Tag Archives: Monterey Club

FTLC’s Best Of 2010 – Food & Drink

Posted on January 4, 2011 by | 1 Comment

Fort Lauderdale FTLC Best Of Food Drink

Best Taco

Mig: Carlos Y Pepe.
Fat Hand: Fish taco at Coconuts.
S Jam: Zona Fresca’s Fish tacos with their authentic corn tortillas, shredded cabbage, and what tastes like lime-infused sour cream, mmmm.
J Fine: Although most of my friends would recommend Zona Fresca – I enjoy Carlos & Pepe’s.

Best Burger/ Sandwich

Mig: Los Perros. They might be more well known for their hot dogs, but I prefer the Colombian-style burgers they serve. Charm City’s Cowboy Burger was a close second. As far as sandwiches, Laspadadas makes the best subs and Mr. Nick’s Sub Shoppe makes the best Cheesesteak.
S Jam: Charm City Burger‘s veggie burger The Hippie
J Fine: Best Veggie Burger! Rosie’s in Wilton Manors! (“Almosta Vegan” personal fav)

Best Coffee

Mig: Unlimited coffee at Lesters.
S Jam: Brew‘s brew of the day
J Fine: Brew at Victoria Park

Best Signature Drink

Mig: I’m not one for fancy drinks. I guess this would be a good time to revert to our post about local signature drinks
Fat Hand: Cubeltini at Trina
J Fine: Siobhan, the Sunday bartender @ McSorley’s , makes a Bloody Mary to die for.

Best Breakfast Joint

Mig: In my opinion, it’s tough to mess up diner food. IHOP, Lesters, Peter Pans….they all taste the same to me. What makes a diner stand out to me is the staff and look. Lester’s takes the cake.
Fat Hand: Bluejays Cafe…multiple breakfast burritos on the menu
S Jam: I have yet to find a breakfast place that can make a better breakfast than mine, if I must say so myself, and isn’t overpriced. Giorgio’s on Hollywood’s intracoastal comes close, but loses due to their lousy coffee. Typically, I hate chains, but I’ll have to go with any of Ft Lauderdale’s finest IHOPs- predictable, tasty, and the best diner/restaurant coffee.
J Fine: Bluejays

Best BBQ

Mig: Not Ernies, that’s for sure. Haven’t eaten enough local BBQ to give a definitive answer. Texas Hold’em is just ok. I’m trying Tom Jenkins this week.
Fat Hand: Texas Hold’em. I would also vote for Texas Hold’em in the category of best Isaac Hayes poster.
S Jam: The cooker outside of Monterey Club in the middle of the night.

Best Slice

Mig: Rocco’s on Hollywood Beach. The nearby live polka music at the bandshell helps too.
Fat Hand: Pizza Fusion…partly because I don’t feel bad about myself for eating pizza when I eat Pizza Fusion pizza.
S Jam: Squiggy’s
J Fine: Primanti Brothers best drunk slice. Need to try Empire Pizza

Best Dessert

Mig: $1.50 vanilla soft serve at one of the many ice cream vendors along Hollywood Beach
J Fine: Coconut Cake at Sublime

Best Restaurant Overall

Mig: Betty’s. By far my favorite restaurant experience of the year. Also, no one beats their side dishes.
Fat Hand: Himmarshee Bar & Grill. Still great.
J Fine: My restaurant knowledge is pretty limited. Being vegetarian in FTL leaves something to be desired in the way of dining. Once I find somewhere that caters to my dietary demands I stick with them. Sublime, Rosie’s and surprisingly Cafe Blue Fish are pretty consistent for palatable veggie dining.

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FTLC’s Best of 2010 – Arts & Entertainment

Posted on January 3, 2011 by | 3 Comments

Fort Lauderdale FTLC Best Of 2010 Arts Entertainment

Thanks to everyone who visited our blog over the past seven months. Even when our posting frequency dipped at the end of the summer, we somehow managed to generate a solid number of page views every week. FTL Collective’s resolution for 2011 is to post more often, without wavering from the 3 F’s (Keep it Fort, Factual, and optionally Funny). In the coming months, we will also be looking for more contributors. Feel free to email me at mig@ftlcollective.com if you have any ideas for potential articles.

To properly sum up the year, we’ve decided to share some of our personal favorites in the area. Over the course of the week, we will continue posting our Best Of’s, as well as a massive list on Friday. Thanks again for reading, commenting, and introducing yourself. Because of this blog and your feedback, we’ve been able to learn and share so much about our local scene and the people that support it.

Here are some of our staff member’ choices for Arts & Entertainment:

Best Local Band

Mig: It’s surprising to me that Alexander hasn’t made it big yet. I love their CD It’s Not Always Signs, It’s Not Always Wonders, specifically the song Cholesterol
Fat Hand: REBEL
S Jam: Alexander
J Fine: Methodaires

Best Performance By A Local Band

Mig: It’s a toss up between Everymen and Viva Le Vox. Also, I really liked REBEL’s performance at our launch party (see photos), numerous pre-Young Circles shows, and Radioboxer‘s under-attended show at Sea Monster.
J Fine: Best performance and all around good time will have to go to any band which Joe Git and/or Chris “Spikey” Goldbach perform with. (if you get this you’re laughing)

Best Local News Story

Mig: Animals on the loose! Who knew South Florida had bears and coyotes. Also, Snow Madness 2010 was fun to follow. Did a snowflake fall in Oakland Park? We’ll never know for sure.
Fat Hand: The on-going arrests/corruption of the Broward County school board.
S Jam: (overheard from others) all the name changes with Stonefox/Blond Fuzz/ Young Circles. Is Fuzzy Cubes next?

Best Event

Mig: This category is really tough, so I’m going to cheat. I choose every warehouse party in 2010 (SWARM, IWAN The Bubble, and Laser Wolf’s party). Here’s to more warehouse parties in 2011!
Fat Hand: The Super Bowl, the Pro Bowl, and their related festivities. Somebody’s got to build that lid on Sunlife Stadium so we get more Super Bowls.
S Jam: For Art’s Sake Typeface- Nice variety of local art and snacks, wheatepasting, Millionyoung, and Alexander.
J Fine: Noemi & BJ’s 4th of July BBQ

Best Place To Check Out Art

Mig: I enjoyed events at Gallery 101 and Art/Heart‘s party at Stage 84, but the Bubble is my favorite place to check out local artists. Unfortunately, I had to miss the Art Scavenger Hunt this year, but that sounded like a blast too.
Fat Hand: The Bubble
J Fine: Art/Heart events

Best Bar

Mig: Poorhouse and Monterey’s are cool, but nothing beats a good indie dance party at 1921. Beachside, I really enjoy playing cornhole at Pirate Bar.
Fat Hand: There are many things I don’t like about Poorhouse (jukebox, the fact I hang out there too often) but overall, it is my #1 bar in the FTL. But I think that says more about me than it does about Poorhouse.
S Jam: I’ll say it loud and proud, love a good cover band. Dicey’s! I will brave crowds and sticky floors any day over Poor House’s selection of bands.
J Fine: Just so many to choose from. Kim’s Alley Bar gets my vote – they have ping-pong. Among beach bars, I choose McSorley’s. Bahia Cabana gets honorable mention.

Best Broward Blog (Other Than Ours)

Mig: Overall, no one covers the Broward music scene better than County Grind. As far as independently run blogs go, I haven’t havent fallen head over heels with any Broward focused local blog. I’d choose Mood Vane, but lately the posts have been scarce. I kind of wish Radioactive Records posted more often on their blog. Then again, I wish we could post more often.
Fat Hand: The Pulp. Bob Norman’s blog that started a few years ago and was intended to comment on local media has morphed into the most important news outlet in Broward County.
J Fine: Who Cares What I think

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Wattle you be doing this Thanksgiving week?

Posted on November 23, 2010 by | Leave a comment

Fort Lauderdale wattle 300x216

There’s an unholy amount of fun stuff going on in Broward. Here’s a day-by-day guide to the best events this week, starting this evening. Don’t forget to click the links for locations and extra info.

Tuesday

Hardcore drinkers unite! There is a bus loop tonight to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of Fort Lauderdale. Don’t mind the fact that the real 100 year anniversary happens in 2011. Who cares if you have to work the next day? 9 drinks never hurt anyone. Although we think it makes a lot more sense to have Ft Lauderdale’s quarterly Christmas on Wednesday when no one has to work the next day and visitors will be in town, it’s a good cause to support. As usual, the money goes to charity. Check out the route and ticket info here. In addition to the loop, there will be a lighting ceremony of the 100 year sign on on Las Olas and A1A at 6:30pm.

Black(out) Wednesday

On Blackout Wednesday, allegedly the biggest weekday night to go out every year, our favorite dive Poorhouse will be hosting the Methodaires and Howitzer. Guest Writer J Fine wrote a preview of the show.

The annual Thanksgiving Eve block party Cranberry Jam is going on outside The Parrot off of Sunrise and A1A. Music by Cypress, Audio Heist, and DJ Russ. Price of admission ($20 prepay, $25 the day of) gets you free drinks from 6-9pm.

Thanksgiving Day

After recovering from your food coma, check out Stereo Synth, the weekly indie dance party at Monterey Club. DJ’s Lindersmash and Andie Sweetswirl will be spinning indie, new wave, 80s, electro, and straight up rock.

Black Friday

The Trash To Treasure Re-Use Center in Pompano is hosting an amazing lineup of local talent. I think the lineup speaks for itself, so I’ll just list it: Emily Reo
The Band In Heaven, Love Handles, Guy Harvey, Totally Nebular, Hear Hums, Sumsun, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Evan Mui, Dark Sea of Awareness, The Great Deceivers . For those unaware of Trash To Treasure, they’re an organization that finds reusable materials and distributes them for educational and artistic purposes. Mad props to Trash To Treasure for throwing this together. Donate $5 to enter the party.

I got an email yesterday morning about a new warehouse/”collaborative workspace” opening up around FAT Village Arts District called The Collide Factory. The party, known simply as Black Friday, will cost guys $10 for unlimited drinks. Ladies drink free. Considering, I’ve never heard of this place prior to Monday morning, I’m a little intrigued by this party. If anyone wants to write about The Collide Factory itself or this party, shoot me an email at mig@ftlcollective.com.

The first annual electronic music festival Dancegiving is happening all day at Revolution, The Green Room, and America’s Backyard. The lineup of DJs looks intriguing, especially LA Riots, Wolfgang Gartner, Steve Aoki, and local Amtrac. This event has the opportunity to be awesome or really cheesy. Hopefully, there won’t be any riots like the one this past weekend outside the Autumn Music Festival in Miami. The event starts at noon and runs until the wee hours of the morning. Tickets are $40. Buy them at the Revolution box office to avoid the Ticketbastard fees.

Saturday

Meet at Maguire’s Hill 16 for the 10th annual Art Scavenger Hunt. Maps will be handed out around 8pm. You can keep up to 2 pieces of art. Cheaters not welcome. I’ve never been to any of the previous scavenger hunts, but this sounds like a lot of fun. The after party is at the Bubble.

Chris Carrabba of Dashboard Confessional performs songs from Swiss Army Romance to celebrate its 10 year anniversary. Check out Strawberry Jam’s post for more details.

Sunday

Stay home and get your life together. You’ve had a long week.

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If Monterey Club is rockin, don’t bother knocking!

Posted on September 3, 2010 by | Leave a comment

by Guest Writer J. Fine

Fort Lauderdale mrey 199x300Tonight is a good time to pay a visit to the Monterey Club in FTL who’s “rockabilly” ambiance is perfect for the bands playing – Laramie Dean, No Class Action, and To Be Hated. I would first suggest that if you are of legal drinking age and plan to get your drunk on, that you do one or all of the following; plan to do a little tailgating, pre-game, or bring a flask. Monterey Club, while being a very hip and swanky venue which books good shows; lacks in the booze department. My 85 year old Nana would be hard pressed to catch a buzz in this bar. If this is something you are not accustomed to, plan ahead.

First band in Friday’s line up is No Class Action whose music can best be described as hardcore. These upstanding young men are locals and have been playing together since 2009. With influences such as Raffi, John Denver and D.R.I. – you can’t go wrong. Not to mention song titles such as “Baby in a Microwave” and “Titty Bar Buffet”. Their last show at Monterey Club included midgets moshing (individuals with dwarfism moshing), so with an opening band like this one, get ready for an insane evening.

Next, your eardrums will be tickled, if not already blown out, by the music of local punk band To Be Hated (together since 2006). The self described “socially aware” (bunch of hippies) features a female vocalist, I like them already.

The night’s headliner is the amazing LARAMIE DEAN who is currently on his first solo tour joined by drummer Korey Kingston. The “Surf Punk” artist has toured with Agent Orange and was a guitar tech for Dick Dale. Upon exposure to just a taste of his music, you will be a fan after hearing the catchy tune Hava Nagila. And why don’t we do what the Hebrew saying suggests — that is rejoice that a band is still willing to make the schlep to Broward County from California. Hallelujah and mazel tov brother!

Tonight’s show at Monterey Club has a lot to offer from hardcore to surf punk and quite possibly some midget action – don’t miss it.

The Monterey Club

2608 South Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale

Doors open at 9pm; no cover

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No… Sleep… ’til MONDAY!

Posted on July 23, 2010 by | Leave a comment

by Strawberry Jam

Fort Lauderdale NzA4NjhmM2NjZDBmNDY5OWUx Fort Lauderdale 629770385 1019987

One of the perks of living in Ft Lauderdale is that there is always something interesting to do or another new event going on and this weekend is no exception.  There’s no excuse for you to be stuck at your local watering hole week after week.  Here are some picks to shake things up that sound promising enough to keep you on your feet for the next couple of days and downing enough caffeine fit for a small diner come Monday morning.

FRIDAY

This Friday ArtServe Ft Lauderdale and The Bubble team up for the fifth annual Red Eye, the yearly shindig that showcases local pieces “aimed at promoting fresh, underground art that serves as a conversation piece”.  Featured visual art, sculpture/pottery, jewelery, fashion, and short films must be centered around either lowbrow/pop surrealism art or social commentary.  The exhibit is $5 from 6-9pm at Art Serve at 1350 East Sunrise Boulevard.  Afterward head over to The Bubble’s Itty Bitty Blazar Gala for a continuation of artwork, fashion show, and music from Dooms De Pop, Bad Ass, Radar vs. Wolf,  Scott Mitchell Putesky, and Green Mantles. $10 includes drinks and treats.  Read more about it in CityLink’s “Look into the Red Eye”.

Join Twilight Notes at Brew (209 SW 2nd Ave) from 8 to midnight for happy hour prices on beer and wine all night and music from Shade, Stell*R, and Adam Foster.  The evening is to kick things off for their new monthly parties every first Wednesday of the month to  be held at Himmarshee Sidebar.

Also this Friday catch South Florida reggae/Jamaican dub band Spred the Dub at Monterey Club (2608 S Federal Highway) from 10pm-2am.  Be sure to click their link to see weekly scheduled shows as you don’t want to miss this smooth-sounding band that’s guaranteed to put on a good show or we’ll buy you a beer.  Spred the Dub @ Monterey Club Facebook event link here.

For those slightly south of the heart of Ft Lauderdale, you have another free event: eLemental eXpressions featuring South Florida dubstep artists Somejerk, Okulus Anomali, Doctor Jones, Indovisual, and FTG.  This runs from 10pm-4am at Now Art Cafe at 1802 S Young Circle.  For time slots and more info check out eLemental eXpressions here and for a preview of what you’ll hear and for future events miamidubstep.blogspot.com.

SATURDAY

If Friday night’s quadruple whammy of art and music doesn’t satisfy your fix, take part in the elusive Laser Wolf Productions‘ latest event: Because We Like to Party.  Art by local fave Gurty, the ever growing Iron Forge Press, and about a dozen others.  Sounds provided by Blond Fuzz, Beings, and Web Low Boys.  The event will be at a 4,000 ft. air-conditioned (!) warehouse at 1145 NE 9th Ave.  $5 gets you in and another Lincoln gets you a beer cup til the keg runs dry.

SUNDAY

Squeeze those last few drops of the weekend out on the beach where Ft Lauderdale’s On Til Dawn will host Mas Carne, another of their free on-the-sand dance parties from 11am-8pm by the Yankee Clipper. Don’t forget to bring something yummy for the grill in appreciation for the free tunes and company.  Check out ontildawn.blogspot.com for featured mixes and music news.

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