Underwater grace: Mermaids at Fort Lauderdale's Wreck Bar

MeduSirena Swim Show

Wreck Bar 

The Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach (formerly the Yankee Clipper)

1140 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 http://www.sheratonftlauderdalebeach.com/

www.medusirena.com

By Jane Feehan

There are only a couple of bars remaining in the United States with four portholes to a pool and Fort Lauderdale is lucky enough to claim one of them (there used to be several in this city). It’s the Wreck Bar located on the first floor of the B Ocean Hotel,* once known as the Yankee Clipper Hotel (for history of this landmark, see http://janesbits.blogspot.com/2011/06/florida-history-fort-lauderdales-yankee.html).  

I stopped in recently to see MeduSirena, a sub-surface water act headed by retro-performance artist and mermaid-in-chief, Marina Duran-Anderson.  It was 30 minutes of oohs and ahhs from the audience, many of whom were standing in the packed room. I highly recommend the colorful spectacle; it’s sophisticated, beautiful -- and unique.

Held on Fridays, 6:30-7 p.m., this Las Vegas-caliber performance is a great way to start an evening out on the town. It’s also free (please tip!).  Call to confirm the show will be held that night before heading over. The Wreck Bar opens at 6 p.m. but arrive by 5:30 p.m. to stand in line to get a seat. It’s worth it. If you can’t make the show, visit the Wreck Bar for a drink or light meal; it's a piece of Fort Lauderdale history.

See medusirena.com for more information about Ms. Duran-Anderson, “The Fire Eating Mermaid” and the shows she presents throughout Florida and the US.

* As of early December 2014, the hotel was acquired by the InSite Group and will operate in affiliation with B Hotels and Resorts. Renovations are planned and many hope they maintain the Wreck Bar with this notable show. 

Tags: Things to do in Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale nightlife, Yankee Clipper Hotel, mermaid show, Wreck Bar, porthole bar, bar with windows to the pool, Gill Hotel, entertainment in Fort Lauderdale

Nauti Dawg Marina Cafe: View is better than the food

Nauti Dawg Marina Café – 954-941-0246

Lighthouse Point Marina 

2841 Marina Circle

Lighthouse Point, FL

Breakfast, lunch and dinner every day except for Tuesday

Open 7 a.m -  9 p.m.

www.nautidawg.com

Dockage Available

Beer and wine served

Lighthouse Point Marina: http://www.lhpmarina.com/

 By Jane Feehan

With new owners and a new name since I was last here, Nauti Dawg Marina Café looks much the same in its beautiful yacht basin setting. Unfortunately, the food has gone south.

Two of us headed there for a late lunch one Saturday.  The crowd had cleared and only a handful of tables remained; we anticipated getting served right away. We almost left after 45 minutes of waiting for our orders but held back after the waitress told us our meal would be delivered soon. Another 10 minutes went by.

We would have left had we known the food we waited for so long would be

almost, well … bad. An uninspiring Greek salad (about $13 with mahi mahi) was thrown together with lettuce that had an unwashed taste and a grilled chicken sandwich (about $11) was barely chewable with its tough French bread. Onion rings were greasy and tasteless.

We’ll be back to give it another chance. The view is beautiful from both indoors and out. A steel drum player kicks up the vacation-like atmosphere a notch or two on weekends from 2-6 p.m. Nauti Dawg celebrates when the moon is full with live music and local partiers. Breakfast overlooking the marina will be a great way to start my day on the next visit. I’ll bring a book.  Maybe I’ll have a positive update afterward … stay tuned.

The Lighthouse Marina, home of Nauti Dawg, is not easy to find. It’s next to the boat landing for Cap’s Place. If you’re driving north from Fort Lauderdale turn right at the pink church, which lies north of Copans Road. Follow the signs for “marina” and/or Cap’s Place. Dress is casual.

Tags: Waterfront dining Lighthouse Point,

waterfront dining Broward County, waterfront dining South Florida

waterfront breakfast Broward County