Family Restaurants in Fort Lauderdale

Taking kids out for dinner can be challenging enough. It’s easier when they like the food and even better when the parents like the food, too. Here’s a few of my favourite restaurants in Fort Lauderdale where the whole family is happy.

Buca di Beppo: Family Style Portions to Share
This restaurant feels like home. There are two portion sizes here, Buca Small and Buca Large. Although they say that Buca Small feeds two and Buca Large feeds four, ordering a variety of menu items in the Buca Small portion, gives more variety to share. Our favourite meal includes Fried Calamari, Mozzarella Caprese, Margherita Pizza (for the kids) and Chicken Parmigiana.
http://www.bucadibeppo.com/; 5975 North Federal Highway; 954-229-0922


Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.: Stuffed Shrimp and a Kids Menu
Shrimp is the specialty here. One of the best ways it’s served is their “I’m Stuffed Shrimp”. Large shrimp are stuffed with crab, topped with Monterey Jack Cheese and baked in garlic butter. Another great menu item is the beer battered Mahi Mahi. The kids menu includes items such as Hubba Bubba Popcorn Shrimp and Mac n Cheese Pleez.
http://www.bubbagump.com/; 429 South Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd; 954-463-0777

Jaxsons Ice Cream Parlor & Restaurant: Handmade Ice Cream
This is an old fashioned ice cream parlor that’s been around for nearly 50 years. It doesn’t sell only ice cream, though. Kids can order off the Jaxson’s for Juniors menu offering pizza, chicken fingers and burgers. Parents can choose from fried shrimp, grilled chicken platter, or a steak platter. But save room for dessert, because ice cream is the main event. They make their ice cream fresh daily and serve all creations with a generous topping of real whipped cream.
http://www.jaxsonicecream.com/; 128 S Federal Hwy; 954-923-4445

Beginners Guide to Touring Wineries

One of the best ways to gain a deeper appreciation for a region’s wine is to visit the wineries that produce it. Whether you’re visiting, Napa Valley, Tuscany, the Okanagan Valley, or Ontario Wine Country, you can follow these guidelines to make the most of your winery tour.

When to Expect Crowds
Weekends are generally the busiest time to visit a winery as opposed to visiting on a weekday. Whereas a weekday tour, morning tour or offseason visit may offer a more intimate tour with an opportunity to ask more questions and sample additional vintages. Also expect the wineries to be busy during wine festivals and the launching of a new release wine.

Cost of Winery Tours
Some wineries have complimentary tastings, other charge a nominal fee ($5 per person) for a tour, while others only charge for tasting the limited vintages. Each winery is different, but most details are usually listed on a winery’s website.

Ask Plenty of Questions
Winemakers are passionate about their product and are keen to talk about the process and taste. This is your opportunity to get some insider information. Find out what separates each winery from their competitors in the area. The vintner can also give tips on food and wine pairing.

Educate Yourself Prior to Visiting a Winery
Before arriving at a winery, visitors should be knowledgeable when it comes to popular wines, rare vintages and price points. Find out which vintages will be featured during the tasting. And when at the tour ask the winery staff which bottles are popular and which ones have a very limited distribution.

Buying Wine at a Winery
Don’t store new purchases in the trunk of a hot car can be a hot place. Instead, bring a cooler. But consider that most wineries will ship practically anywhere.
Do ask the vintner to sign any bottle that is purchased as a souvenir.

More Winery Touring Tips
Don’t make the mistake of wearing strong perfumes, aftershaves, or colognes. These all interfere with the aroma of the wine. Do choose a designated driver or take a tour that leaves the driving to someone else.

Best Canadian Winery of the Year

Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate was named Canadian Producer of the Year by the Brits.

Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate was named the Canadian Producer for 2008 at the International Wine and Spirit Competition in London, England. This is hardly news to me, as I’ve known for years that Jackson Triggs is a top VQA Canadian wine. Their winery has also took home the Best Winery award for the past nine years.

Jackson – Triggs will also be the Official Wine Supplier for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, so now is the perfect time to get acquainted with this popular wine.

Visitors to the Niagara winery not only get a behind the scenes tour, but also have the opportunity to taste three of their Proprietors’ Reserve VQA wines. The experience starts with a 35-minute tour that begins in the vineyard exploring their winemaking process. It is followed by the wine tasting of a few limited release wines in either the boutique or the Grand Reserve Tasting Bar.

Cost: $5 per person