1. Chocolate Hazelnut Bar at Kuro
1 Seminole Way
Chocolate. Hazlenut. Raspberry gel. Like a solid run at the slot machines, these things are not complicated but so, so satisfying.
2. Lobster Pad Thai at COCO ASIAN BISTRO
1841 Cordova Rd.
Pad Thai’s one of those great staple dishes, but you won’t usually see it like this. Coco brings a sophisticated panache to their dishes, and this is one lobster that did not die in vain.
3. Bavette Steak at S3
505 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd.
S3 always offers a creative take, and this handsome dish featuring mango chimichurri and yucca is no exception. If your date’s not handsome and a little exotic, at least your dinner can be.
4. Tropical Pavlova at Lobster Bar Sea Grille
450 E Las Olas Blvd.
As the name indicates, this place takes its seafood seriously. But when the sea has been vanquished, they’re not done. Pavlova may be dessert comfort food, but this looks like it was designed by an architecture firm.
5. Seared Scallops at Ocean2000
2000 N Ocean Blvd.
Crawfish étouffée with fava beans and tasso maque choux makes for a stylish, Louisiana-infused treat.
6. Key Lime Baked Alaska at STEAK 954
401 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd.
The Keys and Alaska, together at last, sort of. This uniquely Floridian take on the flamboyant dessert is perfect anywhere – but maybe even more so overlooking the Atlantic.
7. Drunken Lamb alla Carciofi at Grateful Palate Catering & Events
3003 NE 32nd Ave.
Let us behold what happens when you take porcini crusted lamd rack, crispy artichoke hearts, roasted fingerling potatoes, vincotto and a Negroni glaze. Art, that’s what happens.
