Feasting on Federal Highway

Italian, Mediterranean and Mexican discoveries in East Broward.

Beef tenderloin Shish Kabob. Photo: Candace West.

By Elaine Walker

Federal Highway in East Broward is a mecca for restaurants, and this summer is a perfect time to investigate some independents. Here are three of our new favorites.

With its cobalt blue light fixtures and small wine bar, Sicilian Oven is an upscale home to pizzas, pastas, salads, ciabatta sandwiches and wood-fired chicken wings. The Sicilian translates into a heavy eggplant presence on the menu, including low-carb friendly pasta-free lasagna and the Stack of Sicily, three thick, perfectly fried eggplant slices layered with fresh mozzarella and tomato slices. Chicken wings are flavored with rosemary and Italian spices, then topped with grilled onions and shaved Romano cheese while signature wood-fired pizzas boast thin, slightly blackened crusts.
Sicilian Oven: 2486 N. Federal Hwy., Lighthouse Point; 954-785-4155; Lunch Monday-Saturday; dinner daily. Prices: wings $10-$15, Sicilian specialties $6-$14, pizza $10-$18.

If you're looking for a quiet night at Ferdos Grill, come during the week. If you’re looking for a party, bring a large group Saturday nights to enjoy live belly dancing and sharable plates. Start with the sampler, which includes hummus, baba ghannoush (roasted eggplant spread), fatoosh (tomato and cucumber salad), grape leaves and falafel patties. And save room for signature chicken, ground beef, steak, shrimp or veggie kebabs. Skip the galaba, a Mediterranean stir-fry too heavy on the olive oil and too light on the lemon.
Ferdos Grill: 4300 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale; 954-492-5552; Lunch weekdays, dinner Monday-Saturday. Prices: appetizers $4.95-$9.95, salads and sandwiches $6.95-$9.95, kebabs $12.95-$19.95.

Fast-casual Whole Enchilda has a California surfer feel with aluminum siding on the walls, but is also a comfortable place to hang with a flat-screen TV playing movies. The menu includes all the standards (burritos, quesadillas, fajitas, etc) with a host of healthy options – whole wheat tortillas, seared tofu, fresh mahi mahi and shrimp. The salsa bar has personality, too, with varieties like mango, wood-roasted and fuego (super hot). Hungry eaters go for the knife & fork red burrito, stuffed with a protein, rice, beans, salsa and guacamole and covered with melted cheese, red sauce and sour cream.
The Whole Fresh Enchilada Mexican Grill: 4115 N. Federal Hwy, Oakland Park; 954-561-4040; Lunch and dinner daily. Prices: burritos $4.29-$7.99, other dishes $6.99-$8.99.