LOCAL BITES

EAT+DRINK

ZACK PERL SLICE OF HEAVEN PIZZA PARTY

«Blue Steel Pizza Co. Fans of Detroit-style pizza—known for its thick, square-cut, and crunchy crust—can rejoice with Blue Steel Pizza Co. now open on Commercial Boulevard. The pizza shop, which hails from New Jersey, got its name because the pies are baked in a blue steel pan and cooked to perfection thanks to executive chef Lawrence Talis. Go for the classic or the ricotta and sausage (made with vodka sauce, mozzarella, brick cheese, sausage, whipped ricotta, and cherry pepper relish). There are also small plates, house-made pastas, and mains for those craving everything but a slice, plus an awesome cocktail selection. (bluesteelpizzaftl.com)

IN SEASON

Let’s Talk A go-to for Fort Lauderdale locals, Canyon has been in business for more than 25 years, offering American fare TEQUILA with Asian and South and Central American undertones. Food aside, the restaurant is best known for its Prickly Pear Margarita, a tasty tipple that features Florida’s most

common native cactus, which happens to be in season now through winter. Even better? The cactus boasts a ton of dietary fiber and is known for its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, qualities that can aid in liver health and make hangovers less likely. The drink begins with an overnight infusion of tequila and soaked prickly pear, plus a mixture of fresh orange, lime, and agave. Try it yourself at home with the recipe below. (canyonfl.com) —M.P.

DEYSON RODRIQUEZ Prickly Pear Margarita

Ingredients

2 oz. prickly pear–infused tequila (recipe below) 1 1/2 oz. sour mix (recipe below) 1 oz. Cointreau 4 oz. agave Kosher salt 1 lime, cut into wedges

Directions

Shake ingredients over ice. Strain over fresh ice into a glass with a salt rim. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Sour Mix 8 cups water, divided 4 cups sugar 4 cups fresh lime juice 1 cup fresh orange juice Bring 4 cups of water to a boil and stir in sugar until dissolved. Let mixture cool. Add the remaining 4 cups of boiled water, lime juice, and orange juice. Infused Tequila 1 bottle of your favorite reposado tequila 6 prickly pears, peeled Place tequila and prickly pears in an airtight container and let sit for 24 hours in a cool, dry place.

CREDIT?

«Patio Bar & Pizza The Progresso Plaza, a 100-year-old landmark known to locals as “the Laser Wolf building,” now has a new occupant: Patio Bar & Pizza. The Fort Lauderdale pizza parlor marks the third concept from South Florida hospitality veterans Brian Parenteau and Doug Herbst, who are behind DrYnk Bar & Lounge and Tulio’s Tacos & Tequila Bar in Wilton Manors. We recommend the signature margherita pizza or one of the specialty pies baked in a brick oven, like the soppressata and peppers. Enjoy your slice on the outdoor patio and order from a craft cocktail menu boasting drinks with funky names like Filthy Flamingo and Death by Coconut. All are made using fresh produce from Jack Scalisi Wholesale Fruit and Produce. (patiobar pizza.com) —M.P.

COURTESY OF PURA VIDA 2

TO TRY

1Pura Vida

Everyone’s favorite fast-casual brunch spot just got even more drool-worthy thanks to its new breakfast and lunch menu. Of course, there’s still the delish Perfect Egg Sandwich and range of light and flaky croissants, but these newcomers are worthy of an order as well. We’re loving the turkey egg wrap made with soft-boiled, pasture-raised eggs, turkey bacon, sweet potatoes, avocado, mozzarella, spinach, olive oil, and salsa picante on the side. Wash it all down with the refreshing Butterfly Lemonade, consisting of blue butterfly pea flower, coconut water, lemon, passion fruit, and monkfruit, giving the drink instant Instagram-worthy vibes. (puravidamiami.com)

2Rivertail

This seafood-centric hot spot on the Riverwalk in downtown Fort Lauderdale recently added a slew of new dishes to its killer brunch lineup. To start, go for the passion fruit ceviche made with Open Blue cobia, bay scallops, tiger shrimp, passion fruit, heirloom tomatoes, pearl onions, and crispy tostones. We’re also partial to the towering seafood nachos, topped with blackened tiger shrimp, pickled onions, guacamole, pico de gallo, crab queso, shredded lettuce, and lime crema. (rivertailftl.com) —M.P.

COURTESY OF BREAKWATER HOSPITALITY GROUP

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) $$ 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) $$ 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) $$$ THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY Find an extensive menu with more than 200 pastas, seafood dishes, steaks, salads, sandwiches, and cheesecake options. 600 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (thecheese cakefactory.com) $$ DUNE BY LAURENT TOURONDEL A stunning waterfront restaurant that hosts imaginative dishes like crispy Parmesan souffle to grilled colossal prawns and grilled Australian lamb chops. 2200 N. Ocean

Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (dunefl.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) $$ FRESH FIRST Innovative gluten-free breakfast and lunch dishes make this casual eatery a favorite amongst conscientious diners. Renaissance Fort

Lauderdale Cruise Port Hotel, 1637 SE 17th St., Fort

Lauderdale (freshfirst.com) $$ HERE & NOW This tapas bar and restaurant offers flavors from around the world in a family-friendly environment. 433 NW 1st Ave., Fort Lauderdale (hereandnowfl.com) $$ 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 (thehistoric downtowner.com) $$ KALUZ This upscale modern restaurant has lunch and dinner options along with an extensive wine and cocktail menu. 3300 E. Commercial Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (kaluzrestaurant.com) $$$ 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) $$ J. MARK’S Casual decor, a bustling bar, and crowdpleasing plates make this an ideal dining experience to share with friends. 1245 N. Federal Hwy., Fort

Lauderdale (jmarksrestaurant.com) $$ MITCH’S DOWNTOWN This outpost serves up fresh bagels, stacked French toasts, piled-high sandwiches, sweet treats, and more. 540 N. Andrews Ave,

Fort Lauderdale (mitchsdowntown.com) $$