It’s Always Five O’Clock Here

This past Saturday, my friends and I were excited as we celebrated our dear friend Ruth’s birthday by indulging in her favorite past time; drinking craft beer. As our clique’s resident beer snob, Ruth is notorious for turning up at parties with her own cooler full of hand-picked beers and her own stein. She is even a member of the exclusive Mug Club at the Fort Lauderdale craft beer bar Laser Wolf. So, to properly celebrate her birthday, we headed north to the Jupiter Craft Beer Festival at Roger Dean Stadium. But it seems Ruth isn’t the only craft beer fan in South Florida. When we arrived, we found more than two thousand other beer aficionados already in line to buy tickets. We decided to turn lemons into lemonade and explore some recommended spots in Jupiter instead of waiting in line for hours and being rewarded with Dixie cup-sized samplings of lukewarm beer.

We headed to the famed Square Grouper Tiki Bar, which was even featured in the music video for Jimmy Buffett and Alan Jackson’s “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere.” Located across the water from the Jupiter Beach Lighthouse, the Square Grouper is simply paradise. The colorful bar has no indoor seating, just a couple of dozen tables and chairs on the docks. We buried our feet in the sand and relaxed for a couple of hours appreciating the view and plenty of beer; Magic Hat, Shiner Bock, Monk in the Trunk and for good measure, banana daiquiris. The casual environment also applies to the non-existent wait staff and the no-fuss menu of wings, chips and hamburgers.

Although The Square Grouper offers plenty of promotions, I honestly would have paid double the price as we weren’t just paying for the drinks and the view but the relaxation too! I just wish I lived closer.

The Deal: Must Drink Mondays Beer $2.50

Monday from noon until midnight

Late night happy hour $2.50 beers, $5.50 house cocktails, $5 Bacardi cocktails,

 $6 Grey Goose Cocktails

Sunday – Thursday 10 p.m.-midnight

The Square Grouper Tiki Bar

1111 Love Street

Jupiter

561-575-0252

www.SquareGrouper.net

Savory Savings

Hands down my favorite cuisine is Indian food! From scooping thick chana masala (chickpea curry) onto a papadum (an Indian crispy lentil tortilla), to that heavenly moment of biting into fried potato and vegetable samosas, eating Indian food isn’t just a meal to me; it’s an enlightening experience of spice and texture.

I traveled to India in 2006 and I’ll never forget the colors and smells (not always good) of the markets and clothing. But my clearest memory is dining on palak paneer, cubed Indian “cottage-cheese” in a spinach cream sauce and the naan bread at the Shiv Vilas Palace in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

Shiv Vilas Palace

In Scotland, our most popular cuisine is Indian. In fact, curry is now the national dish. When my family visits from Scotland, my aunt and uncle spend two days washing the rice and preparing daals, curries and chutnies. “Curry Night” with the family is one of my favorite events of the year.

As a curry snob, my friend Steve knew he was taking a chance by inviting me out to Indus Indian and Herbal Cuisine in West Palm Beach. Unlike his relationship advice, his restaurant recommendation was spot on, not just with the food and service but with a great weekend deal. Enjoy All-You-Can-Eat Champagne Buffet Brunch for $15.99, which includes unlimited beer, champagne and wine. Jackpot! I love the egg curry which features whole hard boiled eggs in a creamy sauce and the lemon basmati rice that has a nice kick. The buffet changes weekly but usually includes seafood, vegetarian options, goat and chicken. Believe me, if you are unfamiliar with Indian food and want to try it then this is a great deal. If you find the food too spicy, then just have another drink. More champagne, please!

The Deal: All-You-Can-Eat Champagne Buffet Brunch for $15.99

Saturday and Sunday 11:30a.m.-3p.m.

Indus Indian and Herbal Cuisine

1649 Forum Place

West Palm Beach

561-249-0123

www.IndusDine.com

Kick Back, Eat, Drink and Enjoy

Let’s face it, after a long day the last thing you want to do is dress up and go out. You’d rather trade your shoes for flip flops and call your buddies for a cheap and relaxing night with a few beers. Welcome to happy hour at Southport Raw Bar.

 This neighborhood hangout has been attracting locals and tourists for more than 40 years with fresh seafood selections, low prices and waterfront location. Luckily, I live within walking distance of the bar and often enjoy relaxing on the dock trading stories with my friends as we sip on ice-cold beer and watch the boats sail off into the pink and purple shades of sunset. With prices either at market price or under $10, I can easily indulge in my favorite fried snack; Hot Lips, tasty fried jalapeños filled with cream cheese.

There’s no excuse to miss out on quality time with your friends as Southport Raw Bar offers two happy hours; an early bird special and a late-night promotion. A pitcher of domestic beer (Miller Lite, Bud Light or Yuengling) costs only $6.50 and fresh seafood specials include a dozen raw oysters ($11.95), a basket of Old Bay shrimp ($6.75), and a dozen fresh clams ($9.95). If you like it spicy, then try Southport’s popular chicken wings ($5.95).

What are you waiting for, frugal foodies? Call your friends and set a date!

   The Deal: Early Happy Hour: Monday- Friday 4-7p.m.

Late Night Happy Hour: Saturday-Thursday 11p.m.- Close

Southport Raw Bar

1536 Cordova Road

Fort Lauderdale

954-525-2526

www.SouthportRawBar.com

The Early Bird Gets The Wine!

Restauranteur Carmine Giardini is opening his second Carmine’s La Trattoria this Friday in Kendall.  “With the success of La Trattoria in Palm Beach Gardens, I felt it was time for me to return back to the Kendall market and introduce an exciting authentic Italian restaurant to the area,” said Giardini in a press statement.

Focusing on the traditional dishes of his Italian heritage and homeland, selections include lasagne Al forno ($17.95), vitello saltimbocca ($26.95) and of course, pizza, pizza, pizza. Those prices aren’t exactly Hot Scot Savings friendly; however Giardini knows that one bite will have you saving your pennies and coming back for more! Reflecting the hospitality of his culture, Giardini is thanking diners with a complimentary bottle of Pinot Grigio or Chianti (a $25 value). So go ahead and splurge, I have my eye on the pizza alla scampi.

Make your reservations today as this offer is only valid for advanced reservations and remember to inform the staff that you would like to redeem this offer. Salute!

The Deal: Complimentary bottle of wine with advanced dinner reservations

Friday January 27 through Saturday February 4

Carmine’s La Trattoria

11745 Sherry Lane

Miami

786-433-8687

www.Carmines.com

Winging it on Wednesdays

Hungry for savings on hump day? Hot Scot to the rescue!

Chicken wings are an American favorite with sales reported to be almost a million per day. Whether it’s chowed down while watching the game or shared with buddies at the bar, wings are really the first “tapas.” To get your fill, Flanigan’s Seafood Bar and Grill is your destination for wings on Wednesdays. The 50-year-old restaurant chain knows wings are the perfect accompaniment to a cold glass of beer so this South Florida hangout serves 10 free wings with the purchase of a pitcher of beer. If you’re like me, you’ll choose the hot variety, but other choices include medium, mild and barbecue. After you finish reading this, jump in the car and get to your nearest Flanigan’s as the wings run out fast!

The Deal: 10 free wings with the purchase of a pitcher of beer

Wednesdays 11:30 a.m.-11:30p.m.

Flanigan’s Seafood Bar and Grill

22 Locations in South Florida

Visit http://www.flanigans.net/

Gourmet Dishes For Happy Meal Prices

chicken osso bucco with bleu cheese dressing

If you’re familiar with the food truck frenzy of South Florida, then you also know that eating at a food truck can be expensive and time-consuming: the anti-thesis of the original point of food trucks--fast food! Pincho Factory runs a successful food truck with a menu featuring pitas, burgers, rice bowls and fried cheesecake. Unlike other trendy food trucks, Pincho Factory also has a brick-and-mortar location. Avoid the long lines and cost by visiting the restaurant today for $2 Tuesdays.

slider with copperpot red onion marmalade and Swiss cheese

Pincho Factory’s mission is “to get South Florida out of the drive-thru,” so on Tuesdays it’s time to feast on menu items such as mini fritas (Cuban hamburgers), shrimp pinchos, chicken osso bucco, and the Little Kahuna Slider with grilled pineapple. You can wash it down with $2 beer selections like Blue Moon, Newcastle and Yuengeling. At the end of the meal, you’ll ask yourself, “Mc-Who?”

mini meatball pincho with roasted garlic sauce

Oh and don’t forget their fries, they were voted number one in South Florida by Local 10 News!

The Deal: $2 Bites and Beers

Tuesdays 12p.m.-12a.m.

Pincho Factory

9860 SW 40^th St.

Miami

305-631-2038

www.PinchoFactory.com

mini frita with veal chorizo, swiss cheese, papitas and red onions

Happy Hour in the Mediterranean

On Thursday January 12^th, Breathe, a “Mediterranean-fusion restaurant and ultra lounge,” celebrated its grand opening with a dramatic party featuring live camels, belly dancers, and genies (little people in costumes - wince).

Packed with a wide range of guests, from mini-skirted grandmas to Delray Beach’s business elite, the lounge/restaurant was buzzing with excitement about the décor, the hookahs and the passed hor d’oeuvres. The menu features Mediterranean classics like grilled octopus ($14) and shrimp tabbouleh ($16) as well as a few American standards like the “Airline” chicken with sauteed spinach, wild mushroom gravy and roasted garlic-smashed potatoes ($25), and NY strip steak with fries ($38).

The prices are definably outside my budget and I know not everyone can score a media invite to try out new places; but now you too can check out this aspiring hot spot during happy hour. Kick back with your friends and enjoy half-price drinks and $6 appetizers, including the Breathe Ceaser, caprese terrine and smoked salmon with bagel chips. 

The Deal: Half-price drinks and $6 appetizers

Monday-Friday 4-7p.m.

BREATHE

401 W. Atlantic Avenue

Delray Beach

561-330-4526

www.BreatheinDelray.com

Share this Secret

I’ve got the greatest job in the world: eating and writing for money! With all the eating and drinking, I usually hit the gym after work and end up missing happy hour with friends. Luckily, Big City Tavern has come to my rescue with the launch of their new late night happy hour promotion, “Please Don’t Tell.”

Every Friday and Saturday night at 11 p.m., “Please Don’t Tell” gets the party started at this Las Olas hot spot with sexy smooth sounds from a DJ and discounted cocktails and martinis. This “secret” promotion offers 14 signature drinks include the Raspberry Bliss (raspberry vodka, raspberry liqueur and Triple Sec) and the Bikini Martini (vodka, Malibu rum, pineapple juice and grenadine) for only $8. Of course as a “foodie,” it would be unprofessional of me to overlook the late night eats! The menu features pizza and several house favorites including fried calamari, pizza “salsicce,” and the Big City burger with fries. So go ahead, indulge! I won’t tell, but I highly recommend sharing this secret with your friends.

The Deal: Late Night Happy Hour

Big City Tavern

609 E. Las Olas Blvd.

Fort Lauderdale

954-727-0307

www.BigCityLasOlas.com

Lunching with the Ladies!

I’ve always wanted to be one of those “ladies who lunches” but I don’t usually have the time or the funds to leisurely sip martinis at white-clothed table with my gal pals. When I heard that The Capital Grille, which is known as a hot spot for power lunches, was launching a lunch plate promotion, I got on the phone and made a date with friends.

After a warm and polite welcome, our server Aundrea asked us if we had any time restraints; great question to ask. Luckily we didn’t. I cannot give enough praise to the outstanding service we received from Aundrea and the management team. Next time I go back, I may have to ask Aundrea to join me. And believe me, I will be back!

The Grille’s promotion features a choice of appetizer, a sandwich and a side dish for $18, which is a bargain considering the quality of the food, service and elegant surroundings. Starter choices include roasted red pepper soup, New England clam chowder or a green salad with house made Champagne vinaigrette. For lunch, Executive Chef Mark Gruverman recommended his favorite, the Wagyu cheeseburger topped with a fried egg and crispy onions  Other choices include two mini tenderloin sliders or the lobster salad on a brioche bun.  For side dishes, you can choose from French green beans, roasted root vegetables or parmesan truffled fries. As two friends joined me, we decided to each try a menu selection with the exception of the French green beans; we opted to double up on the fries! Stand-outs include the Wagyu cheeseburger (a fried egg always guarantees victory!) and the truffled fries are probably the best I have ever had; crispy on the outside fluffy on the inside and seasoned perfectly.

Grapefruit juices have also been added to the restaurant. Although I’m not a grapefruit fan, the mix of the juice, club soda and elder flower was divine and will taste even better with a shot of Grey Goose!

The Deal: $18 three-plate lunch

Daily 11:30a.m.- 4p.m.

The Capital Grille

2430 E. Sunrise Blvd.

Fort Lauderdale

954-446-2000

www.TheCapitalGrille.com

Ready, Set, Go … for Coffee!

What’s better than saving money while eating out? For me, it’s not spending a dime. This Hot Scot has the hottest deal in town: Free coffee for a week!

As you fill up your tank at RaceTrac gas stations, fill up on flavor and caffeine with a complimentary cup of 100-percent Arabica coffee with any purchase. The company is proud to unveil its expanded coffee selections and is celebrating with this sip-worthy promotion. Your caffeinated choices include premium blends like regular, dark roast, hazelnut and extra caffeinated. Flavor shots include caramel, chocolate crème, Irish crème and French vanilla. Like to experiment? Customize your coffee from an impressive line-up of creamers, flavored syrups, sweeteners and toppings like ground cinnamon and cocoa powder.  If your first concoction fails, never fear. You have until Jan. 14 to find your perfect cup of java!

The Deal: Free coffee, any size with purchase

Through January 14

RaceTrac

Visit www.racetrac.com for locations

Kick-off the Weekend with Culinary Style

Chef Sean Brasel is one of Miami’s hottest culinary stars and his restaurant Meat Market has garnered critical acclaim since opening in 2009, including a three-and-a-half star review from the Sun Sentinel. Brasel will be showing off his skills and creations at two South Beach Wine and Food Festival events; Wine Spectator’s Best of the Best and Thrillist’s BBQ & the Blues. Of course, not everyone can shell out more than $100 to attend these events or splurge at his high-end restaurant for innovative takes on steakhouse classics at Meat Market but there’s a way to take a bite of the best without a bite to wallet.

Photo Credit: Lyall Aston

Meat Market has launched a Friday night happy hour promotion. Foodies wanting to kickoff the weekend without spending their whole paycheck can indulge in half-price signature cocktails and tasty bites like oysters with yuzu truffle mignotte with atomic horseradish and habanero cocktail sauce; jumbo shrimp with house made cocktail sauce; and the ceviche special of the day. Saving in style never tasted so good.

Shrimp Ceviche Photo Credit: Michael Pisarri

The Deal: Half-price cocktails, $1.50 oysters, $2.50 shrimp and $6 ceviche

Fridays 5-8 p.m.

Meat Market

915 Lincoln Road

Miami Beach

305-532-0088

www.meatmarketmiami.com

Double Strained "Some Like It Hot" Photo Credit: Michael Pisarri

Where Everyone Knows Your Name … and Your Drink

After a hard day of writing at the office, I don’t always want to go home to my cat Orson and watch reruns of Criminal Minds; sometimes I want to party like a rock star but I don’t have a rock star bank account. So where can I drink like a high roller? Sidelines Sports Bar, a Wilton Manors hot spot with a huge amount of drink promotions daily.

        

 

Sports fans can enjoy watching games on the 16 flat screen televisions, play pool, darts or video games while mingling with the party crowd. This neighborhood hangout caters to the Wilton Manors’ gay community but the friendly staff (my favorite is Debbie for her delicious margaritas) and drink specials attract anyone looking for a good time. Another bonus? The bar is a smoke-free zone.

 

Grab some friends, a pool stick and a bar stool for seven days of savings!

The Deal: Drink Specials

Monday- Saturday 2-9 p.m. half-price drinks

Monday: 9 p.m.-close $1 off bottled beer

and happy hour prices for In-the-Biz card holders

Tuesday: All day $8 domestic pitchers $10 imported pitchers

Wednesday: All day half-price happy hour

Thursday: 9 p.m.-close half-price well drinks and domestic drafts

Friday: 2-9 p.m. half-price drinks

Saturday: 2-9 p.m. happy hour noon-5p.m. free pool

Sunday: Noon-Close $12 domestic beer bucket $15 imported beer bucket

Daily: midnight-close half-price drinks

Sidelines Sports Bar

2031 Wilton Drive

Wilton Manors

954-563-8001

www.SidelinesSportsBar.com

Photo by Rob Cha