B Ocean Fort Lauderdale, located on Sunrise Boulevard and A1A, began the first day of its grand opening celebration on Thursday night.
The event opened to an crowd interested in checking out the recently renovated hotel, previously the Holiday Inn. Guests of the hotel and special invitees toured the two restaurants, pool lounge area, and penthouse ballrooms.
Attendees were greeted on the "blue carpet" by welcoming hotel staff before entering a packed lobby. As servers passed hors d'oeuvres and specialty drinks, several entertainers posed around the perimeter.
The two restaurants showcased signature dishes while Asian fusion restaurant, SAIA proved a popular destination. Guests sampled tastings of small plates such as tuna sashimi wrapped scallop-crabmeat mixture, sushi rolls, and sea scallops over Thai-curry noodles.
Passing by cozy cabana beds in the outdoor lounge area, a DJ spun as synchronized swimmers impressed the crowd in the infinity-edge pool. A display table of fresh fruits, cheeses and salads continued to feed the hungry masses.
Thirteen floors up in the penthouse, another party was underway with music from a 10-piece orchestra band and a buffet with noshings such as a large platter of seafood paella and mini Cuban sandwiches. Celebrity chef, Holli Ugalde, from the 7th season of Hell's Kitchen serves as the hotel's signature chef.
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