Page 16 - LOBI0124

New&Trending

By Caroline Carrara

FOOD Considering they had just opened, we were charmed and
impressed by both the food and service. Dave hinted at more
EVEN KEEL menu and cocktail collaborations, along with additional
nautical-themed décor touches. 1111 E Las Olas Blvd.
www.evenkeelfish.com

PLANTA QUEEN
The esteemed vegan eatery on Las Olas Boulevard, recently
unveiled its highly anticipated Happy Hour, available every
Monday to Friday from 3-6 pm! As a supporter of all things
plant-based, the news of this Happy Hour has me and my
vegan besties beaming. Now there are options for after-work
meet-ups where your plant-based enthusiasts can enjoy a
variety of dishes and drinks. Happy Hour has the clinks of
glasses filled with innovative concoctions like the ‘Tinis ($9) –
whether it’s their espresso-infused vodka with a touch of
vanilla and cinnamon or the dirty variant featuring vodka and
Castelvetrano olive brine. There is also the ‘Sake to Me’ ($9)
– a blend of vodka,sake, watermelon, and yuzu adds an extra
Even Keel has opened on Las Olas Boulevard, taking over the layer of joy to the experience. And of course, the selection of
old Asia Bay/Eve on the Water space. What’s crucial to note wines ($8) and beers ($6) only sweetens the deal. The
is that Chef Owners, Dave MacLennan and Brad Phillip have delicious snacks on offer during this Happy Hour menu are
teamed up with Chef Chris Wilber and Mario Di Leo from the truly exceptional. From the Crispy Mushroom Hand Roll
original Canyon restaurant. With this combination, you can featuring wasabi, avocado, gochujang, pickled ginger, and
expect a delightful explosion of flavors. Knowing the Even unagi to the Spicy “Tuna” Hand Roll with ahi watermelon,
Keel Fish Shack in Lauderdale-By-the-Sea, it was initially avocado, and toasted coconut, each dish is a testament to
challenging to envision how they would adapt to their new Las Planta Queen’s unwavering commitment to elevating plant-
Olas address. However, a visit a couple of days after their soft based food! Korean Chick’n Bao, Cold Peanut Noodles,
opening revealed a cohesive restaurant with stunning outdoor Firecracker Wings with crispy cauliflower – every bite is a
seating on the water and a cozy inside bar and dining area. flavorful journey. My favorite is undoubtedly the fluffy, sweet
Choosing to sit at the bar, we were greeted by Collin, who bao buns with their Chick’n (crispy oyster mushrooms), vegan
easily whipped up a Prickly Pear Margarita with Even Keel- mayo, and a dash of POW! Make sure to check out the
rimmed salt, reminiscent of the old Canyon days. It was a Happy Hour menu and download their new app for an instant
smooth, pink concoction with a zesty kick. Our visit happened $10 dining credit and reward points for future visits.
to coincide with $2 oysters on Tuesday, so we couldn’t resist 1201 E Las Olas Blvd. www.plantarestaurants.com
starting with a dozen. Three choices of oysters, labeled
handwritten on ice pop sticks, provided a nice touch. For our
main course, the Crab Grilled Cheese featuring brie, truffle,
blue crab, and apple butter, was irresistible and we savored
every morsel. We finished the meal by indulging in the
Coconut Pumpkin Curry Soup with tender lobster, which was
the perfect finishing touch.

14

12/23/23 4:44 PM
LOBI 0124.indd 14 12/23/23 4:44 PM
LOBI 0124.indd 14