Mom was the absolute worst cook in the world. Dinnertime meant either limp spaghetti with ketchup, Kraft macaroni and cheese (with that orange powder served on the side), or frozen fish sticks (that were still frozen). Christmas cookies were made without yeast… or sugar… or eggs, so they were better-served…
We all have our favorite “stoner food.” Some love a Taco Bell run; others can go through a dozen donuts. And then there’s Nutella. Straight from the jar, the chocolate-and-hazelnut combination satisfies like nothing else when we’re jonesing for a little somethin’ somethin’. Now, what if we told you that…
In the restaurant industry there are thousands of restaurant groups run by all manner of companies. Obviously, some are more prestigious than others. We’re not exactly going to make an announcement when a new kitchen manager takes over the burners at Applebee’s. One of Daniel Boulud’s restaurants: that’s another thing…
Even on a blistering August weekday, a healthy flow of people struts up and down the Broadwalk, the paved pedestrian walkway that lines Hollywood Beach. There’s a strand of blue-collar businesses to the west and wide-open sand and waves to the east. Walking down the strip is a pair of…
These days it’s fairly common for a restaurant or bar to have a signature. In Broward and Palm Beach counties, we have craft beer bars galore, wine bars like you wouldn’t imagine, bourbon- and whiskey-centric concepts, and tequila-focused bar programs. The one spirit that seems to have been overlooked recently…
Compared to the raucous of Friday and Saturday nights on A1A, Tuesdays are pretty tame. But not tonight, someone’s plotted murder. Well not someone with criminal intentions per se, rather co-owner and general manager of The Dive Bar, Cody Cole. The blood might be iodine, and the clues planted, but…
We have the most amazing winters, ever. We have beautiful beaches. We have around 250 days of sun per year. Overall, living in South Florida has a ton of perks, but one of the most exciting aspects of living in the subtropics is mango season. Unless, of course, you’re allergic…
Pesticides. Fungicides. Neonicotinoids. Organic. Hormone-free. Anti-biotic free. Non-GMO. Fair trade. Pasture raised. Grass fed vs. grass finished. How far did it travel? How well was it treated? How much was its DNA tinkered with? Were fossil fuels involved? The concept of food was simple once, but these days the very…
When we received a link to the Indiegogo page asking to donate to the rebuild of the Friar Tuck’s Food Truck, at first we thought this was an old story. After all, the first incarnation of Friar Tuck was destroyed on June 13, 2012 on the Florida Turnpike. Owners Robb…
The next time you want to cook something healthy, plant-based and animal-free, why not download an app to help you get delicious recipes in a hurry? Thanks to Sheri Grooms, and her newly-released app known as veganNOMMs, you can get easy vegan recipes downloaded right to your phone. The app,…
It’s official. Shooters, the waterfront restaurant best known for happy hours, a large dock, and swimsuit contests around the pool, has closed for renovation. The restaurant was purchased along with Bootlegger in a package deal by Grateful Palate’s owner, William McIntyre, for $7 million back in July. McIntyre then wasted…
Yelp would be nowhere without its reviewers. And to reward the reviewers who so diligently generate their site’s content day in and day out, Yelp is running a weeklong affair where Yelpers simply check-in to any of the 29 participating local businesses and are rewarded with a free prize for…
Two of Palm Beach County’s best chefs are busy working on the finishing touches of their new restaurant. Called Aah Loi (Thai for “delicious”), the restaurant is a collaboration between Charlie Soo, the man behind Talay Thai and Roy Villacrusis, the king of pop-up cuisine. See also: – Talay Thai’s…
Wilton Manors has a problem, and it has nothing to do with the density of same-sex couples living in the Fort Lauderdale suburb. “I think within a half a mile there are five Thai and sushi restaurants,” said Nancy Goldwin, a co-owner of 13|Even, the craft beer and small plates…
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of ways to prepare a bird. Roasted, poached, steamed, grilled, curried: the combinations of flavors and methods could fill an encyclopedia. And we bet you’ve had your fill. Chicken in a pig’s bladder, however, has probably not been on the menu. While it might…
The last farm bill was an epic disaster. Huge spending cuts to food stamp programs, no cuts to agricultural subsidies, and an amendment which would have superseded states rights to enact their own agricultural laws were all on the ballot. Sponsored by Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, the King Amendment could…
Each step of construction at 13|Even was a labor of love. It began with a raw, empty white room. Then, as photos show, the weathered chocolate-brown wood bar was framed. Later, test stripes of different colors were painted onto a wall so owners could decide which hue to choose (ultimately,…
If you’ve ever wandered the streets of Hollywood craving an authentic ropa vieja — you know, the type that waters the mouth with its impeccable blend of flavor and spice — chances are you’ve crossed paths with Laura’s Cuban Restaurant too. Aside from the authentic Cuban cuisine (that Yelp reviewers…
As the world gets fatter and obesity becomes a major health hazard, soda manufacturers take a large portion of blame. And, even when companies like Coca-Cola launch diet products, the fight doesn’t end there, with people rallying against the artificial sweeteners that can supposedly cause as much damage as corn…
Even though it was actually three weeks ago, it feels like just yesterday videographer Kate Maier and I were eating lunch with 11-year-old Wyatt at the Flaningan’s in Pompano Beach. Over some cheesy potato skins, larger-than-your-mouth burgers, and double chocolate cake, Clean Plate Charlie documented Wyatt’s journalistic process from drink…
If you find your cupboard bare today, might we suggest restocking at Whole Foods? Today, August 14, three Whole Foods Markets in south Florida will donate five percent of their net day sales to the YMCA of Broward County…
Clean Plate Charlie writers meet each week for a blog meeting. It’s there we “chew the fat” and brainstorm about “tasty morsels” to write about. It’s also the morning when I usually come into the office slightly harried and hungry after trying to fit a day’s worth of writing into…
