Oakland Park’s Stout no ordinary Irish pub

Soon after opening Stout Irish Bar & Grill 13 months ago, the owners changed its name Stout Sports Bar & Grill. Owner Ed D'Ottavio and his three partners — all of them Irish — realized that customers were looking for much more than shepherd's pie and corned beef and cabbage.

Restaurant review

A fine new roost for Fort Lauderdale’s Texas Hold 'Em BBQ

It took nine years, but Jeremy "Jay" Armstead has found the perfect spot for his Texas Hold ’Em BBQ. He opened the doors last month of the quirky A-framed cottage on Federal Highway just south of Oakland Park Boulevard that has housed everything from Green Fish to Shuck’s on the Water. It backs up on the Middle River, and dockside seating is in the works.
Restaurant review

Smashburger: Thin patty, greasy fries make for less-than-smashing experience

I get why some folks love Smashburger. The restaurant chain uses never-frozen Certified Angus Beef, which is literally “smashed” into the shape of a burger on a 400-degree flat grill to “sear in the juicy flavor.” The beef is tasty. But after two visits, I’m just not impressed.
Restaurant review

Head to Hollywood’s Kussifay for the Argentine, stay for the Italian

Located in downtown Hollywood, Kussifay is an extension of a restaurant that opened six years ago a mile west. Both are owned by Yanina Arias, a transplant from Argentina whose family has operated pizza restaurants here and abroad.
Restaurant review

Expect a smooth landing at Fort Lauderdale’s Jet Runway Cafe

Inside a hangar on the edge of the tarmac at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport sits one of the best lunch spots in Fort Lauderdale.
Restaurant review

Where pigs fly: Chez Porky’s famed for wings, but entire menu soars

If you’ve lived in South Florida for any length of time, you already know that Chez Porky’s is famous for its wings. But owner Tom Douglas says only one quarter of all guests order them. The rest choose from what may be the biggest menu in town. Douglas figures there are more than 60 items. Along with wings, the menu devotes sections to barbecue, chicken, seafood, steaks and sandwiches. A menu board lists daily specials, and a different menu is available at lunchtime.
Dining roundup

PDQ off to a pretty darn good start in Oakland Park

It’s always a good sign to see new restaurants opening and entrepreneurs willing to invest in an opportunity for growth. Here are three new faces in Broward that cover a wide-range of cuisines and dining territory.
Restaurant review

Wonder bread: Chiara Troccia’s La Mia Focaccia rises above

Ask Chiara Troccia why she’s only open four hours every weekday, and she’ll say it’s because her little sandwich shop is near office towers and light industry. It’s a lunchtime business.
Restaurant review

There’s more to Fort Lauderdale’s Voodka than Soviet kitsch

Like the sirens you see on Las Olas Boulevard on a Saturday night, the 2-month-old Voodka begs you to turn your head and notice.
Dining review

After 25 years, Cafe Maxx is still giving its fans what they want

I sometimes try to imagine what it would be like to run a restaurant for five years. Or 10 years. Or the 25 years that Darrel Broek and chef Oliver Saucy have been operating their namesake Pompano Beach cafe.