EAT Update: Fresh First, Fort Lauderdale, FL

I blogged about Fresh First, a gluten free restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, FL this time last year. To read that blog post, go here. I returned there for lunch yesterday. Not sure if it was even still in business, we know how allergy free restaurants come and go, I was pleasantly surprised by my visit. Fresh First was bought two months ago by a sweet couple, Eliana and Tarso, both of whom have vast experience in the food industry. Neither are gluten free, but continue the mission of previous owners to provide great gluten free, corn free, peanut free, non-GMO food in a dedicated environment. Both are vegan and have added quite a few vegan options to the menu, like egg free mayo and tofu options. Many of the menu items are still the same, so your favorites are still available. Just a note, the north location of Fresh First has closed. 

I was greeted warmly by the staff as I entered, finding quite a few diners eating a late lunch at 2:30pm. A steady stream of patrons dined and grabbed takeout while I was there. I ordered the Chicken Salad Sandwich, usually a no-go option for me at most places due to my egg allergy. The egg free mayo is homemade and with the addition of celery, dill, and Granny Smith apples, the chicken salad was most delicious. The gluten free, corn free bread had a nice flavor with the addition of herbs mixed in. It has been over three years since I have had chicken salad that I or my mom have not made! The sandwich came with a side of red cabbage coleslaw, which had a nice little kick with the addition of cumin and of course, the vegan mayo. 

While chatting with Eliana, I could see her passion to provide safe meals for those with food allergies was strong. All menu items are made in-house, so inquiring about ingredients is not a problem. I was really excited to see that Eliana and her staff were much more personable and helpful than I had encountered in my previous visit under the old ownership, so I know the new ownership will do wonders for the business. I look forward to returning on my next trip to the area. Oh, and make sure to order the Quinoa Cupcake with Goat Cheese Frosting for dessert! Delish!

Fresh First

1637 SE 17th Street (Yacht District, near the Cruiseport)

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308

954.763.3344

http://www.freshfirst.com

Monday-Saturday 8am-3pm

Eat: Fresh First, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Is is possible to stay in a hotel right next door to a cafe that is completely gluten free, corn free, peanut free and organic?!  Well, I did in Fort Lauderdale, FL when I found Fresh First in the Yacht District on SE 17th Street. Tucked away and hard to find, Fresh First offers dine in and takeout for breakfast and lunch. It also has another location on the north side of Fort Lauderdale on North Federal Hwy. 

Breakfast items included eggs, oatmeal, and waffles. Lunch consisted of sandwiches, burgers, soups, salads, and rice bowls. Fresh First even makes smoothies, and carries fresh juices, wine, and ciders.  

I stopped in on a Saturday morning around 9am to look for a snack to take with me on my cruise. The place was completely empty except for employees! There were five cruise ships leaving that day from the dock five minutes away from the restaurant, plus locals in the area. Perhaps Fort Lauderdale has early diners, but I found out that the restaurant opens daily at 8am. Asking if they just opened, I was told that they had been at the location for several years. The decor was nice and inviting, but I was surprised that there was not a display for muffins, cupcakes, cookies, take home items, etc. With no display (and no point of purchase opportunity so people can see something yummy and add it to their order), it is hard to decide what to order. Also, I found the staff to be unfriendly. One staff member just sitting down to her own breakfast, was curt and acted like I was an inconvenience.  

I ordered a Banana Nut Muffin and a Strawberry Quinoa Cupcake with Buttercream Frosting. Both were delicious! I love to be able to order a gluten free bakery item and not have to worry about corn (a common replacement of wheat flour). Only after I told the staff I was a blogger, did they oblige and take the above photo of the delicious pastry items of the day located on a rack in the kitchen.

I will be back in the Fort Lauderdale area in a couple of weeks and hope to stop back in to Fresh First. The items I tried were delicious, but I can't help but wonder if the lack of customers on a Saturday morning was due to a less than personable attitude of the staff.

Fresh First

1637 SE 17th Street (Yacht District across street from Cruiseport)

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

954.763.3344

Monday-Saturday 8am-3pm

4520 North Federal Hwy

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308

954.900.3705

Monday-Friday 8am-3pm

www.freshfirst.com