Kaluz

Kaluz: 3300 E Commercial Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308

The Restaurant:

The South Florida Eats team had a couple of friends that were visiting and we had not seen for awhile, so we decided to invite them and a couple of others out for dinner on the town and something that we had not been to before.  I personally had been wanting to try Kaluz for some time now as many friends had mentioned it and told us that it as good.  And apparently Jerry had already been here without me knowing, so we figured we should check it out and do a review.

Kaluz is located on the south side of Commercial Blvd. heading east, right before you go over the intercoastal bridge.  Valet parking is the only way to park, so be prepared with a few dingles for tipping.  Kaluz offers both indoor and outdoor dining with amazing views of the intercoastal waterway.  If you are like me and love watching the different yachts and boats sailing up and down the waterway, then you will be in heaven.

Indoors:

Upon entering through two humongous front doors you will notice the hostess stand to the right, a nicely appointed bar area in front of you, and a small waiting area to the left.  It was a very interesting interaction with the hostess since she couldn’t find the reservation that our friend Tom had made.  Finally when Tom and the others showed up, they magically were able to find the reservation after he showed them the confirmation email.  You just have to love that.

Anyhow, the inside seating has a mix of tables and booths.  Booths sit 4 people maximum, and the table vary in size from 4 people to six and eight people.  The large glass windows give you a perfect view of the water and all the action going on outside.  This is actually where we chose to sit since it was a warmer than usual evening and since we had six people it made it easier for seating purposes.

Outdoors:

Kaluze also has a nice outdoor area with a few tables and a smaller bar that you can sit at and drink or even order food.  If you like to sit out by the water and enjoy the natural sites, then this is a great place to do it while eating and having a cocktail or two.

The Food:

Kaluz is a mix of flavors when it comes to their food.  It’s mostly American with a hint of Mediterranean Fusion.  Our table started with a Margherita Flatbread as our appetizer.  Large slices of tomatoes, provolone, and fresh basil addorn a crispy flatbread with enough to for six to eight people.  This was the perfect start to our meal and everyone enjoyed it.

Let’s start with Jerry’s meal of Prime Rib.  A perfectly cooked piece of meat medium rare, juices flowing and served with a loaded baked potato.  He could not help but boast about the flavor of the meat and how the sour cream, bacon, cheddar and chives enhanced the flavor of the potato.  To say he was please with his meal would be an understatement.

Sal opted for a Filet Mignon with bearnaise sauce and loaded baked potato.  They steak was cooked exactly to his liking and the sauce added additional flavor.  And just like Jerry’s potato, he enjoyed every bite of it.  I mean who doesn’t like a potato with all your favorite things.  Bob was the non-meat eater of the group.  Cedar Plank Salmon was his choice, with a side of wild rice and asparagus spears.  The salmon was cedar roasted with a brown sugar mustard glaze to give it added flavor.

Manny and Tom both went for the Hatfield Farm Pork Chops.  Two 8 oz. bone-in pork chops grilled to your liking, served with apple chutney on top, a Cinnamon Demi, and Parmesan mashed potato.  Apple chutney is a common addition to pork chops, but the Cinnamon Demi adds a special addition to the flavors.  Not to mention the mashed potato that had the perfect mix of taste and texture.   Both Tom and Manny loved their meals and would highly recommend it.

Personally I think we saved the best for last, which was my dish.  The Filet Kabobs which are Hawaiian-Marinated beef tenderloin served with assorted vegetables, soy ginger glaze, and wild rice.   I have to admit that the marinade really brought out the flavor of the beef tenderloin.  They are grilled on a skewer with the vegetables that are then served with the dish.  A soy ginger glaze provides additional flavor to the mix of peppers, onions, and mushrooms.  Wild Rice has always been one of my favor starches, and this one did not disappoint.

I highly recommend checking this place out, not only for good food, but for the ambiance.

Pricing: $$$-$$$$ depending on what you order, Appetizers and drinks.