With doors that open right onto Las Olas Boulevard, the brand-new Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale has opened the doors to Harborwood Urban Kitchen & Bar, a maritime-inspired restaurant.
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, the restaurant is helmed by award-winning executive chef Greg McGowan, who showcases modern American cuisine with globally inspired culinary influences. Menu options include pan seared potato gnocchi and cured pork belly lettuce wraps, as well as togarashi grilled shrimp with lump crab meat in fennel lobster sauce and a Harborwood signature burger made with tomato bacon spread. A breakfast favorite? Cornflake crusted brioche french toast with dulce de leche drizzle.
A selection of handcrafted cocktails and playful drink pouches reminiscent of those found on the beaches of Thailand feature quirky names such as ‘Kiwi Be Friends,’ made with Grey Goose, St. Germain, lemongrass, coconut water and fresh lemon juice, and the ‘Drop Anchor Spritz,’ made with Martini & Rossi Bitters, Lillet Rose, fresh strawberries, basil, and Champagne.
The menu pays homage to Fort Lauderdale’s boating and yachting culture, with the intenetion of creating, as McGowan said in a press release statemtn, “that feeling of ultimate relaxation you get when you’re out on the water. Our seafood-centric items are complemented by dishes inspired by the culinary culture of destinations like Cuba, Italy, Argentina, and Southeast Asia. South Florida is a melting pot and we aim to give our guests a unique taste of that.”
In the same maritime vein, the restaurant’s bar is flanked by a library with bookshelves reminiscent of boat rigging with shelf locations designed in an abstract grid of Fort Lauderdale’s canal system, while a mural by local artist David Lavernia depicting the city’s many waterways wound throughout the shape of a woman’s face adorns the wall behind the bar.
Some other fun things the property is doing include a Moet vending machine in the lobby, poolside Peloton delivery complete with a ‘Cool Down Concierge’ where they’ll bring your clients cold towels and beverages.
And because we know these couple of months are going to be all about locals exploring their own backyard, the hotel is launching a Ditch the Kitchen offer for Florida locals this week that includes drinks & dinner for two, parking and a night of accommodations.
The New Experience
What will your client’s experience look/feel like when they get to the hotel in this New Normal? Top thing to keep in mind is that the hotel will top off at 70 percent capacity. Additionally, a few of the protocols include: everyone in public spaces must wear a mask; daily housekeeping has been postponed; public spaces have been set up for social distancing in the lobby, pool, and restaurant; mobile check-in and keyless entry through the Hyatt App is recommended; there’s a Public Area Cleanliness Ambassador that’s dedicated to sanitation and disinfecting frequently throughout the day and night; all staff has been issued PPE; all to-go food and beverage items are packaged and handled based on the food and health inspection agency requirements; all employees will have their temperatures checked when they arrive for their shifts; hand sanitation stations have been placed throughout the hotel; only two passengers per elevator cab; and sanitizer stations in the elevator.
For more information, visit hyatt.com. For more booking ideas, visit #AmazingDaysAhead. For more on New Protocols, Safe Travels, click here.
