I entered through one of the glass wood-framed doors, and within a few steps, I’m prepared to be impressed. The host stand is a friendly place, with a Floor Manager usually standing nearby.

The room is cleverly designed with a comfortable, edgy, contemporary, clean atmosphere. There’s lots of soft wood tones shedding just the right amount of lighting for a relaxing, yet stimulating, experience.

Be seated to your left in the quaint and semi private-booths. Or, walk up a slightly curved ramp to an exciting and lively generous bar area with high top tables and an over-sized outdoor covered patio that will sure to be your fun spot for that evening.

The view of the parking lot/Main Street is somewhat camouflaged by the abundance of greenery including some specimen palms. While they soften and enhance the seating area, they join a red awning for a serene, yet colorful, touch. Waiters abound, very handsome in crisp white button-down shirts, tucked into blue jeans with black waist-strap aprons. And let’s not forget the contagious smiles.

Polite, energetic, and completely knowledgeable, these fine servers are equipped to assist you in your choice of a cocktail and entrée to start off an enjoyable dining experience.

I selected one of J. Mark’s Signature Drinks—the watermelon martini. Smooth, colorful and garnished with, what else, a sliver of ripe watermelon carefully placed at the edge of the glass. We then ordered a salad and an appetizer—the Spinach Salad and the Ahi Seared Rare Tuna.

First, the fresh Spinach Salad ($12.99) The light lime vinaigrette dressing added such a great citrus flavor to an already warm bacon dressing base. Hard-boiled eggs pieces of crisp real bacon, red onion, and goat cheese generally added, combined to make a more-than-enough salad. Scrumptious!

Ahhh, the Ahi Tuna Appetizer ($13.99) This dish is served with three open lettuce cups filed with Cajun-crusted, seared rare tuna, with just the right amount of drizzled wasabi pesto, garnished with pickled cucumber. You might want to skid dessert and order a second tuna app—it’s that good.

I switched my choice of drink to a house wine—a nice, crisp California Pinot Grigio, dry with a medium boby and neutral flavor. Just right for my entrée selection—Jumbo Blue Crab Cakes ($26.99). These fantastic cakes are served beautifully on a white oval dish, accompanied by two distinctive dipping sauces. In the spicy remoulade, I detected a tad of creole mustard, green onion, lemon zest with just the right amount of garlic for a tangy taste for this crab meat. The other sauce is a combination of their housemade tartar ingredients. I used both for dipping and enjoyed them equally–my appetite completely satisfied.

My guest was in the mood for a steak, so his next drink order was a Pinot Noir–a dry red with a palate of warm spice nuances.

Rib-Eye Steak ($26.99) was hand-cut from the loin, perfectly aged. Tender and juicy, this steak is delectable. Order it medium rare and it will meat in your mouth. The smooth-textured garlic mashed potatoes not only added to the meal, they made it a front runner. Search no more for a good steak in town.

Just the check please—we needed to walk this off immediately. And then absolutely return once again with a craving for another wonderful dining experience. Kudos to J. Mark’s, their chef, line cooks and stellar servers.

I give this establishment

3 ½ Forks

4 Wine Glasses

J. Mark’s Restaurant
1245 N Federal Hwy, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33304
954-390-0770

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