Take the plunge: The third and final foodie venue at Plunge Beach Hotel, Octopus gives the property a gourmet gastropub to go with its other offerings: Bean & Barnacle (artisan sandwiches, coffee, gelato) and Backflip (Latin- and food truck-inspired beach bar fare).
The price is right: Along the way, food and beverage director Will Sibernagel raises the culinary stakes with a refined, globally influenced menu of small plates and entrées—all of which fall between $11 and $25—that delivers on his goal of distinguishing Octopus from the Florida-style cuisine that dominates the area.
In the spirit: Craft cocktails at Octopus pair deliciously with the food menu highlights. Look no further than Mermaid in the Night (fresh mint, Rhumbero Coconut Dream, Rhumbero Superior, coconut cream, fresh lime juice), an inspired complement to the coco mussels.
Tasty tentacles: Among the larger plates, the grilled Spanish octopus—thick tentacles braised in red wine and citrus, and served over a warm cannellini bean salad that includes cured chorizo, celery and carrots—is a showstopper.
Step out of the shell: The coco mussels, destined to become an Octopus favorite, present Prince Edward Island mussels in kaffir lime-infused coconut broth. Fried clam bellies, with roasted onion aioli and red peppers, and lamb poutine (braised lamb shoulder and mozzarella curds in gravy, served over crispy fries) also are not to be missed.
Octopus
Where: Plunge Beach Hotel, 4660 El Mar Drive, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea
Phone: 754.312.5775
Web: plungebeachhotel.com
