Shrimp Po’ Boy at Bo’s Beach
Aside from live jellyfish, everything tastes better when you’re by the beach. And taste double as good when you’re good when you’re pairing said beach with college football. Such was the experience Saturday at Bo’s Beach, Bokamper’s beachside outpost in Lauderdale Beach. Far from a seaside afterthought, the sandwich mixes fresh bread with cajun-seasoned fried shrimp instantly tempered by a creamy remoulade. It’s the odd beach bite in South Florida that could stand on its own without the view. But a warm breeze never hurts. - MM
@bosbeach // 600 Seabreeze Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale Beach
O Toro at OKU by Takato
When a perfectly sliced raw fish sits on a bed of impeccably cooked sushi rice…and then it somehow melts away on your tongue - well, it feels like home. And that was the experience I had in the heart of Fort Lauderdale at Takato’s latest and greatest OKU. Their multi-coursed Omakase menu in private quarters was utmost delicious, especially the caviar and uni experience to kick the nigiri explosion off. But, the nigiri had me at hello, as did their thick cut ginger. I still dream of the layers of spiciness of it all. And for a good laugh: O Toro is the richest and fattiest cut of tuna, so naturally, it had me at hello. Ha. Anyways, check it out, it’s most certainly worth the shlep. - EMN
@takatorestaurant // 551 N Fort Lauderdale Beach, Fort Lauderdale
Karaage at Uchiko
You might go to Uchiko for the sushi, but don’t sleep on the fried chicken. The karaage comes in crisp, golden two-bite pieces that are perfectly seasoned, juicy inside, and totally addictive. Served with cool cucumber and tangy seasonal pickles, it’s the ideal contrast to the raw dishes that dominate the menu. I had it instead of dessert and didn’t regret a thing. It’s the kind of under-the-radar dish that deserves main character status. - OF
@uchikorestaurants // 1759 Purdy Ave., Miami Beach