With the snowpocylapse that has hit Philadelphia, I can’t help but take a mental vacation back to the place I was taking a REAL workcation two weeks ago: sunny, fun, South Florida.
My old roommate from North Carolina settled in Ft. Lauderdale at the same time I was re-settling in Philly 3 years ago, and bad friend that I am, had yet to visit her. With a conference taking me to Orlando for the first half of the week, I told my boss I’d be working remotely, hopped into my zippy red rental car, and trekked down from Orlando to Ft. Lauderdale for 4 days of warmth, good wine, and reminiscing.
And I had a blast. Here are the highlights from Ft. Lauderdale:
Serafina Waterfront Bistro: L had driven by this little place numerous times but never dined there. Always up for a culinary adventure, we ventured in the small storefront entrance and were led to a table on the deck, on the water, next to docked yachts (typical for South Florida, apparently). Our waiter was a delightful character, an Italian who was as passionate about the food and wine as he was about our personal lives. We drank a delicious super Tucsan (a 2006 Lucente), dined on an antipasto of tomatoes and mozzerella, seafood risotto, and lasagna, and left completely stuffed (and a little tipsy, ). Highly recommend this place.
Jalisco’s: L is originally from Texas, so when she tells me a place serves up good Mexican, I completely trust her opinion. Jalisco’s did not disappoint.  Don’t let it’s slightly shabby exterior fool you; this place is GOOD. I filled up on freshly fried chips, spicy salsa, and my tomatillo enchiladas. No fried ice-cream or flan that night for me; I was stuffed. Next time, I will have the mouth-watering fajitas she ordered (and there will be a next time).Â
 Big City: Our location for dinner on Saturday night. Big City is your traditional American fare restaurant, but I was pleasantly surprised at just how good my shrimp Pad Thai was! A great wine list, comprehensive menu, and awesome people watching (both in the restaurant and on E. Las Olas Blvd), I completely enjoyed the dinner, and meeting more of L’s friends (including a fellow Philadelphian who I had a 15-minute conversation about Utz chips and Tastykakes with. You can take the girl out of Philly…)
Dicey Riley’s: For my fellow UW alums out there, this place is Ft. Lauderdale’s version of Finn McCool’s. So you already know that I adore this drinks-in-plastic-cups, 80’s rock/modern pop-dance, live band little gem in Ft. Lauderdale’s Riverfront. I had a blast singing and dancing along to the band, laughing with L and her friends (who I adore–please come visit when the snow has melted!), and enjoying the motley crew of hipsters, yuppies, townies, and visitors singing along to the band’s rendition of “Don’t Stop Believin.'” Good times had by all until 3:00, when L and I finally left. No wonder that I was passed out in the cab to MIA, the flight to DC, and the second flight to NYC. I can’t do those late nights anymore.
I miss Florida.
Part 2 will cover Boca, Delray, and a tweetup!
