MINDFUL MIXOLOGIST

EAT+DRINK

FRANCESCACOVIELLO

MINDFUL MIXOLOGIST

The Cleansing Cocktail Hour

CHEERS TO THE NEW YEAR WITH A LOW-PROOF SOUR BURSTING WITH VEGGIES

BY JULES ARON

With a long week (month?) of holiday indulgence behind you, it’s time to kick off 2023 with a celebratory sip you can feel good about. Whether you plan on partaking in Dry January or prefer a mindful ethos all year long, you’ll love this green drink for a cleansing cocktail hour, with or without spirits. The Smoky Stalker uses Lillet Blanc and mezcal as its base, with the complementary vegetal notes of fresh market greens for a synergistic fl avor profi le.

GYORGY PAPP The Smoky Stalker Ingredients (serves 2) 2 celery stalks, washed, trimmed, 2 celery stalks, washed, trimmed, and cut into 1-inch pieces 2 Persian cucumbers, peeled and 2 Persian cucumbers, peeled and cut into 1-inch slices 1 thin slice of serrano pepper, deseeded 1 thin slice of serrano pepper, deseeded 1 small bunch cilantro, washed and chopped 1 small bunch cilantro, washed and chopped 1 1/2 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice 1 oz. simple syrup 1 1/2 oz. Ilegal Mezcal 4 oz. Lillet Blanc 1 cup ice

Add all ingredients to a blender and pulse until well blended. Strain into a glass with fresh ice and enjoy with extra lime wedges and an optional salt rim.

GREEN BAR & KITCHEN Plant-based sustainability is the focus of this modern eatery that embraces fresh, vibrant, and wholesome food. 1075 SE 17th St., Fort

Lauderdale (greenbarkitchen.com) $$ HERE & NOW Located in Historic Downtown Fort

Lauderdale, this tapas bar and restaurant offers flavors from around the world in a family-friendly environment. 433 NW 1st Ave., Fort Lauderdale (here andnowfl.com) $$ THE HISTORIC DOWNTOWNER An evening out along the waterfront is perfectly complemented by a casual meal at this New River–adjacent landmark. 10 S. New River Drive E., Fort Lauderdale (thehistoricdowntowner.com) $$ LUCKY FISH A casual tiki-centric outpost featuring a menu of tropical, handcrafted drinks and quick eats. 222 N. Pompano Beach Blvd., Pompano Beach (luckyfishpompano.com) $$ MITCH’S DOWNTOWN Inspired by a New York–style deli, this outpost serves up fresh bagels, stacked

French toasts, piled-high sandwiches, sweet treats, and more. 540 N. Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale (mitchsdowntown.com) $$ PLANTA QUEEN Enjoy dining as an unguilty pleasure inside this 100-percent plant-based dining concept on Las Olas. 1201 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (plantarestaurants.com) $$ PURA VIDA This fast-casual concept believes in offering fresh, simple, and sustainable food to Lauderdale locals. 221 SW 1st Ave. Suite 3, Fort Lauderdale. (puravidamiami.com) $$ RIVERSIDE MARKET Fort Lauderdale’s official craft beer hangout. 608 SW 12th Ave., 3218 SE 6th Ave.,

Fort Lauderdale; 6900 Cypress Road, Plantation (theriversidemarket.com) $$ SHOOTERS WATERFRONT In step with the everevolving city since 1982, this dockside icon serves brunch, lunch, and dinner to legions of faithful patrons and epicurean travelers. 3033 NE 32nd Ave.,

Fort Lauderdale (shooterswaterfront.com) $$ SPINNAKER POOL BAR & GRILL Refreshing cocktails, grilled kabobs, and crisp salads complement days spent poolside in a chaise lounge under the sun. Conrad Fort Lauderdale, 551 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (conradfort lauderdale.com) $$ TOP HAT DELICATESSEN This old-school deli offers everything from knishes, Reubens, and reinvented dishes alongside decadent desserts. 415 NE 3rd St.,

Fort Lauderdale (tophatftl.com) $$ TRP TASTE This 26-seat venue by The Restaurant

People centers on a rotating, ever-evolving schedule of multicourse culinary experiences. 1 W. Las Olas

Blvd., Suite 100, Fort Lauderdale, (trptaste.com) $$$ UNIT B EATERY + SPIRITS A chic speakeasy paired with

New American small plates. 610 SW 145th Terrace,

Pembroke Pines (unitbeateryandspirits.com) $$ YONUTZ Get your sweet fix on at Yonutz, home of the Smash Doughnut. In addition, enjoy ice cream, milkshakes, and other dreamy concoctions. 121 NW 136th Ave, Sunrise (yonutz.com) $ NEW IN TOWN Sweet Talk

Chatter of thick-stacked cakes and rainbow sprinkle cookies can only mean one thing: Fireman Derek’s has officially made its debut in the 954. This bakeshop planted roots in Miami in 2013, helmed by former Miami firefighter and Division I football player Derek Kaplan, who is a “selftaught baker with a passion for pie.” One delish key lime pie and countless baked goods later, Fireman Derek’s is now a must-try dessert outpost. Enjoy favorites like the coconut and guava rum cake and the Nutella-infused cheesecake, plus a few new items rolling out this Valentine’s Day. Stop by the bakery today for a taste of what’s in store. (firemandereks.com) —M.P.

YOT BAR & KITCHEN A 360-degree view of the New

River inspires the locale’s nautical interiors, fresh menu, and adventurous cocktails. 2015 SW 20th St.,

Fort Lauderdale (yotlmc.com) $$

ASIAN

CASA SENSEI Sushi meets Asian-Latin fusion in signature dishes like lobster guacamole, Korean steak chimichurri, and the Fish Burnt Roll. Enjoy dining with picturesque views outside. 1200 E. Las Olas

Blvd. #101, Fort Lauderdale (casasensei.com) $$ KURO The Seminole Hard Rock’s nouveau Japanese darling serves up inventive dishes with ingredients imported from the Land of the Rising Sun and local offerings from the Sunshine State. 1 Seminole Way,

Hollywood (seminolehardrockhollywood.com) $$$ POKE OG This customizable poke bowl joint has all the toppings and condiments you could dream of adding to your favorite Asian dish. 115 NW 6th, St.,

Fort Lauderdale (pokeog.com) $$ SUSHI GARAGE A casual neighborhood Japanese concept offering everything from dynamic sushi rolls to noodles to Koren dishes. 500 Las Olas Blvd.,

Fort Lauderdale (sushigarage.com) $$ TAKATO The sleek, waterfront restaurant at The Conrad features a fusion menu of sushi, Korean-influenced appetizers, fresh fish, and meat. 551 N. Fort

Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (takato restaurant.com) $$$

CAFÉ / COFFEE

THE ALCHEMIST Sit amongst lush foliage and enjoy an avocado slider paired with The Alchemist’s signature iced coffee made with condensed milk and coffee ice cubes. 2430 NE 13th Ave., Wilton Manors (thealchemist.cafe) $$ ANN’S FLORIST AND COFFEE BAR The unique combo of a florist, cocktail and coffee bar can host many high-class events while also keeping the casual vibe of a classic coffee shop. 1001 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort

Lauderdale (annsfloristlasolas.com) $$ CREMA GOURMET ESPRESSO BAR Indulge in breakfast all day plus fresh cups of coffee inside this

South Florida favorite. 701 N. Federal Hwy., Hallandale Beach (cremagourmet.com) $$ LA BONNE CRÊPE This charming alcove serves the heavenly dish in savory and sweet renditions. 815 E.

Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (labonnecrepe.us) $$

EAT+DRINK

Welcome to the Jungle at Blue Steel

ZACK PERL

THE MODERN ROSE The café offers locally roasted coffee and a menu that changes seasonally, giving customers something new to try year-round. 331 SE 15th Terrace, Deerfield Beach (auniquecafe.com) $$ OSOM CREPES This crepe-focused place offers a variety of sweet and savory crepes to fit every mood. 115 NW 6th St., Fort Lauderdale (osomcrepes.com) $

ITALIAN

ANGELO ELIA PIZZA, BAR, & TAPAS Chef Angelo

Elia’s eponymous eatery extends the Casa D’Angelo family, featuring small plates and Italian-style pizza that celebrate old-world technique. 4215 N. Federal

Hwy., Fort Lauderdale (angeloeliapizza.com) $$ BLUE STEEL PIZZA CO. Detroit-style pizza and inventive cocktails in chic digs. 2460 E. Commercial Blvd.,

Fort Lauderdale (bluesteelpizzaftl.com) $$ BISTRO MEZZALUNA This treasured establishment boasts an impressive wine selection and savory house favorites like lamb chops and bistro seafood pasta. 1821 SE 10th Ave., Fort Lauderdale (bistromezzaluna.com) $$$ CASA D’ANGELO At this Italian fine-dining institution, owner-chef Angelo Elia’s meticulous care for ingredients is evident down to the spices in the marinara and flour in the house-made bread. 1201 N. Federal

Hwy., Fort Lauderdale (casa-d-angelo.com) $$$ FRANK PEPE PIZZERIA NAPOLETANA Hailing from up north, Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana offers

New Haven–style pizza distinguished by its thin, chewy crust. 341 N. University Drive, Plantation (pepespizzeria.com) $$ HERITAGE Bringing a New York vibe to Fort Lauderdale, this restaurant puts upscale twists on old Italian

classics. 903 NE 5th Ave., Fort Lauderdale (heritage ftl.com) $$ PATIO BAR AND PIZZA Stop by for brick-oven pizzas and creative cocktails in a trendy indoor-outdoor bar. 901 Progresso Drive Unit 114, Fort Lauderdale (patiobarpizza.com) $$ PIZZA CRAFT The pizzeria’s “00” flour, imported charcuterie, house-made mozzarella, and sizeable bar selection are the stars of the wood-fired show. 330 Himmarshee St., Fort Lauderdale (pizzacraft pizzeria.com) $$

LATIN AND MEXICAN

BAR RITA This eclectic Mexican and Latin spot is known for two floors of tasty tacos and tequilas set against a splashy facade. 1401 S. Andrews Ave., Fort

Lauderdale (barritaftl.com) $$ BODEGA TAQUERIA Y TEQUILA Enjoy fast-casual dining with atypical renditions of Mexican dishes.

Stop by for Taco Tuesday or post up in the lounge for a spicy marg. 21 W Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (bodegataqueria.com) $$ EL CAMINO Margaritas and Mexican soul food are a sure bet at this resto, where patrons can choose between two happy hours. 817 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort

Lauderdale (elcaminoftlauderdale.com) $$ EL VEZ This ocean-view space boasts Mexican fare and

Baja-style cooking. 401 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach

Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (elvezftlauderdale.com) $$ ROCCO’S TACOS & TEQUILA BAR If the 400 tequila varieties aren’t enough to hook patrons, the delicious tacos de casa and fresh guacamole make this expansive cantina-style resto irresistible. 1313 E. Las

Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (roccostacos.com) $$ TACOCRAFT TAQUERIA & TEQUILA BAR This tacofocused Mexican joint offers fun bar seating and classic Mexican favorites. 510 N. Federal Hwy., Fort

Lauderdale (tacocraft.com) $$ TIMPANO LAS OLAS The modern-classical menu features new riffs on Italian favorites, plus an impressive craft cocktail list and rare whiskey program. 450 E. Las

Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (timpanolasolas.com) $$$ TULIO’S TACOS & TEQUILA BAR The Wilton Manors bar and restaurant combination boasts a menu handcrafted by chef Tulio. 2150 Wilton Dr. Suite A 113, Wilton Manors (tuliostacos.com) $$

MEDITERRANEAN

CASABLANCA CAFÉ A cozy dining room with an Arabian Nights feel, Casablanca serves a variety of cuisines ranging from Moroccan to Japanese to Cuban that will please any palate. 3049 Alhambra St., Fort

Lauderdale (casablancacafeonline.com) $$ EVELYN’S Set inside the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale this swanky new restaurant offers coastal Florida cuisine intertwined with Eastern Mediterranean flavors. 525 N. Fort Lauderdale

Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (fourseasons.com) $$$ GREEK ISLANDS TAVERNA The spirit of the Aegean is alive and well at this gem that serves traditional

Greek dishes rooted in bright flavors and savory spices. 3300 N. Ocean Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (greekislandstaverna.com) $$ THE HUMMUS HOUSE This Middle Eastern-Israeli counter doles out amazing vegan- and vegetarianfriendly fare. 900 NE 20th Ave., Fort Lauderdale (thehummushouseftl.com) $$ YA MAS Nestled along Las Olas, Ya Mas! transports guests to the Mediterranean through fresh, chefdriven dishes. 1103 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (yamastaverna.com) $$

SEAFOOD

15TH STREET FISHERIES & DOCKSIDE CAFE Old-

Florida charm is palpable at this Lauderdale Marina favorite that features spiny lobster tail, seared diver scallops, and a host of delicious desserts. 1900 SE 15th St., Fort Lauderdale (15streetfisheries.com) $$$ AND FISH KITCHEN + BAR This ocean-adjacent dining room embraces the town’s affinity for the beach, boating, and diving in its sea-inspired menu. Marriott Pompano Beach Resort & Spa, 1200 N. Ocean

Blvd., Pompano Beach (marriott.com) $$ BOATYARD Come for the “Hook to Table” seafood and vegan-friendly selections, but stay for the photo-worthy lofted ceilings, oar chandelier, and natural light. This outpost also knows how to throw weekend brunch. 1555

SE 17th St., Fort Lauderdale (boatyard.restaurant) $$$ EVEN KEEL FISH & OYSTER The menu changes daily, but everything from the day’s selection of chilled oysters to pan-seared scallops are prepared to perfection. 112 Commercial Blvd., Lauderdale-By-The-

Sea (evenkeelfish.com) $$$

Roasted carrots at Unit B Eatery + Spirits

LOBSTER BAR SEA GRILLE An artful concept from the inspired culinary creations to the ultra-chic coastal contemporary dining room, this luxe experience is one to remember. 450 E. Las Olas Blvd.,

Fort Lauderdale (buckheadrestaurants.com) $$$ MASTRO’S OCEAN CLUB Finery comes naturally to this Intracoastal-hugging dining room, where guests can enjoy sea spoils among luxurious interiors or alfresco. 3000 NE 32nd Ave., Fort Lauderdale (maestrosrestaurants.com) $$$ NAKED CRAB A picturesque beachside view sets the tone for all things surf and turf at the B Ocean Resort’s upscale jewel with an undercurrent of eclectic

Mediterranean fl air. 1140 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (nakedcrabftl.com) $$$ PIRATE REPUBLIC SEAFOOD & GRILL Situated on the New River in Downtown Fort Lauderdale’s Historic District, Pirate Republic serves an incredible menu of original seafood dishes along with an array of tropical cocktails. 400 SW 3rd Ave., Fort Lauderdale (piraterepublicbar.com) $$ POINT BREAK POKE HOUSE Nestled inside No

Man’s Land in the Victoria Park Shoppes, this fastcasual option boasts chef-driven poke bowls and buns. 666 N. Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale (thepoke house.com) $$ RIVERTAIL James Beard–nominated chef José

Mendín demonstrates his renowned culinary prowess with the Rivertail raw platter, a perfectly spiced

Brazilian seafood stews, and the day’s fresh catch. 305 S. Andrews Ave., Suite 123, Fort Lauderdale (rivertailftl.com) $$$ SEA WATCH ON THE OCEAN A nostalgic nod to Old

Florida, this landmark eatery has been serving some of Broward County’s fi nest fruits de mer for more than 45 years. 6002 N. Ocean Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (seawatchontheocean.com) $$ WILD SEA OYSTER BAR & GRILLE A stellar raw bar and responsibly sourced seafood are the mainstays at this luxe-meets-nostalgic dining room. Riverside

Hotel, 620 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (wild sealasolas.com) $$$

STEAK HOUSE

THE CAPITAL GRILLE Renowned for dry-aged cuts, elevated steak house trimmings, superb wines, and attentive staff , this high-end chain off ers a luxurious dining experience. 2430 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (thecapitalgrille.com) $$$ CHIMA BRAZILIAN STEAKHOUSE Brazilian rodízio fi nds its place on Las Olas, with fountains and fl amebearing lamps welcoming diners. 2400 E. Las Olas

Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (chimasteakhouse.com) $$$ COUNCIL OAK STEAKS & SEAFOOD A signature raw bar, a wine room, and an open kitchen complement the Hard Rock favorite. 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood (seminolehardrockhollywood.com) $$$ DEL FRISCO’S GRILLE A sophisticated chophouse serving up bold renditions of steak and fi sh alongside modern cocktails. 501 E. Las Olas Blvd., Suite 150, Fort Lauderdale (delfriscosgrille.com) $$$ FOGO DE CHÃO Hailing from Brazil, this full-service churrascaria features an array of proteins and the famous caipirinha cocktail. 201 E. Las Olas Blvd. Suite 100, Fort Lauderdale (fogodechao.com) $$$ NYY STEAK NYY Steak presents fi ve-star seafood and steak off erings in an atmosphere that honors one of baseball’s fi nest teams, the New York Yankees. 5550

NW 40th St., Coconut Creek (nyysteak.com) $$$ RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE Specialty cuts of

Prime beef and New Orleans–inspired cocktails set a luxurious scene for any occasion. 2525 N. Federal

Hwy., Fort Lauderdale (ruthschris.com) $$$ STEAK 954 This coastal alcove features decadent dishes and a hypnotizing jellyfi sh tank. W Hotel, 401

N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (steak954.com) $$$

Discover Ft. Lauderdale’s Newest Hidden Gem

GOOD DRINKS GREAT PEOPLE COOL VIBES

503 SW 2nd Ave. Ft. Lauderdale www.thefitz.bar