September 9, 2008

Las Olas Cafe, Ft. Lauderdale

I've been meaning to write this update for a while now. I started it right after our return from Ft. Lauderdale and got busy with other things. While celebrating our 26th wedding anniversary in Ft. Lauderdale, we had dinner at an extremely charming restaurant on Las Olas Boulevard. We had cruised both sides of the street browsing the art galleries and checking out the restaurants and menus. We stepped into Call of Africa's Native Visions Gallery to look at a wonderful bronze octopus sculpture designed as a coffee table with a glass top. The gallery consultant, Rose, was very engaging so we asked her about her favorite restaurant on the boulevard. She recommended Las Olas Cafe and gave us directions.

The restaurant was located in a quiet cul-de-sac. We were undecided about entering when Diane, the owner, pleasantly greeted us at the entrance. She was very friendly and invited us to come in a have a look around her family's restaurant. We decided to have a drink and appetizer in the courtyard dining area and see how we liked the place. The appetizer was fabulous so we ordered dinner and some wine. Our server, Mark, was a very interesting fellow with a distinguished restaurant career, having worked for two nationally known TV chefs in their signature restaurants.

Our dinner was spectacular from start to finish. The service was star quality. The intimate tropical courtyard was the perfect spot for our anniversary dinner. I highly recommend Las Olas Cafe for a romantic dinner in the Ft. Lauderdale area. Tell Diane that Airey and Cheryl sent you!