There's brunch, and then there's brunching for a good cause.
For the rest of the summer, you can now do both at Coco Asian Bistro & Bar in Fort Lauderdale. Chef-owner Mike Ponluang, a longtime Broward County chef who has earned a devoted following for his Thai specialties and extensive selection of sushi, sashimi, and specialty rolls, recently launched Sunday brunch.
It has been dubbed "Sunday funday" thanks to the combination of a new à la carte brunch menu, served from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and live entertainment.
The Sunday brunch menu features a number of new dim sum starters including shrimp and pan-fried dumplings, steamed BBQ pork buns, and steamed custard buns. More innovative main plates display the chef's creative touch: Ponluang's Matcha Mochi Waffles (served with mixed fruit and green tea ice cream); Pandan Pancakes (served with a sunny-side up egg, fresh berries, and amber maple syrup); and Tuna Sashimi Flatbread (tuna, cream cheese, chili paste, arugula, fish eggs, and wasabi mayo).
Any diners who order a main plate during brunch can also order bottomless mimosas and bloody marys for $15 per person. You can also wash it all down with an oversize, shareable cocktail at the bar while watching a classical Thai dancer perform from 2:30 to 3 p.m. or while a DJ spins all the hits from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. and house music for dancing from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Coco Asian Bistro will be donating a percentage of the profits from every diner's check during Sunday brunch on August 28 to the Pantry of Broward, Inc., a nonprofit that supports the needs of seniors and grandparents raising grandchildren on fixed incomes. Founded in 2008 by local philanthropist Elizabeth "B.J." Buntrock, the Pantry of Broward provides over 425 people with a 55-pound box of food each month.
Coco Asian Bistro. Harbor Shops at 1841 Cordova Rd., Fort Lauderdale; 954-525-3541; cocoasianbistro.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.