In a world full of trite concepts and predictable trends, one noted Fort Lauderdale property has set “the unexpected” free.
Breaking hotel-eatery standards and coloring outside the lines drawn by South Florida’s social scene, the Riverside Hotel— the only hotel located directly on Fort Lauderdale’s prestigious Las Olas Boulevard—presents Wild Sea Oyster Bar & Grille. The new culinary haven boasts fresh seafood and other tantalizing offerings, while doubling as a luxurious lounge in the late evenings.
Located at 620 East Last Olas Boulevard, inside the Riverside hotel, Wild Sea Oyster Bar & Grille guarantees to satisfy hedonists (both of the “foodie” and nightlife set) with the ultimate, unpredictable experience.
Before guests are even greeted by a hostess, their Wild Sea experience begins. Visitors will be welcomed at the establishment’s entryway by an expansive raw bar serving a delicious selection of east and west coast oysters. Inside, the restaurant also boasts a full bar with an accompanying seating area and an open dining room overlooking an extensive wine cellar, as well as a private dining area. From the oyster bar, to the al-fresco seating along Las Olas Boulevard, a soothing ambiance is established by a décor that fuses rustic and modern elements and is peppered with hues of burnt orange, cream and maritime shades of blue.
On a quest to “reel in” culinary experts near and far, executive chef Toby Joseph’s menu—incorporating a strong emphasis on sustainability and organic products—consists of stand-out items like charred, colossal butterflied prawns brushed with cilantro butter and preserved orange; floating oysters with rolled cucumbers; nasturtium leaves and green-apple shallot mignonette; dry aged, grass-fed beef; and torched halibut served with mascarpone folded
barley, lemon zest, shaved garlic, and two-year aged jack. However, the menu changes regularly—sometimes daily— in a commitment to sustainability and depending on fresh fish availability. The restaurant also boasts a wine selection inclusive of more than 200 offerings.
Joining Chef Toby Joseph is a stellar team of seasoned restaurant industry professionals, such as Carlos Claudio, a former pastry chef for Trump International Beach Resort, and Jason Cotter, a renowned sommelier.
Incorporating an interactive feature, Wild Sea servers present guests with mobile poke (raw salad) stations for at-the-table presentations. And they keep the unexpected flowing with hand crafted cocktails and an unparalleled take on the bar snack—white-cheddar, jalapeno popcorn.
Moving beyond untamed, delicious flavors and supreme service, the sea promises to get a bit “wild” in the late-night hours. As nights roll on, the eatery transforms into a posh yet laidback lounge, complete with top-notch libations and even better music and company.
So if you thought you knew fresh food and South Florida nightlife…come check out Wild Sea, where “the unexpected” has been unleashed. Wild Sea Oyster Bar & Grille is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, 5 p.m. to closing. To learn more about the latest restaurant to hit Las Olas Boulevard, visit www.riversidehotel.com, or call 954-467-2555.