Dianas Notes from the City

Diana Eating her way through South Florida Part II

It’s been awhile since I last posted about my list of the best eats in South Florida. So this week I want to share 5 more of my “must go” restaurants. The way I rate restaurants is by the quality of the food — the food says it all! Also in this week’s post I share two restaurants that were recommended to me by a friend and definitely fell in love with them! If you looking for new restaurants to try feel free to read my post and join me in eating my way through South Florida.

Blue Willies

Let’s start with this restaurant because it’s very popular on the weekdays for work lunches, especially on Thursday lunches. Blue Willies is a BBQ joint, so if you love BBQ, I mean GOOD barbecue, you need to go to this place! However I was told to go for lunch on a Thursday, why? Because Thursday is Pastrami day! One of the reasons why this mom and pop restaurant is best known for also stated by Broward Palm Beach New Times. And let me tell you, they are not wrong! Be aware that you will probably have to stand in line for Pastrami Thursday. A New Yorker waiting in line stated that he has never had such good pastrami in NY until he discovered blue willies! The pastrami is fresh –thick hand cut, very juicy and sky high, and I think the price is like $12 but don’t worry you should be good until dinner or next day after you eat this pastrami sandwich. It comes on either an onion roll or plain rye bread with house coleslaw. The curing and smoking process takes about 5 weeks which is why is only offer on Thursdays. Definitely worth a try! If you decide to go, make sure you don’t park in any of the neighboring businesses parking spots because you will get towed — and that’s how you know how good this restaurant is! So glad my co-worker recommended definitely worth it!

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Pastrami sandwich on rye bread
Pastrami sandwich on rye bread
Pastrami sandwich on onion roll
Pastrami sandwich on onion roll

Mexican Market

I’ve been going to this little joint for awhile since it’s very close to my house. All I have to say is you know the food is good when natives order from this place. The restaurant is within a market, more like a Mexican Market like the name of the restaurant. About 2-3 tables for sitting. I’ve been coming to this place for awhile and I’ve had about everything — tacos, Mexican tortas, tamales, and pupusas. Yes they do have pupusas from time to time. So if you are looking for an order to go place with authentic Mexican food in the Pompano Area don’t look further. Can’t judge the place by its location when the food can speak for itself!

Chorizo tacos
Chorizo tacos
Carne Asada tacos
Carne Asada tacos

Alegria Tacos

    This is the second time I have reviewed this restaurant…This is because it’s one of my faves spots in the Fort Lauderdale area! Who said that in order to have good food you need to spend a lot of money? That is not the case with this restaurant. This place is a little hole in the wall. It is family run and there are probably only 3 tables inside. The tacos have been one of the best tacos I ever had. The steak tacos are definitely my favorite. I also heard the menudo soup is out of this world. The service is very friendly they sure know how to treat their customers. Definitely one of the top places in my list. Cheap and good.
Carne Asada tacos
Carne Asada tacos
Steak burrito
Steak burrito
Chicken Enchilada
Chicken Enchilada

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Sakaya Kitchen

Sakaya is nothing like your typical fast food restaurant. As described by Guy Fieri from Diners Drive-ins and Dives “ Chef Richard is the ninja of flavortown.” If I was to describe sakaya in three words they would be: fast, cheap, and (very) flavorful. The steam buns is one of the most famous signature dishes because how could you go wrong with flavorful pork cooked for 8 hours. The duck sandwich with tater tots is also very juicy and one of the other items feature in Diners-Drive-in and Dives. The menu is on the wall and you pick what you want, and bring it to your seat. The atmosphere is very casual and laid back. If you are around the midtown area in Miami make sure you give this place a try.

Spicy Cheesy Kalbi beef tater tots
Spicy Cheesy Kalbi beef tater tots
Sous vide duck herb sandwhich with tater tots
Sous vide duck herb sandwhich with tater tots
Pork bun: 8 hour roast pork with house made chili sauce
Pork bun: 8 hour roast pork with house made chili sauce

The Eating House

I had to save the best for last. If you are looking for really good, local quality food restaurant to go to, you need to try The Eating House . This restaurant is one of the highest ranked in my list. Not too pricy, delicious food, great service, and did I say second time Chopped champion? Giorgio Rapicavoli has not only competed in Food Network’s first Chopped Ultimate Champions but also been nominated for a James Beard Rising Chef Award. Have I still not convince you to try this place? Well let me tell you that I’m not the biggest fan of neither fried chicken or waffles, let alone in the same meal! However, the chicken and waffles are one of the most popular dishes here at The Eating House. And let me tell you, I must have been eating chicken and waffles in the wrong places because they were the best chicken and waffles I had in my entire life! The best might even be an understatement. Let’s start with the waffles are seared with foie gras so you know you can’t go wrong with that. The chicken is cooked very well, and its even topped with candied bacon. The dish just comes together so well and it’s one of the customers’ favorite. Gotta stop writing about this dish because it’s just increasing my appetite! Another favorite is the pasta carbonara! The eating house is also very popular for brunch and the atmosphere its very hip and small. The menu is small and changes frequently but every meal is cooked well. You can’t go wrong if you order the crispy Brussels sprouts for a starter and the dirt cup for dessert. The eating house = deliciousness! Oh and thanks to my coworker for recommending it.

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Crispy Brussels sprouts
Crispy Brussels sprouts
Seared Scallops
Seared Scallops
Chicken and Waffles
Chicken and Waffles

What are some of your favorite places in the South Florida area?

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