My husband and I recently enjoyed a quick getaway to Fort Lauderdale. Besides the 100 degree temperatures (and everyone on the beach staring and pointing at me because my skin is so white!), we had a great trip!
Locals told us about some not-to-miss eateries and here our favorites:
1. Jaxson's Ice Cream Parlour & Restaurant. Located in Dania Beach, this is a not-to-miss treat when you visit the area. A 30-year-old, family-run business, the shop makes all their ice cream from scratch. You can choose from four different cones, malts, shakes, banana splits, sundaes and regular ice cream. Our Chocolate Malt was delicious and tasted exactly like it was supposed to. I tried the sugar-free Strawberry ice cream, and it was outstanding.
2. Colada Cuban Coffee House & Eatery. Craving authentic Cuban Cafe con Leche, we sought out this coffee house near the Victoria Park neighborhood in Fort Lauderdale. Not only were we impressed with our coffee, but the food and service were outstanding. The staff was very friendly, and Steven was the one who helped us find outstanding local restaurants. The coffee house gets all their authentic Cuban pastries and bread from the nearby Miramar Bakery. I would recommend the Bacon Egg & Cheese sandwich with avocado on croissant and a side of plantains.
Runner up: The Brass Tap off of Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale. Yes, it is part of a chain. But we really enjoyed the live music on the night we went and the in-house brewed craft beer. Our Pepper Jack Mac 'n Cheese was very tasty, as was our Mahi Tacos.
As you all know, I could eat breakfast foods for breakfast, lunch and dinner. That is one of the reasons I was happy that Lake Mary has another brunch restaurant that we can enjoy during the week. Peach Valley Cafe has some good dishes, but service is very slow. I am hoping for a different experience at the new Another Broken Egg at 920 International Parkway.
My first visit was a preview - the restaurant was not officially open yet - so there were still some service and food kinks to work out. But I love that the dishes we tried were unique to other breakfast/ brunch chains and most were very tasty. I also love the atmosphere of this location - the orange and brown tones are very welcoming and the decor is modern. Everyone - from the manager greeting us at the front door to the servers - were very friendly.
We started with the City Grits, creamy grits with roasted garlic, onions and smoked Gouda, topped with bacon, tomatoes and green onions. This was a different take on grits than we had before, and was very good. Stan's Mardi Gras omelette was also different than anywhere else. It includes yummy andouille sausage, crawfish and shrimp and is topped with a tomato Hollandaise sauce. The omelette itself was yummy - and huge - but I didn't really like the sauce or think it was necessary. I would suggest asking for it on the side, and then just add a bit for flavor. Our pancakes were tasty but a little dense, which may be the restaurant just working out the kinks before opening.
All-in-all, I would definitely recommend breakfast or lunch at Another Broken Egg!
Happy National Bacon Lovers Day! I could eat bacon for breakfast, lunch and dinner. But I believe the best bacon has to start with a high-quality product, such as Boar's Head, and then be cooked to its crispiest. It must be crunchy; not limp. Above all, it must not be greasy.
I have eaten many breakfasts and brunches out, and the best bacon I have had recently was at Artisan's Table in downtown Orlando. The crispy, flavorful bacon was crumbled - in a healthy serving - on top of Breakfast in Bread, a puff pastry tart with medium cooked egg, parmesan cheese and queso blanco. The Breakfast Potatoes on the side were perfectly seasoned and fried to the right amount of crispness, and I loved the garnish of scallions.
Read more about Artisan's Table and other top brunch spots: The Top 3 Brunches in Orlando...So Far
http://www.flavorfulexcursions.net/2015/08/top-3-brunches-in-orlandoso-far.html
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In my quest for the best brunch offerings in Orlando, I have been fortunate to enjoy three delicious brunches recently. These are the top three I have tried, but there are so many more restaurants that I have been told have great brunch, including Soco Thorton Park, Hash Hash a Go Go, Briar Patch Winter Park and White Wolf Cafe. I hope to try them soon. Let me know your favorite brunch spot in the comments section below. Meanwhile, try not to drool over the scrumptious dishes that made it into Flavorful Excursions' Top Brunches list:
1. Two Chefs Seafood & Oyster Bar: Although Two Chefs began serving brunch only a few short weeks ago, the chef/owners got the menu and execution right from the beginning. $8 unlimited mimosas and a massive Blood Mary Bar are enough to draw diners in. Then, they will be delighted to find an extensive menu that features sweet and savory items, and both breakfast and lunch fare. We recommend the Rosemary Parmesan Waffle with Fried Chicken, the Duck Confit Hash with Fried Egg & Truffle Oil, the Cinnamon Roll and the Banana Bourbon Bread Pudding.
2. Artisan's Table: Like Two Chefs, the brunch menu at this beautiful, buzzing downtown eatery has everything you would want in a brunch: inventive plates that are both sweet and savory, and a wide array of breakfast and lunch items. I knew I was in for a treat when brunch started with a friendly server and classy tea presentation. The dish I had was heavenly, and I would highly recommend it: Breakfast in Bread, a puff pastry tart with medium cooked egg, crispy crumbled bacon, parmesan cheese and queso blanco. The Breakfast Potatoes on the side were perfectly seasoned and fried to the right amount of crispness, and I loved the garnish of scallions. Bonus points: General Manager Monica McCown was very accommodating with my food allergy substitutions.
3. Dexter's: The restaurant chain has been offering great brunch for years. But I re-visited the Dexter's Lake Mary recently for brunch and was reminded that the local restaurant chain offers a unique take on traditional brunch dishes - and executes them well. My favorite brunch dish there is the Dexter's Benedict. I really like the addition of smoked turkey, along with tomatoes and spinach, as well as the flavorful hollandaise sauce. We also really liked the Country Style Chicken & Biscuits, Waffles and Blackened Mahi & Grits. The mimosas come in so many different flavors - including mango and yummy peach - and are inexpensive at $2.96 each or $12 for unlimited.
It's a good thing that breakfast cafes are becoming more popular around Orlando. I am definitely a breakfast person, and don't want to wait for Sunday brunch to go out for a good breakfast!
I finally had a chance to try Another Broken Egg Cafe in Winter Park, Fla., the other day. I really liked the menu selection, atmosphere and - for the most part - food, but the service was not great. When I checked in at the restaurant on Foursquare, all the commenters agreed with me: "great food, lousy service". I definitely expected a wait at the popular spot, since I went on a Saturday at 1:00 p.m., but I was seated right away.
After I was seated, it took awhile for a server to greet me. Then, once I ordered, it took 20 minutes for a simple order: a plain waffle, bacon and poached eggs. By this point I was starving, but still sent the waffle back because it had arrived cold. However, once I did get to try the waffle, it was very light and fluffy with a bit of crispy exterior - exactly as I like it. The sweet, crispy bacon was also good, as were the eggs.
There are so many choices on the menu, it was hard to make up my mind. Many of the omelettes look great as well as the Signature Benedicts - especially Crabcakes Cavallo. A fellow food blogger recommended The Floridian omelette, which is filled with cream cheese and topped with garlic sauteed crabmeat, Monterey Jack and green onions. I couldn't order this mouth-watering dish because of a dairy sensitivity, so it would be great to see vegan cheese as an option for all the omelettes.
However, I was impressed by the vegetarian options on the menu, as well as the gluten-free pancakes and several healthy options. Another Broken Egg serves several burgers, sandwiches and salads too. More dishes for me to try - if I come expecting a wait. I like the vibe of the restaurant, too. Several 20-something patrons were watching football at the bar - a great place to hang out and order mimosas or Bloody Marys with your brunch.
Where: 430 N. Orlando Ave., Winter Park, Fla.
