By Dr. Steven O. Evans
In the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale is a restaurant with one of the most intriguing menus around. Boathouse at the Riverside is nestled along the New River right behind the Riverside Hotel. The atmosphere reflects downtown’s bustling-yet-casual vibe, where some come for a quick drink and an appetizer to start their night, while others arrive for a long dinner with friends as boats cruise nearby.
We started off splitting a couple of appetizers: the Key West Fritters and the spicy Passionfruit Ceviche. The fritters feature conch and octopus along with a delicious pico de gallo. The ceviche has poached shrimp with jalapeño passionfruit aguachile, mint, and cilantro, which perfectly helps balance the spiciness of the jalapeño.
Several salads, including Cobb and Greek, are made fresh and you can top them off with grouper, chicken, tuna, salmon, mahi-mahi, or shrimp.
The open air bar and dining room gives the room a fun energy while still maintaining the relaxed atmosphere. This is perfect as you digest your first course and decide on your entreé.
Choosing a main course wasn’t easy. There are four flatbreads, including the Roasted Mushroom & Shallot flatbread, that will tempt you. Sandwiches include the Pressed Cuban Panini and First Mate Mahi fish sandwich. We definitely plan to try those when we stop in for lunch.
But tonight we picked out a couple of Chef Exclusives. The Lomo Salteado has grass-fed beef, roma tomatoes, red onions, jasmine rice, and a red wine reduction. The first bite tells your tastebuds you’re in for a special dining experience. The flavors are distinct and work well together.
Our other selection was Pan Seared Salmon and Quinoa Stir Fry. The ginger miso glaze is unlike any we’ve tried before, and it goes perfectly with the jalapeños.
For dessert, we couldn’t resist the Key Lime Pie, with its coconut whipped cream and fresh berries. It’s a signature Florida dessert, and Boathouse makes it as good as any spot north of Key West.
The great food is complemented by a strong, friendly service staff. Friendly and professional, they make you feel welcomed from the moment you walk in, keeping a close eye out for drinks in need of refills. Boathouse offers easy access. You can park at the hotel, stop in as you’re strolling through, or dock your boat right in front.
Boathouse at the Riverside is located at 620 SE 4th Street in Fort Lauderdale, FL and has plenty of selections that are gluten free, dairy free, and/or vegetarian. They also cater private events. For details and a look at the menu, visit BoatHouseRiverside.com.
