LOCAL SIPS

EAT+DRINK

LOCAL ROAST All Hail HOLLYWOOD

What happens when two West Coasters decide to pick up and leave Hollywood, California, in search of a city where they can cultivate a sense of community and a good cup of joe? They create Cali Coffee right here in Hollywood, Florida. This coffee shop has developed a cult following since owners Craig Avera and Rose White opened their doors in 2018. They’ve expanded to locales in Cooper City and Pembroke Pines, with more on the way. They offer a primarily drive-through-based experience with delicious coffee pairings (think: flavors like Fluffernutter with hazelnut and marshmallow, and Baywatch with coconut and white chocolate), plus a dizzying array of fruity drinks and shakes. FLI chatted with Avera and White to learn more about the brand’s mission, its expansion, and the secret drink order everyone needs to try at least once. (calicoffee.com) —M.P.

Clockwise from top left: Craig Avera and Rose White in front of the flagship Cali Coffee location; Iced Blondie; Iced Cosmo; the couple prepares drinks at their drive-through.

FLI: What made you choose South Florida to start the coffee shop?

White: We knew we wanted to open Cali somewhere away from the West Coast because the drive-through coffee market is already so saturated in Oregon and California. We thought Florida was the perfect spot because it has those sunny California vibes—the palm trees, the beaches… it all made sense with the brand we were building, and we hoped it would resonate with people here. Luckily it did!

What has it been like serving the South Florida community?

White: South Florida has been so welcoming! Our customers are absolutely amazing. They are die-hard. They will wait over an hour in line on the first of the month to get the new free sticker that we give out. We have regulars who drive over 30 minutes every day just to get coffee. It’s unbelievable, and we’re so grateful. We’ve also been able to give back to local sports teams, schools, hospitals, blood drives, and charities like Best Buddies. Giving back to the community that has supported us is so important.

Tell us about some of your bestsellers.

Avera: All of our coffee drinks are espresso-based. It’s the right way to do it, in our humble opinion. We also serve a ton of frozen and iced Hero Energy Drinks. We recently started that energy drink company, and currently, it’s found exclusively at Cali Coffee. Shakes are popular too, as well as iced teas, frozen lemonades, and hot cocoas during the winter months. Oh, but the Blondie (it’s a caramel breve) is our top seller.

What’s a secret menu item worth ordering?

White: If you order a Cali Affogato, it will be our sweet cream ice cream shake topped with a double shot of espresso. It is out of this world!

What separates you from other coffee shops?

Avera: The vibe for sure. People say we have a cult-like following; I won’t deny that. Our customers are die-hard, and I love them for that. Our employees genuinely are the greatest humans on the planet, and they hang around even on their off days. We have a culture that people want to be a part of. We serve amazing drinks but really, we are in the people and relationship industry.

FRESH SQUEEZED

JUICED UP

Broward locals who might not have enough time to juice or don’t know what to mix with what can now turn to Jennifer Orr, the founder of Jen’s Juice, for freshly made sips. Originally from Newport Beach, California, Orr moved to Fort Lauderdale in 2006 and works as a full-time nurse. She launched her juice business in April following inquiries from friends who were always curious about what she was drinking and eating. Today, she runs Jen’s Juice from her home, selling an array of cleanses plus wellness shots and blended juices made from fresh produce. Orr says her two most popular flavors are Clean Green (spinach, apple, celery, ginger, lemon, and cucumber) and Fat Blaster (pineapple, ginger, lemon, apple, orange, and cucumber).

“I suggest starting your day with a ginger lemon shot on an empty stomach,” advises Orr. Follow it up with one of her juice blends. Consuming “healthy ingredients to jump-start your body to its highest capability early in the day will result in endless energy and a high-functioning metabolism,” she says. Orr also offers a green minestrone and a ramen soup. Locals can place an order on Instagram, and Orr offers free delivery to those living in Broward County for orders of $40 and above. (instagram. com/jensjuice22) —M.P.

A selective guide to Broward County restaurants

THE LISTINGS

The Broward County dining scene has something for everyone, from funky Fort Lauderdale gastropubs to iconic waterfront restaurants dotting the county coastline. Here, find a listing of area standouts, organized by cuisine type, with descriptions, contact information, and price details for each. What the icons mean:

While not all-inclusive due to space limitations, our dining listings may vary every month and are constantly updated to showcase the culinary diversity of the area. Find more information on local dining options on fortlauderdaleillustrated.com.

$ Dinner entree under $10 $$ Most entrees $10-$25 $$$ Most entrees $25 or more

NOTICE TO RESTAURATEURS: The establishments listed and their descriptions are printed at the discretion of the editors of Fort Lauderdale Illustrated. They are not a form of advertisement, nor do they serve as a restaurant review. For more information, email editorial@palmbeachmedia.com

AMERICAN

AMERICAN SOCIAL A cool atmosphere and elevated comfort food classics are the hallmarks of this Las

Olas hot spot. 721 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (americansocialbar.com) $$ BATCH NEW SOUTHERN KITCHEN & TAP A casual dining restaurant and bar featuring scratch-cooked and locally sourced meals plus garden-to-glass cocktails. 525 N. Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale (atchsouthernkitchen.com/ftl) $ BEACH HOUSE POMPANO This upscale surf ‘n’ turf restaurant offers a fresh menu you can enjoy with a view of the beach to complement the meal. 270

N. Pompano Beach Blvd., Pompano Beach (beach housepompano.com) $$ BIG CITY TAVERN The aroma of house-made breads, pastas, and desserts combined with rustic, tavernstyle interiors evoke an inviting atmosphere in the sprawling dining room. 609 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort

Lauderdale (bigcitylasolas.com) $$ BLUE MARTINI Live entertainment pairs well with one of the bar’s quintessential martinis and a margherita flatbread to share. The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale, 2432

E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (bluemartini.com) $$ BULEGREEN CAFÉ YARD Head to this Oakland Park outpost for all-day brunch favorites (think smoked salmon sandwiches and the OMG Waffle) and signature, old-fashion-style coffee. 3299 N. Dixie Hwy.,

Oakland Park (bulegreen.us) $ BURGERFI An eco-friendly burger joint that has something for everyone at this South Fort Lauderdale location. 1465 SE 17th St., Fort Lauderdale (burgerfi.com) $$ CANYON The bold flavors of Southwest, Asian, and

Latin American cuisines blend in Canyon’s famous prickly pear margarita, shrimp tostada, tuna tartare, and white chocolate bread pudding. 620 S. Federal

Hwy., Fort Lauderdale (canyonfl.com) $$$ COOPER’S HAWK WINERY & RESTAURANT The dishes on the menu are all crafted to pair perfectly with one of the 60 wines bottled for the restaurant.

The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale, 2568 E. Sunrise

Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (chwinery.com) $$ DELICIOUS RAW KITCHEN & JUICE BAR This nutrition hub offers a variety of nourishing superfood bowls, juices, smoothies, and other specialties. 2276

S. University Drive, Davie (delraw.com) $$ DUNE BY LAURENT TOURONDEL A stunning waterfront restaurant that hosts imaginative dishes like crispy Parmesan souffle to grilled Australian lamb chops. 2200 N. Ocean Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (dunefl.com) $$$ FLORIDIAN RESTAURANT This classic diner has served an extensive selection of breakfast, lunch, and dinner comfort food favorites since 1937. 1410 E. Las

Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (thefloridiandiner.com) $ THE FOXY BROWN Offering nouveau American cuisine at its finest, Foxy Brown has a neighborhoodlike feel with big-city taste. 476 N. Federal Hwy., Fort

Lauderdale (foxybrownftl.com) $$