Where did they come up with the term “dog days of summer”? When I was a kid, I thought it referred to the fact that it was so hot we all walked around panting like a dog. It was only as an adult that I came to find that it is a blend of astronomy (Canis Major was bright in the sky over ancient Greece), mythology (ancient cultures thought the heat drove dogs mad), and linguistic tradition. I still like my explanation better. Whatever the reason for the term, the dog days of summer also mean fewer tourists and local restaurants offering deals to lure us from the comfort of our air-conditioned homes.
One of the biggest events in this area is Dine Out Lauderdale. Greater Fort Lauderdale's dining promotion returns for Aug. and Sept. Participating restaurants, including many Michelin-recommended spots offer three-course prix-fixe menus at various price points, providing an affordable way to explore high-end cuisine. Many offer both lunch and dinner options. Usually priced at $39 and $69. That’s not cheap, but it’s a lot less than you would normally pay for three courses at a high-end restaurant. Go to VisitLauderdale.com/DineOut.
The Red Meat Lovers Club Summer Series continues throughout July across Palm Beach and Broward counties. The “Ford & Friends Collaborative Dinner” on June 27, at Salt + Ash in Duck Key, is a five-course dinner by chefs Jeremy Ford, Kyle Campbell, Paula DaSilva, and Carissa DaSilva, utilizing local seafood and Ford's Farm ingredients. For more information, and other events go to RMLClub.com.
Farther south, Miami Spice runs from Aug. 1 through Sept. 30, with more than 100 top Miami-Dade eateries offering meals at reduced, fixed rates. During Miami Spice, participating restaurants, ranging from hidden gems to upscale, Michelin-starred establishments, offer curated, three-course prix-fixe meals. Lunch or brunch usually runs $35 per person, with dinners varying from $45 to $60 per person, depending on the venue. For more information go to MiamiAndBeaches.com/Deals/Spice-Restaurant-Months.
Flavor South Florida runs throughout September, with more than 100 restaurants, spanning Palm Beach County's 39 cities, offering structured multi-course menus. Brunch and lunch start at $25 per person, and prix-fixe multi-course menus are available for $45 or $55. More than 100 restaurants participate throughout Palm Beach County and The Treasure Coast. Go to FlavorSouthFlorida.com for more information.
Downtown Delray Beach Restaurant Month celebrates its vibrant and diverse dining scene from Sept. 1-30, with more than 50 restaurants, cafés, and fast-casual spots throughout Downtown Delray Beach offering specials, including multi-course prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus, happy hour offers, café deals, and cooking classes. Find out more at DowntownDelrayBeach.com.
Key West’s Key Lime Festival runs July 1-5 and offers many opportunities to enjoy the namesake fruit. Living The Key Lime Life Dinner on July 1, at Kaya Island Eats in Key West, showcases an $85 four-course dinner celebrating island culture with local seafood, Caribbean flavor profiles, live post-dinner music, and an authentic Key Lime pie finale. Call or text 305-395-0213, or go to KeyLimeFestival.com, to reserve your place. While you’re in Key West stop by Alonzo’s. Long before there was a boardwalk, friends Alonzo Cothron & Berlin Felton’s original establishment was a fish house, A&B Fish Co. was located on a houseboat. Boats would pull up right outside and throw the fish straight in!
As things cool down, Key West still has two celebrations in the works: Cheeseburger Beach Battle & Jimmy Buffett Tribute Concert on Sept. 3, and the Key West OctBREWfest Grand Tasting Event, a month later on Oct. 3. For more Key West dining, go to KeyWestFoodGuide.com.
