Welcome to Irish Hospitality: Dubliner Arrives in Fort Lauderdale
By Marci Boland
Bar
Pull up a barstool, get settled in and pull a pint from many of the distinct brews on tap at Dubliner Fort Lauderdale. I felt at home from the minute I walked in the place, uncertain if it is due to my Irish heritage or simply genuine hospitality I looked around to see the place abuzz with multicultural and multigenerational happy customers. The friendly staff assisted me with selecting which brew to enjoy. Tempted with shot glass tastings of a Smithwick’s Red Ale, Magners Hard Cider and Dale’s Pale Ale, I ultimately settled on the flavorful Dale’s Pale Ale. It is important to know that these drafts are all served at the perfect temperature to fully enjoy the nuances and complexity of each individual beer. Upstairs is a cozy “Library” for private events. Complete with a beautiful wood bar and generous couches and chairs, it makes for the perfect setting for groups of 10 to 35. Remember their popular “Whiskey Wednesdays” featuring Jameson Irish Whiskey.
Appetizers
This is perfect place to enjoy some apps and beverages with friends. Large bar-height tables accommodate gatherings of six to eight. Their version of the classic cheese fondue is served in Irish style as a Harp Lager with a blend of Irish cheddar and gouda, served with pretzels, vegetables and fruit. The table next to me was having fun with that shared appetizer together with the Irish sliders, which are comprised of corned beef, cabbage, pickled onions and sweet grain mustard. To me this is an idea that almost seems obvious but is really not done anywhere else. Other selections include their Honey Baked Brie with apples and raspberries, another shareable item, or the Prince Edward Island Mussels, sautéed in white wine, leeks, onions and tomatoes.
Dinner
Plan to go for dinner? The beauty of the restaurant is that the bar area is separate from the dining area, which remains relatively peaceful for your dining experience. From the many delicious entrées available, I want to tell you about some of their most popular items. The Beef Briskets are melt-in-your-mouth tender and are a traditional recipe passed down to the chef from his mother’s mother. Along with authentic Bangers and Mash and Corned Beef and Cabbage, additional selections include the Shepherd’s Pie, which will delight even the most stubborn foodie. Vegetarians can take heart; you have not been forgotten, because the Dubliner Fort Lauderdale has created a Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie alternative. As a chef, this is one of the times that make me think, “Why didn’t I think of that?” Rounding out their entrées is a Grilled Salmon with Dill Sauce, Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, Mac and Cheese with a touch of Guinness and Classic Steak au Poivre. While I couldn’t try everything on the menu, after talking with the chef and learning of his passion and creativity, I feel confident that I could enjoy anything that comes out of his kitchen.
Lunch
Stop by for lunch. Again, there are many things to entice you. Farmer’s Wedge Salad or the Spinach and Kale Salad can be ordered alone or with grilled salmon or chicken. Pair that with the Curried Beef Soup or make a meal of it. Another great twist on a classic is the Lamb Burger, served with Stilton bleu cheese. Not enough choice yet? The Crispy Fish Sandwich is artfully prepared, as is the Irish Dip, roast beef with horseradish cream and Irish cheddar, served with a side of au jus.
Dessert
Still want more? Another shareable dessert to indulge in with friends is the Chocolate Fondue, served with an array of things with which to dip into, including graham crackers, fresh fruit and marshmallows. Or, how would you like to try Irish Coffee Tiramisu, created with Jameson Irish Whiskey and Bailey’s? Apple desserts are a perennial favorite and Chef Greg’s creation includes Irish oatmeal and apples together with some secrets. All menu selections are made in house with a touch of love.
Passion for great food and true hospitality is what has made this newly opened restaurant an immediate success. Their motto is a quote from George Bernard Shaw, which nicely sums up their drive: “There is no sincerer love, than the love of food.”
Located in the historic district of downtown Fort Lauderdale, the Dubliner Irish Pub continues the Irish tradition started in Boca Raton in 2005.
Dubliner
210 S.W. Second St.
, Fort Lauderdale
(954) 523-1213
www.dublinerfortlauderdale.com
Live Deliciously!
Marci Boland was the chef and owner of L’Hermitage Catering, an award winning catering and events company in Fort Lauderdale. Currently, she is the director of social catering at Trump International Beach Resort in Sunny Isles.
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