March 18th, 2012
In Downtown Fort Lauderdale, YOLO, Restaurant, Review, Broward County, South Florida
Let’s see…how should I start my visit to YOLO? I have eaten at this hip and trendy locale in downtown Ft. Lauderdale probably about 3 or 4 times. All those times have left me with a sense that the social ambiance, the exotic cars, the different attires worn by the patrons overshadowed my food. And, isn’t that what I have come here for? I mean, to dine.
YOLO stands for You Only Live Once. I guess if you do it right, once is really enough, don’t you think? It is located at 333 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Tel. 954-523-1000 Website? www.yolorestaurant.com.
I decided to wear my higher heels too. I really did not want to be looking up all the time. How shallow, but, believe me, you had to be there.
I had made a reservation for outdoors, and was hoping that the weather would hold. It was, actually, a pretty nice evening. To me, outdoors is the place to be; among the bamboo and the fire pit. The fire pit was a gathering place for cocktails and mingling.
No two ways about it, YOLO is a hip and trendy venue. I am starting to believe that food takes second place. So, this was our experience.
Upon arriving the valet guys took my car; no parking at the front of the restaurant; the Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and other exotic rides were taking center stage. My Delaware tag did not face the valet guys who were friendly. My car was driven somewhere else. Cost? $5
Our table was waiting for us and it was perfect. We were not next to the fire pit, but could still get some of its warmth.
Our server, Alan, took care of us well. He had lived in Rehoboth Beach for a few years.
For an appetizer we ordered the Steamed Mediterranean Mussels with saffron, white wine, tomatoes and herbs. I usually order mussels anywhere they serve them. To this date none match the ones served at Liquid Assets in Ocean City, Maryland. The ones at Yolo were plump and they looked so good; once tasted, they were a little bland and maybe too big.
A Tuna Sashimi was ordered and it really was delicious; melted in your mouth.
The Grilled Artichokes were outstanding. The grilling added a different taste to their natural flavor.
One of my guests ordered the Grilled Snapper. She wanted it plain with brussel sprouts. It looked too plain for me, almost like some herbs were needed. I think she liked it.
My dish was the Creole Trout with lightly fried shrimp on top. I added roasted beets as a side order. I was not that crazy about my dish. It was just okay, but nothing to write home about. I would have wanted the beets to really be roasted. They did not look that way. The fish, was also a little bland, even though it was supposed to have been Creole, which usually adds a kick to dishes prepared that way.
My husband ordered T’s Prime Rib, thick cut, au jus, with a potato au gratin. We asked Alan, our server, to check the potatoes for possible gluten and the kitchen said it was safe to eat. I believe that was the best entree of the evening. Cooked rare, getting great reviews.
We had a good time…really!! We ate late, enjoyed the outdoors……I still think the social ambiance takes over the experience and enjoyment of the food.
The end of our evening and waiting for my car….some people coming in for the after the after hours lounging. It was getting late.
Note: Check the website for specials and events. Also, Thursdays is a night for locals. YOLO opens for lunch and dinner. Brunch on Sundays is offered from 11:30 until 2:00 p.m.
Talk to you later…
Tags: American Cuisine, Broward County, Dining in Fort Lauderdale, Dowtown Fort Lauderdale, Eating in Downtown Fort Lauderdale, eating in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Full Bar, Indoor Dining, lunch and dinner, Lunch and Dinner at Yolo, outdoor dining, Restaurant, Restaurants, review, Reviews, South Florida, Sunday Brunch at Yolo, YOLO, YOLO (You Only Live Once)
