Near the airport or not too far by? We will staying at the Wyndham for a night before we set out on a four day cruise on the Radisson Navigator. We love seafood and would be interested in Florida cuisine. Thanks for your help.

I think what you might be looking for is Fifteenth Street Fisheries, an atmospheric old "wharf warehouse" atmosphere featuring seafood which is right on the intracoastal. Relaxed and somewhat casual, with the more casual bar and light food downstairs and the larger main dining room upstairs.

If you're looking for more upscale, you can't beat Mark's Las Olas, award winning chef doing contemporary Florida style cooking. It's on Las Olas which will also make for a pleasant stroll at night amidst the lights and action of Ft. Lauderdale's busiest street.

Patrick, what about the Blue Moon Fish Company? Fodors highly recommends it on their destination guide? Have you tried that one?

The Fifteenth Street Fisheries does sound fun. Fodors says it offers over 50 entrees? Wow, that is quite a selection.

Thanks for your help.

Any ideas for shopping and strolling the next day? Or an intracoastal boat ride to view the mansions of Fort Lauderdale? We don't have to be on the boat until 2 or 3. But maybe we will se this view from the boat?

blue moon fish is WAY better than 15th st fisheries...food is so so at 15th street -the only nice thing was the view...

Also a terrific place to eat is JOHNNY V's on Las Olas Blvd...

Shoppping and strolling on Las Olas is fun- also great shopping at The Galleria in Ft Lauderdale...Saks,Neimans,etx.

OK, here's my theory and maybe I was wrong. Sure Blue Moon is great food, but it could be just about anywhere in terms of the "feel" of the restaurant. I'm picturing some northerner (apologies Heavens since I don't know where you're from) who would love the atmosphere of 15th Street Fisheries -- and the food is very good. If I were flying down to Florida and getting ready to go on a cruise I'd regard 15th St. Fisheries as a whole lot more FUN than Blue Moon. If I were on a search for great food, I'd head to Blue Moon. Does that make any sense?

I agree with Patrick about the atmosphere at the Fisheries.We enjoy going there on vacation and have always had a great meal. Its fun to get a table overlooking the water, where you can watch the pelicans and boats.The entrance to the restaurant has a wooden bridge going over a small pond with colorful koi fish-very pretty.

I ate lunch at the Blue Moon last week. The food was 'delish' and the service was very attentive. What made it even better was they had a 2 for 1 special.

I also enjoyed Charley's Crab and the Rustic Inn.

realphoebes-Where did you finally end up staying?

OK, how about this question. Which is closer to the Wyndham Hotel by the airport which is where we will be staying? Or are they about the same distance.

No problem Patrick. We LOVE fun places too. We are from San Diego area so the idea of a more FL type ambiance and cuisine is more appealing to us, since we can get coastal great seafood restaurants around here.

Is there such a thing as Florida cuisine? I am thinking crab claws, conch, stuff like that I think...what else is not to miss?

15th Street Fisheries is closer. You do know that there is NOTHING real close to your hotel, so you'll need a car or a taxi?

And again, 15th Street has many of those Florida things, particularly the crab claws (you might split an appetizer order to try them). They aren't on the regular menu, but I'm assuming in season they have them. Or try alligator or something else (how Florida can you get?).
See their website, menus, (and webcam):
http://www.15streetfisheries.com

Yes, I figured we would be taking a taxi. It sounds like it isn't all that far? And would we need reservations on a Thursday night in April? It will be a few days after Easter. Thanks for your help.

We want to eat upstairs, right? Think I will call and make reservations. Thanks for all of the help.

Is there anything on the menu that we MUST try? What on earth are Martin Bay "bugs"?

I didn't look at the menu, but I suspect it says "Moreton Bay bugs".
They are delicious, but not Floridian -- rather from Australia where I enjoyed them.
Here's one description:
http://www.jamesbeard.org/events/wor..._bay_bug.shtml

By the way, 15th Street Fisheries is very close to where the cruise ships depart.

post on www.egullet.com and you will get first hand advice.
Trina at the Hotel Atlantic is getting good reviews these days.

Interesting website, jtp, but I question why the information there is any better or any more "first hand" than here.
I looked at one post asking for "culinary gems" in Ft. Lauderdale and was greeted by funny comments like:

"if you want hoity-toity. . ."
"I ate at Jacks. . .and the burger was fantastic"
"I have heard that Pete's in Delray Beach. . ."
and a funny recommendation for Sea Watch because "I was there some time ago and I enjoyed it tremendously because it was with walking distance. . ."

Hardly the kind of wonderful first hand comments I'd be looking for when asking for "culinary gems".

Yes, I concur, first hand is always the best. It does seem like so many of these sites and books must pay someone to get in, b/c they often overlook great restaurants that I would recommend.

Think we will do the Fifteenth Street and make the reservations for upstairs. I am really looking forward to exploring FL, even if for a short time. Thanks, as always, for all advice.