A Sprouts Farmers Market grocery store could soon be on its way to Oakland Park Boulevard, as well as residential and green space.

We may be in the off-season, but that just means that there are more incentives to dine out, and more special events being held. Before the summer gets too hot, here are a few happenings and specials to lure you out of the air-conditioned comfort of home.

Update: The event was rescheduled for later in September. Keep those tastebuds warm and palettes cleansed. Foodie Freaks’ culinary event is just around the corner.

The restaurant business is mercurial at best and the pandemic didn’t make things any easier. However, for every place that the pandemic shuts down, another seems to pop up in its place, like a game of restaurant Whack-A-Mole.

Just because there aren’t large ethnic neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale doesn’t mean you can’t find ethnic markets. Name any international cuisine and you can find a store carrying just what you need to whip up some traditional dishes at home. Whether you are looking for comfort food from your childhood or trying out a new dish that may be exotic to you, you’re certain to find it in one of these places. Many of them also have small cafes, so even if the only thing you know how to make is reservations, you can still sample the delicacies of the world.

I have been doing research for a book that has required me to look into some restaurants and clubs from the 1970s which, in turn, got me thinking about some dishes and drinks that were popular back then.

In these divisive times, there’s something upon which the LGBT community can agree; we all love brunch.

In these days of stay-at-home orders and restaurant closings and restrictions, perhaps the best gift you can give is that of some exotic foods delivered right to your loved one’s door.

Veg Night Out will take place Saturday, July 17 from 6-10 p.m. in downtown Fort Lauderdale’s MASS District, which stands for Music and Arts South of Sunrise. 

After taking a year off, many Pride events are up and running again, including Wilton Manors’ Stonewall Pride.

As the temperatures rise and crowds fall, the restaurant industry, already hit hard by the pandemic, struggles to bring in business during the off-season

It may be hard to come up with a reason to give thanks for the “blessings” of 2020. 

Smarter than the average bear may have been the catchphrase for the cartoon character Yogi Bear, who always managed to outwit the park ranger, but it could also describe the Bears of South Florida.

One of the things I will miss most this holiday season is large holiday potlucks.

Love conquers all, even COVID fears, or so hope these area eateries and hotels offering special deals for lovebirds looking for a break from self-quarantine.

Many folks assume they won’t like Indian food either because they think it will be too spicy, they won’t like curry or they’re just not sure of what they’re going to see on the plate in front of them.

Check out all of Rick Karlin's restaurant reviews here.

One of the joys of fall has always been the tailgate parties before football games, or gathering at someone’s home to watch the game and share some treats.

As we gradually try to return to some semblance of our former lives, many restaurants have had to shutter their doors forever (so long NaBu, we’ll miss you), while others are offering dining at reduced capacity. Many places are offering specials to entice back into your old routine. 

Has the pandemic helped you pack on a few pounds? If so, you’re not alone. According to Nabisco, cookie sales have gone up 30% in the past few months. Our kitchens have turned into giant vending machines, dispensing treats as we tend to graze through the day, often eating out of boredom.  

You always run a risk when you take over a long-time favorite dining establishment. Sure, you’ve got loyal customers, but there’s usually a reason why the place was for sale. Most often the owners just want out and hadn’t invested much in the upkeep of the old favorite.

Don’t you hate going to the Arsht Center in Miami for a concert or play? I mean I love the theater, but the 40 minutes plus drive is ridiculous, and if you hit a traffic jam add another 30-40 minutes to the trip. If you allow time for bad traffic, you know you’ll unexpectedly sail down 95. Then you’re there an hour (or more) before the show. Then there’s the parking situation. Do valet at the Arsht for $25 and wait 30 minutes for your car after the show, or park on the street where the meters are exorbitantly priced (if you can even find a space)?