Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Time to talk turkey (and tempura?) in Broward County
Stressing over the Thanksgiving feast? Those who do not like to shop, cook or clean up can make the easiest thing for Turkey Day: reservations.
In a region flooded with tourists and seasonal residents, restaurants in the Fort Lauderdale area are ready to serve on Nov. 22. Here is a rundown of some traditional and nontraditional offerings in Broward County (check back later for picks in Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties):
Burlock Coast, 1 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, 954-302-6460 — This beachfront eatery at the Ritz-Carlton has a relaxed atmosphere and will feature a deluxe buffet noon-8 p.m. ($129 adults, $49 children 5-12). The meal includes bottomless drinks for the grownups (rum punch, mimosas, Bloody Marys), along with seafood, carved meats, tapas, caviar bar and a dessert station. The restaurant also will offer takeaway packages for $369 (plus tax, serves six to eight people.) The familydinner menu includes a whole turkey with trimmings, sides and pecan pie. Order by phone by Nov. 19, pick up in the hotel lobby noon-4 p.m. Nov. 22.
Etaru, 500 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, 954-477-8068, or 111 S. Surf Road, Hallandale Beach, 954-271-3222 — Both outposts of this upscale, Japanese eatery featuring robatayaki grilling will serve a noon-6 p.m. holiday buffet that blends West (turkey carving station, grilled lamb chops) with East (sushi hand rolls, white miso soup, yuzu prawns with asparagus tempura). The cost is $75 per person (plus tax and tip) and includes a welcome cocktail, bottomless pours of selected wines and, for a $20 supplement,
unlimited Louis Roederer Champagne. The Hallandale Beach location overlooks the ocean.
Fresh Harvest, 5550 NW 40th St., Coconut Creek, 954-977-6700 — The buffet restaurant at the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek will offer an elaborate holiday spread from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The cost is $42 per person (plus tax and tip), $17 for children 10 and under, and includes unlimited mimosas or wine for adults. Items include turkey, prime rib, bourbon-glazed pork loin, smoked ham, steamed snow-crab legs, seafood Newburg, beef tenderloin with mushrooms and lamb loin chops. A dessert and pastry station will cap the meal.
GG's Waterfront Bar
and Grill, 606 N. Ocean Drive, Hollywood, 954-929-7030 — Chef Russ Simon, formerly of American English, now heads the kitchen at this dependable Intracoastal eatery, which will open at 11 a.m. and offer a whole turkey carved tableside for parties of six or more ($50 per person, children $25; must call ahead). It will be served with salad or butternut squash soup, sides and desserts. A threecourse menu will also be available, with entree options of turkey with mushroom and sourdough stuffing ($43), prime rib with roasted sweet peppers and jus ($50) or crab-stuffed yellowtail snapper with arugula and citrus gremolata ($55).
Mai-Kai, 3599 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, 954-563-3272 — For those who want turkey with a side of tiki kitsch, Fort Lauderdale’s Polynesian institution will offer dinner and a luau show for the holiday. Two seatings are available: 3 p.m. dinner with 5 p.m. show, or 6 p.m. dinner with 8 p.m. show. The package costs $47.50 (plus tax and tip), $15.95 for children 12 and younger and includes choice of salad, egg rolls or coconut lobster bisque to start and a main course of ham or turkey (or both) with sides, trimmings and dessert. Dinner without the show is available for $36 per person, as is the regular a la carte menu.
Sea Watch on the Ocean, 6002 N. Ocean Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, 954-781-2200 — Built along the shore with sweeping ocean views, this venerable seafood house is undergoing renovations, but will be open noon-9 p.m. for Thanksgiving. A limited menu will be offered, including a traditional turkey dinner for $32 per person, excluding tax and tip.