MINDFUL MIXOLOGIST

EAT+DRINK

FRANCESCACOVIELLO MINDFUL MIXOLOGIST MULL IT OVER

WITH A FEW TWEAKS, SPICED WINE IS PERFECT FOR FESTIVE FLORIDIAN FETES

BY JULES ARON

The fi rst documented consumption of mulled wine dates as far back as ancient Egypt, when spiced wine was used for medicinal purposes and considered to be an elixir of the afterlife. Typically made with red wine, this robust drink is now a favorite during the holiday season and into the colder months. Considering our mild temperatures, I’ve brightened up this classic concoction by switching out the red wine for a lighter white wine. Notes of citrus, ginger, and vanilla also serve to warm and uplift. Finally, the crimson pomegranate seeds add a burst of familiar holiday fl avor to this delightful sipper.

Mulled Mystic Ingredients (makes about 1 quart) 3 whole cloves Zest from 1 small lemon 1 2-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled 1/2 vanilla bean, halved lengthwise and seeds scraped out 1 750-ml bottle medium-bodied dry white wine 1/4 cup fresh pineapple juice 1/4 cup elderfl ower liqueur Extra lemon twists and pomegranate seeds for garnish

GYORGY PAPP Stick the cloves into the strips of lemon zest. In a mediumsize, nonreactive saucepan, combine the ginger, vanilla bean (both the pod and seeds), and about 2/3 of the lemon zest strips, including the clove-studded pieces, and cover partially. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until fragrant and thickened slightly, about 5 minutes. Add the wine and pineapple juice, cover partially, and simmer until the wine is infused, at least an hour (do not allow to boil). Remove from heat and discard the ginger, vanilla bean, cloves, and lemon peel. Add the elderfl ower liqueur. Stir well and serve in a heat-tempered wineglass or glass mug, garnished with lemon twists and pomegranate seeds.

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) $$ PURA VIDA This fast-casual concept believes in offering fresh, simple, and sustainable food to Lauderdale locals. 221 SW 1st Ave. Suite 3, Fort Lauderdale. (puravidamiami.com) $$ SEA LEVEL RESTAURANT & OCEAN BAR This seaside eatery serves fresh seafood and “Garden to Glass” cocktails, made using ingredients from the chef’s organic plot. Marriott Harbor Beach Resort, 3030 Holiday

Drive, Fort Lauderdale (marriot.com) $$ SEASONS 52 Most of the dishes on Seasons 52’s health-conscious, seasonally minded menu pack a serious flavor punch while staying light at under 600 calories. The Galleria, 2428 E. Sunrise Blvd.,

Fort Lauderdale (seasons52.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) $$ TAP 42 Rotating daily drink specials, live music, and a diverse menu with everything from burgers to grilled salmon make this taproom-restaurant an ideal place for a gastronomical rendezvous. 1411 S. Andrews

Ave., Fort Lauderdale (tap42.com) $$ THE KATHERINE This neighborhood gem offers a representation of chef Timon Balloo’s travels and at-home favorites cooked in a cozy setting. 723

E. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (thekatherine restaurant.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) $$ TOP ROUND SoCal flavor finds its home between two buns at this sandwich shop, where the meats are slow-roasted for 10 hours, and the custard is made fresh. 35 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale (eattopround.com) $ VALE FOOD CO Build your own bowls with tasty and flavorful ingredients at this fast-casual outpost. 2420

N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale (valefoodco.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) $ 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

EVE ON THE WATER This elegant, riverfront dining destination offers Japanese and Thai dishes with creative sushi rolls. 1111 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (evelasolas.com) $$ BOMBAY DARBAR Intoxicating spices perfume the air and rich Indian masalas, curries, and kormas beset the tables at this Las Olas jewel. 1521 E Las Olas

Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (bombaydarbar.com) $$ CASA SENSEI Sushi meets Asian-Latin fusion in signature dishes like the lobster guacamole, Korean steak chimichurri, and the Fish Burnt Roll. 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) $$$ MAMA ASIAN BISTRO Patrons can satisfy their sushi, ramen, and Thai noodle cravings at this modern Pan-Asian eatery. 4437 Lyons Rd., Coconut

Creek (mamaasianbistro.com) $$ POKE OG This customizable poke bowl joint has all the toppings and condiments you could dream of. 115

NW 6th, St., Fort Lauderdale (pokeog.com) $$ SUSHI GARAGE A casual neighborhood Japanese concept offering everything from dynamic sushi rolls to Korean dishes. 500 Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (sushigarage.com) $$

Roasted beet hummus at Ya Mas

CAFÉ / COFFEE

THE ALCHEMIST Sit amongst lush foliage and enjoy an avocado slider paired with The Alchemist’s signature iced coffee. 2430 NE 13th Ave., Wilton Manors (thealchemist.cafe) $$ 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) $$ CYTH & CO. This café with many special seasonal drinks and baked goods has an inclusive menu for vegans and gluten-free eaters alike. 3446 NE 12th

Ave., Oakland Park (cythco.com) $$ LA BONNE CRÊPE Modeled after the crêperies of

Brittany, this charming alcove serves the heavenly dish in savory and sweet renditions—perfect for any time of day. 815 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (labonnecrepe.us) $$ THE MODERN ROSE The café offers locally roasted coffee and a menu that changes seasonally, giving customers something new to try year-round. 331 SE 15th Terrace, Deerfield Beach (auniquecafe.com) $$

EAT+DRINK

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) $ STORK’S BAKERY & COFFEE HOUSE This Wilton

Manors coffeehouse satiates patrons’ espresso, homemade pastry, and sandwich kicks until late. 2505 NE 15th Ave., Wilton Manors (storksbakery.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) $$ BISTRO MEZZALUNA This treasured establishment boasts an impressive wine selection and savory house favorites like lamb chops and bistro seafood pasta. 1821 SE 10th Ave., Fort Lauderdale (bistromezzaluna.com) $$$ BLUE STEEL PIZZA CO. Detroit-style pizza and inventive cocktails in chic digs. 2460 E. Commercial Blvd.,

Fort Lauderdale (bluesteelpizzaftl.com) $$ CAFÉ MARTORANO Chef Steve Martorano doesn’t disappoint with his take on Italian classics. 3343

E. Oakland Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (cafemartorano. com) $$$ CAFÉ VICO Owner Marco Vico Rodrigues knows there’s no better way to welcome his guests than with a kind smile and to-die-for pasta. 1125 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale (cafevicorestaurant.com) $$ CAFFÉ EUROPA A go-to spot for lunch or dinner, the

Calabrian-inspired fare is perfect for sharing with friends and family. 910 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (caffeeuropalasolas.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) $$$ HERITAGE Boasting a New York vibe, this restaurant puts upscale twists on old Italian classics. 903 NE 5th Ave., Fort Lauderdale (heritageftl.com) $$ PATIO BAR AND PIZZA Brick oven pizzas and creative cocktails in a trendy indoor-outdoor bar. 901 Progresso Drive Unit 114, Fort Lauderdale (patiobarpizza.com) $$ PIZZA CRAFT The pizzeria’s “00” flour, imported charcuterie, house-made mozzarella, and sizeable bar selection are the stars of the wood-fired show. 330 Himmarshee St., Fort Lauderdale (pizzacraft pizzeria.com) $$ RIVIERA BY FAVIO VIVIANI The illustrious chef

Favio Viviani infuses Italian dishes with new life. 525

S. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (rivierabyfabioviviani.com) $$ SCOLAPASTA BISTRO Family is at the heart of this farm-to-table Italian bistro that puts a contemporary twist on its old-world heritage. 3358 NE 33rd St.,

Fort Lauderdale (scolapastabistro.com) $$ SERAFINA TRATTORIA ITALIANA Candlelit views of the Middle River, toothsome pasta dishes, and a spectacular vino selection promise a romantic evening at this Victoria Park nook. 926 NE 20th Ave.,

Fort Lauderdale (serabythewater.com) $$ SETTE BELLO RISTORANTE Settle into a seat at chef

Franco’s fine-dining locale, where delectable Italian fare makes patrons feel right at home. 6241 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale (settebellofla.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) $$$

Kampachi yuzu cilantro salt tiradito at Sushi garage

1919 at Evelyn’s Fort Lauderdale

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 has Mexican fare created in 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) $$ TULIO’S TACOS & TEQUILA BAR The Wilton Manors location provides a bar and restaurant combination with a menu handcrafted by chef Tulio. 2150 Wilton

Dr. Suite A 113, Wilton Manors (tuliostacos.com) $$

MEDITERRANEAN

CASABLANCA CAFÉ 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) $$$

FERDOS GRILL Authentic Mediterranean fare meets local Florida ingredients at this neighborhood favorite, featuring staples like gyros, shish kabob, and

“everyone’s favorite” hummus. 4300 N. Federal

Hwy., Fort Lauderdale (ferdos-grill.jimdosite.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 (15streetfi sheries.com) $$$ BOATYARD Come for the “Hook to Table” seafood, locally sourced ingredients, and vegan-friendly selections, and stay for the photo-worthy lofted ceilings, oar chandelier, and abundant natural light. 1555 SE 17th St., Fort Lauderdale (boatyard.restaurant) $$$ BURLOCK COAST SEAFARE & SPIRITS Off ering modern-coastal fare with a distinctly local undercurrent, Burlock Coast is an innovative restaurantcafé-market-bar that channels the creativity of Prohibition-era rum runners. The Ritz-Carlton, 1 N.

Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (ritz carlton.com) $$$ OCEAN 2000 This elegant dining room is devoted to celebrating superb regional cuisine with a hint of Latin infl uences. Pelican Grand Beach Resort, 2000 N. Ocean Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (pelican beach.com) $$$ 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) $$ 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) $$$

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) $$$ DEL FRISCO’S GRILLE A sophisticated chophouse serving up bold renditions of steak and fi sh alongside modern cocktails. 501 E. Las Olas Blvd., Suite 150, Fort Lauderdale (delfriscosgrille.com) $$$ 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 YY 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, an impressive wine portfolio, and New

Orleans–inspired cocktails. 2525 N. Federal Hwy.,

Fort Lauderdale (ruthschris.com) $$$ STEAK 954 This coastal alcove’s menu is studded with decadent dishes, while the dining room features a jellyfi sh tank. W Hotel, 401 N. Fort Lauderdale

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

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