Sunday brunch menu with fried green tomatoes, biscuits and gravy, crab benedict and all you can drink $15 mimosas. The entree prices range from $14 (for a burger) to $28 dollars (for filet mignon or rib eye) www.thirteenwilton.com/menu-page/ They don’t take reservations so you can pop in any evening between 4 and 10PM. (11PM on Friday and Saturday night)
With a quaint atmosphere that seats about 100, there’s a “pub-style” feel to it featuring a two-story beer wall that offers over 350 types of beer, (including 250 craft beers), over 60 wines on tap – 32 of which are by the glass.
Unfortunately, there is no local beer from our very own Funky Buddha Brewery, however, that could be forthcoming.
I am a self-proclaimed ice fanatic, as is my husband, to the point that we won’t even consider buying a refrigerator with an ice maker that produces half-moon shaped ice cubes. (They get stuck in the bottom of the glass then come crashing into your face splashing your drink everywhere) Block ice, shaved ice, cracked ice, you-name-it ice, it makes a difference in the drink. Taps has 1 1/4″ solid cubes for the perfect craft cocktail-a standout!
Sandwiches come wrapped in parchment paper, an old-time pub tradition.
Northern Italian Sausage Hero and salad.
The sausage is house-made as is the Gyro meat.
Beef Gyro Tzatziki
The average price for tapas, salads and sandwiches is around $12.00. Owners Elizabeth and James DeVito say “Every day is happy at TAPS”. With happy hour from 4PM to 6PM, they offer $1.00 off draft beer, $5.00 single-liquor cocktails and house wines, and a $5.00 happy hour food menu that includes bacon wrapped jalapenos, bruschetta, fresh-baked artisan pretzels and more.
Taps Restaurant Bar and Lounge is located at 330 SW 2nd Street in Fort Lauderdale and has locations in Tampa, Orlando and Naples.
For years, Shooter’s has been a staple for South Floridians and tourists alike. It has been the go-to place for a great sandwich and a cold beer. The restaurant, located at 3033 NE 32nd Ave., was purchased along with Bootleggers in a package deal by Grateful Palate’s owners back in July of 2013. It closed in August of 2013 for renovations and re-opened on February 10, 2014.
Renovations include the demolition of the pool in order to make room for a stunning patio and outside bar. Designer Deborah Frustino created a Shangri-La with the harmonious combination of over-sized love seats, cabana chairs, umbrellas, palm trees and a fire pit with a marvelous view of the sunset.
Over-sized seating on the patioFire pit at sunset
Seemingly isolated from the outside world, time appears to stand still in this tropical paradise. Specialty cocktails include everything from a blueberry-ginger bellini made with Stoli blueberi vodka, ginger simple syrup, blueberries and champagne ($10.00) to the Shooter’s seasonal specialty margarita made with Herradura reposado tequila and agave syrup. ($12.00)
Outside seating
The sleek silver-grey dining room radiates modern elegance with hardwood floors and a streamlined “beachy chic” decor. A panoramic wall-to-wall window gives way to a view of Fort Lauderdale’s beautiful Intracoastal Waterway and additional seating along the 340 foot dock.
Kim Naimoli with Executive Chef Mo Khan
Executive Chef Mohamed “Mo” Khan has designed a versatile menu with something for everyone. He gets his culinary experience from cooking at Corbin & Reynolds, City Cellar, Onyx, Montego Bay Grill, Kasey’s, Mcquades Grill and Seasons 52, just to name a few. He obtained a B.S. in Culinary Arts from WalesUniversity in Providence, RI. One of Chef Mo’s favorite items from the Shooter’s menu is the salmon tartar from the raw bar.
Dice salmon. Add shalllots, chives, citrus vinaigrette. Spoon mix into a mold. Top with dressed frisee and potato gaufrettes.
For the Potato Gaufrettes
Criss cross peeled potato on mandoline slicer and place directly into water to prevent browning and remove starch. Fry at 350 degrees until golden brown.
The raw bar menu also offers clams or oysters on the half shell, salmon tartare and jumbo shrimp cocktail averaging about $14.00 per dish.
Clams on the half shell
The “Point Judith Calamari” is a crispy take on Pad Thai with peanuts, scallions, lime, rice sticks, and Thai chili sauce. ($12.00) Nurture your comfort food craving with the Gruyère mac and cheese ($10.00) or the signature burger made with special ground short rib, brisket and sirloin smothered in a special sauce.($14.00) There is also a Grilled Filet Mignon with truffle mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, gorgonzola empanadas and port wine demi-glace. ($29.00)
Irish nachos
Other interesting menu items include oyster po’boys ($14.00), Irish nachos made with potato chips, scallions, bacon and sour cream, ($9.00) jerk rubbed pork tenderloin with plantains, pineapple, coconut, scotch bonnet, and tomatillo salsa ($18.00) and a culinary triumph, stout short ribs,($26.00) which is what I had – delish! Chef Mo Khan has really put his heart and soul into this dish.
Braised lamb shank with hericot vert
Dom Perignon ($295.00) and Veuve Clicquot ($95.00) are included on the champagne list, a refreshing change of pace from most restaurants. There are lots of fabulous wines to choose from with most varietals starting at around $30.00 per bottle. Beer choices are ample as well, including a draft beer from our very own “Funky Buddha Floridian” here in Fort Lauderdale.
Shooter’s “happy hour” is open Monday thru Friday from 4:30 until 7:00 with half price call drinks. Lunch is being served starting February 17th. Dogs are welcome.
