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I’ve always loved eating in restaurants. As long as I can remember, dining out has been one of life’s pleasures for me. And yes, ok – I love drinking in restaurants and bars too. There’s just something about the experience of savoring food or alcohol in the company of others, friends and strangers alike, along with enjoying the ambience, service and cooking style of a place. If I could afford it, I would eat out at least once a day and sometimes all three meals. I never get tired of the experience because it’s different each time I go, even when I return to a favorite restaurant or bar over and over. So I was interested to see that the Las Olas Wine and Food Festival is happening this Thursday. It really sounds like fun.

The city’s most charming street will be closed from 7 to 9:30 that evening. More than 60 restaurants from this area will take part, offering samples of their finest fare. The list of participating establishments is impressive – from Trina to Timpano, from Chima to Coco’s, from Johnny V to Mancini’s to Rino’s. There will be no shortage of food to try.

But they call it the Wine and Food Festival for a reason, of course. Some 30 wines, spirits and microbrew beers will be available to guests. And at the festival’s Bombay Sapphire Music and Mixology Lounge, the cocktails will change with the music. Maybe a mojito for that cha-cha, or a martini to accompany that swing piece. You get the idea. For those who buy VIP tickets, a special reception starts at 5:30 and includes a gift bag with wine and a breathable Fisch wine glass to take home. Even a regular ticket snags you a wine glass and butler tray as keepsakes. As you might expect, tickets aren’t cheap to this thing. VIP tickets are $200 per person, regular tickets go for $75 each. And they’re only available in advance, not at the event. It should be a great time. And come on now, how often can you dance the cha-cha while sipping a mojito in the middle of Las Olas?

I have to admit that this is not where I want to be right now. Indoors, I mean. I’ve already spent a couple beautiful hours sitting by a canal in downtown Fort Lauderdale, sipping coffee and nibbling on a chocolate chip cookie. This was my reward to myself for a successful business meeting earlier in the day. But I found that I kept lingering, lingering and lingering some more. I didn’t want to go home to my computer, where I would be locked inside to write. I wanted to stay outside. I think I could have thoroughly enjoyed sitting by that canal all day long. Well, I’m here now, back working at my computer. But that’s ok. Because I intend to spring outdoors again later, one way or the other. Outdoors – and back into the lovely spring weather we’re enjoying in South Florida.

I often write about how much I love the weather in this part of the world. I really do. Even the hot, humid summers are pleasant in their own way. But I always think of March and April (sometimes early May too) as my favorite months here, based solely on the climate. Today is a perfect example of why I feel that way.

It must be right around 80 degrees or so. There is no detectable humidity in the air. The sky is blue but with enough bulky white clouds to shade you from the sun now and then. There also is a persistent breeze that actually feels cool to the skin. To me, it doesn’t get much better than this. The best part of it all is that we’ve had this same weather for days already and it looks like there’s more ahead of us. My windows are open all the time, of course. Sometimes at night, though, it’s cool enough that have to partially close my sliding glass patio door while I’m watching TV or reading or whatever. The tile throughout my condo is almost chilly on my feet just before bed. And when I sleep, I add a light blanket over me in the middle of the night as the temperature drops into the 60s. Still, I never really feel too cold and never too hot. If you’re in the Fort Lauderdale area right now, all I can say is you’re lucky. Enjoy it. And if you’re not, all I can say is – well, I don’t mean to sound smug about this or anything. But I’m willing to bet our weather is a whole lot better at the moment than yours.

Ok, now I know this may sound like I’m exaggerating. And maybe I’m the only one who has noticed this curious phenomenon anyway. Or perhaps I’m just nuts and seeing things that aren’t really there, which no doubt is a distinct possibility. But the following statement is based on days of fact-gathering by me – a former investigative reporter, remember, which is a background that probably makes me a highly trained professional observer or something. Don’t try this at home, kids. All right, so here is that statement of fact, offered for your consideration: Half the state of Texas is visiting Fort Lauderdale this month. Like I said, it may sound extreme at first. But hear me out.

Honestly, I have noticed more vehicles with Texas license plates driving around greater Fort Lauderdale in April than I can ever recall seeing here before. Lots and lots of vehicles. The eyes of Texas are upon us bigtime. There are red pickups with Texas plates and blue sedans with Texas plates and silver convertibles with Texas plates. I’ve driven behind Texas Chevys and Texas BMWs and Texas Fords and other makes too, though no Texas Cadillacs so far with longhorns across the front grill. But what is going on here? I have to wonder.

Are they handing out Jungle Queen discount cards in downtown Dallas? Have we developed some kind of sister city exchange program with San Antonio? Or maybe all those folks in Galveston just want to see a real ocean for a change. I’m not sure. But whatever it is, they seem to be here in droves right now. Driving their Texas Chevys and BMWs and Fords and all, no doubt ordering their huge steaks rare at places such as Jackson’s Steakhouse or Timpano on Las Olas. I don’t blame the Texans who are part of this sudden influx. If I were them, I’d rather be here too. Not that there’s anything wrong with the Lone Star State, mind you. I’ve traveled across it by car a few times and spent several nights in various parts of Texas. It’s a perfectly fine place, especially if you like cactus and dust. As for me, well, I prefer coconut palms and a soft sandy beach. So I’m happy to welcome my southern neighbors from Texas to Fort Lauderdale’s lovely shores. Stay as long and spend as much money as you like. Just don’t expect a lot of us here to return the favor by vacationing for a week in Lubbock.

When I lived in San Francisco many years ago, I rented an apartment just three blocks from the sea. I often found myself heading to the rugged Lands End area in the northwest corner of the city at twilight, sitting for an hour or more as the setting sun smeared the sky in orange and red and purple and then, at last, black. Now I’m on the opposite side of the country, where I can watch the warming, hopeful sunrises that were invisible to me on the Pacific coast. But even on the Atlantic, sunset by the ocean is a glorious time of day. Lately, for whatever reason, I find myself heading frequently to Fort Lauderdale’s beach during this hour. I’m not really sure why. Maybe it’s just a good escape after a long day indoors at my desk. Or maybe it helps me unwind and process some of my thoughts and problems. But I suspect that somewhere, in the back of my mind, these times also feel like a counterpoint to those youthful moments in California.

In many respects I’m a different person now than I was then. Experience has taught me who I am and what I am in ways I couldn’t have known at 21-years-old. But I still deeply love the sea. Probably more than ever. And I still love the sea at sunset, whether at the Pacific or the Atlantic. In the past week alone, I’ve parked along the northern, quieter stretches of the Fort Lauderdale beach three times just as the sun began its last descent. Always alone. It has been wonderful.

We’ve had some stiff breezes in recent days and that brings out the kitesurfers. One night last week especially, their rainbow kites billowed and raced over the waves as the shaded white clouds behind them started to turn rose. I love to watch the subtle shift in sunset colors, sometimes so gradual that I don’t notice it happening until those white clouds appear rose and those rose-colored clouds suddenly seem violet. In Fort Lauderdale, I enjoy seeing the people pass along the sidewalk behind me, the walkers and runners, the couples out for a romantic stroll and the singles out clearing their heads just as I am. Sometimes I say hello as they pass and usually they say hello back. Last Thursday night, I happened to be at the beach as the grand cruise ship, Queen Elizabeth 2, left Port Everglades for the final time on its way to retirement as a hotel in Dubai. In many ways, this is all far more pleasant than those beautiful but lonely twilight times of mine in San Francisco. I remember them fondly but I’m glad to be here now, right where I am in South Florida, exactly at this instant in my life. Besides, it doesn’t matter whether I’m facing west or facing east – my ocean evenings feel just as beautiful now as ever.

Wow, it sure is a beautiful morning here as I begin to write this blog. A fresh and surprisingly cool breeze, crystal clear skies, brilliant sunshine. It’s all I can do to settle down and start work for the day. But I shouldn’t complain. I had a wonderful drive in my convertible this morning south on A1A, stopping for a quick breakfast. And over the weekend, I had lots of fun. One of the highlights was a Saturday afternoon visit to 15th Street Fisheries in Fort Lauderdale. My girlfriend and I had been to a movie at the Gateway Theatre – an excellent independent flick called "In Bruges," by the way. I highly recommend it to those who enjoy something distinctly original. Anyway, after the film we decided a nice margarita sounded like just the thing. So we hopped in my car, dropped the convertible top and made our way toward the water.

If you’re not familiar with it, 15th Street Fisheries is a longtime local favorite. It sits all the way at the end of SE 15th Street, east of Federal Highway, right on the Intracoastal Waterway. The location is the real draw of this place. Built and decorated to resemble an old two-story Florida dockhouse, 15th Street Fisheries offers a gorgeous view of all the comings and goings along a very busy section of the Intracoastal. Upstairs is the more elegant setting, with a higher end menu of seafood and other house specialties. Downstairs is funky and relaxed.

That’s just what we were looking for – funky and relaxed, that is. So we settled into a nice high-top table facing the water, part of the shaded outdoor seating directly adjacent to the dock. Our waiter was friendly and prompt, though we were in no hurry at all. "Two margaritas, please. On the rocks. With salt." Is there any other way? Man, they were tasty. As we sipped on those for an hour or so, boats of all kinds were cruising up and down the water, grand tall-masted sailboats and muscular cigarette boats and smaller fishing boats. Several of the power boats pulled up to the dock for fuel or provisions of some kind, which are sold at the store beside the restaurant. Sunshine was sparkling off the Intracoastal and pelicans were floating and feeding and gulls and grackles were swooping in and out of view. It was great. So, yeah, I’ve got no reason to gripe about being chained to my desk today, writing away all afternoon. Besides, I opened up my windows as soon as I got home this morning. Even indoors, I can still enjoy something of this beautiful, beautiful day.

There’s an interesting magazine that is distributed free around downtown Fort Lauderdale each month. Called “Go Riverwalk,” this publication has lots of info about places to go and things to do. It’s edited by a friend of mine, Patsy Mennuti, and I always enjoy picking it up. So I was pleased to find that Patsy and her colleagues named their favorite local businesses in the current issue – you know, favorite spa, favorite hot dog joint and so on. It’s fun to learn their opinions. I was especially pleased to discover that we agree about a Las Olas institution called Yellow Strawberry Global Hair Salon. It’s been there for many years but I only began having my hair cut at Yellow Strawberry about six months ago. I can honestly say that I’ve never had so many compliments about my hair as I receive now.

The magazine endorsement of Yellow Strawberry by “Go Riverwalk” got me thinking that I should share my own experiences there. I have nothing but good things to say. The owner is Jesse Briggs, who cuts my hair and somehow has the magic touch. I’m not sure what Jesse does. All I know is that my girlfriend keeps saying things like, “He sure gives you a great haircut!” With enthusiasm like this, why would I want to go anywhere else?

But I find that the Yellow Strawberry experience means a lot more than just a fabulous haircut. (Or the hair extensions, coloring and straightening they do for so many other customers.) Jesse is a unique guy. A character, in the best sense. He’s full of funny stories and tall tales and he loves sharing these freely with anyone in the shop. He may even whip out his guitar or harmonica and belt out some song or other. I love hanging there. At the front desk, you’re likely to meet Joy, who’s always pleasant and efficient. Jesse’s assistant and styling colleague, Franco, is a wonderfully personable fellow too. Plus, Yellow Strawberry is filled with delightful and very beautiful female stylists, including Shelly and Roseli and Kelli and Michelle and Tree and Miranda. And Denise, Jesse’s daughter, who is taking over the family business from Jesse and his great wife, Flo. It really is an experience at Yellow Strawberry. I just had my hair cut there on Tuesday. My girlfriend hasn’t seen it yet, but that’s ok. I already know what she’s going to say.

Ok, let’s see. Where were we last week on our tour of Flamingo Gardens? We had just finished hanging out at the free-flight aviary -- an enormous screened-in area for dozens of birds native to Florida. Ducks and ibis, pelicans and anhingas, roseate spoonbills and seagulls and a lot more. All of them injured, like the other animals here. All of them unable to survive in the wild. After we finally dragged ourselves away from the aviary, Gwendolyn and I wandered off to find what else this wildlife sanctuary had to offer. There is a 25-minute narrated tram tour available but we decided to do the park on our own, drifting wherever our whims took us. Before long, they took us to a pond filled with flamingos that were clustering and eating and looking very lovely indeed. And to the alligators, off in another pond obviously. (Did you know their name comes from the Spanish word for lizard, “el lagarto”? I didn’t until I read it at the alligator exhibit.)

We also toured the historic Wray Home, built by Floyd and Jane Wray early in the 20th Century. It’s on the grounds and free to visitors of the park. This is a simple, pretty house, rustic but also elegant in its own way. A brief walk through the home gives you an idea what life would have been like in Florida 75 years ago. Challenging, I think, to say the least. No AC, no insect repellant. No thanks.

As we made our way through the rest of Flamingo Gardens we bumped into several gorgeous peacocks. One of them was determined to spread his magnificent tailfeathers while strutting down the sidewalk, preventing some amused tourists from passing. The peacocks are among many terrific photo opportunities for anyone who wants to snap some South Florida shots that don’t resemble everyone else’s. I’d also be inclined to point my lens at some of the vegetation on the “flowering tree walk,” as it’s called. And of course that free-flight aviary offers lots of great angles on many of Florida’s most interesting birds. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, I really do recommend spending at least a couple of hours at Flamingo Gardens. The wildlife encounter shows only take place in the afternoon at 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30, weather permitting. For more information, call 954-473-2955. Or go to www.flamingogardens.org. It’s a glimpse of the natural Florida that too often gets overlooked by most of us. To me, this was well worth the short drive west to get there. The next time I entertain out-of-town guests, I’ll be back.

Gospel music has gone global, and Greater Fort Lauderdale is the headquarters for the celebration, as well as the preservation of its historical significance in American culture.

Gospel’s chief ambassador, renowned musical director and television host Dr. Bobby Jones, is training the spotlight on music lovers, performers, and industry insiders from such diverse countries as the United Kingdom, Japan and Korea, the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Barbados who will be in attendance at the International Gospel Industry Retreat May 25-27, 2008 at the Westin Diplomat Hotel. The weekend will feature numerous professional workshops, multicultural youth forums, and televised praise-fest performances by internationally-acclaimed gospel artists. In addition, events will highlight plans for the highly-anticipated Gospel Complex for Education and Preservation in Lauderhill, just west of downtown Fort Lauderdale.

On May 24, in advance of the Retreat, the Gospel Legends Ball saluting gospel music industry leaders will feature awards and recognition of giants in the gospel field. Proceeds from the Gala will benefit The Gospel Complex. On May 25, an evening concert will formally kick off the Retreat in the new Regional Park in Lauderhill. The concert will be open to the public. The groundbreaking of the complex will also be held in the park.

In keeping with the global focus of the weekend, participants from visiting countries will be hosted by Broward County’s robust multi-ethnic interfaith communities. Gospel artists will join selected churches in activities which will focus on industry marketing, promotion, and professional development. On May 26-27, various conference sessions will have a targeted educational approach to address the specific needs and interests of the countries and cultures represented. Televised performances, open to the public, will be staged both evenings. On May 26, traditional gospel music will be showcased, including Albertina Walker & the Caravans, the Rance Allen Group, and others who have paved the way for the contemporary gospel music movement. On May 27, a special performance by the various international participants will be taped for global distribution via satellite.

By Kitty Oliver

My first trip to Flamingo Gardens in Davie was just getting to the really good stuff now. Gwendolyn and I already had wandered through some of the jungly trees and plants and looked at the injured hawks and owls that are among the permanent residents of this sanctuary. Now we were waiting in the roughhewn outdoor theater for the start of the “wildlife encounter.” A kind of wooden shack sits in front of the theater benches, resembling something an Everglades hermit might have built for himself somewhere in the sawgrass. When the door opened, a young man walked out with a plastic basket. He chatted with us pleasantly for a while, talking with a very dry wit about his work with the wild animals. All of us were chuckling at his humor by the time he pulled something living from that basket.

It was an opossum, a very cute one that also was totally blind. “No big deal though, really,” the young man told us. “They don’t see very well anyway.” The opossum sniffed to find her food, which was some mix of Cheerios and fish and other bizarre stuff. Then she started chowing down while our host explained that opossums are the only marsupials in North America – you know, animals with pouches for their young. Like kangaroos. He even showed us her pouch. Hey, it was news to me.

This Flamingo Gardens staffer brought a string of other animals from the shack now, one at a time to admire as he gave us some fascinating details about each. The critters included a four-foot king snake and a great horned owl. Everyone seemed to enjoy his entertaining presentation. But the best part of Flamingo Gardens was still ahead. The free-flight aviary is, essentially, a huge outdoor cage that contains a variety of mini-habitats native to Florida. A mangrove swamp, for instance, and a cypress forest, a sub-tropical hardwood hammock and an Everglades sawgrass prairie. Birds that live in these habitats in the wild also live in them here. Injured birds, remember, that would not survive on their own. It’s really something to see. Pelicans walk past you, waddling down the sidewalk, anhingas stand inches from your face drying their opened wings in the wind. Gorgeous pink wading birds called roseate spoonbills flutter nearby, seeming to suck up their food like vacuum cleaners with flat, round beaks. Gwendolyn and I stayed there a long time, pointing and smiling and laughing at the antics of these birds. But there was more to see. And there were lots of photo opportunities too. I’ll finish these blogs about Flamingo Gardens next week by telling you a little more about all of that. See you then. Have a great weekend!

THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

100 East Broward Boulevard, Suite 200, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301 (954) 765-4466 (800) 22-SUNNY

LauderBlog

Apr 29: Wine and Dine

Apr 25: Fresh and Cool

Apr 21: Fort Antonio

Apr 18: Ocean Evenings

Apr 15: Dockside Seats

Apr 11: A Beautiful Strawberry

Apr 8: Jungle Gardens: Part Three

Apr 4: Gospel Retreat

Apr 4: Jungle Gardens: Part Two