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A Suga Taster’s Review for Casa Sensei, FL!

by Restaurant Reviews & Ratings

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Suga Taster Ratings for Casa Sensei, FL

Date and time of visit: October 13th at 7pm

No. of diners: 2

Server: Dane N

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★★★★★

Ambience: ★★★★★

Décor: ★★★★★

Comfort: ★★★★★

Service: ★★★☆☆

Speed: ★★★★☆

Food quality: ★★★☆☆

Serving amount: ★★★★☆

Plating: ★★★★☆

Value for $: ★★★☆☆

A Suga Taster’s Breakdown !

A friend and I selected Casa Sensei as the place to be when we decided that a night out was overdue. Casa Sensei had been high on our list of places to try, since the cuisine is pan-Asian mixed with the dynamic culinary traditions of Latin America.

The restaurant does not have its own parking lot, but there is a parking garage within close proximity and payment is collected via the Pay By Phone App.

Upon entering the restaurant, we were greeted quite pleasantly by hostesses, Kamilah and Daniela, who seated us within five minutes of our arrival. Although the interior of the restaurant is Asian-chic, we decided to dine outdoors by the waterfront, overlooking the Himmarshee Canal on Las Olas Blvd.

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Our server, Dane approached us shortly after, provided the food and drink menus, and took our orders quickly. However, within one hour we no longer had our server’s undivided attention and we had to be asking other servers for him to fill our glasses with water on several occasions.

Closer to the end of our disappointing dining experience, we were approached by Barbara, who I was told was the night manager. She was seeking feedback on our evening. She apologized for the server’s sparse attention and stated that it was due to it being a Saturday night, where the restaurant had its fair share of patrons. With regards to the saltiness of some of our dishes, she urged us to give them another try. Despite the mediocre service and food quality, we had already planned on returning to try their Sushi dishes. Complimentary Cotton Candy was also a sweet ending to a salty night.

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Kimchi Flavoured Popcorn (4/5) – The Kimchi flavoured Sauce gave the Popcorn quite a spicy kick. It would have been more enjoyable if the Kimchi sauce was evenly distributed though.
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Tom Yum Shrimp Soup (2/5) (USD$6) – The soup had the potential to be delectable but the sodium level was at an all time high. It was returned to the kitchen.
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Blue Crab Rangoon (4/5) (USD$9) – the Rangoons were deep fried to perfection and the sauce was just the right amount of sweet. The only complaint was that there should have been sauce drizzled on top of the rangoons as well.
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Rock Shrimp Tempura (4/5) (USD$13) -The Rock Shrimp Tempura was perfectly fried and then bathed in a sweet chili sauce. The only downfall was that the Shrimp was sliced up.
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Lobster Curry Curl (3/5) (USD$19)- The red curry sauce was also high in sodium and the flesh of the lobster was hard to remove from the shell.
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Pescado Frito (3/5) – The fish, although fried to perfection was a bit on the salty side and the accompanying sauce was quite congealed.
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Sensei Special Fried Rice (5/5) (USD$18) – House special fried rice with pork, chicken and shrimp. I’m not a big fan of rice, but I enjoyed the quantity of various meats incorporated within the dish.
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Coconut Cream Creme Brûlée (3.5) – This is my absolute favorite dessert in the world and while the flavours of the coconut milk and the berries came shining through, it was clear that the Creme Brûlée was not set, because it was very lumpy in texture.
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Lycheetini (USD$10) and Melontini (5/5) – Both were delicious.

***N.B. Prices quoted subject to additional tax and Service charge***

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Casa Sensei

Location: 1200 East Las Olas Blvd. #101 Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33301

Ph: 954-530-4176

Instagram: @casasensi

Edited By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner of Suga Lifestyle)

If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

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Meet Suga Taster, Jehan based in Florida, who Dined Dockside!

by Restaurant Reviews & Ratings

Suga introduces you to Suga Taster, Jehan Knight!

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Suga Taster, Jehan Knight

Jehan Knight is a Mental Health Therapist, who currently resides in Florida. She enjoys cooking Steak or Salmon and Beef is her favourite choice of meat. Her favourite dessert is Crème brûlée and she has the biggest sweet tooth I know. She does not have a favourite restaurant to go to for special occasions because she is always trying somewhere new. Food is always on her mind.

Suga Taster, Jehan Knight’s Ratings for Kaluz Restaurant, FL

Date and time of visit: September 22nd at 6:45 pm

No. of diners: 4

Server: Andrew

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★★★★★

Décor: ★★★★★

Comfort: ★★★★★

Service: ★★★★★

Speed: ★★★★★

Food quality: ★★★★★

Serving amount: ★★★★★

Plating: ★★★★☆

Value for $: ★★★★★

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Suga Taster’s Breakdown!

As I pulled up to the new kid on the block, Kaluz Restaurant, I was eagerly greeted by a remarkably polite and well-mannered valet attendant who informed me that there was no charge, as they work off of gratuity.

Upon entering Kaluz, it had modern décor, it was breezy with dockside views and my party was seated right away. Our server, another courteous, yet quirky young man by the name of Andrew came over, introduced himself, briefed us on the menu and took our drink orders. About five minutes later, Andrew returned and took our orders for both the appetizer and main course. He gave us the rundown on each dish, ensuring there were no allergies. Everything was nothing short of well seasoned and divine, tickling my Jamaican roots.

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Chicken Drum Lollipops (USD $12) – Herb Marinated Chicken, Chipotle Barbeque Sauce, Scallions, Roasted Garlic Ranch.
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Jumbo Lump Crab dip (USD $17) – Parmesan Cream, Fire Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, Jumbo Lump Crab and Panko served with Crostinis.
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Smoked Salmon dip (USD $14) – Chef Sauce, Orange Zest, Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes with Crostinis.
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Shrimp Cargot (USD $14) – Marinated Shrimp, Garlic, Havarti Butter with a Baguette.
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Barrel Cut Filet Mignon (USD $37)- (9oz) Premium Choice Beef Tenderloin, Bearnaise with a Fully Loaded Baked Potato.
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Maple Leaf Duck Confit (USD $24) – Slow-Braised Duck Leg and Thigh, Thyme, Garlic, Plum-Orange Demi with Parmesan Mashed Potatoes.
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Scallops Pomegranate (excluding Quinoa medley) – pan seared scallops with a mango compote, pomegranate reduction.
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New York Strip (USD $42) – 16oz Prime Rib, Garlic Truffle Butter with Broccoli.
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Expresso Affogato (USD $6) – Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, Freshly Brewer Expresso, Cinnamon and Chocolate.

*N.B. Prices listed were subjected to tax and service charge

Kaluz is definitely endorsed by Suga Taster, Jehan and she will return.

Kaluz Restaurant, FL

Location: 3300 E Commerical Boulevard. Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33308

Ph: 954-772-2209

Edited By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)

If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

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Prayers for Bahamas after Hurricane Dorian

by InformationWhat's Hot

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Hurricane Dorian battered the Bahamas yesterday with its Category 5 strength.

The slow moving hurricane, travelling at 1mph, sat over Grand Bahama this morning at about 3am creating havoc.

Reports have been made that Hurricane Dorian took the life of an 8-year old boy after hitting Great Abaco island after it made landfall.

We pray for our Caribbean neighbours, the Bahamas at this time, hoping that other persons remain safe despite the widespread damage caused by Hurricane Dorian.

Residents in Florida and the Carolinas, by the Southern East coast of the USA have been warned to prepare for hurricane-force winds.

#PrayersforEveryone

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

Bourbon Batter French Toast with caramelized apples, fresh strawberries, blueberries and blackberries (USD$12)

Quaint, Little Breakfast and Eatery in Weston, Florida!

by FoodpornRestaurant Reviews & Ratings
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Green Tea in a homey tea set from Little Hen Breakfast and Eatery.

Suga Taster Ratings for Little Hen Breakfast and Eatery, FL

Date and time of visit: Sunday, August 18th @ 10 am

No. of diners: 4

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★★★★☆

Décor: ★★★★★

Comfort: ★★★★★

Service: ★★★★☆

Speed: ★★★★☆

Food quality: ★★★★☆

Serving amount: ★★★★★

Plating: ★★★★☆

Value for $: ★★★★★

Suga Taster’s Breakdown!

This Suga Taster is always looking for new places nearby her place of residence to dine. Little Hen Breakfast and Eatery opened seven to eight months ago and from the looks of it, business was doing well.
The restaurant, although small in size, is quite quaint in appearance with its farm-style decor. The party of four arrived separately and did not have to wait to be seated. Kudos to the efficient
hostess.
Their server, Augustine came over quickly, introduced himself and gave them a rundown of the menu, including the restaurant faves. The food arrived no more than ten to fifteen minutes after ordering and everything was delightful.
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Bourbon Batter French Toast with caramelized apples, fresh strawberries, blueberries and blackberries (USD$12)
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Carbonara Omelette with breakfast potatoes and whole wheat toast.
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Buttermilk Original Pancakes that was served with warm maple syrup (USD$10).
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Little Hen Rancheros served with tomato-chili sauce and sliced avocados on a warm corn tortilla (USD$12).
Being content from beginning to end,
there were no complaints about the server, the service, nor the quality of the food.
What could they do better? My Suga Taster suggested that a sign be placed outside the eatery so that patrons could find the restaurant easily. The server informed her that the permit was recently acquired and that the sign should be up sooner than later!
Suga can’t wait to visit Little Hen for Breakfast or Brunch on her next visit to Florida. I mean, check out this Macha Bowl!
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Little Hen Breakfast and Eatery

Location: 4579 Weston Road. Weston, FL 33331
Ph: 954-626-0855

 

Edited By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)

If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

Photo: Pirate Public Seafood Restaurant

A Suga Taster’s Review of a Seafood Spot in Florida!

by Restaurant Reviews & RatingsWhat's Hot
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Photo: Pirate Republic Seafood Restaurant

Suga Taster Ratings for Pirate Republic Seafood Restaurant, Southwest Ranches, FL

Date and time of visit: July 28, 2019 @ 5:45pm

No. of diners: 3

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★★★★☆

Décor: ★★★✯(3.5)

Comfort: ★★★✯ (3.5)

Service: ★★★✯ (3.5)

Speed: ★★★✯ (3.5)

Food quality: ★★★✯ (3.5)

Serving amount: ★★★✯ (3.5)

Plating: ★★★✯ (3.5)

Value for $: ★★★✯ (3.5)

Suga Taster’s Breakdown!

This Suga Taster went to the Fort Lauderdale location a few years ago in September 2016 for a Birthday dinner and remembered how good the food was, so she decided to try the new location which was closer to her. She was quite disappointed though!

Appetizer

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Coconut Shrimp with homemade creamy pineapple sauce (USD$14)

Drink

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Fresh Lemonade (USD$6)

The Lemonade was fresh and made to order, with mint and Limoncello (liqueur).

Entrées

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Barbados Shrimp (USD$24) with Portobello mushrooms in a creamy butter, wine, shallot, and herb sauce served with mashed potatoes.

This sure looks good, but my Suga Taster found the sauce to be quite salty.

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Anegada Lobster Trio (MKT) – three lobster tails with a side of sautéed spinach.

It seemed like the Lobster meat was not previously removed from the shell, cooked, sauced and replaced for service, because this Suga Taster had difficulty removing the Lobster from the shell with a knife and fork. After all, this was not a restaurant that required a bib.

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Blackened Crab Alfredo Linguini (USD$26) – Crab meat tossed in a blend of blackened seasoning with freshly made Alfredo sauce

This dish was the pleaser with an abundance of Crab meat. No complaints for this one.

Desserts

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Tres Leche- sponge cake soaked in three kinds of milk- evaporated milk, heavy cream and condensed milk.
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Coconut Mousse – Coconut custard topped with a sugary sauce and coconut flakes.

Dinner came to a decent close as my Suga Taster’s family were delighted with their dessert that had just the right amount of sweet.

Pirate Republic Seafood Restaurant 

Location: 6670 Dykes Road. Southwest Ranches, FL 3331

Ph: 954-689-3500

Menu: www.piraterepublicseafood.com

Edited By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)

If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

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Suga Lifestyle brings you Suga Tasters!

by InformationRestaurant Reviews & Ratings
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The website, Suga Lifestyle was launched in November 2013 by Gabrielle Burgess a.k.a Suga.
Since then, I have been bringing you up to date, exciting reviews of culinary hot spots and hidden gems across the island and even a few international ones too.
I was given the honour and pleasure of being a Food Judge for The Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards in 2014 and served as a Jamaica Gleaner Restaurant Week Ambassador by the public’s vote in 2015.
Suga Lifestyle has been known to keep it real, giving honest, yet balanced reviews, taking you through each review line by line, almost letting you feel as if you were there.
Suga Lifestyle has grown a lot since 2013, where it has maintained its goal of intending to inspire, educate and entertain via various types of posts categorized by; GW Art,
Restaurant Reviews and Ratings, Brand Jamaica, Charities, Health and Fitness, Sports and more. The blog, currently has a reach of over 1,500 followers and grows daily.
To further expand Suga Lifestyle’s reach, I have selected Suga Tasters!
Suga Tasters are Objective, Observant, Adventurous travelers and foodies that support Brand Jamaica. They enjoy taking photos and keeping up to date and in touch with the Culinary industry, the Chefs, Bakers and Caterers that keep it alive and thriving, and of course, hot spots and hidden gems in Jamaica, Florida and Washington DC. 
Suga Bears, Suga Babies and Suga Daddies, I present to you, Suga Lifestyle’s Suga Tasters!
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As time goes by, you will hear more from them. But first up, is
Craig Fleming!
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Suga Taster, Craig Fleming
Craig is a Logistics Specialist, but also a Private Chef. His favourite dishes are Smoked Salmon and Petrossian Beluga Caviar Pizza from Spago in Beverly Hills (USA), Escargots from the Terra Nova Hotel and Pho!
Craig’s favourite places to eat casually out of town are Stush in the Bush, Mystic Thai, Woody’s Portland and Jack Sprat, Treasure Beach.
Craig is even more straighforward than Suga, has Cosmopolitan culinary expertise from travelling, culinary school and various events.
Look out for Suga Taster, Craig Fleming’s Review tomorrow!

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

GW Art's 'Baby Cactus' (acrylic on 8"×10" canvas) greets a happy customer daily byvthe endrance to her Florida home.

GW Art Uplifts Home Décor in Florida!

by Brand JamaicaGW Art

 

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GW Art’s ‘Baby Cactus’ (acrylic on 8″×10″ canvas) greets a happy customer daily by the entrance of her Florida home.

Browse the Galleries and get GW Art in your space today! NEW Collection coming soon too!

GW Art

Email: [email protected]

Ph: 876-422-3769

Website (Gallery): 

http://www.sugalifestyle.com 

Instagram: @gwartbygabby

Facebook: Suga Lifestyle (GW Art Album)

By: Gabrielle Burgess (Artist)

If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

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Calling all ICHS Alumni in Florida!

by Fundraisers

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Celebrate Jamaica’s Independence in Florida while contributing to your alma mater’s Food and Nutrition lab at the same time.

The reconstruction of the Food and Nutrition Lab at Immaculate Conception High began on Monday, July 2, but more funding is still needed. Many top Caterers and Bakers in the Culinary industry are ICHS Alumni. High School is where it all begins for many. So get your tickets now and support our bright future!

Stay tuned for other ways to contribute too!

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

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The Food Network and Cooking Channel’s South Beach Wine & Food Festival in Miami!

by CharitiesFoodpornRestaurant Reviews & RatingsWhat's Hot

South Beach is where it all went down for Foodies and Wine enthusiasts last weekend at the 17th annual Food Network and Cooking Channel’s South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SOBEWFF)!

It was a 5-day destination event in Miami from February 21-25, showcasing the talents of the world’s most renowned wine and spirits’ producers, chefs and culinary personalities. Guy Fieri, Bobby Flay, Emeril and more were there!

The Festival had many high-end events, including elaborate dinners and brunches, but also had events that costed less than $100US to attend. Whichever patrons chose, it definitely looked like value for money. The Festival is also for a good cause, as it benefits the Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Florida International University (FIU) and the Southern Wine & Spirits Beverage Management Center.

Over 1000 students get the opportunity to work at the Festival each year and the experience they gain is invaluable for their future in the hospitality field.

To date, the Festival has raised more than $26 million US for the School.

Let me show you a few of Suga’s favourite teasers that should have been palate pleasers. You can also note the Restaurants responsible to pay them a visit soon in Miami!

Ceviche Ceviche Ceviche!

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Agung Miami Beach’s Ceviche! (Photo: Agung Miami Beach)

Sushi like you’ve never seen it before!

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Omakase Plate from Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar and Grill (Instagram Photo: @jasoneats)

A mountain of Tuna Tatake!

Tuna Tataki is a lightly seared yellowfin or ahi tuna that is served rare with a citrus based soy sauce.

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Tuna Tatake from Moshi Moshi Japanese in Miami, Florida (Instagram Photo: @goodeatsmeets)

How about some aged Ribeye on a skewer?!

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Aged Ribeye with spicy Garlic sauce from Byblos Miami Mediterranean Restaurant (Photo: @jasoneats)

Topping things off with Dessert! 

There were cascading doughnuts, gelato in probably every flavour and more at SOBEWFF.

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Honeybee Doughnuts Miami at the Southern Kitchen Brunch hosted by Trisha Yearwood, part of the NY Times Cooking series at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel (Photo: Honeybee Doughnuts Miami)

Suga’s friends and others that went to the Festival said there was every kind of food and wine you could think of, an absolutely gastronomical, star-studded, international event.

If you missed the Festival this year like myself, you should definitely put it on your calendar for 2019!

 

The Food Network and Cooking Channel’s South Beach Wine and Food Festival

Eat. Drink. Educate

Website: www.sobewff.org

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @sobewffest 

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this blog, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

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TGIF to this Wood-Fired Neapolitan Pizza from Fort Laudy!

by Foodporn
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Left side: Pesto Pizza with Mozzarella, Pine Nuts and Basil; Right side: Pizza Bianca with Double Pepperoni and Mozzarella

MidiCi Fort Lauderdale makes wood-fired Neapolitan Pizzas. Neapolitan Pizzas are authentic Italian style Pizzas that are made with San Marzano tomatoes grown on volcanic plains in Italy and Mozzarella cheese made with milk from water buffalo that are raised in the marshlands of Italy. The Mozzarella cheese used is known as ‘white gold’ because of its high premium quality and taste.

MidiCi has a Daily Happy Hour from 3-7pm and all day on Thursdays. They also do Wine and Cheese on Wednesdays for $19.95USD.

They have quite a salivating Instagram page. Looks like they are worth a try on my next trip!

MidiCi Fort Lauderdale

The Neapolitan Pizza Company

Location: 510 North Federal Highway. Fort Lauderdale. Florida

Ph: (954) 908-1938

***Menu Online and Online Ordering Available***

Website: www.MyMidici.com/

Opening Hours: Sun.-Thurs. @ 11am-10pm; Fri.-Sat. @ 11am-12am

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.