National Beer Lovers Day is observed every year on September 7th in the United States. The origin of this holiday is unclear, but some sources suggest that it was created by a group of beer enthusiasts in 2008 as a way to promote and appreciate the craft beer industry.

The history of beer stretches back thousands of years. It’s believed that beer was first brewed over 5,000 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq and Iran). Back then, beer was often considered a staple of daily life, consumed as a source of nutrition and hydration. It was even used as currency in some ancient societies.

 The brewing process evolved over time, and beer spread throughout the world, taking on unique regional characteristics. As exploration and trade expanded, beer found its way to new corners of the globe, leading to the diverse beer culture we know today.

Today, the world of beer is more diverse than ever before. Craft breweries have exploded in popularity, offering an incredible array of beer styles and flavors. From hoppy IPAs to rich stouts and sour ales, there’s a beer to suit every palate.

National Beer Lover’s Day is the perfect occasion to explore new brews and revisit old favorites. Whether you’re a seasoned beer connoisseur or just dipping your toes into the world of beer, there’s always something new and exciting to discover.

Beer has a remarkable ability to bring people together. It’s not just about the liquid in the glass; it’s about the experiences and connections that happen over a pint. Whether it’s sharing stories with friends at a local pub, attending beer festivals, or enjoying a cold one at a backyard barbecue, beer often serves as a catalyst for social interaction and bonding.

Another exciting aspect of beer culture is the art of food pairing. Just as wine enthusiasts carefully select wines to complement their meals, beer lovers have embraced the idea of pairing different beer styles with various dishes. The range of flavors in beer, from citrusy and crisp to dark and roasty, makes it an excellent companion for everything from spicy tacos to decadent chocolate desserts.

To celebrate this special date, I share with you some perfect pairing for different beer styles and flavors:

India Pale Ale (IPA)

IPAs have been a dominant force in the American beer scene. Here are some perfect food pairings for IPAs: Spicy Foods: IPAs’ hoppy bitterness and citrus notes can help cut through the heat of spicy dishes. Try pairing them with spicy Indian, Thai, or Mexican cuisine. Think chicken tikka masala, spicy tacos, or a plate of buffalo wings. Burgers: IPAs are fantastic with burgers, especially those with strong flavors like blue cheese, bacon, or spicy sauces. The hoppy bitterness contrasts with the richness of the meat and cheese. Barbecue: The smoky, savory flavors of barbecue dishes, such as smoked ribs, pulled pork, or grilled sausages, pair well with the hoppy and slightly bitter profile of an IPA. Fish and Seafood: IPAs complement grilled or fried fish, as well as seafood dishes like shrimp scampi or fish tacos. The citrusy notes in the beer can enhance the flavors of the seafood. Pizza: IPAs and pizza are a classic pairing. The hoppy bitterness contrasts with the cheese and complements a variety of pizza toppings, from pepperoni to vegetarian options.

American Pale Ale (APA)

APAs are known for their balanced flavors, moderate hop bitterness, and often feature a blend of citrus and floral hop aromas. Here are some perfect food pairings for APAs: Grilled Chicken: The light hop bitterness and malt sweetness of APAs complement grilled chicken’s smoky and savory flavors. Marinate the chicken with herbs or citrus for added depth. Salmon: APAs work well with the mild and slightly sweet flavor of salmon, whether grilled, baked, or pan-seared. A citrusy APA can enhance the fish’s natural taste. Grilled Shrimp: The slightly bitter and citrusy notes of an APA can pair nicely with grilled shrimp, especially when served with a light garlic or herb butter sauce. Grilled Vegetables: For a vegetarian option, try pairing APAs with a platter of grilled vegetables, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with herbs and Parmesan cheese. Pasta Dishes: APAs can go well with pasta dishes that feature cream sauces, seafood, or pesto. The beer’s balanced profile works with a variety of pasta ingredients.

Stout

Stout varieties like American Stout, Imperial Stout, and Coffee Stout have gained popularity for their rich, dark, and roasty flavors. Some, like the dessert-inspired milk stouts, offer sweet and creamy notes. Here are some perfect food pairings for Stouts: Chocolate Desserts: Stout’s roasted malt flavors pair wonderfully with chocolate. Try it with chocolate cake, brownies, or chocolate truffles for a delightful dessert pairing. Steak: The robust flavors of a stout can stand up to the richness of a well-marbled steak, making it an ideal pairing for a hearty meal. Cheese: Stout goes beautifully with a variety of cheeses, especially those with bold flavors like blue cheese, cheddar, and gouda. Mushroom Dishes: Stout’s earthy and roasted flavors work well with dishes featuring mushrooms, such as mushroom risotto or a savory mushroom pie. Chili: Stout can be a great companion to a bowl of spicy chili. Its roasted malt flavors can help cool the heat while enhancing the overall experience.

Sour Ales

Sour beers, including Berliner Weisse, Gose, and American Wild Ales, have seen a surge in popularity. They are known for their tart and sometimes fruity or funky flavors. Here are some perfect food pairings for Sour Ales: Cheese and Charcuterie: Sour ales go wonderfully with a cheese and charcuterie board. Try pairing them with cheeses like goat cheese, brie, Camembert, or blue cheese. The acidity of the beer complements the creamy and savory flavors of the cheeses, while the tartness can cut through the richness of the meats. Salads: A crisp sour ale can be a refreshing accompaniment to salads, especially those with vinaigrette dressings. The tartness can balance the acidity in the dressing and add complexity to the greens. Fruit-Based Dishes: Sour ales often have fruity notes, making them a great match for dishes featuring fruit, such as a strawberry and spinach salad or a peach-glazed pork dish. Pickled Vegetables: The tartness of sour ales complements the acidity of pickled vegetables like pickles, sauerkraut, or kimchi. The pairing can create a harmonious balance of flavors. Duck: The complex flavors of duck can be enhanced by the tartness of a sour ale. Try it with duck confit, duck breast with fruit glaze, or a duck salad.

Pilsner

Pilsners, both American and Czech-style, offer a clean and crisp lager experience, appealing to those who prefer a lighter, more straightforward beer. Here are some perfect food pairings for Pilsners: Sushi and Sashimi: Pilsner’s clean and refreshing taste complements the delicate flavors of raw fish and the umami-rich soy sauce and wasabi often served with sushi and sashimi. Chicken and Poultry: Pilsner complements chicken dishes, whether they’re grilled, roasted, or fried. It can cut through the richness of fried chicken and enhance the flavors of grilled chicken. Mexican Cuisine: Pilsner is a classic choice for pairing with Mexican dishes like tacos, nachos, and quesadillas. Its crispness complements the flavors of the cuisine. Shellfish: Pilsner’s crispness can enhance the flavors of shellfish like clams, mussels, and oysters. Enjoy it with a platter of freshly shucked oysters on the half shell. Light Appetizers: Serve Pilsner with light appetizers such as bruschetta, caprese skewers, or cucumber sandwiches. Its clean taste won’t overwhelm delicate flavors.

National Beer Lover’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate a beverage that transcends time, culture, and geography. Whether you’re raising a glass to the storied history of beer, exploring new flavors at a local brewery, or simply enjoying a cold one with friends, take a moment on this special day to savor the brew that unites us all.

This blog is for all the amazing breweries we work with. Thank you for your great tasting beer and your amazing way to give us one of life’s greatest pleasures. Also, to enjoy such experiences firsthand you can visit our “Brewery Tours” link offered by Savor Our City, where you will find details about tours you can schedule to live such experiences live, I am sure you will enjoy them. In addition, we offer “Perfect Pairings experiences” where we can arrange for a local experienced beer aficionado to come to one’s home and provide a unique educational tasting/pairing experience or a beer dinner at a local brewery. To schedule such experiences click here.

We hope you have a great time celebrating National Beer Lover’s Day with your favorite beer. Cheers!

Until we eat (and drink) again…

I send you Delicious Wishes, xo

Denise

The post September 7th: Cheers to National Beer Lover’s Day: Celebrating the Brew that Unites appeared first on Savor Our City.

I know it’s been a while since my last blog post and I do apologize for that but we have been super busy the last few months with several group bookings in both South and Central FL. It appears that many companies that had to postpone their travel plans have now been given the green light to take their teams out and for many of them who have been working remotely for the past two years, this is their first opportunity to bring their remote staff together for some team bonding/building activities which they are booking like crazy right now. The size of the groups that are being booked now, as compared to prior to the breakout in 2020 has increased quite considerably. Up until 2020, the average size group was around 20 people. Now the average is 40+.

At any rate, I happened to see a post on my Instagram feed highlighting this place called Cerveceria La Tropical nestled in an Oasis nestled in Wynwood and it definitely caught my eye. So much so, that I reached out to them and scheduled a visit to check them out. Not only so that I can share my find with you, but so I could hopefully plan some fun events there for my groups. Gloria, the Event Manager was off on this particular Sunday when I arrived, so she arranged for me to meet with Mike, one of the restaurant managers on duty on this day. I drove down from Boca and soon after I arrived, I met Mike who was expecting me. We bumped into Gloria of all people, who came on her day off with her family, to celebrate her birthday (now that sure is a testimonial to how much she loves this place!)

Cerveceria La Tropical is a “Tank to Glass” concept where they pour their brewed-in-house beers right from the tanks in the main dining room that also happens to have a great back story.  On July 21, 1888 The Blanco-Herrera family establishes Cervecería La Tropical on (Cuban) lands once owned by Federico Kohly. Cuba’s Oldest Brewery grows and grows, and by 1958 La Tropical accounts for over 60% of all beer production in Cuba, making the brand world-renowned. La Tropical stands alongside cigars, rum and music as the pride of Cuba.

“La Tropical founded the Cuban beer industry. La Tropical comprised acre upon acre of a brewery, tropical gardens and a baseball stadium, whose in-field sand was made of crushed La Tropical bottles. There were many owners, but my family held majority ownership. As a kid, I loved going to the brewery with my father. I can still smell the sweet and thick malty scent coming from the brewery.” RAMON BLANCO-HERRERA 4th Generation La Tropical Family Member

In 1896 Florida’s First Brewery is founded in Ybor City/Tampa, Florida, by Cuban cigar industrialist family: Martinez-Ybor. In 1897 La Tropical beer is produced and distributed in Florida. The Florida La Tropical brand has an affiliation with the La Tropical brand from Cuba. In the early 1900’s La Tropical in Ybor City produced 80,000 barrels of beer at its’ peak. The Cuban embargo and new Florida competition from Anheuser Busch and Schlitz forced the shutdown of the brewery in 1961. Dale Swope, a Tampa attorney, acquires the old La Tropical brewery in Ybor City in 1999 and embarks on a historical preservation project to save the building after years of neglect.

in 1904 The La Tropical beer gardens are opened, near the banks of the Almendares River, and quickly become a must-go destination for cold cerveza, fun, music and dance. Designed by Cuban architect Ramón Magriñá, the gardens were inspired by the Spanish gardens of Gaudí. Los Jardines de La Tropical included a botanical Tropical garden with a multitude of concrete structures designed in a modernist and organic style, as well as a replica castle of the Alhambra de Granada in Spain.

SYLVIA MUÑIZ DE MURAI

“My father was the General Manager of the brewery and we lived in an exquisite castle within Los Jardines de La Tropical. They were the happiest days of my childhood.”

1960 marks the arrival of the revolution in Cuba begins and La Tropical’s assets are seized. The Cuban exodus begins and over one million Cubans flee the island, including the now impoverished Blanco-Herrera and Kohly families. Miami welcomes them with open arms.

“It was Christmas Eve, December 24, 1960, when our world changed forever and our family was forced to flee our Cuban homeland. The Castro government stole our home and investment properties. My mother was widowed, with three young children, and landed in Miami with only $5 in her pocket. It was very tough at first. Sixty years later, Miami became our new home and where my children were born and raised.” GRAZIELLA RODRIGUEZ-KOHLY 4th Generation Kohly And Mother Of Manny Portuondo

1960 – 2020

The Disappearance

Inside Cuba, La Tropical is now run by the revolution. La Tropical is eventually lost, but never forgotten.

“They came at gunpoint to take the brewery. I was one of the last senior managers at the brewery that day and was forced to hand over the keys. They knew about managing a brewery, what I knew about going to the moon.”

JULIO FERNANDEZ-SELLES Last Master Brewer Of Cervecería La Tropical (Pre-Revolution) 1917-2002

In 1998, The Comeback Begins…

Manny Portuondo, great-great grandson of Federico Kohly makes it his passion project in life to bring La Tropical back. At the age of 32, after a successful career with Anheuser-Busch and the Brahma Brewery of Brazil, he mortgages his home and raises capital from the prominent Cuban American community in Miami, including Ramon Blanco-Herrera.Three Palms Holdings is formed and for two decades Manny Portuondo fights to secure control of the La Tropical brand in key markets throughout the world.

“In my early 30s, I entered a phase where I longed to learn more about where I came from and how my family got to the United States of America. I became fascinated with my family’s past and the La Tropical story in particular. Not long after, I decided to do something about it and fight back.” MANNY PORTUONDO 5th Generation Kohly, Founder Of Three Palms Holdings & CEO Of Cervecería La Tropical

In 2016 La Tropical hosts a teaser beer launch in the heart of Miami under license with the Boston Beer Company. The launch is a great success with customers lining up for hours to taste the original recipe of La Tropical’s award-winning La Original Ambar Lager at a local Wynwood brewery. Very quickly, La Tropical becomes a best seller. La Tropical generates local and international attention that leads to interest from many of the world’s largest brewers.

After two decades of fighting to save La Tropical, Three Palms Holdings completes the majority sale of La Tropical brand to Heineken NV. With no physical brewery, Heineken makes a significant investment to build a Miami home for Cervecería La Tropical. Scouting begins for the perfect site. A ¾ acre site in the Wynwood Arts District is acquired and construction begins in 2019 to include a 32 thousand hectoliter per year brewery, tap room, restaurant and beer garden. A true destination brewery for beverage consumers everywhere.

Cervecería La Tropical has a new Miami home, a testament to perseverance, passion, hard work and the belief that all is possible if you dare to make your dreams come true. Over a century in the making, and inspired by the tropics, Cuba’s Oldest Brewery is now one of Miami’s Youngest.

Manager Mike was happy to give me a tour of the place which included the brewery and the tropical garden (which is an extension of the Fairchild Tropical Gardens I learned). Tropical trees such as guava and herbs can be found in the gardens and are labeled with each tree or bush’s description and a QR Code to hover over to learn even more. He informed me that Chef Cindy Hutson was expecting me and was preparing to have a number of their popular dishes brought out for me to try. Funny thing is I have been following Chef Cindy for years. I first heard about her work at Orantanique on Miracle Mile in Coral Gables (which sadly closed this location after 21 years in business.) I was super excited to finally meet this chef who I have the utmost respect and admiration for. First up on the tasting menu was my choice of beer. Whenever I see a “Sour” on the menu, this is my go-to. I ordered the Dulce Sour and got to choose a flavor to infuse it with; I went with my server Brittany’s suggestion, guava, and man o man, was this beer ever so refreshing, it really hit the spot. So much so, that even though I had only intended to consume one, I just had to have another.

Cervecercia just began offering brunch on Sat, Oct 1st and this was only their second day when I came that Sunday. They had a live band that was setting up to go on at 1pm. They have a weekly live music line up which can be viewed on their website. Live bands throughout the week nights and during Sunday Brunch from 1 -4pm.

First dish brought out for me to try was a sample size portion of their popular guava and cream cheese French Toast with vanilla bean cream cheese drizzle and blood orange maple syrup and guava compound butter. Went terrific with my guava sour beer! (If you like guava like I do, you will love this place as guava makes its appearance throughout the menu.) I think this might have been my favorite dish of the afternoon.

Next, came the Caribbean Avocado Toast. This was a very unique version of an avocado toast. It came with toasted pepita seeds, charred shishito peppers, tomato marmalade, cojita cheese and topped with a soft cooked egg. I really enjoyed the flavor profiles and they combined perfectly to create a balanced bite. It was a little top heavy for the bread though, so it became a little soggy and a little messy as a result.

Next came the Harnish de Maiz con Queso – Cheesy Grits…(again, the pic below is a smaller portion than what is typically served). This one pot wonder consisted of chorizo sausage, onions, peppers, and served with a side of Cuban toast for mopping up all the deliciousness.

Something on the menu caught my eye. It was “woo aioli”. I asked Brittany what was this and she brought me out some plantain chips with a side of this secret sauce. It way yummy. I could have ingested a whole container of this stuff . LOL

My final two tastings were the Ham Croqueta and the Cuban Sandwich Empanada. Both were very tasty and I can see why they are crowd pleasers.

Manager Michael Moss was most accommodating. He is pretty new to the Cerveceria La Tropical team but not new at all to the restaurant business. He had recently joined the team having been with a large restaurant group for many years prior.

Brittany, my server was so cute and super helpful.

It was so great to finally meet Chef Cindy in person. She is so creative. Super talented chef!!!

There is a $10 cover to enter on the weeknights there is a live band performing, but that fee also includes one complimentary cocktail that will be served inside the “Birdcage” as guests enter on the right.

Cerveceria La Tropical is an ideal spot for casual dining for brunch, lunch and dinner and is a perfect venue for group events too!

They are closed on Mondays and are open Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday: 4PM-11PM, (Kitchen until 10PM)

Friday: 12PM-1AM, Kitchen until midnight (limited menu past 10PM)

Saturday: 11:30AM-1AM, Kitchen until midnight (limited menu past 10PM)

Sunday: 11:30AM-10PM, Kitchen until 9PM

Until we eat (and drink) again…

I send you delicious wishes, xo

Denise

The post Cuba’s Oldest Brewery Is Now One of Miami’s Youngest…Cerveceria La Tropical appeared first on Savor Our City.

I get asked all the time for restaurant recommendations and often I am asked for the name of a good seafood restaurant. Of course this should come easy, being that we are located on the coast. But up until now, I really hadn’t found one that just rolled off my tongue. But today, I am super excited to share with you my new favorite seafood restaurant which recently opened in Delray Beach, FL. It’s called Lionfish.

Lionfish, the beloved San Diego hotspot boasting a fresh-catch menu meshed with seasonal ingredients, has opened the doors to its second location in the heart of downtown Delray Beach, Florida.

Situated along the famed Atlantic Avenue, Lionfish has been twice-recognized as a James Beard Foundation Smart Catch Leader, offering a sea-to-table approach with a mouthwatering menu served in the form of simplistic yet expertly-flavored coastal cuisine. The Delray Beach location is led by esteemed restaurant and entertainment specialists, Clique Hospitality.

Originally slated to open before the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, the new timeline has allowed Lionfish to deliver the best possible product to an eagerly-awaiting audience. In addition to a socially-conscious, locally-sourced menu, Lionfish is continuing to contribute to ocean conversation by serving its namesake dish in a variety of delicious appetizers and entrees. The rare, delectable white flaky fish is a species that is ravaging the ocean by devouring fellow sea life and damaging coral reefs.

“We are so thankful to call Delray Beach our new home, having recently established our second corporate headquarters here, and can’t wait to show locals and tourists alike the coastal dining experience that is Lionfish,” says Andy Masi, founder of Clique Hospitality. “Opening this fall has allowed us to launch with our full brand concept versus having to restrict menus and offerings during the pandemic.”

Guests of Lionfish can expect a menu of wild-caught catches from the surrounding Atlantic Ocean coupled with grass-fed meats and fresh ingredients from local farmers, ranchers and regional purveyors inside a high-energy, sophisticated atmosphere. A full beverage menu of cutting-edge cocktails along with time-honored classics is served by a team of master mixologists. In addition, guests can sip from an all-encompassing wine list and a vast array of craft beers.

Executive Chef Jose “JoJo” Ruiz of Lionfish’s San Diego location serves as Corporate Chef with locally-renowned Chef Johnny Demartini overseeing the kitchen as Executive Chef.

About Clique Hospitality
Clique Hospitality, founded by Andy Masi, is a collaboration of talented food and beverage professionals who have helped shape the dining and nightlife landscape along the West Coast for the past two decades. Masi has dedicated his life to making guests feel that a simple night out was more than just a memory, but also an experience. Clique is a boutique hospitality and marketing company with operations in Las Vegas, NV, San Diego, CA and Delray Beach, FL. Clique specializes in approachable dining that sets trends, rather than following them. In its partnerships with many of the country’s most prestigious hospitality corporations, including MGM Resorts International, Cosmopolitan Las Vegas,Hotels, Montage Resorts, and Red Rock Resorts, Clique is transcending hospitality through service, quality, and trendsetting design.

Had to try a dish with the namesake in it. We really enjoyed this ceviche. The secret to the deliciousness of this ceviche  we were told is the use of key lime in the curing process which gives it a little more tartness but balances out the sweetness of the coconut agave.

What a lovely combination of flavors. Clever spin on a traditional caprese salad. This Asian inspired version was very tasty.

I like to think of myself as somewhat of a Sushi Pizza Connoisseur. I try this dish wherever I go when I see it on a menu. This one served at Lionfish is definitely one of the best. It’s a close runner up to the one at Pubbelly. I really enjoyed the truffle mustard aioli and the micro shiso added a nice textural component.

Oh my! These mini lobster rolls are heavenly! The petite buns are made especially for Lionfish and are the perfect vessel for this scrumptious lobster salad. Delish! Great for sharing or enjoying as a meal on your own.

This was a fun interactive experience cooking your food over the hot rock. There are two Hot Rock options; the Wagyu Beef and the Giant King Oyster Mushrooms with Smoked Miso.

The aioli coated the hot rock shrimp, rather than being served as a dipping sauce. You could detect its essence but I believe a side of this sauce for dipping would go a long way. I’m sure they would bring one out if asked.

And now on to dessert….soooo many interesting selections…

Oh my gosh. Words just fail to do this dessert justice. A deconstructed key lime pie. We savored every single bite!

Just when you think you had the perfect dessert,, one that can’t be topped, you take a bite out of this one. Wow! We loved the creativity of the presentation of this dessert and the sundae itself with all the little crumble bites was awesome! Our message in the bottle read, “Save A Reef, Eat A Lionfish! #GetHooked”

Well there you have it folks. This new seafood restaurant on the Ave gets two thumbs up and our stamp of approval. If you haven’t been there yet…what are ya waiting for? Enjoy and tell Sean the Manager that your friend Denise from Savor Our City sent ya!

Lionfish is open daily starting at 4pm and serving Brunch on Saturdays & Sundays from 10am – 3pm, with dinner served until 11pm on Sats and 10pm on Suns. They are located at 307 E Atlantic Ave  Delray Beach.  561.639.8700

Until we eat again…

I send you delicious wishes, xo

Denise[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The post Lionfish Restaurant Opens on the Ave in Delray Beach appeared first on Savor Our City.

I hope you are all staying healthy and doing your best to safely enjoy your favorite foods & bevvies. I was recently invited to attend the preview of Sistrunk Marketplace, a 40,000-square-foot indoor foodie village that is more of a lifestyle complex than a typical food hall which opened to the public this past weekend.  Besides housing 12 food purveyors, it contains an island bar and a speakeasy-style lounge; a retail shopping co-op called Sistrunk Collective; a DJ academy and soundproofed recording studio for aspiring musicians; and enough plush chairs and picnic tables to fill a banquet hall.

For now, while we are still in pandemic mode, the food hall, brewery and distillery will use a reservation-only system for guests. Walk-ins are not allowedWary of attracting too many guests, the food hall is experimenting with crowd control, says Maxence Doytier, the market’s marketing director and self-described “events guru.”

For now, all Sistrunk Marketplace guests must book their visit times in advance through Tock, a smartphone restaurant reservation app. No walk-ins are allowed, masks are required and waitstaff will verify your reservation at the entrance. Under Florida’s current Phase 1 guidelines, the food hall can fit half of its 565-person capacity, Doytier says, and a booking system helps them keep track of diners.

Khoffner Brewery, a German-style brewhouse, is by far Sistrunk’s largest vendor, and expects to open within 60 days, Doytier says. Shady Distillery, a maker of small-batch whiskeys, rums and vodkas, will debut sometime in 2021, as will a Wynwood Yard-style outdoor beer garden with shipping-container bars.

Here are the vendors you will find inside Sistrunk Marketplace:

The post Sistrunk Marketplace, a new 40,000-square-foot food hall in downtown Fort Lauderdale appeared first on Savor Our City.

It’s that time of the year again…you know, the one when kids are off from school, the days get longer and hotter, tourists go home cutting our commute times in half (SoFla) and local businesses start extending the best offers. Ah…Summer in South Florida!!!

Yours truly kicked off summer with my two new team members, Marti my personal assistant and Jennifer my marketing & branding specialist. Time for some company bonding and what better place to host a little staycation retreat than at the Wyndham Deerfield Beach Resort, who happens to be a new partner of Savor Our City’s. (More on that later…)

After checking into the room, I met the girls at The Patio Bar & Grill for some happy hour drinks and lite bites. Lucky for us, when we checked in, we were given some complimentary drink coupons and once we used those up, drinks were still half-off making the already great wine at $6 a glass even tastier at $3 (SCORE!!!) 

Started off with a lovely glass of Sauvignon Blanc and peel & eat shrimp and the tuna tartar (ahi tuna, spicy mayo, BBQ teriyaki glaze, cucumbers, avocado, wonton, wakame slaw) ooooh so yummy! Here’s a closer look at it…

We continued to enjoy ourselves for 3 solid hours at which point we decided to take a stroll up the street to a place called Barracuda which Jennifer used to visit frequently and wanted us to check out. We had just enough room in our bellies to try another cocktail and a sample platter of assorted tapas. Our server was friendly and was happy to engage in conversation with us. I would definitely go back.

                        The Ladies of SOC

Get Your Eat On…
Patio Bar and Grill, a popular casual restaurant facing the beach and the ocean, features traditional American cuisine and has an extensive & impressive list of tropical drinks. Burger Craze restaurant features a nice bar, burgers, wings, and hot dogs. If you’re in the mood for more upscale Italian cuisine, then Café Med restaurant, under the helm of Chef Lilo Teodosi, has got you covered. To round out the night, or on a nice hot summer afternoon, have an authentic Italian gelato at the very popular Vaniglia E Cioccolato Gelateria where there’s something for everyone. Wanna sample them all? Well guess what?!?  You can do that on “A Taste of Wyndham Deerfield Beach” – a new food tour that started up about a month ago.  It is open to the public and tickets must be purchased in advance. It is offered every Thursday evening from 5:30pm – 8:30pm (unless otherwise stated) for $65pp. The price includes a full meal with food & alcohol tastings at all four activations within the Wyndham Deerfield Beach Resort with a local Savor Our City guide, a goodie bag with special offers from area businesses and from the restaurants sampled, a stroll along the International Fishing Pier, and gratuities.

Besides boasting three distinctive restaurants on its premises with entirely different menus and different cuisines and a gelateria, other amenities include a hot tub, a spa and an outdoor pool and bar, as well as a 24/7 fitness center and a business center.

Let me tell you about the room. I was given a room with floor to ceiling windows and man did I have a spectacular view. The room was very pleasant, modern and had an ocean like vibe. The Resort underwent a complete renovation in 2011. Not sure if you know this or not but the Wyndham Deerfield Beach Resort is independently (privately) owned. It was built by the Chase Family who have owned and operated it since its opening day.

Every room at the Wyndham Deerfield Beach Resort has floor-to-ceiling windows (either ocean view or city view), Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, as well as minifridges and coffeemakers. Suites have additional bedrooms and separate living areas as well. Some feature ocean views. Room service is available.

The Resort is a full-service hotel with 172 rooms, a ballroom, and meeting space, totaling about 4,500 square feet which can accommodate weddings up to 180 people and meetings up to 250 people.

The next morning was quite magical, awakening to this…

This beach front property is centrally located, halfway between Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach and are approximately 20 or 30 miles away from both airports.

Its location is just one aspect that sets the resort apart. The Resort is located directly across from a very quaint, pristine, safe, clean beach – one of the nicest ones in south Florida. There’s a village-like atmosphere here; the height of the buildings is limited to 55 feet, so there are no tall buildings, skyscrapers, etc.  It looks like old Florida and reminds folks just how things used to be, yet with modern and clean buildings. There are shops, restaurants, entertainment, sporting activities, all within walking distance.

The Wyndham Deerfield Beach Resort is especially proud of its reviews, as they should be. They have received excellent reviews and are very proud to have been the number one hotel on Trip Advisor in Deerfield Beach for five consecutive years.

In 2016, they were voted Wyndham Property of the Year – the number one Wyndham hotel in the system. They also received the Best of Wyndham Award for their reviews, not just on Trip Advisor but compiled from data originating from a combination of all the reviews from all different sites.

To book a stay at The Wyndham Deerfield Beach Resort, click on this link to be taken to their website.

To book your Taste of Wyndham Deerfield Beach Food Tour, please visit Savor Our City’s website.

Their address is: 2096 NE 2nd St, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441 and Phone: (954) 428-2850

Until we eat (and drink) again…

I send you delicious wishes, xo

Denise

The post Summer Staycation Ideas: Hotel Edition, Part 1 appeared first on Savor Our City.

Savor Our City recently attended the popular and well-established Boca Bacchanal presented by the Boca Raton Historical Society & Museum held at the well-known Boca Raton Resort & Club. This is the 17th year in which this annual event has brought together world class chefs and vintners, offering their finest specialties, while providing residents and visitors with a delightful opportunity to support an outstanding cause. Proceeds raised, benefit an array of innovative, diverse and rapidly growing Historic Preservation and Heritage Education programs that are offered for children and adults. Savor Our City enjoyed some very tasteful bites from over 20 local restaurants including; M.E.A.T, Bonefish Grill, Gourmet Phile, Burtons Grill, Med Café, to name a few and a sampling of some delicious and creative wines and brews from Potions In Motion Catering, Tattinger Champagne, Ron Rubin Winery, and Unibroue, again to name a few. Savor Our City is proud to support this event and cause.

The post 2019 Boca Bacchanal appeared first on Savor Our City.

Dear Foodie Friends,

For those of you who have been around Boca Raton for the past 10 years, you might say that there has been quite the revolving door when it comes to the dining scene. Take the south west corner of Federal Highway & SE Mizner Blvd. in Downtown Boca for instance. How many of you remember Oceans 11, Saba Sushi, Ovenella and the short-lived The Little Chalet? Who remembers anything before? Let me know by commenting at the bottom of the post. I took you back as far as I could recall, since first coming to the area and immersing myself into the food scene here in Boca.

The Little Chalet was a beautiful special-occasion venue that is wildly popular in Brazil, but for whatever reason, just didn’t catch on here in the company’s first US location. It’s a shame; they spent a small fortune I’m sure creating a lovely romantic ambiance. But, beautiful decor alone doesn’t pay the bills so the owners decided early on to cut their loss and close and re-open with an entirely new hip & trendy concept.

Created by Ricky Marcellini, owner of The Little Chalet who explained that after noting a change in the area’s demographics, they saw an opportunity to introduce South Floridians to a breezy, Brazilian nightlife-inspired restaurant and lounge for everyday dining. To facilitate a more communal and casual quality guest experience, he opened the space to an airier interior, expanding seating and adding a second bar to the outdoor patio.

“We have watched East Boca grow and change over the years, and we wanted to evolve our restaurant to match the tastes and lifestyles in the area, which is why we closed our doors as The Little Chalet and have reopened as The Locale,” explains Ricky. “Our culinary team is as skilled as ever, and we are excited to offer a more robust and unique beverage program to complement the quality dishes that come out of our kitchen.”

The hip and trendy The Locale Cocina & Bar presents guests with a Latin-inspired menu (South American influences including Brazil & Equador) and I would say Italian as well and is fast becoming the gathering spot in Downtown Boca for local friends and business associates.  I’m sure it also helps to offer Happy Hour every day from 4 – 7pm and again from 9pm til closing. What’s more, is that guests can enjoy happy hour anywhere in the restaurant, not just the bar Sun – Thur (and at the bar only on Fri & Sat nights). There’s a reduced price food menu and all drinks are 1/2 off.

I was invited by The Locale’s PR firm to attend a media dine. They hosted a lovely event which several of my blogger friends attended, however, I was unable to attend at the time due to a lingering cold. I was thrilled to be invited back to experience the restaurant once I was well. On this dine, we started out a couple of their popular cocktails; I chose the Lychee Martini and my husband chose the Caipirinha, Brazil’s National cocktail. Lychees are my newest exotic fruit obsession, by the way.

. 

The Locale’s Chef Joshua Miranda and team take pride in creatively melding exotic flavors with familiar applications in order to deploy flavorful creations to be shared. Locale’s Manager Carlos took the liberty of sending out a variety of dishes for us to try: a trio of appetizers consisting of pork & beef meatballs, mushroom crostini (called tostada on the menu) and tuna tartare were presented first. They were all delicious, but the star for me was the tuna tartare. The su vide preparation of the egg yolk was something that a true die hard foodie like myself would appreciate.

Carlos next sent out the Locale pizza which had fresh mozzarella, prosciutto, arugula and shaved Parmesan. Tip: took home leftovers and heated the pizza up and cracked a fresh egg on top to make a delicious breakfast pizza!

The Picarina steak had a beautiful sear on it and was seasoned and cooked perfectly and served with yuca fries.

There was a generous portion of shrimp in the Fettucini Alfredo dish. Also made a nice shrimp scampi crostini the next day with these leftovers!

The Locale boasts Boca’s only Mixology Bar. (I see a Savor Our City Mixology Class taking place there in the future)– The Locale provides libation seekers with two bars and ample seating. Inside, chocolate bitters, candied ginger and acai liqueur are at the ready behind the bar, shaken up into one-of-a-kind drinks that are as eye-catching as they are delicious. Moscow Mule drinkers can choose from four iterations of the copper-mugged classic, including a daily rotating option, in addition to cocktails like the Brazilian Rum Runner  Fig Old Fashioned, Lychee Martini and Jalapeño Aquafaba. At the newly-expanded patio, The Locale’s outdoor bar is happy to shake up something on the more traditional side in addition to pouring South Florida’s coldest brew at an impressive 28°F from their special imported below-freezing brewery tap. With over 35 beers from 6 countries, the perfect sip is always within reach.

Other signature dishes on the menu that look really interesting which I will have to go back for are: Beef Empanada with shredded short ribs and tomato jam; Croqueta fried dough filled with ham and cheese; and Shrimp Ajillo garlic shrimp served with white rice and broccoli bring a taste of South America to the table. Vegetarians and carnivores alike will swoon over The Locale’s meat-free Portobello Burger with tamarind glaze, manchego, crispy kale, aioli on a brioche bun; and flavorful signature entrées abound, with highlights including Short Rib over manchego polenta; Faroe Island Salmon with wild rice, asparagus, yogurt crema; and Bucatini with yellow chili sauce, onions and tomatoes and choice of sautéed filet or chicken.

The Locale’s Happy Hour is served every day from 4-7p.m. and 9p.m.-close, where guests can enjoy even more brews, beats and bespoke cocktails from anywhere in the restaurant.

The Locale is located at 499 S Federal Hwy, Boca Raton, FL 33432, They are open for dinner Sun. – Thurs. 4 – 11p.m.; Fri. & Sat. 4p.m. – 1 a.m. and brunch on Sundays fro 10:30am – 2pm. For more information or to make a reservation, call (561) 325-8000 or visit www.localeboca.com.

Until we eat (and drink) again…

I send you delicious wishes, xo

Denise

The post The Locale Is The New Locals Hot Spot in Boca Raton appeared first on Savor Our City.

On Saturday, Downtown Ft. Lauderdale was flooded with beer enthusiasts and local breweries for the second annual FemAle Brewfest. It was a sunny day – perfect weather to throw back a cold one!

The outdoor event moved to Huizenga Plaza in downtown Ft. Lauderdale this year. The new venue allowed for more breweries and more than doubled the capacity. This not-so-secret gem of a festival was brimmed with tasty local breweries. And the best part is that this Brewfest was specifically aimed at highlighting women in the beer industry as all the businesses were women-owned or founded. One brewery featured a female master brewer, Kayla Brogna, of Bousa Brewery in Miami. We tried their coffee stout and found it was the perfect sip to start the day off!

Next, we tried the Pomegranate Passion Fruit Evil Kiss. A Berliner Weisse by Tallahassee’s Proof Brewing Company.Tart yet full-bodied, the German-style beer awakened our taste buds!

There were people from all over the state in attendance, including Dana who recently moved to Florida from Colorado. She was involved in the Colorado beer scene and said this event was the first of its kind that she’s ever experienced. Dana told us she was really happy to see this event celebrating women in an industry normally dominated by men.

By far, our favorite beers of the day came from MIA Brewery in Miami. We kept coming back for their crisp and refreshing ‘Hard Water’ series so often that they gave us a can! A low calorie, gluten-free, low carb beer with only 5% alcohol, it’s great for a long day at the beach. We suggest the Cucumber and Lemon Lime flavor.

Finally, what beer fest would be complete without some beer-infused sweets? We found this eye candy by Lola The Baker at the festival. Her beer cupcakes are divine and come in fun flavors including; Fruity Pebbles, Chocolate Raspberry, French Toast Maple Bacon, and Chocolate Cookie Dough. Her custom bakery in Miami even has gluten-free and vegan desserts!

The second annual FemAle Brewfest boasted live music, outdoor games, a Jameson Whiskey-sponsored tent (with free shots), and great vibes. We recommend getting your tickets early next year because it’s only a matter of time until more people find out about this intoxicatingly fun and lively Brewfest.

The post FemAle Brewfest 2018 Celebrates Women in the Industry and Great Beer appeared first on Savor Our City.

I am sorry for the big gap in between posts. I have been busy growing my company. Lots of exciting things will soon be revealed. A brand new website is just one of the things you can expect to see before the end of the year, woo hoo!

For any of you who have ever been on one of our culinary tours, you probably received a goodie bag provided by one of our sponsors, Whole Foods Market, which we fill with info and offers from each of the places we took you to during the tour, plus a sample from another sponsor, Sheila G’s Brownie Brittle.

Today’s blog post will be short and sweet. I wanted to let those of you in or near the Boca Raton Whole Foods Market location know that you should make a point to stop into their new Tavern on the Glades. This full service sit-down eatery located inside the store celebrates flavor and features all-day breakfast, pub burgers, amazing salads, sandwiches and more. At the Tavern, guests can choose from 16 craft beers on tap, Sommelier selected wines and non-alcoholic beverages.

TAVERN HOURS ARE 8AM TO 9PM, DAILY

Whole Foods Market is located at 1400 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431  561.447.0000

Check out their menu!

Until we eat again…

I send you delicious wishes, xo

Denise

The post Tavern on the Glades – Whole Foods Market Boca Raton appeared first on Savor Our City.