“I chose to move along with Paula, because we had a great working relationship. I worked with Chef Ernesto Rand, who was the chef at Las Olas Café, for over 10 years. As a matter of fact, “Chef” is our chef at Wilton Wings.” Really? A wings joint with its own chef? “You wouldn’t think that a simple wings restaurant would have a chef,” Dion acknowledges. “But we are so proud to have him on staff.” The quality of the food reflects that hiring decision.

Dion describes the restaurant’s journey to ringing (winging?) reviews and raves. “When ‘Wings and Things’ on Wilton Drive closed, we purchased all of the owners’ recipes. We knew they had a terrific business, and we wanted to continue that tradition. I purchased the business in November 2011, and my entire goal has been to make money and to give back to a community that I love,” he adds.

Dion says that the food at Wilton Wings must stand out, something he is proud to have accomplished in less than a year. “I wanted to make sure that our wings were our signature, since it’s in our name. Without a doubt they are the best. And all of our sauces are homemade— fresh and never frozen.” For specials, the prices are as much a value as the portions.

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“We offer a half rack of ribs and wings for lunch for only $9.50,” Dion notes. “On Friday, we offer our Fish and Chips, which features an 8-ounce portion with homemade coleslaw and fries. Saturday, you will find me in the kitchen making homemade New England clam chowder,” he adds proudly. “We also feature fresh tuna and fresh tilapia—the only way it could be fresher is if I were on a boat and caught it myself.” After a momentary thought, he adds “I am way too busy to do that, although it sounds pretty good,” flashing a grin.

“One of the things that I am so proud of is our service. I am proud of all of my staff. They are dedicated. We grind our own hamburgers, and we always try to have as much on the menu that is homemade. Chef Ernesto really puts his heart and soul into every meal that we prepare,” Dion says.

About his hands-on style, “I am the sort of owner that you may find me bussing tables or helping to serve the food. It always makes me smile when I watch people come in and look at the Specials Board: Their eyes literally light up when they see something that they didn’t expect.”

For more information, visit wiltonwings.com, and stop in to Wilton Wings, at 1428 NE 4th Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Tell them you read about them in Florida Agenda. You won’t be disappointed.

BY RICHARD DAVID CHAMBERLAIN

Tony Bennett left his heart in San Francisco. We know this is absolutely the truth because we’ve heard him sing about it 1001 times. And every single time, he convinces us again that his heart is still back there, high up on hill, with SF calling his name. It was only last week that we discovered otherwise. Bennett, born Anthony Dominick Benedetto, may have left his heart in San Francisco, but its alive and well and beating on East Commercial Blvd. these days in a restaurant called Fiore of Tedesco’s.

Bennett’s music is heard nightly along with that of Dino, Frank, and Bobby, in this reinvented Italian restaurant, long a legend In Fort Lauderdale. Originally created by Albert and Julie Tedesco, the restaurant was purchased by Fiore and Rose Ann Casale a little less than a year ago. Fiore’s family has been in the restaurant business for over 50 years, so he’s been nursed and weaned on bread sticks and Parmesan. This is a good thing.

You’ll find him in the kitchen most nights making new traditions out of old favorites. New to the antipasti menu: Bruchetta Caprese ($18). It’s Italian bread, layered with mozzarella, tomatoes, roast red peppers and red onions, drizzled with basil oil and balsamic in a portion large enough feed a table for four.

We always judge a Italian restaurant by its lasagna, and at Fiore and Rose Ann’s place, their Lasagna al Forno ($12) is a pleasure dome of wide pasta noodles, with seasoned beef, ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, and a delectable housemade tomato sauce which is a joy to savor. Magnifico! The Eggplant Parmigiana ($14) is a scene-stealer. A lighted breaded and fried eggplant that is tenderly topped with fresh tomatoes and mozzarella, this dish has only one problem. Everyone at your table will expect a bite, leaving not nearly enough for the more gluttonous among us.

The Pollo Sinatra ($16) is a selection worth tasting for its combination of chicken cutlet, prosciutto, spinach, roasted red peppers, topped with a marinara sauce and, yes, more mozzarella. Gorgonzola has always been our favorite Italian cheese—particularly when its prepared as Pollo Al Gorgonzola ($16), a breast topped with scallions, mushrooms, spinach and a gargonzola glaze.

Fiore of Tedesco’s likes to pride itself on being a seafood restaurant tucked within an Italian eatery.  It expresses that best on the menu with a delicious recipe for salmon called Salmone Tedesco ($22). Okay, perhaps not the most original of labels, but yum-yum is all we can say with our mouth full of a bite of salmon graced with artichoke hearts, onions, and garlic, Kalamata olives and fresh tomatoes. This one is the item that will keep you coming back for more.

Think of the Frutti de Mare ($24) as a combo plate with calamari, clams, shrimp and mussels, served over linguine with a light marechiare sauce, made from pink clam juice.

The atmosphere of Fiore of Tedesco’s is definitely Old Worlde, accent on old. There is a slightly tattered look about the place that suggests a thousand dishes served on thick white plates and stainless steel silverware whose second home is a dishwasher. But this is not a bad thing. It falls into the comfort category like your favorite BarcaLounger whose arms are fraying. It may not be the newest piece of furniture in your living room, but it’s the one everyone heads toward. If you’re lucky, you’ll find Tony, Frank, Dino, and Bobby there. Tell them The Florida Agenda sent you.

So there we were walking up Wilton Drive on our way to have some Japanese food, when we got sidetracked by the sound of laughter coming by way of Rosie’s Bar & Grill. Not the ha-ha stuff of comedy shows, but belly-laughs the size of Cleveland.

Happiness being in short supply these days, we ducked inside and made for the outside patio in search of the fun. The good time was spreading all over the place, so we pulled up chairs under a beach umbrella, and decided to chow down at this neighborhood favorite.

We love the sandwich wraps at Rosie’s—especially our all-time favorite big-as-a-horse Trojan ($10.50), blending mixed greens, chopped cucumbers and tomatoes, Kalamata olives, Greek peppers, feta cheese and grilled chicken that’s all bound up in a tomatobasil tortilla. Then again we can’t forget the always-great Miss West Texas 1983 ($10.95)–grilled chicken, corn, black beans, caramelized onions, jack cheese, lettuce, tomato and housemade chipotle-honey barbeque sauce. Same tomato-basil tortilla; totally different taste.

On this night, however, we felt like Big Girls—those are the larger plates found near the end of the menu. It takes quite the appetite to consume an entire Versatile Plate ($19.95), but somehow my date managed just that. Try to imagine finishing off a flat-iron steak (grilled medium rare) rubbed with Rosie’s spice blend PLUS a skewer of grilled large pink shrimp with garlic butter and Old Bay seasoning—all served on a bed of onion rings, with garlic-herb mashed potatoes, and a side of broccoli. Yes, she finished the whole platter herself, and this is after downing the Caesar salad that comes with the meal.

I was hardly in a position to mock her eating exhibition, of course, since I had ordered the Coco-Loco Shrimp ($14.95)—jumbo, fried and coated in coconut. It’s served with a not-too-sweet Lady Marmalade sauce that is housemade in the back room. I opted to start with the eversuperb French onion soup ($1 extra). Decorated with dozens of colorful Japanese lanterns and the soft landscape lighting of the surrounding lush palm plantings, there’s little at Rosie’s to remind you that at one time this was a franchise of Hamburger Mary’s. Unless, of course, you flip to the burger menu where the club’s signature meat patties show their stuff. Where but at Rosie’s could you ever find a menu item called Wilma Breathstink ($10.50). By any other name that’s a burger that’s been drenched in red wine, topped with Swiss cheese, and layered with ovenroasted garlic.

If you like your meat on the spicy side, we recommend the Hellena Bun, a thick burger topped with crumbled blue cheese and fried jalapeños plus a slather of “Smack My Cheeks and Make ‘Em Rosie” sauce. No, you can’t have the recipe but you can enjoy the entrée for $11.50. Don’t eat meat? Try the Ima Gerdenia ($10.50), a Garden Burger® topped with cheddar cheese, sautéed mushrooms and “Thai Me Up” sweet chili sauce. All but the vegan Garden Burger® are made from a half-pound patty of Angus beef and served with lettuce, tomato and a side of fries or cole slaw.

There are salads galore on the menu as well. If we had to pick just one, it would be the Southern Lovin’ ($12.50), a big bowl of mixed greens topped with grilled (or fried) chicken, plus caramelized pecans, bacon bits, cheddar and jack cheeses, chopped tomatoes with a honey-mustard dressing.

Go early, stay late, laugh yourself silly—and tell ‘em Florida Agenda sent you.

ROSIE’S BAR & GRILL
2449 Wilton Drive
Wilton Manors, FL 33305
954-563-0123

2045 Wilton Drive
Wilton Manors, FL 33305
954-990-6282

There’s something new happening on Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Already, we can hear you saying “Yea, yea, yea… isn’t there always?” And, of course, you’re right. In this case, however, we’re talking great food and plenty of it at the new Mexican joint Pinché Taqueria—which in Spanish means something like “kitchen boy’s taco bar.” The name came from the original Pinché, which was on a dusty side street in Tijuana, Mexico, where workers could pick up inexpensive tacos, burritos and quesadillas.

When owner Jeff Chartier packed the kitchen supplies, the groceries, and the Mexicans in the trunk of a bus and brought them across the border and up to his first two Taqueria’s in Manhattan, his goal was to make his taco bars the most authentic in town. Sweet Stephanie Lee continues the theme running the newest outlet of the Mexican chain, adding her own touch of Florida heat in the process.

The meats are butchered on the premises, the organic groceries still shipped in from South of the Border, the mesquite grill flame roasts meats, corns and peppers to perfection in an atmosphere that can best be described as “hold on to your stool seat; there’s a new game in town.”

As you might expect from a taqueria, there’s an array of tacos on the menu, including a seasoned chicken Taco de Pollo Asada ($2.95); a battered fried or grilled mahi-mahi Taco de Pescado ($3.95), served with shredded cabbage and a delicious cilantro dressing; spitgrilled pork Taco al Pastor ($2.95), or the even more tender braised grilled pork Taco de Carnitas ($2.95); and the traditional stand-by Taco de Carne Asada ($2.95), made with grilled steak.

The most popular items on the menu, as confirmed by our oh-so-personable waiter Johnny (we compared abs; mine won), were Carnitas Michoacanas ($12.95) and Arrachera Steak ($13.95). The carnitas platter was a healthy serving of tender pork arranged art-house perfect on several tortillas with rice and beans, topped with a mystery broth that was aromatic enough to bring neighborhood cats purring, and a delicious piece of corn-on-the-cob, labeled Elote on the side. It’s grilled on the fire and seasoned with salt, crumbly cotija anejo cheese, butter and mayo (so good that it’s sold by itself at $3.50). The steak is a masterwork of thinly sliced skirt steak that’s been marinated within an inch of its life in tequila and garlic. The moist and flavorful end result is far too delicious to be thought of as pure Mexican, but you’ll clean your plate and that of your neighbors.

Our favorite ensalada on the menu is a burst of freshness called Tortilla Lime Salad ($11.95) which normally comes on soft tortillas but we special ordered the dish in a crispy tortilla bowl. Overflowing with shrimp, beans, tomatoes, fresh sliced peppers, corn, onions, the entire entrée is topped with tortilla strips, making it more an event than a mere dish.

Though you can check it out now, the Grand Opening of Pinché Taqueria is on Wednesday, March 28 at which point the restaurant is certain to have its few rough edges smoothed to a spit-shine. The margaritas are too weak and too expensive in a town where the $3.00 margarita is standard. They have no chunky pico de gallo salsa for the delicious freshly made chips, preferring to use a flavorful but thin variation. And they have no option of crispy shell tacos—only soft tortillas, which may be authentic Mexican, but, hello, this is Florida.

But these are small issues compared with the main theme—filler-up food with fun, fun servers. The manager’s name is Josh. Tell him Florida Agenda sent you!

“My partner and I were reminiscing,” White recalled to the Arizona Republic. The couple were seated “in one of the tall booths,” obscured from sight by other patrons at the restaurant, where White and Diaz, both 38, had originally met.

“I had my arm around her neck, and she had her hand around my waist. I gave her a hug for about a minute, pulled myself away to give her a quick kiss, and then we continued talking,” remembers White. At that point, the restaurant’s manager approached the couple, “and said we should get a room. That our behavior was inappropriate and we should leave the establishment,” reported White.

Diaz and White were angry at the rudeness and presumption of the manager, and reported the incident to the Sheraton Phoenix, where officials released a statement this week that read, in part: “At District American Kitchen and Wine Bar, we embrace diversity and are proud supporters of the LGBT community. We are taking this incident very seriously.

We have cultivated strong relationships with organizations dedicated to diversity. We have supported and we will continue to support many events that are specific to gay, lesbian and allied individuals. Additionally, we take pride in having a very diverse workplace–a workplace that offers benefits for domestic partners. Our restaurant is open for all to enjoy and we sincerely regret that this incident took place.”

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

I first visited and reviewed Rok:Brgr about nine months ago when they were still a fairly new kid on the block and there was a lot of positive buzz about the new gastropub in Himmarshee. Since that visit, many other gourmet burger spots have burst onto the scene, and at times, it almost seems like a sort of “burger wars” has descended upon us. I decided to return to Rok:Brgr to find out whether my initial impression—which was excellent indeed—would be confirmed.

On a Sunday evening at about 7:30p.m., we arrived at Rok:Brgr to find the pub filled with people and lively conversation. There was not a seat to be had at the bar, but very quickly a young server came over and informed us she could put two small tables together for the four of us. If crowds are a testament to a restaurant’s quality, then Rok:Brgr has nothing to worry about!

We ordered cocktails and specialty beers from the menu’s impressive list and began to discuss our level of hunger. We all decided that a couple of starters were needed as it looked as though it would take us some time to read and to decide from the menu’s many burger options. Tempura Battered Zuchini ($6.00) and Fried Pickles ($5.00) were ordered as we settled in to sip our drinks and discuss our options. Our starters arrived in timely fashion, and the kitchen at Rok:Brgr knows how to handle deep frying. Neither of our choices were at all greasy; instead they were delightfully crunchy on the exterior and soft and juicy on the interior. The dips that accompanied each choice, a garlic aioli for the zucchini and a smoked ranch dip for the pickles, added a bit of cool zest to the crunchy goodies we had chosen. We liked both of them.

When it was time to order sandwiches, I opted for the Chicken Dance ($12.00), a ten-ounce chicken burger topped with provolone cheese, hickory smoked bacon, tomato, lettuce, and red onion on a sesame bun. When it arrived with its own little fryer basket of hand-cut French fries – which are superb– it was a sight to behold. I cut it in half so I could manage it better, and that was first sign that this was going to be good. The chicken burger was juicy, not at all dried out as can often be the case with poultry. Flavorful and juicy, it was messy to eat, but that’s part of the fun at Rok:Brgr. No pinkies up here! I particularly liked the mayo as an alternative to traditional catsup and mustard. It added flavor while not overpowering the chicken or the cheese.

The sudden quiet at the table let me know that everyone, not just me, was enjoying his selected sandwich. One friend built a burger from the Burger Bar side of the menu, starting with a certified Angus beef patty ($9.00) and then adding cave aged gruyere ($1.50), exotic mushrooms ($1.50), and avocado ($.50). He ordered it cooked medium, and it arrived perfectly grilled. He nodded “yes” when asked, indicating his delight in his personally built burger.

The boyfriend ordered a feature in honor of the holiday: a Thanksgiving burger ($12.00). A turkey burger was topped withcranberry cheddar cheese, stuffing, and the traditional toppings. He loved it and its texture and flavor combinations. The fourth in our party decided that Las Olas ($16.00) was calling his name.

This one offers a ten-ounce waygu kobe beef burger that is topped by cave-aged gruyere, caramelized onions, and garlic aioli on a brioche bun. Once again, it was grilled to perfectly pink medium.  He commented that the onions were the star as their sweetness offered a great flavor element to his sandwich.

So, am I still impressed with Rok:Brgr? Absolutely. It’s a fun, noisy, happening place with food that fits its funky pub atmosphere. Sometimes we all just need to put down the knives and forks and eat with our hands. That is exactly what Rok:Brgr invites you to do. No pretense, no ceremony – just darn good food and a fun vibe that almost dares you not to have a good time!

On a recent Monday evening, my partner and I decided we were in the mood for something outside our comfort zone. We further decided we wanted to “dine out” rather than “eat out,” the distinction being that we wanted to spend some time lingering over cocktails and courses as we enjoyed an evening out. After a short drive down U.S. 1 to Hollywood, we walked into the front doors of Sage. A marble bar to the right beckoned, but we opted for a table more conducive to our desire to dine. Sage is a restaurant that still believes in white linen tablecloths and white linen napkins. Candlelight flickered on the table as our waiter approached and took our cocktail order.

Soon we were sipping our chosen libations and perusing the very French menu. Opting to throw caution to the wind, we chose the Foie Gras au Torchon. I knew it would mean extra time at the gym, but I did not care. We asked for it to be pan seared (a menu suggestion), and a short time later, a very generous portion of this decadent appetizer arrived. It was surrounded by small mounds of apple chutney and drizzled with a very light orange sauce. Crusty French bread is the perfect vehicle for enjoying Foie Gras and, as we took our first taste, we knew our dining experience had begun in style. It was smooth, delicate and oh-so-rich. We savored every bit of it until the plate was clean.

After sipping our cocktails a bit more, we decided to move on to our salad course.

I selected the Salade de Chevre Chaud, a warm goat cheese salad. It offered fresh artisan greens topped by a crispy on the exterior and creamy on the interior goat cheese round. Orange segments surrounded the salad, as well as being mixed into the greens. A light orange reduction dressed the greens. The orange sections and their sweetness were an excellent foil to the creamy richness of the goat cheese. It was truly an excellent salad. My partner chose the Salade Endive Belge. Apple chutney, walnuts and honey vinaigrette topped the bitter greens as well as crumbles of aged Roquefort cheese. Again, a contrast of sweet and bitter in the carefully selected flavor palate elevated this salad above the typical dinner salad. As it disappeared, forkful by forkful, I did not have to ask whether he enjoyed it or not.

SAGE 2000 Harrison Street, Hollywood, FL 954-391-9466

Taking a brief break to let our food settle a bit, it was time to venture into the entrée selections on the menu. Sage offers various selections in seafood, poultry, beef and even a few pasta selections. Feeling like I wanted something traditionally French — and something I had not eaten in quite some time, I ordered the classic Boeuf Bourguignon. This dish offers solely braised beef in a Pinot Noir sauce with carrots and onions. It is served with fresh homemade fettuccine.

When the dish arrived, the aromas of the dish were mouthwatering; I couldn’t wait to take my first taste. It was everything I remembered this classic dish to be. Elegant and rich and brimming with tender chunks of braised beef. Excellent, from first bit to final bite. A scallop lover, my partner decided upon Coquilles St. Jacques. This traditional dish consists of seared scallops and mashed potatoes. When it arrived, it came in a unique plating arrangement. Perfectly seared scallops surrounded a glass crock of mashed potatoes that were topped a leek fondue. It was original, creative, and attractive. The scallops were tender and not the least bit overcooked, as can often occur, and he loved the mashed potatoes and leeks.

Because we were dining, we decided to do something we rarely ever do: Order dessert and linger just a tad longer. Not wanting anything too overly sweet, we selected an Apple Tarte Tatin to share. Wonderfully flaky pastry with caramelized apples, warmed, accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream offered the perfect closing to our Sage dining experience. It was sweet and satisfying, without being overly sweet.

Service at Sage is professional and friendly. Courses are spaced well, with each selection arriving as it should, giving you the opportunity to enjoy each course you select. It is a comfortable and intimate room that invites you to sit back, relax and enjoy the experience. The next time the urge to dine strikes you, consider a trip to Sage in Hollywood.

The invitation from WMBA drew sharp criticism from a number of gay rights activists, including Michael Rajner, legislative director for the Florida Democratic Party GLBT Caucus. The ensuing controversy led to the decision by the group’s Board of Directors to cancel the event.

Lawyer-activist Dean Trantalis, a former Vice Mayor and city commissioner in Fort Lauderdale, says that a want of prudence may have been a factor. “As the saying goes,” notes the Wilton Manors attorney, “‘the road to Hell is paved with the best intentions.’”
Trantalis believes that “the invitation to Allen West to speak at a WMBA meeting shows great insensitivity to the
community which comprises much of the area in which the organization services.”

As to the House freshman Republican’s opposition to such LGBT issues as repealing Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (DADT) and federal recognition for same-sex unions through a repeal of the noxious and wholly un-American Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), Trantalis, a WMBA member, offers that “Mr. West is offensive by any standard, and his pretense to wanting to discuss just items of business [at the cancelled WMBA meeting] mocks the very core upon which this community has been built.”

Responding to West’s comments in a letter written to WMBA President Celeste Ellich and the group’s members in which West implies that his critics are “intolerable individuals,” Trantalis protests that “we are not intolerable. Every opportunity West is given to speak condones his actions and his rhetoric. We’ve heard what he has to say, we’ve shown the world his very words. Why should we be once again subjected to his ridicule and condescension?”

(As was noted in last week’s column, Open for Business, August 11, 2011: “No West, Young Man”), Your Kindly Scrivener offers the possibility, or even likelihood, that the Distinguished Gentleman’s usage of the word “intolerable” may have been a malapropism – a la “Slip” Mahoney of the 1930s and 40s Bowery Boys movies, 70s Vegas headliner Norm Crosby, or international comedy sensation George W. Bush – that was meant to place-hold for the more civil “intolerant.” Or maybe he just doesn’t like gay people.)
In response to Romano’s email, Wilton Manors Mayor Resnick replied that “the invitation was extended by … Celeste Ellich, as president of a private business association [WMBA]. She never consulted with or advised the city of the invitation.” Added Resnick: “By the way, I’m a member of the GLBT Democratic Caucus and did not learn of this from them either.”

This Ain’t My First Time at the Rodeo, Fellas
Wilton Drive’s newest dining spot, Rodeo, has some enticements to introduce you to their great selection of Southwestern, Tex-Mex, Barbecue, Cajun/Creole and traditional Southern cuisine. On Tuesdays between 4p.m and 10p.m. they are offering 30% off the price for bottles of wine. Wednesday is Teacher Night; teachers who present a valid teacher ID card between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. receive 20% off their individual bills. And their Happy Hour runs from Tuesday through Friday between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., which includes 30% off all drinks from the bar.

By the Numbers (Hail to the Chief Edition)
A comparison of approval ratings during the third Summer of recent U.S. Presidents’ first terms:
• 42.5%: Barack Obama approval
rating, Summer 2011
• 62.5%: George W. Bush approval
rating, Summer 2003 (won re-election in 2004)
• 47.5%: Bill Clinton approval rating, Summer 1995 (won re-election in 1996)
• 80.0%: George H.W. Bush approval rating, Summer 1991 (lost re-election in 1992)
• 39.5%: Ronald Reagan approval
rating, Summer 1983 (won re-election – by a landslide – in 1984)

If you’re “Open for Business”, you can contact Business Writer and Director  of Sales, Cliff Dunn, with your story at Business@FloridaAgenda.com

Chances are really pretty good that many of you who are reading this did not grow up in South Florida. Many of you, like me,  are transplants from the Northeast, the Midwest, or even the West Coast. Many of you also probably take for granted one of the key elements that brought you here as a permanent resident: the beautiful beaches.

Sure, we all know they are there, but how often do we take the time to remember how fortunate we are to live in this tropical  paradise with its gorgeous ocean beaches? Flip Flops is a place to go that will make you remember. Located on the Intracoastal, its very name suggests beach.

When you walk into Flip Flops, you are greeted with wide open doors that allow fantastic views of the Intracoastal. The restaurant is dotted with Florida pastel colored tables with silver chairs snuggled up to each one. Even if you take the  furthest table back, the view is still impressive – I dare you to ignore it. Ceiling fans whir above your head, and reggae music completes the entire beachy feel of the restaurant.

Offering full bar service as well as beer and wine, Flip Flops’ atmosphere almost makes you want to order something with an umbrella in it just so you can fit in to the whole scenario. I didn’t, but it was awfully refreshing to sip a cocktail on a warm  Summer evening as I pondered the menu and watched the boats meandering by. Complimentary fried pita chips — crispy and very yummy — are delivered to the table, accompanied by a slightly spicy salsa verde sort of dip offering a little heat to contrast with the chilled cocktail. The menu offers an eclectic array of starters, and my partner and I decided that an order of spinach-artichoke dip sounded good. It arrived nicely browned and bubbly and, instead of the more common tortilla chips, slightly crisped pita triangles surrounded the dip. We really liked that touch as we eagerly dipped them in the gooey, warm dip.

Dinner selections at Flip Flops can be a sandwich, a wrap, an array of appetizers as well as a selection of entrees. My partner was intrigued by a dish on the menu called “iyaca.” It is a tamale that is wrapped in a plantain leaf and filled with pulled pork and chicken. He proclaimed it delicious and said that the seasonings used in the meat filling gave it a sort of Moroccan  flavor profile. A crisp jicama slaw as well as more traditional cole slaw rounded out the plate. He liked the contrast of the  spiciness of the tamale with coolness of  the slaws. Feeling beachy due to the  surroundings, I decided on a fish entrée. I selected mahi-mahi and chose to have it blackened, although diners can choose from grilled or teriyaki preparations as well. From an impressive list of side dish options, I decided upon mac n’ cheese (big surprise!) and cole slaw, as I felt I needed something crunchy. The mahi was wonderfully blackened with a spicy crust that  tasted as if it may have a slight touch of molasses in it, because I detected just a tinge of sweetness in the heat of the spices. The fish itself was deliciously moist and juicy under the spicy crust. The crock of mac n’ cheese was warm and gloppy, as any good mac n’ cheese should be. Both of us liked the fact that the cole slaw was not made with an overly sweet dressing, nor was it overly runny. It was fresh and crisp, as any good cole slaw should be.

After relaxing over cocktails and dinner, we were offered dessert but neither of us had room. We sat back and watched as the sky darkened and lights appeared on the buildings across the waterway on the boats gently going north under the Oakland Park Boulevard bridge. If you feel the need to reclaim the beachiness you may have lost when you moved here, try a dinner or lunch at Flip Flops. It is a place to relax and ponder all that is good about living in South Florida. And yes, feel free to wear your favorite flip flops!

Flip Flops Dockside Eatery
3051 NE 32nd Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL
954-567-1672