Restaurant Reviews By Rocco A. Quaglia - Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Red Pepper & Pesto Chicken Sandwich - Photo by Rocco A. Quaglia 2013
Michael’s Café
American & French Restaurant
Review by Rocco A. Quaglia
Every once in a while, you find a little gem that sparkle’s a little brighter than the rest, and I found it at Michael’s Café. Hidden away in the Imperial Point Shopping Plaza behind HealthSouth on the SW corner of US-1 and 62nd St is Michael’s Café an American & French Restaurant. Open at 6:30am (M-F); 7:00am (Sat); 7:30am (Sun) for breakfast and (Mon-Sat) for lunch, you must visit Michael’s Café with an appetite for the flavors of France. Owner/Chef Sylvian Forest comes from Lyon France where he was skilled in the fine art of French Cooking. For the past 12 years in this location in Fort Lauderdale, Michael’s has been bringing smiles to people’s faces by providing superb cuisine in their plates and a happy atmosphere to enjoy it in.
The menu is very inviting, and the daily specials which are highly recommended as being some of the best around for breakfast or lunch. The Florentine Omelette ($7.45) is perfect anytime of the day, with creamy spinach, mushrooms, diced ham, and cheddar cheese at the center of a golden fresh scrambled egg Omelette, you’ll enjoy every savory bite. The home fries complete the meal that you’ll want over and over again. Many other breakfast meals are available and special surprises await you every morning, it’s not just coffee anymore!
For lunch I was amazed by the Red Roasted Pepper & Pesto Chicken Sandwich ($8.25), just imagine a thick juicy fresh chicken
breast grilled and covered with melted provolone cheese, topped with slices of roasted red peppers and nestled in the middle of a warm fresh Ciabatta roll. Next you spread the pesto mayo over the chicken and get ready for the best chicken sandwich around. If that’s not enough, it comes with fresh grilled mixed vegetables and hand smashed potatoes. If you’re tired of your regular turkey sandwich, you must try the California Turkey Wrap ($7.95) which is another sure hit. A fresh wrap loaded and rolled with thinly sliced turkey breast, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, cream cheese and ranch sauce. This wrap is just right to fit in your hands and place in your mouth and bite softly for it is so tender and tasty. The homemade coleslaw is there to complete the meal that’s healthy too. Another hot special is the Flounder Provençale ($9.25), two thick fresh flounder fillets that are sautéed in a tomato based wine sauce with a delicious mix of red peppers, onions, mushrooms, garlic, and parsley that will make you wonder why you haven’t had this before. This gift from the sea will inspire you enjoy more healthy meals that will fill you up time and time again.
Whether it’s a burger, soup and a sandwich, or the special of the day you’ll be happy to stop in to Michael’s Café. If you’ve got room, try the Homemade Banana Bread ($3.25) for a light dessert. This banana bread is made with fresh walnuts and covered with chocolate syrup, fresh whipped cream and surrounded by strawberry slices. Careful, it’s so good you’ll want to take an order to share with your friends or hide for latter. Stop in today and try something different for breakfast or lunch at Michael’s Café, you’ll be glad you did!
Michael’s Café ~ (954) 776-6191 ~ 2304 NE 62nd St. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
American & French Restaurant
Review by Rocco A. Quaglia
Every once in a while, you find a little gem that sparkle’s a little brighter than the rest, and I found it at Michael’s Café. Hidden away in the Imperial Point Shopping Plaza behind HealthSouth on the SW corner of US-1 and 62nd St is Michael’s Café an American & French Restaurant. Open at 6:30am (M-F); 7:00am (Sat); 7:30am (Sun) for breakfast and (Mon-Sat) for lunch, you must visit Michael’s Café with an appetite for the flavors of France. Owner/Chef Sylvian Forest comes from Lyon France where he was skilled in the fine art of French Cooking. For the past 12 years in this location in Fort Lauderdale, Michael’s has been bringing smiles to people’s faces by providing superb cuisine in their plates and a happy atmosphere to enjoy it in.
The menu is very inviting, and the daily specials which are highly recommended as being some of the best around for breakfast or lunch. The Florentine Omelette ($7.45) is perfect anytime of the day, with creamy spinach, mushrooms, diced ham, and cheddar cheese at the center of a golden fresh scrambled egg Omelette, you’ll enjoy every savory bite. The home fries complete the meal that you’ll want over and over again. Many other breakfast meals are available and special surprises await you every morning, it’s not just coffee anymore!
For lunch I was amazed by the Red Roasted Pepper & Pesto Chicken Sandwich ($8.25), just imagine a thick juicy fresh chicken
breast grilled and covered with melted provolone cheese, topped with slices of roasted red peppers and nestled in the middle of a warm fresh Ciabatta roll. Next you spread the pesto mayo over the chicken and get ready for the best chicken sandwich around. If that’s not enough, it comes with fresh grilled mixed vegetables and hand smashed potatoes. If you’re tired of your regular turkey sandwich, you must try the California Turkey Wrap ($7.95) which is another sure hit. A fresh wrap loaded and rolled with thinly sliced turkey breast, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, cream cheese and ranch sauce. This wrap is just right to fit in your hands and place in your mouth and bite softly for it is so tender and tasty. The homemade coleslaw is there to complete the meal that’s healthy too. Another hot special is the Flounder Provençale ($9.25), two thick fresh flounder fillets that are sautéed in a tomato based wine sauce with a delicious mix of red peppers, onions, mushrooms, garlic, and parsley that will make you wonder why you haven’t had this before. This gift from the sea will inspire you enjoy more healthy meals that will fill you up time and time again.
Whether it’s a burger, soup and a sandwich, or the special of the day you’ll be happy to stop in to Michael’s Café. If you’ve got room, try the Homemade Banana Bread ($3.25) for a light dessert. This banana bread is made with fresh walnuts and covered with chocolate syrup, fresh whipped cream and surrounded by strawberry slices. Careful, it’s so good you’ll want to take an order to share with your friends or hide for latter. Stop in today and try something different for breakfast or lunch at Michael’s Café, you’ll be glad you did!
Michael’s Café ~ (954) 776-6191 ~ 2304 NE 62nd St. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
MEGA Burger - Photo by Rocco A. Quaglia 2012
Mugs Sports Grill
A Restaurant Review by Rocco A. Quaglia
Looking for a new place to Watch the Game and Eat Well at the same time, then look no further it’s Mugs Sports Grill. Owner Marc Brandt had a dream to build a fun place to enjoy good food while cheering on his FSU “Noles” and he’s built it. There are 15 Plasma TVs along with two 103” projection screens to catch up on all the sporting events. With the help of Chef Andre in the kitchen, you’ll enjoy a full menu featuring
Fresh Meats, Fresh Wild Caught Fish, Homemade Desserts and Weekly Specials to make your stomach purr. And to make you smile, Happy Hour runs from 2pm to 2am on Mondays and from 2pm to 8pm Tuesdays through Fridays.
For starters try the Escargot ($12.95), these fine delicacies are baked in garlic butter with fresh chopped herbs, they just melt in your mouth. They come with slivers of fresh baked bread that you can paste with the savory mixture. Another great starter is the Spicy Tuna Tataki (Market), a large piece of fresh tuna is flash grilled and then sliced into bite sized pieces of heaven once dipped in the sauce. It looks good and tastes even better due to the freshness and quality of the tuna.
For entrees check out the Surf-n-Surf ($17.95), fresh pan seared Mahi Mahi and large shrimp served over fresh sautéed garlic spinach with roasted potatoes covered in a Cajun beurre blanc sauce. It’s tasty, fresh and good for you too! If you’re really hungry try the MEGA Burger ($15.95), if you dare! We’re talking two half pound burger patties, topped with bacon, tomato, fried onions and an excellent BBQ sauce. It might be a little bit messy, but the size and fresh taste is sure to satisfy everyone’s hunger, just ask for extra napkins. Other items that might interest you, the Home Cooked BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich ($9.95), a wide variety of Burgers, Sandwiches, Chicken Dishes, Wings and Salads too.
For desert try the Homemade Bread Pudding ($5.95) with a warm vanilla sauce, or the Homemade White Chocolate Cheesecake ($5.95) with raspberry sauce. Both are sure to make you smile.
On Sundays Mugs Sports Grill offers an All You Can Drink Mimosa or Bloody Mary for $12.95 from 10am to 1pm. There is a Brunch menu including Omelet’s ($7-$9), Wraps ($10), Eggs Benny ($10), Crab Benny ($12) and more. After Brunch it’s Game Time and Game Specials. With 12 Beers on Tap and a Full Liquor Bar you’re sure to enjoy the games in style. Just in case you can’t get there, Mugs offers Delivery or Pick-up Service 7 days a week from 11am until Midnight. Have a great time and Go Noles!!
Mugs Sports Grill ~ (954) 566-7782 ~ 2671 E. Oakland Park Blvd. Fort Lauderdale
Located Between Federal Hwy & Bayview Drive
Live Well. Drink Well. Eat Better.
A Restaurant Review by Rocco A. Quaglia
Looking for a new place to Watch the Game and Eat Well at the same time, then look no further it’s Mugs Sports Grill. Owner Marc Brandt had a dream to build a fun place to enjoy good food while cheering on his FSU “Noles” and he’s built it. There are 15 Plasma TVs along with two 103” projection screens to catch up on all the sporting events. With the help of Chef Andre in the kitchen, you’ll enjoy a full menu featuring
Fresh Meats, Fresh Wild Caught Fish, Homemade Desserts and Weekly Specials to make your stomach purr. And to make you smile, Happy Hour runs from 2pm to 2am on Mondays and from 2pm to 8pm Tuesdays through Fridays.
For starters try the Escargot ($12.95), these fine delicacies are baked in garlic butter with fresh chopped herbs, they just melt in your mouth. They come with slivers of fresh baked bread that you can paste with the savory mixture. Another great starter is the Spicy Tuna Tataki (Market), a large piece of fresh tuna is flash grilled and then sliced into bite sized pieces of heaven once dipped in the sauce. It looks good and tastes even better due to the freshness and quality of the tuna.
For entrees check out the Surf-n-Surf ($17.95), fresh pan seared Mahi Mahi and large shrimp served over fresh sautéed garlic spinach with roasted potatoes covered in a Cajun beurre blanc sauce. It’s tasty, fresh and good for you too! If you’re really hungry try the MEGA Burger ($15.95), if you dare! We’re talking two half pound burger patties, topped with bacon, tomato, fried onions and an excellent BBQ sauce. It might be a little bit messy, but the size and fresh taste is sure to satisfy everyone’s hunger, just ask for extra napkins. Other items that might interest you, the Home Cooked BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich ($9.95), a wide variety of Burgers, Sandwiches, Chicken Dishes, Wings and Salads too.
For desert try the Homemade Bread Pudding ($5.95) with a warm vanilla sauce, or the Homemade White Chocolate Cheesecake ($5.95) with raspberry sauce. Both are sure to make you smile.
On Sundays Mugs Sports Grill offers an All You Can Drink Mimosa or Bloody Mary for $12.95 from 10am to 1pm. There is a Brunch menu including Omelet’s ($7-$9), Wraps ($10), Eggs Benny ($10), Crab Benny ($12) and more. After Brunch it’s Game Time and Game Specials. With 12 Beers on Tap and a Full Liquor Bar you’re sure to enjoy the games in style. Just in case you can’t get there, Mugs offers Delivery or Pick-up Service 7 days a week from 11am until Midnight. Have a great time and Go Noles!!
Mugs Sports Grill ~ (954) 566-7782 ~ 2671 E. Oakland Park Blvd. Fort Lauderdale
Located Between Federal Hwy & Bayview Drive
Live Well. Drink Well. Eat Better.