Thanks to an early direct Southwest Airlines flight that was only partially booked (SHOCKING), we landed in FLL with plenty of time to grab our rental car and head out to the A1A for breakfast on the beach. Not being terribly familiar with the local restaurant scene, I did my normal level of preparation in advance. Reviewed several online sources for tips on places to visit and also surveyed friends who frequently spend time there. I winnowed down the list to limit the number of seafood meals, while not completely eliminating them. You can't be this close to the water and not try at least a little bit of seafood. If I did, my wife might decide not to join me on any future business trips. A recipe for disaster, if you ask me. She loves the surf and I tilt heavily towards the turf. I was pleasantly surprised to find a Pittsburgh favorite transplanted to Fort Lauderdale too. The Primanti Brothers has multiple locations in South Florida. I guess Steeler country is not just in Pennsylvania anymore. -big smile- What better place to grab a bite of breakfast to fortify ourselves for a day of seeing the sights.
As an avid cook, I enjoy sitting where I can see what is going on in the kitchen at a restaurant. Whether it is a run of the mill local diner or a five star bistro where you have to drink with your pinky finger extended to feel like you belong... This location of the Primanti Brothers would fall into the former category and they were doing all sorts of fun stuff that time of the morning. Short order breakfast, mixing pizza dough for the lunch crowd, and prepping salad ingredients all in a fairly small kitchen. I am a fan of breakfast at any time of day, but we were on the verge of lunch time. To say I was conflicted was an understatement. After a raging debate within my own mind, I settled on the knockwurst sandwich dressed with the usual Primanti flair - cole slaw, french fries, and tomato. I also added a fried egg, so it would feel like breakfast. I resisted the strange urge to wash it down with a cold Iron City beer. In my estimation, the sun wasn't quit past the yard arm yet.
While we waited (and watched) for our food to hit the grill, I put my recently acquired cell phone to good use. A friend had recommended spending the day at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Based in his description, it sounded like a great local attraction. Much to my dismay, I learned that Tuesday is the only day of the week that Vizcaya is closed to the public. No worries, we could always hang out on the beach as our backup plan. Just as the thought crossed my mind, torrential rains started to fall. Upon examining the weather radar on said cell phone, it seemed to be the first of many such storms that would come and go that day. Texted some friends quickly to line up a backup plan. Their common response: "when in South Florida on a stormy day, the only thing to do is go shopping." They recommended Sawgrass Mills, a local shopping district that was both an indoor shopping mall and outdoor outlet mall. Could turn into a seriously expensive day of vacation, but worth the risk in this particular situation.
 |
| Who says you can't have knockwurst for breakfast? |
Not much to share on the shopping trip from the retail side. The unbelievable crowds on a weekday afternoon made me wonder if anyone ever really works in Fort Lauderdale? I am not used to people stalking the parking lot for a space on a Tuesday afternoon when Christmas is more than seven months away. I tried to find some cool flip flops for the beach in a store that sells only flip flips. Though I tried mightily, I was unable to find any in my size. Apparently, people with size 15-4E feet are not meant to wear cool flip flops on the beach. -frown- I ameliorated my disappointment with a Haagen Dazs Belgian chocolate milk shake. In the words of (Uncle) Jesse Katsopolis of Full House fame "HAVE MERCAYYY!" Probably more than a thousand calories in a cup, but I am pretty sure I will sweat it off in the outdoor sauna of an unseasonably warm South Florida spring day. As an aside, my first stop was at Ben & Jerry's. They had some good stuff on the menu there too, but it is never good to visit someplace just before they resupply. Most items on the menu were unavailable due to inventory shortages. -big frown- Will have to save the Chocolate Therapy for another time. I'll be dreaming about that chocolate pudding swirled chocolate ice cream until then.
 |
| Inside these pages is an incredible array of pastries. Do not stop here before getting your cholesterol and blood sugar tested. |
-mmmmm... inhale deeeply, eyes closed, remember the beignet-
This is the first of multiple posts from our trip. Please keep reading for details on our trip to the Yard Bird in North Miami Beach (near Port of Miami cruise ship docks) where a good friend and fellow fried chicken aficionado from Austin, TX joins me on my quest.
Your Dining Scout and Shade Tree Chef,
Michael Hurd, aka Big Mike
www.primantibros.com
No comments:
Post a Comment