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Review content:
bullet points:\r
* Wonderful ambiance\r
* Polished, knowledgeable, and helpful but unobtrusive service\r
* Inventive menu with a nice variety of recognizable-but-with-a-twist choices\r
* Specializes in organic, locally sourced foods\r
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We made reservations at Market 17 a couple of weeks ahead for a Valentine's Day dinner. We were going to be vacationing in the Hollywood Beach area that week, and needed to choose a restaurant sight-unseen.\r
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We chose Market 17 based on an excellent review in the Sun-Sentinel and we weren't disappointed.\r
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Our reservation was for 7:00 p.m. and we were seated immediately. The restaurant was not empty, but there were certainly tables to be had. Apparently folks in Fort Lauderdale like to start late, because the place filled up quickly beginning at about 8:30 and was packed by the time we left.\r
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There was a very tempting Valentine's Day four-course menu, but I have a petite appetite and knew that it would be far too much food for me.\r
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We opted for a glass of wine each, a shared appetizer, a petite entree for me, a regular entree for my husband, and a dessert each. Our total bill - alcohol, tax and (generous) tip included - was about $167.\r
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Wine by the glass is offered in 4-oz and 8-oz portions. The waiter was very helpful in making suggestions based on what menu items we were leaning toward.\r
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We ordered a pork belly confit as an appetizer and it was my favorite course, hands down. I fear that my attempting to describe it will not encourage anyone to try it, so I will simply say that if this turns up on the menu on the day you're there, order it.\r
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For our entrees my husband ordered black grouper and I ordered a petite portion of butter poached lobster. The grouper was fantastic and the lobster was good. The lobster was neither the best nor the worst I'd had, but I did find myself wishing I'd ordered perhaps the elk or pheasant instead.\r
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I protested that I was far too full to entertain the idea of dessert, but my husband was insistent and the waiter assured me that he would package up any or all of it for me, so I agreed to give it a go. I was certainly not disappointed. My husband ordered a market tart, which was simple but delicious. I ordered a chocolate ganache with a pistachio crust, fresh berries on the side and a small scoop of the most luscious ice cream I have ever tasted. As soon as I read "black pepper and goat cheese ice cream" in the description I was hooked. What a fantastic combination of flavors! I would have paid a small fortune to be able to take a pint of that home with me. The ganache was rich and dense and I did take most of it home to be enjoyed the following day.\r
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Although this restaurant is not at a price point I would consider an every-day place, it is wonderful for a special, romantic dinner or a nice evening out with friends. I will certainly dine there the next time I'm in South Florida.
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