Shireen's Favorite Things

An early weekend dinner at “The Foundry” in Pompano Beach. Yes, I left the 305 on a Sunday night and it was totally worth it.

My new shabby chic couch and “Game Of Thrones” (season 7) are my latest obsessions, so, why in the world would I leave the 305 on a Sunday night to do Spotlight?

“The Foundry” — that’s why.

I heard about the restaurant about a year ago from friends, Deco Drive fans and some die-hard South Florida foodies, but “wanting” to spend time in Pompano Beach and actually “doing it” are two different things.

Finally, after a well planned-out weekend and an online GoT’s leak, I was ready to head north. I know what you’re thinking and NO, I didn’t watch the leaked version (although I thought about it); I flexed my on-demand finger muscles instead.

“The Foundry” (which is set up as an ode to a metal factory) is a big, beautiful open-air restaurant with dark wood, moody lighting and modern art. It reminds me of some of my favorite places in Chicago, where it’s not just about what you’re eating, it’s about how you feel, too. It’s friendly and inviting, flanked by a long bar that reaches its way into a front outdoor patio. There’s a cool raw bar in the back and in-between is the dining area.

I started my Spotlight experience with a strong & savory “Cucumber Martini” (made with gin) & an ice-cold “Hibiscus Mule” (a new twist on an old favorite) made with vodka, hibiscus-infused syrup, lime juice and fever tree ginger beer. If I was a dead man walking, a martini would definitely be my go-to, but this mule is mind-changing.

If you love fresh, healthy and delicious, my first appetizer, “The Sushi Stack”, is an absolute must-try. I could live off this layered pile of love for the rest of my natural born life. Tuna, salmon, avocado and cucumber are perfectly placed atop seasoned sushi rice. The icing on the cake, so to speak, is kimchi mayo and tempura crunchies. It’s big enough to share, although I’d rather have it all to myself. From the raw bar, I tried the “Tasting for 2” (with oysters, shrimp and ceviche.) It was extremely fresh and I liked the tartness of the ceviche.

If you’re not a seafood lover, try the “House-Made Classic Polpette” — one can never go wrong with a tangy meatball (made with crispy polenta, pomodoro sauce, ricotta and basil.) Mama Mia! These bite-sized beauties were a party in my mouth. Truth be told, I wanted more, but a girl has to pace herself when working on her beloved food blog and watching her waistline.

Transitioning into dinner meant changing up our drinks, too. Enhancing the flavor of “Shrimp & Grits” was easy with a Reisling by North by Northwest (from Horse Heaven Hills, Washington.) It was dry and slightly fruity.

Back to those “Shrimp & Grits” that were totally to-die-for…(made with shrimp, sausage, peppers, onions, garlic mixed in a spicy creole sauce, alongside stone ground grits and crispy collard greens). I spent part of my teen years in the south and I’m a real snob when it comes to grits, but these are the real deal.

The 12 oz succulent “Grilled Pork Chop” was my favorite of the night, made with maple glaze and served with butternut squash puree and miso-glazed brussel sprouts. The chop was so tender, I could cut it with a butter knife. #ComeToMama #GetInMyBelly I could go on with the hashtags, but you get the idea.

Last but not least, the “Short Rib Entree”, my photographer’s favorite, was made with faro and wild mushroom ragout and served with shaved veggies. It was paired with an incredible red blend called Forward Kidd (from Napa Valley). I’m a total convert. I need to get a box of the stuff for my house. Nothing like cracking open a great bottle of wine on the weekend.

I tasted two terrific desserts: “Lemon Ricotta Cheesecake” & “Coffee & Doughnuts” — all the sweets are homemade; heck, practically everything is. I’m a sucker for a good cheesecake (I have it every year on my birthday,) but along side the doughnuts, served in a mug is something called: “espresso pot de creme.”

I call it crack in a coffee cup. It’s amazingly decadent and sinfully delicious. If you have a sweet tooth, this will nail you to the wall and you won’t even scream for a great escape.

I can’t say enough about the food at “The Foundry”. It’s amazing, but what I truly fell in love with was the people. Everyone I came in contact with really believes in the restaurant. Our server, Zach, was excellent and NICE. Chef Shari knows her food and she’s passionate about what she does (not to mention wickedly talented) and GM Rick Hamilton is knowledgeable and smart, but not in a way that makes you feel like you should know more about food and what goes in it.

Sure, “The Foundry” is a destination, especially if you live in or around Miami, but it’s also a bonafide experience that won’t disappoint and that’s why it’s one of my Favorite Things. Cheers!

Lunch/Brunch
Monday-Saturday: 11:30am-3pm
Sunday Brunch: 11am-3pm

Dinner
Sunday-Thursday: 4pm-10pm
Friday-Saturday: 4pm-11pm

The Foundry
2781 E. Atlantic Blvd.
Pompano Beach, FL. 33062

(754) 205-6977

www.thefoundryfl.com

Be Social:
FB: The Foundry FL
Twitter: @TheFoundryFL
Instagram: @thefoundryfl