In this month’s Blogger Bite, we’re eating out with Alejandra Ratto of Ft. Lauderdale Foodies (@ftlauderdalefoodies). She started her Instagram account in 2014 as a way to explore her new neighborhood in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Mainly drawn to mom and pop concepts, she travels from Miami to Delray in search of noteworthy and delicious dishes.
Originally from Miami, Ratto spent her formative years in Sunrise and got into photography as a teenager. When she decided to explore the blogging world, she used her passion for photography to elevate her content and set herself apart. Today, she has nearly 20k followers that travel around town with her through her food photography and posts.
“I like connecting with people through food,” she says.
So what are some of her favorite restaurants? Let’s find out.
The Alchemist
She’s not really into breakfast, but when the craving the culinary moning hits, she heads to this café for an iced coffee and a croissant sandwich. The soft buttery pastry is stuffed with a fried egg, turkey, gooey Swiss cheese and avocado. Plus with two locations–in Aventura and Wilton Manors–Ratto has options depending on where she is.
2430 NE 13th Ave., Wilton Manors; 954/787-3663
17830 West Dixie Hwy, North Miami; 786/916-3560
Sub Café
With a proud heritage blend of Peruvian and Cuban, Ratto is no stranger to cravings for Latin food. When she’s in Davie, she heads to this quaint restaurant for a cortadito and a sizzling steak sandwich that’s topped with onions, cheese and potato sticks.
7711 Nova Dr., Fort Lauderdale; 954/577-0727
Sylvia’s Cafe & Market
Staying out west, Ratto pops into this market for a nostalgic treat. The Peruvian restaurant makes empanadas exactly like she likes them–flour dough stuffed with lots of onions, beef, and raisins and topped with powdered sugar.
3134 N. Pine Island Rd., Sunrise; 954/572-7460
The Wilder
For happy hour, Ratto loves this lounge that transports you away from Fort Lauderdale. Its tropical vintage vibe and inventive cocktails is the perfect place to unwind after a busy week with a tequila infused cocktail.
701 E. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; 954/918-7212; intothewilder.com
Amar & Heritage
Ratto has two favorite restaurants she frequents for dinner, making it impossible to single only one out. So really it depends on where she is in South Florida. She attributes her love for both of them to their consistent delivery of exceptional plates.
In Fort Lauderdale, Heritage’s Italian cuisine lures her in. She’ll visit it just to have the baked razor clams. Ratto is also very picky when it comes to Bolognese sauces since her grandfather was raised by Italians and imparted that love for pasta to her. But she praises Heritage’s.
Further north, Ratto’s passion for Amar is evident when she describes the menu.
“It’s out of this world. It doesn’t miss. I’ve never had a bad plate”.
Some of her favorites include the hummus, fattouch salad and all the housemade desserts.
903 NE 5th Ave., Fort Lauderdale; 954/635-2335; heritageftl.com
522 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach; 561/865-5653; amardelray.com
To see where Alejandra will eat next, follow @ftlauderdalefoodies on Instagram.
