Beignets

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of brunching at Hot and Soul in Fort Lauderdale. A couple of my Twitter followers had recommended the place and after checking out the brunch menu on Hot and Soul’s Instagram (the best place to find the most up-to-date menus), I knew I had to visit.

Don’t let the non-descript strip mall fool you, Hot and Soul delivers perhaps the best foodie experience in Broward County. The space is eclectic and fun with mismatched chairs, the stellar craft beer list on a black board and various kitsch. This isn’t an upscale, stuffy joint – it’s a place that serves up inventive, comforting and delicious food in a relaxed atmosphere.

Hot and Soul Fries

Chefs and owners, Mike Hampton and Christy Samoy, describe their food as “international with soul” and Samoy urges customers to keep an open mind when perusing the menu with its oftentimes odd flavor combinations. With an arsenal of New Orleans favorites, local and small producer sourcing learned in San Diego and classic techniques, Hampton and Samoy opened Hot and Soul in April 2013.

As I sipped my blood orange Mimosa, I became almost giddy as I read through the menu – fun, creative and a bit weird…in other words, perfect.

My guest and I sampled several dishes for two reasons: we were starving after a night of over-indulging and, we couldn’t decide as one dish sounded better than the next.

Etouffee

We started with Beignets with Spiced Crème Anglaise ($6) and the Soul Fries ($11). The four beignets came enrobed in confectioner’s sugar and were light and pillowy. The dipping sauce was spiced with fall flavors and a hint of citrus and a perfect complement to the hot treats. The handcut fries were topped with caramelized onions, tangy Pecorino and fresh parsley then gilded with sunny-side-up fried eggs – brilliant.

I’d been told not to leave Hot and Soul without trying the Gnaughty Gnocchi ($9 for half order or $16 for an entrée portion) but didn’t see if on the brunch menu and couldn’t get past the Crawfish Etouffée ($18) and the Rice Pudding French Toast ($13) anyways. The sizeable portion of etouffée with its rich, comforting, roux-based sauce and tender crawfish was outstanding. The dish comes with perfectly-cooked white rice, an art in my book. The “French toast” was cakes made of rice pudding and griddled to a crisp exterior and moist, creamy interior. The dish is served with a coconut almond sauce, dried berries and almonds. Weird – yes. Delicious – again, yes.

One dish we’re hoping is on the menu on our next visit (when we come for the oxtail meat, San Marzano tomatoes and Pecorino-coated Gnocchi) is the Sweet Mac and Cheese ($7) – macaroni with a Mascarpone white chocolate sauce.

In a neighborhood peppered with predictable restaurant chains, Hot and Soul stands tall with its culinary genius and in-the-know crowd. Glad I’m now in-the-know also.

Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 4pm – 11pm, Thursday – Saturday 11:30am – 2pm, Sunday Brunch 11am – 3:30pm. Happy Hour 4pm – 6pm Tuesday – Friday ($4 beers, $2 off wines).

3045 N Federal Hwy, Suite 60B, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306. 754-206-2155. www.facebook.com/hotandsoul.

Cheers,

Veronique