Like Mama Made
Il Paesano, 2645 E Oakland Park Blvd., ilpaesanogourmet.com
An Italian gourmet food and wine market with a restaurant in the middle of it all, this place serves genuine Italian food with traditional recipes in a cozy, at-home atmosphere. The menu specializes in small plates, and much of what’s on offer is imported from Italy. Il Paesano also has a wide variety of wine, and for those who want to know more about it, they host a monthly winetasting class.
Pearly Gates
Bubbles & Pearls, 2037 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors, bubblesnpearls.com
A sleek modern restaurant with cool art on the wall and a Florida bohemian menu, this Champagne and raw bar from former Top Chef contestant Josie Smith-Malave offers a touch of globally inspired food and a bit of soul as well. For customers who are not fans of chilled seafood, there are some hot plates to indulge in like oysters Rockefeller, a choice ribeye, flatbread made in-house, and biscuit and pork belly served with honey. This restaurant also features a wide variety of cocktails, beer, wine – and of course, Champagne.
Para Bailar
La Bamba, 1901 Cordova Rd., labamba123.com
Inside Harbor Shops, a longtime favorite local Mexican and Spanish restaurant group has a new location. The newest La Bamba – there are now two in Fort Lauderdale, two in west Broward and two in Palm Beach County -is known, like the others, for its big, filling dishes and the extensive menu of appetizers, fajitas, burritos, steaks, soups and salads. In addition to the Mexican and Spanish flavors, they have an amazing Monday margarita special to jump start your week – or to keep the weekend going.
