Shireen's Favorite Things

Saturday & Sunday Brunch at “Shooters Waterfront” in Fort Lauderdale.

Holy intracoastal views, Batman! When it comes to brunch on the water, it doesn’t get much better than “Shooters Waterfront” in the 954. The place is drop dead gorgeous, with an expansive outdoor patio that seems to be the heart and soul of the restaurant. I went last Sunday to try out their brunch menu and was pleasantly surprised.

I mean, everyone knows about Shooters, it’s practically a South Florida institution. Once noted for its famed pool parties and bikini contests, now (thanks to its new owners from Grateful Palate) the eatery has been reimagined with an updated “Hamptons-esque” look and a yummy new seafood-inspired menu.

When I arrived, I was quickly ushered to a table just steps away from the water. Although the place was comfortably crowded, I still felt as if I were having an intimate experience. The weather, which was beautiful and breezy, was perfect for a long and leisurely Sunday brunch. Just as I was settling in, champagne arrived for bottomless mimosas as well as…

A meaty “Shooters Ale” (perfect for our English photographer,) a delicious “Pink Lemonade” rimmed with raw sugar (made with vodka, lemonade & sour mix) and my favorite, the refreshing “Grand Raspberry Peach Fizz” (made with grand marnier, ginger, cardamom, raspberry peach liquor, champagne, raspberry puree.)

My jaw dropped to the ground when the “Norm De Mar” arrived. It’s a total seafood extravaganza (with rock lobster tail, shrimp cocktail, alaskan king crab legs, blue navy oysters, served with cocktail sauce, mignonette and horseradish.) The two-tiered mountain of shellfish goodness was incredibly fresh, decadent and definitely big enough to share (although, I would have been perfectly happy trying to eat it all by myself.)

The “Godzilla Sushi Roll” (made with shrimp tempura, ahi tuna, cream cheese, avocado, wake salad, chili oil & tempura flakes) and “Lobster Benedict” (Maine lobster, avocado & béarnaise sauce) were just as impressive. The roll is named after Godzilla for a reason: it’s a meal in itself! The Benedict, which is a nice spin on a classic favorite, had perfectly poached eggs with a buttery, soft center.

After all the aforementioned yumminess, I was a goner (or at least I thought I was) until the “Seared Brown Butter with Scallops & Shrimp” unexpectedly showed up at the table. O-M-G. This was AMAZING. My absolute favorite (made with corn risotto, seared asparagus & citrus beurre blanc.) The scallops were so fresh and so tender. If you couldn’t tell, I’m a sucker for a good scallop.

For dessert I tried three dishes: the decadent and crazy-good “Chocolate Fudge Cake” (which is five layers of rich chocolate cake topped with chocolate fudge icing,) the beautiful and artistically crafted “Key Lime Baked Alaska” (made with torched meringue, key lime, and coconut daiquiri) and “Caribbean Bread Pudding Flan” (served with bananas foster ice cream & brown butter flan.) I loved the flan, but everyone at the table hovered over the chocolate cake. Also, I’ve never tried Baked Alaska and for the record, I’d definitely order it again. The presentation was spectacular, too.

Besides our featured dishes, Shooters has an awe-inspiring ($30) brunch buffet. On it? Almost anything your heart desires: eggs any way, bacon, pancakes, waffles, fruits, salads, baked goods — the list goes on. Also worth mentioning: they’re hosting an impressive Thanksgiving Day buffet. You can find out more about it on their website: www.ShootersWaterfront.com.

If you’re looking for the perfect place to rest, relax and enjoy the weekend, “Shooters Waterfront” isn’t just an option, I think it’s the answer. I hope they don’t mind if I become a regular, because they’re going to be seeing a lot more of me for Sunday brunch and that’s why it’s one of my favorite things.

Brunch is Saturday & Sunday from 10am-to-4pm. Reservations: 954-566-2855

The restaurant is located at 3033 NE 32 Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33308. It’s smack dab on the intracoastal with easy access coming and going because of their valet. If you prefer to park yourself, there’s also a public lot across the street housed in a high rise. If you love living life on the water, you can also take a Water Taxi (Shooters is stop #11).

https://shooterswaterfront.com
Twitter: @ShootersFL, IG: @shooterswaterfront, FB: Shooters Waterfront