The Top List of Best Brunches-Fort Lauderdale, FLCruise down the intracostal waterways and find your perfect Brunch by Jay Michaels
When it comes to going out for Brunch the choices are endless. I have been given the almost impossible task, once again, to offer just my humble opinion of 10 favorite brunch spots for a memorable time. These restaurants also offer fine fair at times other than brunch.
MARTHA'S 6024 N. Ocean Drive Hollywood, FL 33019 (954) 923-5444 We begin our top ten at Martha's because, as with many of my suggestions for great South Florida dining, it's on the beautiful Intercostals Waterway. What better way to while away a leisurely brunch with family and friends than in a setting that is partially Florida with a touch of the Caribbean. My favorite part of the Martha's brunch is a true sampling of foods from around the world. A palatable trip from South America to the Orient and back to the USA all in a single dining adventure. Relax and maybe try one of their sensational Brandy Alexanders or sensational tropical cocktails before brunch.
Price: $23.95 per adult, $11.95 for children.
BIMINI BOATYARD 1555 SE 17th Street Causeway Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 525-7400 Now although many of us think of the Bimini Boatyard as the perfect "gathering spot" after work or for fun and casual fair it just might be the perfect spot for a leisurely Sunday Brunch. If you want to get away from the traditional brunches and just relax while sipping champagne and looking at million dollar yachts this is the place. I have never been disappointed at the Bimini Boatyard! The oak fired pizzas are great and if you like seafood try any of their delectable varieties prepared on an open grill. Here's a place you can enjoy a more casual and relaxed time, if that is what you would prefer.
Average brunch menu prices range from $6.00 to $10.00.
GIORGIO'S GRILL 606 N. Ocean Drive Hollywood, FL 33019 (954) 929-7030 If you can't afford to charter that jet to Greece this year then a trip to Giorgio's Grill is the second best thing! Again, as with many of my favorite brunch spots, it's on the water so you can pretend that you are on an exotic Grecian Isle. This is truly one of the hottest spots along the waterway for brunch and that is probably because of the versatility of the menu. However, when in Greece, do like the Greeks, don't pass up many of the specialties like the Greek salads and for the garlic lovers some great pastas. Also, add a little Ouzo and smash a few plates!
Prices: $18.00 for adults and $14.00 for children.
BRASSERIE MAX 321 N. University Drive The Fashion Mall Plantation, FL 33324 (954) 424-8000 One of my favorite brunch spots will always be Brasserie Max. Now you may think I am crazy for saying this but it all starts with the bread, French and lots of it - with creamy butter. Forget the calories, just come to enjoy. Let the chef prepare a special omelet just for you, believe me you will enjoy every scrumptious bite. Fresh is the word here too, whether you order from the menu as well you will not be disappointed at the attention put on ingredients. Fabulous desserts too and an excellent wine list to accompany.
Prices: $18.95 adults and $7.95 for children.
YESTERDAY'S 3001 E. Oakland Park Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306 (954) 561-4400 The song says, "Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away..." and at Yesterday's all your troubles stay at the door because from the moment you step in, this place just greets you with a "hug" and says, "Enjoy!" Absolutely one of the finest brunches that I have ever had the pleasure to sample in the world. Did I say world? Yes, here is your opportunity to experience a culinary adventure around the world in a lot less than 80 days. This brunch goes far beyond your little squares of cheese and a few bagels. We are talking exotic meats and gourmet items that are Yesterday's trademark. Here we are again on the beautiful Intracoastal to share with all those memories of yesterday.
Prices: $24.95 for adults and $10.95 for children.
CALIFORNIA CAFE 2301 SE 17th Street Hyatt Pier 66 Hotel Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 728-3500 Many fine brunches are featured in hotels. But this isn't just any hotel this is the famous "Pier 66." A landmark of dockage of millionaire's yachts in such a beautiful setting makes for a very special day. Stop and take it all in with some champagne or a tropical cocktail or any of their fine wines and take in a brunch that can take you away without ever leaving your table. Gaze out at the marina and dream of some of a tropical paradise that these "floating mansions" have traveled to. Enjoy the pampering from the staff and the pampering to your palate as well. Again, many things away from typical brunch fair here and everything absolutely delicious.
Average price around $18.95 per person.
BLUE MOON FISH COMPANY 4405 W. Tradewinds Avenue Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, FL 33308 (954) 267-9888 My first brunch experience here was during one of their fabulous "Gospel Brunches." Here you are, yes again on the water (after all this is Florida), enjoying the view and fabulous food while listening to a gospel ensemble to put you into that "Sunday mood" no matter what congregation you happen to be part of. Now although they no longer feature the Gospel singers at brunch, you will still love to sample foods and sauces that are unique to the Blue Moon Fish Company. And, you may think there is truly "divine intervention" when you sample out of this world desserts. You will walk out knowing that once in a Blue Moon we all get something right!
Prices: $29.95 for adults and $1.00 per age, up to 12 for children.
CARMEN'S Radisson Bridge Resort of Boca Raton 999 East Camino Real Boca Raton, FL 33432 (561) 368-9500 Ok, where has this diner returned time and time again for brunch? Again, here we are on the water in beautiful Boca Raton at a gorgeous "laid back and classy" hotel and a short elevator ride to the top. Here at Carmen's the panoramic view is something from a post card and the setting is elegant but yet comfortable. Take your time is my advice here, there is no rush! Start with delectable appetizers from one table and move to an array of breakfast foods to entrees and please save room for dessert! When you take this brunch and put it with this view you will know life is good.
Price: $34.95 for adults and ask about special prices for children under 10.
SEA CREST GRILL Marriott Hotels Resorts Suites 10 North Ocean Boulevard Delray Beach, FL 33483 (561) 274-3200 Now if you want to feel like you are away on vacation then may I suggest a great brunch in a cool setting, right at the beach, at the Sea Crest Grill. A favorite brunch spot for tourists and locals alike the selection is abundant and always tasty. However, I also want to suggest that this brunch also gives you a feeling of "getting away from it all" just like a vacation wrapped into a few hours. After brunch a leisurely stroll along the beach is in order.
Prices: $31.95 for adults and $15.95 for children under 12.
SUNDY HOUSE 106 S. Swinton Avenue Delray Beach, FL 33444 (561) 272-5678 Rounding out our top ten, and we have saved one of the best for last here, is Sundy House. No, it's not a typo; this house was built in 1902 for the town's first mayor John S. Sundy. Absolutely one of the most romantic and elegant settings, for not just brunch, but anytime here. The critics in South Florida unanimously applaud the Sundy house as having one of the most diverse menus that truly savor the South Florida/Caribbean fair. This is not just any ordinary brunch - this will truly be one of the most flavorful adventures of a lifetime. I can't say enough about the setting or the food; you simply must experience this truly "one of a kind" brunches at Sundy House.
Price: $25.00 per person, same price for children.
So, there you have it once again, my attempt to just name ten favorites out of hundreds for you to enjoy.