Let’s Go, South Florida: A decadent dessert, a wine sanctuary and dinner on the run are a few of our favorite things

Arlene Borenstein-Zuluaga, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
·3 min read

Each week Let’s Go, South Florida brings you what’s new, fun and trendy in South Florida, with all of its diversity and great cooking. We’ve gone behind the scenes featuring a traveling hibachi chef, strip mall food gems, the makings of vegan soul food and sit-down chats with celebrity chefs.

Over the past few months, you’ve traveled with us to Arepa Pueblo in Pembroke Pines where they cook up a Venezuelan arepa like you were in Caracas. To Chef Lenore Nolan Ryan’s cafe on Galt Ocean Mile where she helps us make the perfect charcuterie board. And to Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s Momosan in Wynwood, where he even cooks tableside for his guests.

This week’s video showcases a few of my favorite things. Not all of them are fancy, but they are my go-tos because as a busy working mom, I don’t like to be let down.

Case in point, the Pollo Tropical.

When I am swamped right before I have to pick up my 4-year-old from school and there is no way I am going to start cooking a family meal, thank you Pollo for having a whole chicken meal with beans and rice. It’s less than $20 and my sanity is priceless. And pro tip: There are locations all over South Florida, but there usually is not a line at the Fort Lauderdale location on Federal Highway north of Commercial Boulevard. (Actually, forget I said that.)

Now let’s talk about dessert. If you are like me, sometimes you just want a decadent, creamy dessert. Not even a meal. If you don’t know where to go, you are left empty and a little sad inside. I’ve cracked this code though. Shooters Waterfront on the Intracoastal Waterway (3033 NE 32nd Ave., Fort Lauderdale; 954- 566-2855, shooterswaterfront.com) might have outstanding views, but you must leave room for dessert. I have been here many times with my husband and friends. The beauty of the water views and the breeze is such a treat, but the Key lime baked Alaska is so perfectly made, it calls my name.

And when you want some good wine and small plates, Vinos Wine Bar and Cocktail Lounge is a Las Olas Boulevard sanctuary (901 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; 954-765-6730, vinoswinebars.com/vinos-on-las-olas). I love this place because it works for a quiet night as a couple or a launch pad to get a fun night on Las Olas Boulevard — I know from experience. Owners want to teach you about their wines and make you feel at home here. This week’s show gives you a sneak peek at a new speakeasy-style bar hidden inside Vinos that is expected to open in a few weeks. It’s a space that transports you to the Prohibition era.

We’re here every Thursday with something different, come explore with us.