By TIM SLIVINSKI
Those of you with a history in Fort Lauderdale will remember the old Brownie’s on South Andrews. It was legendary; it was an institution. The old Brownie’s is now the new Tap 42, opened since mid-November. For years burgers were relegated to fast food spots. That was then. Tap 42 serves new style burgers, truly gourmet. In the 40’s and 50’s, classic cocktails made with bourbon, such as the classic Manhattan, were all the rage. Then vodka took over. Bourbon is new again–42 varieties in fact–at Tap 42. Beer was once America’s drink of choice. Then wine surpassed it. At Tap 42, 42 draft beers, most of them craft beers and small production, have all the nuances and flavor profiles of fine wine. Everything old is indeed new again.
On a recent Monday night with a slight chill in the air and a rather strong breeze, the b/f and I decided to check out Tap 42.
We had heard great buzz about it and decided to go see for ourselves what was all about. First, the renovation on the old Brownie’s is nothing short of stunning. A long bar with several high top and dining tables along the wall give Tap 42 a very urban, sleek look. There is an outdoor area of the bar along with a patio in the back for taking advantage of our great South Florida winter weather. First impression: Excellent!
We decided on two stools at the outdoor bar, and soon after claiming our spot, Savannah greeted us with a warm smile and inquired about our choice of drinks. I am a bourbon fanatic, so I asked to see the bourbon list. The list not only indicates the name of each bourbon, but it further describes individual flavor profiles. I was like a kid in a candy store. I asked for Savannah’s help, and she pointed out a couple that are customer favorites. I selected her first suggestion, and she sent off to mix me a Manhattan. Meanwhile, the b/f was drooling over the selections of craft beers from the U.S. and around the world.
He decided to try a pomegranate beer–no joke. Once we had our drinks in hand, we relaxed and took in the cool vibe surrounding us.
Feeling famished, we decided to order a couple of bar snacks from the menu. Do not–I repeat do not–overlook the starters at Tap 42. They are creative, interesting, and unique with each one sounding as delicious as the next. We decided on the Berkshire Crispy Pork Belly ($13) and the Wild Mushroom Tostada ($8.50). Savannah assured us we had made wise choices.
Indeed, we had. When the appetizers arrived, we were taken in immediately by the creative plating and the outstanding aroma of each dish. The pork belly, melt in your mouth tender, was glazed with huckleberry jam and sherry vinaigrette, sitting atop a salad of farro—another old/new grain—and watercress. Outstanding! The portion was ample enough to easily be a small plate meal for one. The Wild Mushroom Tostada offered a blend of earthy, aromatic mushrooms in a creamy mushroom sauce sitting on a toasted baguette. Comforting and delicious. Too messy to eat with your hands, it was nonetheless a flavorful dish that fits the heartiness of both bourbon and beer.
Needless to say, we cleaned both those plates. I ordered another Manhattan with a different bourbon, while the b/f selected another craft beer. Reading the descriptions of the 9 oz. Gourmet Burgers, I began to narrow down my selection. I finally opted for the Drunken Goat ($14). It offers a beef/lamb blend burger topped with tomato jam, arugula, bourbon red onions, goat cheese, and Dijon on brioche. All burgers are served with fries. My partner’s eye was caught by an Herb Marinated Skirt Steak ($19) near the bottom of the menu. It was a 10 oz. skirt steak served with steak fries, Brussels sprout hash, arugula salad, and beef jus.
Creative fun plating came through again when our entrees arrived. My burger offered an array of flavors with the sweetness of the bourbon onions playing off the tanginess of the tomato jam. The burger itself was perfectly grilled to my medium request—juicy and full of flavor. A beautifully medium pink sliced skirt steak graced my b/f’s plate. It was spicy, but not overly so, still allowing the flavor of the beef to shine through. He particularly enjoyed the Brussels sprout hash, saying it was different as well as delicious. Between mouthfuls we assured Savannah that we were greatly pleased with our choices.
Will we go back to Tap 42? Most definitely, and that’s perhaps the highest compliment a patron can give a restaurant. It has a friendly staff that fit the high energy, urban vibe of the room. The bourbon and craft beer list have thought, whimsy, and creativity behind them. The food was creative, fun, and, most of all, delicious. I look forward to my next visit.
Tap 42
1411 South Andrews Ave.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
954-463-4900
