Mojo Is Working

The owners of Mojo really know how to serve up the muscles-and the mussels! This Key West style eatery/lounge has lots to offer their patrons. Exposed ceilings and light cheerful colors, (including artwork for purchase painted by Chef Falcione himself) as well as a DJ and live entertainment.

We decided to check them out on "Muscles Monday" so we could take advantage of their $6 bowl of mussels. Definitely a great night to go! Lots of music, mussels, and Bar Bites for $12 or less and, of course, their incredible selection of Mojo Libations. The bar is the hub of activity--you could actually make a night of it by just staying there if you wanted to.

If you're not in the mood for a Mojo libation, I suggest you check out the wine list. It has an extensive selection of both domestic and imported wines by the glass. Over thirty--now that's impressive! The menu is "New American Eclectic" cuisine--it's creative, fresh, and interesting, so much so, I found it hard, if not impossible, to find something I didn't like.

For the full-on dinner experience you have two dining rooms to choose from--both equally inviting. The slightly smaller one on the right is closer to the bar and lounge while the main dining room is further removed from the action, which is the one we chose.

Naturally we started off with the Mussels. The muscles were not too small...er, I mean the mussels...with a garlic-infused white wine sauce that you'll love dipping your bread into. The Ceviche was very fresh, and had a wonderful mix of mahi and shrimp with carrots, onions, celery, jalapenos and tomatoes marinated in lime. Next we tried the Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes. These were chock-full of large pieces of crab with baby greens, tomato, and a red wine vinaigrette. This tasty appetizer had great crab flavor and very little filling.

For my entr�e I ordered their palate-pleasing special: Grouper with Polenta. Fresh grouper, perfectly cooked with salt, pepper, and plums, served with a rich creamy polenta, along with spinach, garlic and walnuts. My companion tried the Char Sui Pork Chop. This large chop was served with green beans and a generous serving of (fabulous!) sweet potato corn jalape�o fritters that were both sweet and tasty with just the right amount of spicy heat!

Be sure to save room for the housemade desserts like flourless chocolate espresso torte, rum-soaked coconut cake, cr�me brulee, and individual key lime pies.

Whether you're looking for a casual bite, a serious dining experience, or even an after dinner destination, Mojo's is where you will find it at 4140 N. Federal Hwy, Ft. Lauderdale. Open Monday-Saturday from 4pm. Call them at 954-568-4443 or check out their website at Mojofl.com