Brunch is a big business in Fort Lauderdale. Many a mimosa have been sipped and deals signed over a leisurely Sunday Brunch and it is truly one of the great joys in life. I love a great brunch and in terms of atmosphere and offerings, Pelican Beach Resort, really delivers a fabulous brunch.  With a wide back porch steps from the Atlantic Ocean, it really has the feel of the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and the service would trick you into thinking that as well, since the food is delivered with sweet Southern charm. 

The price per person is very reasonable as well, at $39.95 for unlimited Bloody Mary’s and Mimosas and an impressive array of items to choose from served station style. There are six stations and they have a wide variety of foods on each station. On the Cold Display, there are salads, ceviche, tropical fruits, deviled egg salad with caviar and assorted pastries. For carnivores, the Carving Station offers Eggs Benedict, bacon, country sausage, featured fish, featured chicken, paella, and seasonal vegetables.  The seafood display contains shrimp and smoked salmon. International Cheese and Fruit Display offers quiche, baked brie, and assorted cheeses and fruits. The Action Station is manned with chefs cooking up omelets, Vanilla Waffles, fresh carved ham and roast beef, and make your own pasta with penne and tortellini. If you have any room left after visiting these stations, the dessert station contains mini mousse cups, petite fours, and assorted cakes.  As an additional treat, you have an incredible view of the Atlantic Ocean.

Joann Recommends

From the Cold Display: Deviled Egg Salad with Caviar

From the Carving Station: Seafood Paella, Eggs Benedict

From the Seafood Station: Fresh Shrimp on Ice

From the International Cheese and Fruit Display: Baked Brie en Croute

From the Action Station: Vanilla Waffles with Strawberries, Whipped Cream, and Maple Syrup, Tortellini Tossed in Vodka Sauce, Hand Carved Apricot and Mustard Glazed Ham

From the Dessert Station: Mini Mousse Cups

Pelican Grande Beach Resort

2030 N Atlantic Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

(954) 568-9431
 

Located at 3015 N. Ocean Blvd. in the Central Beach  Alliance neighborhood of Fort Lauderdale, Berkley South is a highly desirable building for its location, nestled in between the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway, resort style amenities, and the current values in the building. This building has 199 private residences with studio, one, and two bedroom floor plans to choose from. While this building was built in 1975, it has recently undergone a major renovation with a new color palette, balcony restoration, upper parking deck and garage restoration, new cardio equipment in the fitness center, resurfaced tennis courts, pool upgrades, new elevators, stunning new kitchen in the clubroom, and an expertly redesigned lobby.  Being seconds from the beach, shopping on Galt Ocean Mile, and all the scenic dining on the Intracoastal Waterway and A1A, this is truly an ocean lovers paradise.
 
Berkley South currently has 5 pending Sales, and seven active listings. Since the inventory is shrinking, the residences in this building are selling rapidly. Of the 7 available residences for sale, three are corner units, two Southeast facing, and one Northwest facing. Two of these available properties are what we call distressed properties, which means they are either Short Sales or Bank Owned Foreclosures.  The most recent pending sale is residence 12F, which is one of my own properties and given the activity in this building, I can say with complete certainty these residences are appreciating,  given the reduction of inventory and the amount of time these units are on the market. For more information on Berkley South Condominium and available properties similar to Berkley South, contact me today!
 

This week I would like to share with you one of the premier dining destinations in Fort Lauderdale. Blue Moon Fish Company is one of my personal favorite restaurants for atmosphere and seafood. Here are some suggested items on their menu and their location and dining service hours. Bon Apetit!

Blue Moon Fish Company
Located at Commercial Boulevard on the east side of the Intracoastal Waterway in Lauderdale-by-the-sea, Blue Moon Fish Company is hailed as one of the best fresh seafood restaurants on the East Coast.  Led by famed chefs Baron Skorish and Bryce Statham, the menu places a premium on fresh ingredients and seafood, set on the beautiful waterways that make Fort Lauderdale Famous.  Perfect for a romantic evening with a loved one or an elegant business lunch, Blue Moon does not disappoint.  If you happen to fall in love with the vistas at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, please contact me for available properties, some of the most luxurious waterfront homes are located in Lauderdale-by-the-sea. Click here to view homes available at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea,  http://www.joannedwards.com/MLS-Homes/Lauderdale-By-The-Sea.htm

Joann’s Recommends At Blue Moon Fish Company:
From the Raw Bar: Blue Moon Iced Seafood Tower, this is an incredible indulgence from the sea including everything from Oysters, Shrimp, Clams, Ceviche, Tuna Tartar, and Maine Lobster Tail.

Starter: Big Easy Gumbo, this is the real thing, from the roux they begin with to the okra swimming harmoniously with crawfish and Andouille sausage. This is a classic Baton Rouge recipe that really delivers.
Salads: Fresh “Burrata” Mozzerella, This is not your typical Caprese Salad. The chefs have cleverly improved upon the standard with the addition of pink sea salt, Kumato Tomatoes, Baby Arugula, Basil Oil, and Aged Balsamic.
 

Main Course:
 Macadamia Nut Crusted Seabass: This is THE dish to order at Blue Moon Fish Company.  This is served with pan-asian sides of baby bok choy stir fry and a toasted sweet sesame soy, it has a Hawaiian feel and it a crowd pleaser across the board.
Seared Rare Yellowfin Tuna: Another widely held favorite among regulars and one of my personal go-to dishes, this healthy dish is served with sticky sushi rice, jacama slaw, and a punchy Soy Yuzu Vinaigrette. Very Figure Friendly.

Dessert: “Crunchy Top” Jamaican Crème Brulee: Served with fresh vanilla bean and coconut rum, you cannot go wrong with this sinful treat. The island flare in this dish is difficult to miss with the unique spices and it is a perfect pairing with all dishes above.
 

LUNCH SERVICE
Monday to Saturday - two for one lunch 11:30am to 3:00pm
Sunday Brunch 11:30pm to 3:00pm

DINNER SERVICE
Sunday to Thursday 6:00pm to 10:00pm
Friday & Saturday 6:00pm to 11:00pm

Sunday Brunch
Begins at 11:30am, Set Price $34.95
Set All You Can Eat Raw Bar, One Entrée, and One Bloody Mary, Mimosa, or Champayne,
4405 W . Tradewinds Avenue
Lauderdale by the Sea, Florida 33308
954-267-9888
View Menu Online At http://www.bluemoonfishco.com/home.html

There are so many opinions weighing in on whether the market has stabilized and with upcoming elections some buyers are waiting to see if the market changes depending on the administration. The national news on the subject of real estate recovery is not necessarily indicative of the market conditions in South Florida. We have some compelling reasons why right now is THE time to buy in South Florida.  Whether you are investing in income producing properties or looking to purchase a new home, the supply of homes is decreasing and the demand for homes is increasing, making now the ideal time to buy.  For more information on buying homes in Fort Lauderdale and South Florida, contact me today!

Existing Home Sales: Existing home sales were up by 2.9 percent in the South, according to National Association of Realtors. With continued sales of existing homes, the market shows signs of recovery.

Inventory: Total housing inventory fell by 9.2 percent according to the National Association for Realtors, this decrease in supply suggests that in the near future the market will stabilize.

Demand: Trulia also ranks South Florida as among the ten most desired places to purchase a home. Specifically Palm Beach and Broward county are 6th and 7th most desired places to buy and there are twice as many people looking to buy as opposed to move away.  The prices you can get now will not be available in the near future.

Foreign Investment: According to The Real Deal, $951 million was invested by foreign interests in Florida in 2011. This investment was in the form of both commercial and residential development and in South Florida $451 million was invested. That is roughly half of all investment in our backyard. These projects will increase the inventory, but will take place in several years, creating a perfect climate for purchasing now.

New Homeowners: Governmental Incentives for New Home Buyers are abundant, and many new buyers are entering the market because of them. This increase in demand will likely spur list price increases as well.

Mortgage Rates: Mortgage rates are at record breaking lows, making homeownership dreams within reach for many.

          Among the stunning homes lining the Fort Lauderdale Intracoastal, one in particular is an excellent value and a stunning property, 3070 NE 40th Court. Listed at $3.4 million, this six bedroom, six bathroom home occupies a beautiful lot on the corner of a cul de sac facing the southeast Intracoastal. This home is 5,569 square feet and has every imaginable amenity. Wide panoramic views are visible from nearly every room in the home and the latest upgrades have been applied including double pained windows, controlled wine closets, marble floors, recessed lighting, heated pool and spa, private library, master his and hers spas and suite, and an incredible great room to take in these views. 
           Located in Coral Ridge Country Club, an owner could appreciate the award winning golf facilities and boating opportunities this beautiful neighborhood offers. Further, it is conveniently located between the major roadways of Sunrise Boulevard and Commercial Boulevard. On Sunrise Boulevard there are amazing luxury retail boutiques at The Galleria Mall, and dining is first class on Las Olas Boulevard. The Fort Lauderdale Airport is just 15 minutes away from Coral Ridge and the Atlantic Ocean is mere minutes by boat and a short drive by car. Given this home’s location, and the amount of water frontage it occupies, it is an excellent value in a stable neighborhood for real estate. For more information on this property and others in the area, please feel free to contact me!