With all of the excitement for Super Bowl, I just had to get down to Ft. Lauderdale Beach today. I arrived early...around 9 AM and parked at the Galleria Mall and started the walk. The Westin hotel is the NFL's Headquarters so that was the first stop. You never know who you'll see.


(Westin Ft. Lauderdale Beach - NFL Super Bowl HQ)


Well just as we were walking up to the place...you could see the camera crew. Joe Montana was just wrapping up an interview and passed by within 1 foot of us. He was signing a few autographs on the way to his limo.

(Joe Montana at the Westin Ft. Lauderale Beach)

(Joe Montana signs some autographs in Ft. Lauderale Beach)

After the excitement of seeing Joe Montana...we headed south on A1A. Right at Las Olas and A1A they have the giant Super Bowl XLIV sign which is a hot spot for picture taking.

(Super Bowl XLIV giant sign at Las Olas and A1A - Ft. Lauderale Beach)


(Jeff at the Super Bowl sign - Las Olas)

A little further south and you hit Ft. Lauderdale Beach Park. This is where the big party happens tonight. Free concerts, fireworks and more. We even heard a sound check...not sure which of the three bands though. Well...I know it wasn't the Barenaked Ladies...so it had to be one of the other two. They sounded pretty good too. I tried to grab some video from far away...sorry about the wind noise, it was pretty windy out there. At least you can see what the stage looks like.



They had the place fenced off...since the party starts at 4 PM and had these signs all around the park:

(Jeff in front of Super Bowl XLIV sign - Ft. Lauderdale Beach Park)

We wound up leaving the beach by 1 PM. With 30,000 + people expected tonight, I figured I'd let them have it all to themselves. No other celebrity sightings either. Well. I think many of the Colt's had their families staying at the Harbor Beach Marriott. Upon walking up to the front door...there were about 20 police motorcycles, military police and about 8 coach buses. It was like Fort Knox! Of course nobody would say who was there. We did see signs in the buses that said "Team Family".

Get ready for the big party this weekend. Ft. Lauderdale finally get's to shine during the Super Bowl this year. With Ft. Lauderdale's recent transformation into the 'upscale' resort city (W Hotel, St. Regist, Westin, Hilton and Marriott Harbor Beach renovation), many of the events this year are based in Ft. Lauderdale. In fact...I've heard more about Ft. Lauderdale than Miami in many cases. The NFL and the press covering the event have both chosen Ft. Lauderdale hotels as their 'official' host hotels. Ft. Lauderdale Beach has also planned a huge party on the street on Saturday, allowing drinking on the street for the event. That party kicks off at 4 PM on Saturday.



Here is a list of some of the events this weekend (from Sunny.org):
Friday February 5, 2010:

World Record Slot Pull Event at the Isle Casino Pompano Park
1800 SW 3rd St, Pompano Beach
Isle® Casino Racing Pompano Park will attempt to set a world record for the most slot machines played simultaneously. Registration is currently open to participate and become a part of history. Pre-registration is required and is currently open online at www.theislecasinopompanopark.com. Participants will check-in at the Grandstand starting at 7am and the world record attempt will be held at 9am. All participants will receive a continental breakfast; limited edition, commemorative players card and $10 IslePlay.

Helmets for Homes Build Day
Fort Lauderdale Green Build Site, 2224 NW 26th St, Fort Lauderdale. Open to the public. Must register in advance with Laura Lindenfeld, volunteer coordinator,  laura@habitatbroward.org. Help build a home for a deserving family in need. 7:30am-12:30pm.

NFL Alumni Super Bowl of Golf Showcase
Grand Oaks Golf Club, 3201 Rolling Hills Circle, Davie. Foursomes are teamed with a former NFL player to compete in this celebrity Pro-Am golf tournament for fun and prizes. $5,000 per foursome. 9am-3pm.

NFL Alumni Player of the Year Awards Dinner
The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa, Hollywood
$10,000 per table of 8 (plus NFL Legend and guest)
Each honoree will receive his Player of the Year Award from a legend enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

"Super Bash" hosted by Michael "The Playmaker" Irvin 
Opium Nightclub, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
Join Michael Irvin and his invited guests Ryan Bader, Deion Sanders, A-Rod, Will Ferrell, Dominique Wilkins, Rick Ankiel, Ray Lewis, Johnny Damon and hundreds more! To reserve a private VIP table, please call 954-327-9094. 9pm.

Rock 'N Soul Party with Drew Rosenhaus
Hard Rock Live, Hollywood. Join sports agent Drew Rosenhaus and his roster of NFL players including Tommie Harris, Chad Ocho Cinco (Johnson), Willis McGahee, Santana Moss, Terrell Owens, Kellen Winslow Jr, Jeremy Shockey, Zach Thomas, Frank Gore, DeSean Jackson and Lance Briggs. $100 for general admission or $250 for VIP. 9pm.

Kendra "Super Bunny Friday" Party 
Passion Nightclub, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
Playboy Playmate and E! Reality TV Star Kendra will host a "Playboy Bunny" party.  Featured that night prior to Kendra's arrival will be an evening gown and swimsuit contest by Tropic Beauty. There will be a red carpet prior to the event in front of Passion Nightclub. For more information call 954-321-3443. 10 pm.

"Steamy Centerfold Pregame Blitz Party" Pangaea Lounge, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
Hosted by Tami Donaldson (Miss Maxim USA), Hope Dworaczyk (Playboy Playmate Miss April 2009) and Candace Cassidy (Playboy Playmate Miss June 2009). Music by Mike Palmieri. For more information, prices and table reservations visit  or call 954-581-5454. 10pm.

Saturday February 6, 2010

2010 Super Bowl Breakfast 
Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa, Hollywood. Presentation of Bart Starr Award for outstanding character and leadership. Includes past and present NFL greats. Priority table of ten $2,000; Corporate table of ten $1,500. 8-10am.

Battle of the Beauties Youth Football Clinic
Northeast High School, 700 SE 56th St, Oakland Park. Features pro trainer Tony Sands and current and former NFL players teaching football skills to participants, plus a motivation session for kids. $20 per child. 8:30am-12pm.

NFL Alumni Sporting Clays Team Challenge
Markham Skeet, Trap and Sporting Clays Club, 16001 W. State Rd 84, Sunrise. Foursomes are teamed with a former NFL player to compete for fun and prizes. Benefits the NFL Alumni Caring for Kids program. 8:30am-2:30pm.

Jason Taylor Foundation Chalk Talk & Comedy Show
Improv Comedy Club, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
All-Pro Jason Taylor and comedian Ralphie May are teaming up to bring you a night of fun and laughter combined with touchdowns, tackles and inside information - all to benefit the Jason Taylor Foundation. The evening kicks off with a cocktail party from 5pm-6pm, which will include appetizers, dinner, and drinks. This will be followed by an exclusive Chalk-Talk featuring Jason Taylor, ESPN College GameDay's Kirk Herbstreit, and even Ralphie May, who is sure to provide his own unique perspective! Once the guys are finished talking X's and O's, Ralphie May, one of the top comedians in the country, will be performing. Ticket sales will benefit the Jason Taylor Foundation, so please join us in our efforts to assist South Florida's children in need. For more information please contact Seth Levit at (954) 424-0799 ext. 102. 5pm.

Lingerie Bowl VII
Hard Rock Live, Hollywood. "The Ultimate Catfight" features the Lingerie Football League's conference champions battling it out. The night will include guest celebrities and special musical performances. Tailgate Village opens 6pm; celebrity red carpet arrivals at 7pm and the "The Ultimate Catfight" begins 10pm. Tickets from $40 to $5,000.

1st Annual NFL Alumni All Pro Bowl Event
Daisy Dukes Sports Bar, 10060 Pines Blvd, Pembroke Pines. Must be 21 or over. Tickets $20 in advance, $25 at door. Call 954-756-0184. 6pm-midnight.

Taste of the NFL
Broward County Convention Center, Fort Lauderdale. Food and wine gala featuring top chef from each NFL city paired with a current or alumni NFL player. Barenaked Ladies to perform. Tax deductible charity event to benefit hunger relief for the Daily Bread Food Bank. Guest $500, VIP $600, Corporate Table of ten $6,000. 7-11pm (VIP and Tables 6pm).

Penthouse Magazine Super Party
Passion Nightclub, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Celebrity DJs Riz (Official DJ of the NFL) and DJ Stonerokk (SKAM Artist) and numerous special guest performers. Must be 21 or older. General admission starts at $250 for open bar from 9pm-midnight.

Dane Cook
BankAtlantic Center, Sunrise. 8pm.

Celebrity Poker Tournament
Dave & Buster's, 3000 Oakwood Blvd, Hollywood. 8-10pm

Super Bowl Saturday Night with O.A.R. Free Concert 
Fort Lauderdale Beach (1140 Seabreeze Blvd.)
New Year's Eve meets Super Bowl Eve.  The NFL will host a free outdoor concert and fireworks spectacular, the night before Super Bowl XLIV. Free and open to the public, Super Bowl Saturday Night celebrates an exciting year of football and the arrival of Super Bowl XLIV. The event will include live musical performances by O.A.R., BARENAKED LADIES and ROBERT RANDOLPH & THE FAMILY BAND and the Super Bowl Fireworks Spectacular at Fort Lauderdale Beach Park adjacent to the Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel on A1A (Seabreeze Blvd.) just north of Holiday Drive. Festivities will begin at 4pm with a DJ set and video programming followed by live music beginning at 6pm and concluding the evening with a Super Bowl Fireworks Spectacular at 9:40pm. Fans may enter beginning at 4pm. For more information, contact Joanna Hunter at joanna.hunter@nfl.com or 212-450-2449 or Steve Brener at steveb@bzapr.com or 818-462-5598.

"Insomnia, Are You Game"
Gryphon Nightclub, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
DJ's Edgar V. & Willie Morales, present "Insomnia, Are You Game". For information, prices and table reservations please visit www.gryphon-club.com/ or call 954-581-5454. 11pm.

Sunday February 7, 2010:

Big Game Brunch
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood. Join former NFL Coach and current FOX Broadcaster Jimmy Johnson and other celebs to be announced for an intimate Q & A, trivia contest and a silent auction benefiting the Russell Reading & Life Skills Foundation. Also on-hand will be 48 NFL cheerleaders who will sign autographs, dance and interact with guests. Tickets $175, or tables $1,500. 10:30am.

Super Bowl Brunch
Big Tomato Market Grill, 8300 Pines Blvd, Pembroke Pines. Italian brunch buffett with a full array of Italian dishes, carving stations and seafood. Reservations necessary, call 954-704-0100. $14.95 per person. 10:30am-2:30pm

Super Bowl XLIV Gameday Fan Plaza (Super Bowl ticket holders ONLY)
Sun Life Stadium, 1-5pm 

Cocina Caliente
Mardi Gras Casino, Hallandale Beach.
A unique blend of Caribbean and tropical flavors presented in a lively setting on the Mardi Gras Casino Verandah, featuring The Sabor Latino Band, sexy showgirls, Capoeiras performances, drummers, samba girls, football maracas, foam fingers and much more. Guests will also have the chance to win a share of $123,400+ in cash, bonus play, and prizes. Giveaways all day and other contests. For more call 954-924-3200. 2pm-9pm.

Rock the Game Watch Party
Hard Rock Live, Hollywood. Big screen TVs and projectors will capture all of the action while you recline on VIP couches and recliners. General admission seating in the stands is FREE. 5pm.

Super Bowl XLIV, Sun Life Stadium, 6:30pm
American Football Conference (AFC) champion Indianapolis Colts against the National Football Conference (NFC) champion New Orleans Saints. HALFTIME SHOW: The Who

Ludacris Super Baller After Party
Passion Nightclub, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
Presented by the Infinite Entertainment Group, hip-hop star Ludacris will host a premier post-game party in South Florida. Tickets start at $50. For more information contact Passion Nightclub at info@passionnightclub.com or 954-321-3443. 11pm.

Of course I'd pick today for a day trip to South Beach.  It was cloudy and rainy all day.  I stopped at the newly renovated Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach and shot this quick video in the pool area.  What a transformation they did to this property.  It's ultra hip now...with all kinds of cabanas and multiple pools.  They even had a machine releasing a 'grape' scent that said it was to keep the 'birds' away...but smelled really good.  It's cloudy in the video so you don't get the full 'picture', but I wanted to give everyone a taste. 



The hotel looks awesome now.  Lots of places to explore, eat, drink and relax.  I guess that's why they are asking so much money for staying there.  Even with the high room night rates, there were a lot of people around in the drizzle.

In mid-February, a new Burger King Whopper Bar will be opening in South Beach (Maimi). I remember hearing about the concept months ago, but they didn't really go into much detail. I'm guessing that the restaurant will look quite a bit different than your typical Burger King. While I'm still waiting on the details...one thing is confirmed. You will be able to add a beer to your combo. The Burger King Whopper Bar will offer beer in aluminum bottles (to allow them to get extra cold) and will be sold for $4.25. A Whopper Combo with a beer will cost you $7.99. The restaurant will only carry Anheuser-Busch and Miller-Coors beers to start.

Burger Kings says that if this concept does well, expect to see more of the Whopper Bars around Las Vegas, New York and Los Angeles. I'm guessing we'll see a few more pop up in our area prior to them expanding out of the state. Burger Kings in Germany already sell beer...and Singapore already has Whopper Bars with beer as well. This will be the first Burger King brand in the US to sell beer.

While the Whopper Bar concept is creating a lot of 'buzz' (ha ha)...it's not an entirely new concept. When I first moved to Florida back in 1992 (actually in Tampa), I was shocked to see that Miami Subs sold beer and wine! That was back when the Miami Subs chain was still kind of new and expanding. I'm curious to see what the new 'Whopper Bar' restaurant looks like and if the menu will be limited to burgers, fries and beer only. If you are in the SoBe area next month and get a chance to check it out...let me know.

Macy's actually owns the Bloomingdale's retail chain and has decided to branch out into the 'Outlet' business. This year, they will open four Bloomingdale's Outlet stores. Sawgrass Mills Mall will be one of the four locations to open. Bloomingdale's has been hit hard by the recession, while other high-end retail stores such as Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom's have done a little better...mostly due to their 'Outlet' retail locations.

There isn't an exact date when the store at Sawgrass will open, but I'm hearing by 2011...you'll be able to shop till you drop.

Seems like the Seminole Paradise Entertainment Complex is really moving up. Not only will there be a new Bongo's Cuban Cafe opening there soon, but Steve Martorano will be opening a new restaurant there as well. I hear he's trying to get the place ready in time for the Super Bowl and it will be in the old Jazziz Bistro space, seating 300 people.

Cafe Martorano on E. Oakland Park Blvd. has been quite the hot spot, serving great Italian food and creating a unique atmosphere. He opened a second location in Las Vegas back in 2007 and now is opening the spot in the Seminole Paradise Entertainment Complex (attached to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, FL).

There will be plenty of music and music videos around the restaurant and on the patio that will help Martorano's new place fit in perfectly with the vibe of the complex. There will be a live DJ some nights and you might just see Steve spinning too.

The menu will have appetizers to pizzas to pasta and everything in between. It's a 'white' tablecloth restaurant...so you won't be finding a 'slice and a beer' special here, but we hear good things about Cafe Martorano, so I'm sure this will be a great addition to the area.

It was a surprise to many when Mark's on Las Olas closed last year. The upscale restaurant was quite popular and had a sold location on Las Olas. Well, the empty space will now be occupied by a new restaurant named SoLita - South of Little Italy. Opening this Friday, the restaurant is said to take the best of old style Italian restaurants and put it into a modern dining experience.

Steven Dapuzzo, head of marketing and advertising of SoLita, says they are hoping to create an experience where guests can come in and make a night of it. The space has seen a total makeover. The new decor consists of a modern gray space with white curtains that divide the Parlor Lounge from the main dining room. The dining room holds 70 people and the outside patio will hold 20. Dapuzzo says that SoLita is a 'version' of a house, making for interesting surroundings...from old looking wallpaper to sofas.

The bar, called Violetta will pour 'hand crated culinary cocktails' and will also have a live DJ most nights. Appetizers will run $10 - $14 and entrées will be around $20. Look for the grand opening on February 10.

The SuperBowl is closing in fast and it's been announced that Live Nation (the music/concert promotion company) is going to sponsor a bash on Ft. Lauderdale Beach February 9, 2010....the day prior to the SuperBowl. City Commissioners are expected to give the 'formal' approval later this month and are excited about the event.

Start planning now, because not only is the event free, it's tourist season. Add in the SuperBowl tourists and you have one big party. There will be four 'national' acts set up at the 'South Beach' area of Ft. Lauderdale (South of Las Olas). The event will run from 4 PM to 10 PM on February 6 and will also include fireworks and food. Scheduled to entertain are the Barenaked Ladies, O.A.R and Robert Randolph and The Family Band. They are also discussing running some shuttle busses to the event from various parking facilities around the beach. All concerts and the fireworks are FREE!!

It's quite an exciting time for Ft. Lauderdale Beach. While the actual game is at LandShark Staduim, most of the NFL staff and those working on the SuperBowl will be staying at the beach. That means...you never know who you could bump into at the Ft. Lauderdale Ritz-Carlton or the new W Hotel.

The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is getting a new partner in it's Paradise Entertainment Complex in the Spring of 2010. Gloria and Emilio Estefan will bring their Bongo's Cuban Café<< MORE >>

The Las Olas Art Fair is this weekend and with the nice cool weather I figured it would be a nice afternoon to walk the fair. I guess everyone else in Ft. Lauderdale had that same idea. It was PACKED. Each restaurant on Las Olas<< MORE >>

In addition to the Seminole Hard Rock events and Mardi Gras Casino fun (details found in postings below), there are lots of other options around Ft. Lauderdale in Broward County to ring in the New Year. Most bars and clubs have special<< MORE >>

It appears that Canada has banned carry-on bags on any flight into the US. This step was taken after the incident on December 26 involving a man and explosives on a Detroit bound flight. I couldn't find<< MORE >>

Mardi Gras Casino in Hallandale Beach always throws a great party. This week, they are presenting LUNA │ AZUL as the center of their New Years Eve party. << MORE >>

There is one closer to your house than you think. It's a fun way that will keep things interesting for you and chances are, you will stick with it longer than any gym membership. When joining, you'll need the cool gear that is a necessary. For all that is Brazillian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) check out TampaBJJ.com. << MORE >>

It looks like Ft. Lauderdale will be getting it's own J. Mark's Restaurant in 2010. Scheduled to open in the summer of 2010, J. Mark's will open in the old Bennigan's location on US1, just north of<< MORE >>

South Florida once again will be hosting the SuperBowl at LandShark Stadium Sun Life Stadium (between Miami and Ft. Lauderdale). There are some great packages out there still available and some even include the hotel stay.<< MORE >>

For those of you that love New Year's Eve...there are lots of options all around South Florida this year. The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, and it's adjoining Paradise Entertainment Complex has so much<< MORE >>

Domino's Pizza has been hyping their 'new improved pizza' for a few weeks now. The ads are all over the internet and TV. Well, it's now in stores and you can try it for yourself. Instead of doing the 'turkey' dinner today, we decided to give the new Domino's Pizza<< MORE >>

Every year Santa Claus hops on his boat and tours the Middle River around Wilton Manors to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. This year, I caught some video of the 'only in Florida' event. You can<< MORE >>

More and more places are offering FREE Wi-Fi. Good thing because a netbook or iTouch cannot access the internet without one. Check out this list of places that are offering FREE Wi-Fi around the US. << MORE >>

I just had to go see what all the Avatar fuss was about. It's being hyped as the most expensive movie made with some killer special effects. With that kind of hype...I decided to try my first IMAX 3D viewing. Here in South Florida, we have two choices for IMAX 3D.... Downtown Ft. Lauderdale and Aventura Mall's AMC Theater. Since I was headed<< MORE >>

Aventura really got hit bad and had lots of flooding. I snagged this video on US1 close to the mall. The intersection << MORE >>

Only in South Florida can you have flash flood advisories and tornado watched a week before Christmas! The rain started << MORE >>

You still can get those last minute gifts online...but you have to order now. Here are some great deals<< MORE >>

Pembroke Pines, FL might become the new Film Capital of the Eastern US. At least that what many are hoping. Currently, there are two film companies beginning to<< MORE >>