It’s almost shoulder season in southern Florida, which means it is a great time to find a cheap, last-minute flight to Fort Lauderdale and take an impromptu holiday to the Venice of America. One of the best parts of visiting a new city is getting the chance to taste the local cuisine and connect with the culture of the people who live there. But to do that, you’ve got to know what the most iconic and renowned dishes are. To help you out, we’ve got our picks for the can’t-miss offerings in the city. Join us on a day of delicacies with our food tour of Fort Lauderdale.
Breakfast: Cuban Coffee with a Pastelito
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We start our food tour with a strong espresso shot brightened by a bit of demerara sugar, alongside a flaky, puff pastry stuffed with guava and cream cheese or coconut called pastelito. There is a substantial Cuban presence in the makeup of Fort Lauderdale, so it is only natural to begin the day with an iconic Cuban pairing. Pastelito are rich and satisfying, but not too large of a meal as to spoil your appetite, making them the perfect start to a long day of dining. The caffeine from the coffee, mixed with the carbs and sugar of the pastry will also help us stay energised as we travel around the city.
Brunch: Shrimp and Grits
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Grits are an incredibly popular meal in the south, and pairing them with freshly caught seafood is one of the favourite ways to enjoy them in coastal areas. For our pairing, we’ve chosen shrimp, as it mixes this southern classic with fresh, local ingredients. This dish is creamy and savoury, and goes really well with spicy sauces and seasonings, grilled scallions, or a little cheddar cheese in the grits. Pair it with freshly squeezed juices, coconut water, or a mimosa to complete the experience. If you aren’t a fan of seafood, ditch the shrimp and get bacon or avocado instead, and you won’t be sorry!
Lunch: Stone Crab Claw
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Stone crab season starts October 15th, so you will only be able to get this renowned delicacy if you visit during that time. Stone crabs are not killed to harvest their claws as their claws can regenerate. But overharvesting could affect the population, especially during molting and reproduction, so they are not allowed to be harvested outside of the season. The meat inside these claws is sweet and firm, and they are traditionally served chilled with mustard or lemon butter. This is a great dish to enjoy by the coast, so find a restaurant with a view of the ocean and a patio for the quintessential Fort Lauderdale experience.
Cuban Sandwich
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The Cuban sandwich is a staple of Fort Lauderdale’s culinary scene and, much like pastelito, it is deeply connected to the Cuban influence on the culture. A proper Cuban sandwich brings together roasted pork, sliced ham, Swiss cheese, dill pickles, and yellow mustard between two slices of Cuban bread. The sandwich is then smashed down and grilled in butter, creating a crunchy, savoury, tangy, salty masterpiece dripping with cheese and juicy meats. Order one with a local brew or a sparkling wine and you will be in heaven. Many restaurants try to make their own version of this iconic sandwich, but few can replicate the magic that is a Fort Lauderdale Cuban.
Key Lime Pie
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As Florida’s official state pie, there is no better way to finish off our Fort Lauderdale food tour than with this light and sweet delicacy. The “key” ingredient is juice from the eponymous Key limes that grow in the Florida Keys. The juice is mixed with condensed milk and egg yolks, making a light and creamy pie filling. It is then put into a graham cracker crust and served with whipped cream or meringue. Fruity, sweet, and delicate, this elegant staple is the perfect way to end a day of feasting across Fort Lauderdale!
