Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Aqui is here in Flagler Village and a Treasure Trove takeover
As they pave paradise, sometimes you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s here.
Just opened in Fort Lauderdale’s gentrifying Flagler Village, Aqui Bar & Kitchens is the kind of thoughtfully designed urban hangout that may point the way to what is possible in the city’s core.
The space is located at 511 NE Third Ave., on the ground floor of a former dance studio beautifully renovated by Glavovic Studio, the award-winning local architecture firm known for its cultural and arts collaborations, which occupies the second story.
From the overture of its boldly modern entry, through a large, loft-like bar to its relaxing coda, a garden of tables set among white stones under live oak trees laced with white lights, Aqui is at once new and old and very Florida. Hence the name, Aqui.
“We designed a place where locals can chill with affordably priced, high-quality food and cocktails served in a magical environment,” said Glavovic Studio founder Margi G. Nothard, a longtime Flagler Village resident.
As for practical considerations: We sat at a table just inside the entrance in the bar, which had an energetic hum. If you are looking for quiet conversation, get a table out back. It’s beautiful back there.
Waitstaff (attentive, quick) ferry food to your table from kitchens in three white shipping containers in the garden, each with a distinctive menu: Mediterranean, Asian and Mexican. (This is elevated fare: Our truffle wings and tacos were top-notch.)
The operation is run by co-owners Trenton O’Connor (director of beverage) and Gino Pérez-Ferrari (director of culinary), who helped open Doc B’s nearby. They are a hands-on presence.
If you are in the mood for something new, a casual-but-sophisticated night out in an environment that has both a lively spirit and (for now) a quiet place, I recommend Aqui. Visit AquiBar. com.
Thursday
Swingin’ at Runway 84: Anthony Bruno’s iconic Runway 84 reopened this week after a $4 million refresh, and the
40-year-old Fort Lauderdale restaurant may be the hottest table in South Florida this weekend. The new menu now includes a selection of top-shelf steaks (including a 40-ounce porterhouse, apparently for two). The classic meatball appetizer is still a feature. Early reports say the place is pretty slick, which may trouble fans of its timeworn “Goodfellas” authenticity. But think of the transition Frank Sinatra made at the same age, when his youth and popularity were waning. Middle-age Frank became an Oscar-winning actor, a fashion icon, and in his 40s he recorded “Songs for Swingin’ Lovers!,” the jazzy classic that redefined his career. Visit Runway84. com.
Free bubbles: Amar Mediterranean Bistro in downtown Delray Beach is celebrating a second anniversary this weekend (it’s Saturday) with a free glass of prosecco (or similar) with the purchase of dinner Thursday through Sunday. Visit Instagram.com/amardelray.
Take the kids: A touring mini golf pop-up called Pixar Putt opened Wednesday at The LOOP (Las
Olas Oceanside Park) on Fort Lauderdale beach, offering 18 interactive holes inspired by beloved Disney and Pixar films such as “Finding Nemo,” “Monsters, Inc.,” “Coco,” and “Inside Out.” Being staged at the park through March 26, the course will be open from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays and noon to 10 p.m. weekends. Sessions called Pixar Putt After Dark for 18-and-older players happen from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays. Pixar Putt costs $22; those younger than 12 pay $17. Pixar Putt After Dark play costs $27. Visit PixarPutt.com/fortlauderdale.
DMB in WPB: The Dave Matthews Band just
announced its annual return to iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre in West Palm Beach on July 28 to 29. A fan club presale is underway at Warehouse. DaveMatthewsBand.com, while a Citi Card presale begins Feb. 14 at CitiEntertainment.com. Ticket access for the general public begins 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 17, at DaveMatthewsBand.com.
Friday
Trove of memories: Of all the word-of-mouth locals bars murdered by rapacious development in
Fort Lauderdale over the past few years, among the most missed is Jeff Rudd’s beachfront dive known affectionately as the Internationally World Famous Treasure Trove. After more than two decades of precarious existence (Rudd was known to let friends run up a tab, and he had many friends), the Trove closed in 2018, unceremoniously knocked down to make way for something that still hasn’t been built. On Friday from 7 to 11 p.m., Rudd and favorite Trove bartender Maribeth Johnson will host
a Treasure Trove takeover of the slightly less dive-y Archie’s Bar (3333 E. Oakland Park Blvd.) for a night of IWFTT fellowship. Rudd’s longtime consigliere at the Trove, Phil Dunn, says, “He is telling people that it’s not his place, so they actually have to pay for drinks now.” Visit Instagram.com/iwftt.
Dark room: There is plenty to recommend an evening at Art After Dark at the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, including a 7:30 p.m. showing of “Garry Winogrand: All Things are Photographable,” a 2018 documentary about the influential street photographer, and a performance by Electric Piquete. The funky Latin fusion band from Miami has a full-length album on the way to celebrate their 15th anniversary. Art After Dark admission is $10; students pay $5. Visit Norton.org or ElectricPiquete.com.
Weekend laughs: Comedian and actor Bret Ernst (currently of “Cobra Kai,” formerly of Plantation High School) has five shows from
Friday through Sunday at the Dania Improv. Tickets cost $22+ at DaniaImprov. com.
Friday concerts: Billy
Joel returns to Hard Rock Live in Hollywood at 8 p.m. Friday. Single tickets pop up every so often, if you have a few Benjamins laying around. Check MyHRL.com. … The Tedeschi Trucks Band plays Mizner Park Amphitheater in Boca Raton at 7:30 p.m. Friday, with tickets down to resales only at Ticketmaster.com. … At the other end of Mizner Park, Derek Truck’s cousin Melody Trucks (daughter of Allman Brothers icon Butch) will do an after-party at the Funky Biscuit at 9 p.m. Friday. Tickets start at $25 at FunkyBiscuit.com.
Saturday
Year of wine: Sidewalk Bottle Shop, the natural wine hangout run by the engaging duo of Nicolas Riveira and David Lopez in the Laser Wolf building near downtown Fort Lauderdale, will celebrate its first anniversary on Saturday. Ted’s Burgers will roll up from Miami to provide food to go with the wine. The shop opens at 5 p.m. Saturday and closes the next day. Visit Instagram.com/sidewalk. bottleshop.
Saturday laughs: Comedian and author Trae Crowder (“WTF with Marc Maron”) comes from down yonder (to paraphrase Morgan Wallen, who also grew up in a small town near the Tennessee-Kentucky border), which gives his “liberal redneck” observations a special kind of authenticity/audacity. Catch him at 7 p.m. Saturday at Sunshine Cathedral Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale. Tickets start at $35 at SunshineCathedral.org.
Horse play: Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach hosts the glam thoroughbred horse racing event called the Pegasus World Cup on Saturday, including musical performances by global stars Kygo and OneRepublic at the Carousel Club. The day includes free bites, an open bar from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and access to Level 1 of the Clubhouse, the casino and apron. Tickets to the Carousel Club cost $499+ at PegasusWorldCup.com.
Haggis here: The Scottish American Society of South Florida will host its first
Robert Burns Supper in three years, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday at Tropical Acres Steakhouse in Fort Lauderdale. There will be much more than haggis. The dinner, which costs $70, supports the SASSF’s Scottish Festival & Highland Games on March 4 at Plantation Heritage Park. Visit SASSF.org.
Sunday
Sunday market: Good
Vibes Market will gather the work of local farmers and creatives at the Venetian Isle Shopping Center in Lighthouse Point from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Visit GoodVibesSoFlo.com.
Chita chat: Of all the sassy artists that Seth Rudetsky has brought to South Florida for music and conversation through the years, his current pairing with Broadway legend Chita Rivera may be the most intriguing — and fun. Catch them at the Fort Lauderdale’s The Parker at 7 p.m. Sunday. Tickets start at $39+ at BrowardCenter.org.