http://www.ruggerosbistro.com/experience-atmosphere.htmlReservation required (I called them, and was told that reservations are
definitely required.)
Serving an eclectic mix of contemporary Italian cuisine prepared by Executive Chef Louie DeGennaro and offering an intimate yet chic atmosphere at both its plush piano bar and martini bar, Ruggero's, managed by Jennifer DeGennaro, is open Monday through Friday for lunch from 11:30 AM to 4:00 PM and serves dinner nightly from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
Ruggero's lunch menu includes a variety of fresh salads, internationally-inspired wraps, traditional hot and cold sandwiches, Italian pastas and low calorie platters. Menu items include: Caprese Martini Salad with sliced fresh mozzarella, diced tomatoes, red onion and garlic topped with an oregano-basil vinaigrette, served in frosty martini glass ($8.95); "Godfather" Wrap with salami, cappicola, ham, provolone, lettuce, tomato, onion, basil, oregano, vinegar and oil ($9.95); Chicken Piccata Sandwich with scallopine in butter, caper and white wine sauce served on warm ciabbata bread ($9.25); as well as a the low-calorie Tuna Steak platter served on a bed of lettuce with cottage cheese and assorted citrus fruits ($13.95).
Ruggero's Bistro and Martini Bar's more extensive dinner menu, includes salads such as the Panzanella Salad, which includes tomatoes, roasted red peppers, Kalamata olives, capers, and toasted bread with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar with basil dressing ($9.95); appetizers like the Stuffed Portobello ($9.95), Grilled Asparagus and Prosciutto ($10.95) as well as escargot, which is complimented with garlic, butter, shallots, sherry, herb cheesy and crispy crustini ($9.95). Ruggero's entrees feature a selection of carne (meat), vitello (veil), pollo (chicken), and pesce (fish), including the 8 oz Filet Mignon ($26.95), Veal "Sinatra," topped with prosciutto, spinach and melted provolone in a Portobello mushroom and Marsala wine sauce ($21.95); and Sea Bass Oreganato ($28.95). Ruggero's pasta entrees include Cherry Tomato Pomodoro ($16.95), Capellini Roma with sautéed asparagus, artichoke, grilled radicchio in extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon and topped with toasted herb breadcrumbs ($18.95), and Ma-Ma's Everyday Gravy, including chunks of slow roasted pork, meatball, sausage and marinara served or rigatoni with fresh ricotta cheese ($23.95).
Additionally, Ruggero's Martini Bar features more than 29 signature martinis ranging from the traditional Ultimate Ketel One Martini with dry Vermouth ($10) to sweet, desert-like martinis like the Van Gogh's Masterpiece Martini featuring Van Gogh Dutch Chocolate Vodka, Crème de Cocao and Cream ($11), including the refreshing mandarin Orange Blossom Martini, featuring Hangar One "Mandarin Orange Blossom" Vodka, Cointreau and a splash of cranberry ($11). Ruggero's signature martinis are also available at the piano bar, which features a single baby grand piano with surrounding bar, allowing patrons to enjoy their cocktails literally on top of the piano, while sampling the sounds of a variety of local pianists from 7:00pm to 11:00pm nightly.
Ruggero's serves lunch Monday through Friday from 11:30 AM to 4:00 Pm and dinner nightly from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM, accommodating up to 140 persons (90 in the Bistro and 25 in each the Piano Bar and Martini Bar). For more information, please call Jennifer DeGennaro at 954-563-4683.
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These three say they are open.
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The Official Site of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau
100 East Broward Boulevard, Suite 200, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301 (954) 765-4466 (800) 22-SUNNY
(They should know of some. - DG)
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The Marriott Fort Lauderdale's La Marina restaurant is offering a special buffet on both Christmas Day and New Year's Eve, priced at $24.95 for adults and $12.50 for children ages 10 and under, its Christmas Buffet features a full carving station as well as delectable entrees such as Tamarind Seared Mahi Mahi with Roasted Pepper. For reservations, call (954) 527-6731.
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On Christmas Day from 11:30 am - 9:00 pm, Cleo's Bistro at the Wyndham Bonaventure Hotel will host a savory buffet dinner with everything from Canadian Atlantic Salmon Chaud-Froid with Caviar Cream Cheese to the more traditional Honey Roasted ham with Grilled Polenta and Oven-Dried Tomatoes. The prices are $28.95 for adults and $12.95 for children ages 5-12. Children ages 4 and under eat free.
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December 25th only, Shooters Waterfront Cafe is celebrating Christmas with a festive turkey dinner served with the works, including cornbread stuffing, sweet and mashed potatoes, fresh vegetables and pumpkin pie. The meal is priced at $16.99 for adults and $7.99 for children under age 12. For information or reservations, call 954-566-2855 or visit
www.shooterscafe.com--------
Fort Lauderdale - Tropical Acres Restaurant,
American, $$,
Open 364 Days A Year (Closed 12/24)
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I would make certain that any restaurant on this list is open and for what hours before I would make any plans. Just because I found sites that claim Christmas Day opening doesn't mean the restaurant will be open. I only called the first one, and that is the only one I am sure of. I would also get on this tomorrow; I suspect that, if you wait, you may not get reservations.
