dining out The Foundry. AMERICAN • CONTINENTAL 2781 E. ATLANTIC BLVD., POMPANO BEACH 754-205-6977 $$
review
The Foundry is a cornerstone of the new and improved and way hipper Pompano Beach. The décor is truly factory-inspired chic with exposed air ducts, complemented by brick and dark wood tones. In fact, it almost feels like you are back in some secret Chicago speakeasy located in the back of an actual foundry. And let’s face it, everything is more fun when there is a touch of secrecy attached. While the vibe is distinctly old school, the menu is quite modern with various offerings drawing on influences from around the globe. With it’s eclectic menu, The Foundry is a great choice when your friends can’t decide what they feel like eating. With a full raw bar, small plates, salad options, pizzas and several full-blown entrées, there is something for everyone. And while the menu is varied, they manage to pull it all off — everything we’ve tried has been up to snuff. Full disclosure: we are fans of small plates and sharing, so this is truly our kind of place, and we’ve been back several times. The last time we were there, we tried the sea scallop crudo special, which was spot on: a lovely combination of thinly-sliced, raw scallops and fresh citrus. From the regular menu, the sushi stack is a great place to start: seasoned sushi rice, tuna, salmon, avocado and cucumber, mixed with kimchi mayo and a few tempura flakes for a little crunch. It’s almost too pretty to eat. Almost. We devoured it. For something on the lighter side, the beet and citrus salad is a super star and a perfect way to start your meal. It’s marinated red beets, local citrus, baby arugula, fresh herbs and crumbled feta cheese, with a toasted hazelnut vinaigrette. It’s light, yet packed with flavor. For something with a little more heft, the burrata appetizer is a great choice. It’s locally-sourced burrata, with traditional basil pesto, heirloom tomatoes, a crumbling of olives for a little briny accent, all served with ciabatta toast. Other small plate options include the shrimp and lobster toasts, and the barbacoa toasts — both are great for sharing. If you are trying to impress your date, head to the back of the restaurant, sit at the raw bar and order the seafood tower, which includes colossal shrimp, oysters and clams on the half shell, half a lobster, ceviche and snow crabs. But don’t worry, if you’re more of a straight shooter, there’s a great burger with irresistible fries. However, the Foundry burger with red onion marmalade, melted gruyere and thick-cut bacon is the way to go.
54
Deerfield Beach!
Quick & Casual DEERFIELD BEACH Quick & Casual Biondos Pizza Plus. American Have you ever been in the mood for pizza, but your kids crave burgers and fries? Next time, remember that the “plus” in Biondos Pizza Plus is there to settle the food debate. 606 S. Federal Highway, 954-427-7754. Bob’s Pizza. Pizza • Italian Pizza served remarkably close
to the beach—as if pizza could be get any better. 2076 N.E. Second St., 954-426-1030
Burger Craze. Burgers Beaches on the outside,
cool and coastal atmosphere on the inside. Do you need another reason to have a burger today? 2096 N.E. Second St., 954-596-5949
Charlie’s Fish Fry. Seafood Fish and chips, lobster bisque, blackened mahi sandwich among other seafood favorites.. 1200 E. Hillsboro Blvd., 954-573-7198 Charm City. Burgers Go ahead, order the tater
tots, we know you want to. In fact, order anything on their menu. Try the emperor—an American kobe beef patty with aged Swiss, truffled aioli and sautéed mushrooms—a burger fit for a king. 1136 E. Hillsboro Blvd., 954-531-0300
Duffy’s Sports Bar and Grill. American With more TVs than people, Duffy’s is your destinations for all things sports. 401 N. Federal Highway, 954-429-8820
El Jefe. Mexican For a truly inventive take on Mexican street food, this small yet bright and cheery taco joint is full of surprises. Try the El Mistico—a beef barbacoa quesadilla with queso blanco, mole negro and truffle crema. Yes, we said truffles. In the mood for seafood? The El Rey crispy shrimp taco with guacamole, spicy mayonnaise and cabbage slaw is the perfect combination of spice, crunch and seafood. 27 N. Federal Highway, 954-246-5333 Mawi’s Cafe. Italian Family owned Italian bistro serving breakfast and lunch all day—paninis, bagels, salads, smoothies and more. 1934 S.E. Third Court, 954-481-8600
The Pickle Barrell. Delicatessen Get in touch with your inner New Yorker at this old style deli complete with friendly guys behind the counter filling your sandwich with enough pastrami to feed a family. 33 E Hillsboro Blvd., 954-427-0650 Olympia Flame. Diner Be decadent and get the turkey pot pie
or go healthy and order a Greek salad. With a traditionally huge diner menu, you can’t go wrong at the Olympia Flame. Friendly staff makes you feel like a regular—even if you aren’t—but you should be. 80 S. Federal Highway, 954-480-8402
The Sticky Bun. Deli • Bakery • Brunch. Everyone will find something to munch on, whether it be their flour-less chocolate cake or a short rib panini with fontina cheese and pickled red onions… yum. 1619 S.E. Third Court, 754-212-5569 Tucker Duke’s Lunchbox. Burgers The names of the burgers are as unique as what’s inside of them. This place can challenge