Fort Lauderdale here we come!!!! 4 weeks ago I took a mini vacation just me and Mrs. GFW and we went to Fort Lauderdale. This trip was work/education related for her and purely pleasure for myself. Kids got to stay with the grandparents. Was a much needed break to recharge the batteries a bit to finish off the year.
Fort Lauderdale delivered everything I had expected some nice climate, beautiful ocean views etc. But I did a couple things that truly I will remember forever and want to share my experiences with you. We were only there for a total of 3 days. On one of the nights we went out for supper, I had earlier in the day drove by this place and it caught my eye.
The place we experienced was called Mai-Kai Restaurant link is here ->>>http://maikai.com/ it is Polynesian style food and truly is a one of a kind experience. We had the Pupu Platter and it was amazing, additionally there is a rainforest style theme about the establishment. Upon finishing our meal we took a tour on the trail inside where a waterfall and little river system brought further tropical and enchanting ambience to the evening. If you find yourself ever in the Fort Lauderdale area this is a must check out in my books.
The following day Sunday was our last day there I dropped Mrs. GFW of at her course location and proceeded to drive where I could park and walk to the beach. I then researched pubs and found a quaint place close by called Bar Red Beard’s –>>http://barredbeard.com/. Being it was noon it was relatively quiet but upon entering the place I was pleasantly surprised by a Irish style pub feel not a club or beach bar feel at all.
I seated myself right up at the bar in front of the tap wall, and yes I said tap wall the taps all uniquely coming out of the wall with chalkboard mini signs on them displaying the variety. Too my right was a bigger chalkboard with them all wrote down again displaying price, alcohol content as well. My server “Mike” who I would come to learn was owner of the place handed me a menu and gave me a verbal tour of what was on tap.
My first brew was a Witbier and was the perfect starter, I then ordered a german pretzel and beef jerky from the menu. I sat there and relished the refreshing taste of my Belgian style Wit from The Fellowship, soon after my food arrived. I was again pleasantly surprised as the beef jerky came in a mason style jar and was thick and full of flavor and spice. I then decided I would step it up a notch brew wise and sample tasted the Clown Shoes Pecan Pie Porter. It was amazing full bodied and bursting with smoothness and flavor almost a meal replacement in itself. From there I slowly worked my way into the still warm german pretzel that came with a side of gravy and mustard to accommodate which both fit to it perfectly.
I slowly finished everything as the atmosphere was truly relaxing and relished the flavor, smells, and nice relaxing music playing in the background. The kind of place you can let your mind wander off and find those things that have been put on the “back burner” for so long so to speak that they are no longer even smoldering. After spending a couple hours I paid my tab and bid Mike a farewell. The place was also getting busier and for good reasons. Bar Red Beard you truly are a classic place and will be sure to visit when back in the Fort Lauderdale area.
So with that I bid you all a good night till next round cheers GFW 🙂