It may not be as flashy as its neighbour Miami (yet), but its growing foodie scene has earned the South Florida city the nickname ‘Fork Lauderdale’. The Club meets acclaimed American Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian – who opened his latest venture, Point Royal and Counter Point in Fort Lauderdale this year – to find out where he likes to wine and dine when he’s in town

Breakfast spot worth getting up early for
I always wake up very early and my first stop whenever I’m in Fort Lauderdale is Counter Point for my first double espresso of the day. As far as I’m concerned, our expert baristas are impossible to beat. If I’m in the mood, I’ll have a house-baked pastry. I’d also highly recommend the breakfast wraps, Cuban sandwiches and glazed donuts, which are just incredible. 

Weekend brunch worth battling the crowds for
I really enjoy walking around buzzy Bal Harbour at the weekend for a little shopping and brunch. I’ll often stop at French bistro Le Zoo for a bite to eat such as the French onion soup (pictured). Order the fantastic seafood tower and a nice bottle of chilled rosé to share with friends.

Best lunch spot for taking care of business
Kaluz is an upbeat and sophisticated place to close the deal. They have wonderfully creative salads and sandwiches, as well as delicious flatbreads. Take a seat outside by the waterfront and watch the boats come and go as you talk business.

Where to impress on a date
I’d have to say Point Royal. Start with some fun cocktails at the bar, move on to the raw bar for some amazingly fresh seafood – we have west and east coast oysters, little-neck clams, Key West shrimp cocktail, Alaskan king crab, Maine lobster, Florida stone-crab claws – then go on to enjoy dinner in the gorgeous, Florida-inspired space. It feels local but at the same time transports you somewhere else.

Hip hangouts where children are welcome
The pool area at The Diplomat Beach Resort is great for families. Parents can have a few cocktails while the kids enjoy the pool and ice creams from Candy & Cones.

Local independent that deserves to stay in business
Rhythm & Vine (pictured) – it’s close to downtown Fort Lauderdale and has great music and a fantastic ambience. It gets pretty crowded though, and there’s often a line to get in during peak hours.

Foodie souvenir of the area to take home
It’s not edible, but the best foodie souvenir to take home is a ‘Yo Cuz!’ hat from my favourite Italian joint and Fort Lauderdale institution, Café Martorano. People go for the fun ambience, but I go for the well-executed food. And yes, I have one of those hats. 

A reliable place for a pre-dinner drink
Upscale YOLO is the perfect spot for cocktails and bar snacks. I always order an ice-cold gin martini.

Dining experience worth leaving town for
I’ve always wanted to go to Little Palm Island in the Florida Keys. The food is meant to be sensational, as is the setting. Hopefully I’ll make it there soon. Otherwise I just love going to Martorano’s, and highly recommend the veal chop.

Geoffrey Zakarian is executive chef at Point Royal and Counter Point at The Diplomat Beach Resort. To find out more about his other restaurants visit geoffreyzakarian.com

Interview by Rachel Truman

Have an opinion on The Club that you’d like to share? Let us know

This article has been tagged Food + Drink, Travel Tips