(WB) The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce and the global online food delivery company Grubhub announced on Sept. 22 that they have launched a $2 million grant program to provide financial support to struggling “LGBTQ+ owned and ally restaurants” adversely impacted by the COVID pandemic.

Thirteen Wilton Manors businesses received grants from the Restaurant Revitalization Fund.

These winners were chosen by readers for SFGN's Best of Miami-Dade's Restaurant, Politician, and more.

To paraphrase that great philosopher, Dorothy Gale, “Things come and go so quickly here.” In the six years that I’ve been covering dining in South Florida for SFGN, I have reviewed numerous restaurants in the same location.  

Shhhhhhhh….don’t tell anyone! Haus Lounge has won Best Kept Secret in Palm Beach County. Guess it won’t be a secret much longer. The eatery and gift store also won for Best Restaurant.

In resort towns such as Wilton Manors and Fort Lauderdale we’re used to seeing new faces every day – on visitors!

One of the first places I dined at after when I came down to Wilton Manors nine years ago looking to relocate was the original Mason Jar Café (on the land where the now-shuttered TooJay’s on Federal now stands).

I prefer not to review a restaurant until it’s been open a few weeks, but Tulio’s, the latest place to occupy the corner of Wilton Dr. and 21st. Ct. had folks waiting for it to open for months.

We’ve all had to adapt since the coronavirus outbreak. Restaurants are struggling to stay afloat and adapting as well. Even such upscale places as The Ocean Grill at the Setai in Miami Beach has adapted.  

If you’re like me, you might have driven past Bulegreen Café, located on Dixie just north of Oakland Park Blvd., dozens of times and said, “I should check that out.”

These restaurants were selected by readers based on food, service, and experience, thus earning the SFGN's award for Best Restaurants of 2020.

Holy Mackerel, a small-batch craft beer spot in Wilton Manors, was the target of social media after it came out that two Trump events were being hosted at the brewery. 

Even though their reservation was canceled at Holy Mackerel, a group of Trump supporters still arrived at the brewery ready for the show to go on. 

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

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.

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.