Plunge Beach Hotel recently opened at the north end of El Mar Dr. in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea and the Backflip Beach Bar & Kitchen is already becoming a favorite among locals. It is perhaps the ultimate laid-back beach bar, serving local brews and rum-fueled cocktails that would make Hemingway smile. Its fresh juice-infused drinks have just the right amount of kick (many of which can also be ordered sans alcohol). Check out the Sharkbait; vodka with raspberry puree and ginger beer, the Tweet Me Ishmael with coconut rum and mango puree or an Aperol Fizz.
As you sit back and listen to the waves, dig into one of the six versions of street tacos, a salad, burger or a big basket of the fried yucca planks with queso dipping sauce. The fish of the day was grouper on our visit and in the pair of tacos, served in a choice of flour or corn tortillas, perfectly grilled fish was topped with a bit of fresh slaw salsa and lime on the side. The pork belly version was a tad less successful. The pork, cut too thickly, was a bit tough and rubbery. Grilled chicken, steak or a cauliflower and chickpea versions are other options.
The signature burger featured two perfectly prepared patties layered with cheese and bacon and topped with pico de gallo. Yum! There are also a spicy chicken, steak or a catch of the day sandwiches if you’re looking for something lighter, try one of the three salad options. Best of all the price point is quite reasonable, cocktails are around ten bucks, the menu items all less than $20. Backflip is open 11 a.m. until 10 p.m.
If you prefer to watch the sun come up, the hotel’s coffee shop, Bean & Barnacle, opens at 6:30 a.m. and serves fresh-brewed Wells coffee, pastries and breakfast sandwiches. In the afternoon, they switch to sandwiches and other savory selections. If your sweet tooth strikes, they offer a selection of gelato, candy and other sweet treats! The casual full-service restaurant, Octopus, is set to open later this summer.
Backflip will host the kick-off party for The sixth annual Bug-Fest-By-The-Sea, which celebrates hunting season for Florida lobster, on Tuesday, July 25 at 7 p.m. For more information go to bugfestbythesea.com.
Other News to Flip Over
Avant is set to open in August in downtown Delray at 25 NE. Second Ave. The new restaurant takes its inspiration from the guerrilla public art movement that took place in lower Manhattan during the early 1980's. Avant will not feature pictures of food spray-painted on to your plate, as the artists of the time would have done, but will offer a globally-inspired menu of small plates, large plates, shared plates and house-made deserts, along with creative cocktails, beers and wine. Prices will range from $6 - $30. For more information call 561-921-8687 or visit Society8.com.
Brooklyn Water Bagel has added a Reuben sandwich and a Caesar salad to its lunch menu. The Reuben ($8.99) is made with corned beef, Swiss cheese and sauerkraut on light rye bread with a choice of spicy mustard or thousand island dressing. The Caesar salad ($6.99) is made with romaine and grated asiago cheese and topped with Caesar dressing and Brooklyn Water Bagel croutons. Until July 31, guests who purchase a Reuben or Caesar will receive a free regular size coffee or signature iced coffee with coffee ice cubes.
Junior’s in Boca Raton’s Mizner Park has added "The New Yorker," a Gotham-sized milkshake/cheesecake mash-up to its permanent menu. The dessert is a strawberry shake rimmed with vanilla frosting and graham crackers and topped with an entire slice of strawberry cheesecake and whipped cream. The shareable shake is available for $15.95. For more information, call 561-672-7301 or visit JuniorsCheeseCake.com.
SuViche will celebrate Peruvian heritage from July 23-30 with food and drink specials in honor of National Pisco Day and Peruvian Independence Day. The festivities kick-off on Sunday, July 23 (National Pisco Day) with buy one, get one free deals on pisco sours and chilcanos at the Las Olas and Wynwood locations. Both locations will also feature live music. The restaurants will also offer a special Peruvian tiradito for Peruvian Independence Day (July 28). A tiradito is made with raw fish served sashimi-style, served chilled in a spicy sauce. SuViche’s special Peruvian Flag tiradito is prepared with wild-caught white fish topped with a crema de rocoto, signature sauce, garnished with cilantro and fresh Peruvian corn. Visit www.suviche.com or call 954-656-3663.
Smith & Wollensky is celebrating summer with the return of a wine and appetizer pairing special. The summertime offering showcases wines by The Calling along with two of Smith & Wollensky’s most popular starters. Available through the end of August, diners will be offered complimentary rib-eye carpaccio or tuna tartare for every two glasses of The Calling’s Dutton Ranch Chardonnay or Russian River Valley Pinot Noir ordered.
Backflip Beach Bar & Kitchen
at the Plunge Hotel
4660 El Mar Dr., Lauderdale By The Sea
754-312-5775
