It is such a hidden gem that I almost hesitate to write about it. So I got a suggestion from an acquaintance about a hidden bar inside a pizza joint who also happens to own the taco restaurant down the street. We'll save the tacos for another day because I want to talk about the pizza and the bourbon. Pizza Craft is located in Ft. Lauderdale. It's small with everything put out front for you to see. The pizza oven is in the room with the diners (pasta is made in back). There's also outside dining in front of the restaurant which is nice, especially in Florida.
Now back to that pizza. It's six slices and technically called a personal pizza, definitely enough to share. It states artisan on the box but I don't think this does it justice. The crust alone is excellent with the right amount of dough to please even the harshest of critics. It's crusty, crunchy on the edges, strong enough to hold up to the sauce yet soft enough to allow your teeth to sink in and release the fresh warmth into your senses. The sauce is bright, light and just enough to coat your mouth without being too much or too little. Now I'm a person who believes more sauce is better but this one may change my view. I got the tomato, torn basil, cheese and added "exotic mushrooms" which on this day were, I believe beech mushrooms. It was sheer perfection! The balance, each bite perfectly harmonious. My only regret is that I could not eat it all.
Prior to the pizza, we ordered the meatball appetizer which was two very large, all-beef meatballs each topped with a dollop of ricotta, a piece of basil and soaking in a sauce of San Marzano tomatoes. This was a delicious start to dinner. The meatballs are just the right size for one per person so if there are more than two of you, order extra. I will say that while the ricotta was very smooth and creamy, it did not hold up to the meatballs and sauce. Had I not tasted it before the meatball I probably wouldn't remember it. The presentation was beautiful as was the atmosphere. It is very reminiscent of the Italian restaurant from Disney's Lady and the Tramp; sweet, family-friendly yet romantic. I decided to pair my pizza with bourbon and went for Widow Jane 10 year from the upper shelf. The profile was not what I expected. With every sip, it revealed a slightly new dimension from molasses to caramel to vanilla and with a hint of tobacco in wood. I would say the color to be more towards an amber hue and it held just a bit of the belly burn or as some say, the Kentucky hug. It made my lips tingle and felt playful on my palate. Adding a small piece of ice definitely brought forth the smoothness like velvet or suede and eased the burn.
Now let's talk about the bar and room this beautiful bourbon emerged from. It is called Apothecary 330 and is hidden inside Pizza Craft. There's an opening that connects them but you don't see it as you first enter the restaurant. As you go deeper the wall gives way to a peek at the bar. The bartenders are dedicated to their craft, even creating their own bitters. The bar is stocked to the ceiling and wall to wall with an array of spirits that will make your mouth water. If bourbon or scotch is not your thing, don't worry they have something for every palate. Its décor is something out of the wild west that transports you back to an era that is vivacious, dark and filled with intrigue, think Moulin Rouge meets wild west saloon. It's fabulous and so decadent. The perfect place to host a party or lose yourself for an afternoon.
Here are the links for any curious.
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