Slice Pizzeria 9/30

After today no more pizza for awhile. Good thing I've been doing the spinning class at the gym lately. I tried this new place downtown near the Library. Slice is located at 108 SE 1st Street, Fort Lauderdale. They have a 2 slices and a drink deal for $4.95. The slices certainly visually looked much better then the ones I got the other day at New River Pizza. They were a bit on the small side but overall pretty decent. The sauce they use is sweeter then most places but I found it to be an interesting change. I'm not sure everyone will feel the same way though. Certainly not the best slices I've had, but far from the worst. A decent place to grab a quick slice to go if you are in the area and in a rush 7.0/10

9/29

I was off yesterday and had a late breakfast today and a smoothie for lunch, so no review. Back tomorrow. But continuing on the pizza thing.... what are your favorite pizza places in Broward?

Other then Anthony's Coal Fired, I can't really think of any places that really stand out.

New River Pizza 9/25

On a bit of a pizza kick this weekend so I got 2 slices and a drink $5.50 at New River Pizza, 706 S Federal Hwy Fort Lauderdale. I've been here a few times before. The overall taste of the pizza seems to be going a little downhill. I got the slices to go today so I didn't see them come out of the oven and into the box. When I returned to the office and opened the box, i found the slices to be very overdone and borderline burnt. Unless the customer asked for the slices to be well done, these slices should have been thrown out by the maker and new ones made. There really isn't any excuse for this. Since I have enjoyed this place in the past, I'll probably give them one more shot, but the Downtown Pizzeria clearly wins this battle of pizza slices. 5.0/10.


I'm trying to add photos from now on when possible. See the overdone pizza.

Big C's Downtown Pizzeria 9/23

Stopped in to the Downtown Pizzeria at their new location accross from the hospital at 1509 S. Andrews Ave Fort Lauderdale for 2 quick slices and a drink to go $5.50. Pretty good pizza and a nice value. 7.5/10

Don Arturo's 9/22

Back to Don Arturo's today (reviewed previously). Got the 1/4 chicken with rice and beans and plantains $7.95. Great as always. I must add that they make the best Chimichurri sauce in town. You have to ask for it. It's great on the bread, or mixed in with the rice and beans. 8.5/10

Joe's Cafe 9/21

Back to Joe's Cafe in the Harbour Shoppes today. I got the California Chicken sandwich $8.95, which was a grilled chicken breast with sliced avocado, bacon, swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato and red onions on a ciabatta roll. It was quite good. Came with some nice fresh fruit on the side. Joe's is becoming a new solid lunch joint. 8.0/10

Sonny's Famous Steak Hogies, 9/16

This review was written by a special guest writer and South/West Broward Correspondent, David Goldberg:

Sonny’s Hogies, located at 1857 Nw 66th Ave, Hollywood, FL 33024 , a fixture in Hollywood since 1950 something, is a no frills lunch spot specializing in cheesesteak sandwiches. It was recently buoyed by an appearance on Diners and whatever, and judging by its recent swollen lunch crowds, I would imagine Sonny’s loyal fan base has mixed emotions. I ordered a cheesesteak sandwich with mozzarella (Whiz is not on the menu) and onions, a side of tomato sauce, and a bag of chips (fries are not on the menu). As usual, the sandwich was tasty and fresh. The bread is baked in house daily and Sonny’s high quality meat is thin sliced and plentiful. Unfortunately, this particular sandwich had too little cheese on it with only one slice between the meat and bread, and it could have used more onions as well. For me, the tomato sauce just didn’t work with a cheesesteak sandwich, the complementary spicy peppers provided are a better choice. It should be noted that the author of this blog, who originally introduced me to Sonny’s, ordered a meatball sandwich that apparently was pedestrian.

Sonny’s Hogies is a high quality, superb choice for a quick and tasty cheesesteak sandwich, especially given its location in Hollywood where premium sandwiches are few and far between. Cheesesteak gets an 8.0/10

Goldberg's half eaten cheesesteak

My Market Sub shop 9/17

Back to My Market sub shop, (previously reviewed below) I got the Proscuitto Roma again and it was fantastic as usual. Proscuitto might just be my favorite food.

I'm traveling to Gainesville tomorrow, so no new reviews or posts until Monday.

Yesterday I went to Sonny's Cheesesteak shop in West Hollywood (Featured on Diners, Drive ins and Dives) but I am allowing my friend David Goldberg to write up that review as a guest as Sonny's is one of his favorite places. Waiting for him to send it to me.

15th St. Fisheries 9/15

Went to the downstairs, casual area, of 15th Fisheries at Lauderdale Marina 1900 SE 15th Street, Fort Lauderdale. While I don't particularly care for the supposedly fancy, upstairs dining area, the downstairs area by the dock is a great lunch place when its not to hot to sit outside.
I had my usual favorite, which is a crab cake sandwich $13, with excellent steak fries, served with a creole mayo. Top notch as always. The crab cake had the right amount of crab and not that much breading and filler. Although $13 is a bit more then I like to spend for lunch, this is worth it, given the food and the setting right on the water. 8.5/10

Joe's Cafe 9/14

Joe's Cafe is located at 1913 Cordova Road, Fort Lauderdale, in the Harbour Shoppes off of 17th St. Causeway. Joe's Cafe is a traditional American/Greek Style dinner with a very large menu and many daily specials. The have ample parking in the shopping center.
Today I got the London Broil special for $9.99. It came with the soup of the day (Yankee Bean) and a Greek Salad. This was an excellent value for the price and more then enough food. The London Broil was cooked to order and came out a nice medium rare. The service is friendly and their are plenty of options to choose from so everyone in your party would be happy here. 8.0/10

Christina Wans 9/11

Christina Wans is located at 644 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale.
They have a number of lunch specials in the $7.95 to $9.95 price range. It comes with either soup or an egg roll. Today I had the chicken with green beans and the hot and sour soup. Both used excellent and fresh ingredients but the chicken was just a bit bland. It could have used some more spiciness. I find this to often be the case here. All the menu items are generally fresh and plentiful and nicely prepared but they just seem to lack that extra spiciness or flavor that you want in a Chinese dish. In the past, i've asked for the dish to be made "spicy." I was certainly better that way but still missing just a little bit. Don't get me wrong, the food is good, but with a little more seasoning or spiciness, it could be excellent. The dining room is spacious and comfortable and there is plenty of free parking in the shopping center. 7.5/10

Croissant Time 9/10

Just a quick report today. Went to Croissant Time French Bakery today at 1201 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale.
I had the Pan Bagnat $9.25, which is a large sandwich on really good round french bed with tuna, hard boiled egg slices, olives, lettuce and tomato, topped with olive oil. This is a really good sandwich and is almost to much to eat at one sitting. 8/10

Copper Kettle 9/9

Went to the courthouse crowd favorite Copper Kettle today. Copper Kettle is basically a Greek style diner located at 1611 S Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale. They have a large menu with many daily specials. The food is fairly good and always consistent, but nothing that will blow you away. It's a good place to go when you aren't sure what you want, or you have a group of people and can't agree on a place.
The decor is less then inspiring and I would bet that they haven't spend a dollar on any interior renovations in 15 years, but there is plenty of seating and ample parking in back.
Today I got the Athenian Style chicken with a Greek Salad. $7.95 A fairly healthy lunch. The Athenian chicken was basically chicken breasts cut into strips and seasoned with oregano and other spices. Overall a decent lunch though nothing to get to excited about. Copper Kettle is always a good standby place to go when you are in a hurry and want consistently decent food at a good price. 7.5/10

Shuck N Dive, 9/3

Shuck 'N Dive Cajun Cafe is located at 650 N. Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale.
Although they serve excellent food, for some reason I rarely go to this place, despite the fact that it is very close to both my home and office. They used to have terrible service and many of the workers there had attitudes, but that didn't seem to be the case anymore on this visit. Their prices are still a bit high though, especially for lunch. An oyster Po Boy, for example costs, $12.99.
Today I was looking for something a little lighter then usual so I got the grilled chicken sandwich with tater tots for $9.49, which is fairly reasonable. The tots were excellent as always, especially with hot sauce poured on top. They offer a nice selection of bottled hot sauce choices. Overall the sandwich was pretty good and had a nice seasoning.
Again, the food here is always solid, but there is just something about the place that makes me only go back there just a few times a year. I'm not sure what it is though. Any thoughts???? 7.0/10

Mr. Nicks Sub Shoppe 9/3

I had some leftovers at home for lunch yesterday, thus no post. Today I went to Mr. Nicks Sub Shoppe, at 901 South Andrews Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale, which is just around the corner from my office. Mr. Nicks has limited parking and only has outdoor seating. They get busy at lunchtime so it's best to call ahead with your order. Not wanting to sit outside in this weather, I got my order to go. Today I couldn't decide between the Chicken Cordon Blue or the Ft. Lauderdale Chicken. I've had the Cordon Blue Sub before and it is very good, but I finally went with the Ft. Lauderdale chicken. I got the 12" for $8.75. The 6" is enough for lunch but I planned on having this sub for both lunch and dinner tonight. The Ft. Lauderdale chicken is a breaded chicken cutlet breast topped with bacon, lettuce, tomato and creamy italian dressing. I got it without the bacon. A very good hot sub overall. I just wish they had indoor seating this time of year. 7.5/10

Pita Plus 9/1

I made the 15 minute drive down to Pita Plus at 2145 Stirling Road, Fort Lauderdale. I really like this place but I don't go here as often as I would like because it is a but longer of a drive from my office then I usually go for lunch.
Pita Plus is a Kosher/Israeli restaurant with counter service. The items are prepared to order but you can get in and out of there fairly quickly. My 2 favorite items are the falafel pita and the shwarma pita. Both come with hummus and tahini sauce as well as the salad toppings of your choice. I get mine with everything including the hot/spicy items. You also get access to the pickles, peppers, and cabbage bar to the left side of the counter.
Pita Plus makes the best falafel and shwarma sandwich that I have found in the area. If you know of a better place close to Fort Lauderdale, then I'd like to hear about it. 8.5/10

Marina Deli 8/31

I'm back from Las Vegas and will post about my meals out there either later today or tomorrow.

Went to the Marina Deli at 1453 SE 17th St, Fort Lauderdale. It is located off of 17th St. Causeway in back of the Office Depot/Ross shopping center. I've been going to this place for years. Marina Deli is a traditional NY style deli that makes great sandwiches and also does a good breakfast too. The staff is extremely friendly, the have ample seating and there is plenty of free parking in the shopping center.
After 4 days in Las Vegas I needed something a bit lighter, so I just got the freshly sliced turkey breast on Rye. It comes with a side of coleslaw or potato salad. At first my sandwich was just a bit dry, so I put the coleslaw directly on the sandwich. (so much for eating light today) after that it was very good. I didn't get soup this time, but they make a good matzo ball soup and usually have 1 or 2 other soups daily.
Marina Deli is another solid lunch choice for good NY deli style sandwiches. 7.5/10

Healthy Lunch Options around Downtown Ft. Lauderdale

I'm leaving for Las Vegas today so I won't have any new posts until Monday, but I wanted to give some recommendations for lighter/healthier lunch items in the downtown Fort Lauderdale area. From time to time I'll get on a healthy eating kick (though it rarely lasts longer then a week). Here are some good choices:

1. Giorgio's on 17th st. Causeway has 2 excellent salads topped with grilled chicken. Ask for no cheese and no bacon. They have 2 salad dressing options, both are vinegar based so they probably aren't that bad for you.

2. California Pizza Kitchen on Federal Hwy, actually makes a bunch of great salads. I especially like the Thai chicken Salad, the BBQ chicken chopped salad, the Waldorf chicken salad, and the new Moroccan Chicken Salad.

3. Tokyo Sushi, next to Giorgio's on 17th St. Causeway. Pretty good quality sushi, though sometimes I leave there a little hungry if I just get the lunch portion of sushi or sashimi.

4. Gilbert's 17th St. Grill's seared tuna and Asian slaw. See Gilbert's post below from last week. Gilbert's also has some salads that are fairly good.

5. Ernie's BBQ, on Federal Hwy, south of 17th St. Conch Salad. Although the rest of the menu isn't particularly healthy, the large conch salad is a great choice, and is plenty filling.

6. Moe's Southwest Grill. The close talker salad is fairly heathly. Just get in on a plate, without the tortilla shell, and no cheese. Use some of the fresh salsas from the salsa bar instead of dressing. It's very good this way.

Anyone have other healthy lunch suggestions for the downtown area?

Don Arturo's 8/25

Don Arturo's is located off of Davie Blvd, just west of 95, at 1198 SW 27th Ave. Fort Lauderdale. They have daily lunch specials that average around $8. This place is very popular amongst the courthouse crowd. The food is always excellent, is very plentiful, and the service is great. They also get the food out fairly quickly which is great if you are pressed for time. Today I got the 1/4 roasted chicken with beans and rice and sweet plantains. They also have great cuban bread. Ask for a side of chimichuri and Jalapeno sauce. Both are excellent on the bread and mixed in with the rice and beans. I would eat here every week but the food is a little heavy for lunch and I always eat to much and feel sluggish afterwards, so we usually only go about once a month. 8.0/10

Giorgio's, 8/22

Giorgio's is located at 1499 SE 17TH St, Fort Lauderdale near Port Everglades, on the 17th St. Causeway. It is one of my regular lunch spots and I usually eat here once every 2 weeks or so. What I like about this place is that I can go there 5-10 times and get something different each time. They make excellent salads and hot and cold sandwiches. They also make pizzas but they are not my favorite.

Today I ordered the seafood salad which is marinated shrimp, scallops, and squid over a spring mix type salad. I actually ordered the appetizer portion for $9.75 which is more then enough. They do offer the full serving for $14.95, but I find the smaller amount to be more then sufficient. It was quite good as usual and a great choice for a lighter/healthier lunch. I did have 2 of their excellent rolls which are provided with a hummus type spread and butter, so I probably ruined the healthiness anyway though. Giorgio's isn't a huge place and they do get a bit crowded during peak lunch times, 12-12:45 or so. Again, one of my favorite regular lunch spots. 8.5/10