The Katherine: Chef Timon Balloo in Fort Lauderdale
I first met James Beard nominated chef, Timon Balloo, at his multi kitchen/multi concept Miami restaurant, Sugarcane in 2009. Back then, Midtown Miami was devoid of any personality except for Linens and Things and Marshalls. Sugarcane set the tone in Miami for creative, multi-international flavors and share plates.
Fast forward to today, and for the past few years, Chef Timon and his wife, Marissa have brought that creativity and international flavors to The Katherine in Fort Lauderdale.
Conveniently located with its own parking lot near The Parker, and the Performing Arts Center, The Katherine is the perfect spot for pre-event dining, which is how we were able to score at 5:30 pm reservation on a Saturday night.
A cozy vibe and warm lighting make the setting very welcoming. Long time staff (even from Sugarcane!) are knowledgeable and enthusiastic.
Afte the hour-long drive, we were ready for a cocktail and started with a Grapefruit Margarita with a spicy peppery rim. Great start to an outstanding dinner.
On the menu are an array of options to choose from Raw, Appetizers, Vegetable to Main Courses.
NOTE: Save room for the Vanilla Bean “torrejas” French Toast dessert and pre-order 20 minutes in advance.
From the Raw section, we selected the Classic Steak Tartare, which came topped with a raw egg yolk and side of charred sourdough bread. It was a perfect portion to share and was creamy and delicious enhanced by the Dijon mustard and capers.
Other options include a Hamachi Crudo, Shrimp Ceviche and Spicy Tuna over Crispy Rice.
Appetizers include Whipped Ricotta with over roasted tomatoes, Thai style charred cabbage salad, a unique clam chowder dish with fries.
Lots of vegetable options that could easily make an entire meal, including sherry roasted carrots, jerk beets, classic iceberg wedge and Crispy Brussel Sprouts with orange and balsamic sweet soy, reminiscent of the Sugarcane days.
Main dishes range from the All Day Burger, a double patty with sweet pickle remoulade, to Grilled Hangar Steak, Short rib Orecchiette, Mom’s Trini Oxtail with coconut rice and peas and Haitian Pikliz to the seafood dishes we chose.
The Zatar Rubbed Swordfish came poised delicately on an eggplant tomato stew and tahini and topped with fresh mint leaves. It still lingers in my memory as one of the best dishes I have had in Florida.
The Pan Roasted Corvina has just a touch of spice from the Squash Kim Chee and sweet mango dashi.
I so appreciate when chefs present fish on top of sauces and not covered( or smothered) in the sauce, thereby hiding the delicate flavor of the fresh fish.
And did you pay attention to my earlier NOTE? Hopefully you did, as the Vanilla Bean “torrejas” French Toast dessert is not to be missed and easily shared.
The drive from Miami to Fort Lauderdale may take you a while, but dining at The Katherine is worse every minute…or hour.
And if you can get there before 7 pm the offer a Sunset Hour Monday-Friday on the outside patio from 4-7 pm with $10 cocktails and $9 small plates.
723 E Broward Blvd,
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 807-8022