Burlock Coast Opening at the Ritz-Carlton Aims to Be "More Than a Restaurant"

Burlock is the name of the bad sea captain and smuggler Bill McCoy invented to transport rum overseas during the United States' Prohibition.

And when it opens next month, it will also be the name of the new restaurant inside the Fort Lauderdale Ritz-Carlton, dubbed Burlock Coast Seafare & Spirits, a custom-built concept located off the lobby on the ground floor of the hotel, just steps from A1A and the Atlantic Ocean,

Described as "more than just a restaurant," Burlock Coast will offer locally procured seafood, produce, and artisan foods; an elaborate bar program with a wide variety of rums; and even a marketplace selling items from vendors like Panther Coffee, Zak the Baker, and Miami Smokers.

Since the Ritz-Carlton's Italian-inspired eatery Via Luna closed in June, the restaurant space has undergone a multimillion-dollar renovation in preparation for Burlock Coast's 2015 season debut. When the concept opens in November, expect a sophisticated space featuring fine dining with an indoor/outdoor bar, and a locally-inspired menu executed by chef de cuisine Gavin Pera, formerly chef de cuisine for The Maritana Grille at the Loews Don Cesar in St. Pete Beach.

"Smart sourcing is the key to any smart menu," said Pera. "We wanted to source as much as possible from our local purveyors, but take it one step further and partner with local artisans and give them an opportunity to spotlight the amazing things they're doing. We have some truly talented people in South Florida producing delicious food and drink with passion and an attention to detail we admire. We love what they're about, and aim to do the same with what comes out of our kitchen and bar when Burlock Coast opens."

Part of the concept will feature a carefully-curated marketplace where guests and visitors can find artisanal goods including locally-baked breads and roasted coffees, to packaged items spotlighting a number of ingredients or dishes on the restaurant's menu.

To that end, expect to find breads made by revered Miami baker Zak Stern (aka Zak the Baker); not only will they be a part of Burlock Coast's bread service, but patrons and hotel guests can also find them for sale, delivered daily to the Burlock marketplace. Another Miami export, Panther Coffee devotees can even get a hot cup of Joe to go, or buy a bag of roasted beans for home brewing. And charcuterie lovers can enjoy selections at both the restaurant and in the marketplace from Miami-based Miami Smokers. 

The cocktail program will embrace the restaurant's historical touchstones and feature an extensive rum list heavy with French, Caribbean, and Spanish selections. Part and parcel with some of Chef Pera’s tableside services, during dinner a rum cart will be on the move allowing diners the opportunity to build their own rum cocktail.

"Burlock Coast has been designed to be more than a restaurant," said Cook. "It's a lot of different things in one: a morning time gathering spot; a watering hole; and a marketplace."

Burlock Coast is slated to open in November at The Ritz-Carlton in Fort Lauderdale, located at 1 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard. Call 954-302-6460, or visit burlockcoast.com.

Nicole Danna is a food writer covering Broward and Palm Beach counties. To get the latest in food and drink news in South Florida, follow her @SoFloNicole or find her latest food pics on the BPB New Times Food & Drink Instagram.