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14New&TrendingFOODEVEN KEELEven Keel has opened on Las Olas Boulevard, taking over the old Asia Bay/Eve on the Water space. What%u2019s crucial to note is that Chef Owners, Dave MacLennan and Brad Phillip have teamed up with Chef Chris Wilber and Mario Di Leo from the original Canyon restaurant. With this combination, you can expect a delightful explosion of flavors. Knowing the Even Keel Fish Shack in Lauderdale-By-the-Sea, it was initially challenging to envision how they would adapt to their new Las Olas address. However, a visit a couple of days after their soft opening revealed a cohesive restaurant with stunning outdoor seating on the water and a cozy inside bar and dining area. Choosing to sit at the bar, we were greeted by Collin, who easily whipped up a Prickly Pear Margarita with Even Keelrimmed salt, reminiscent of the old Canyon days. It was a smooth, pink concoction with a zesty kick. Our visit happened to coincide with $2 oysters on Tuesday, so we couldn%u2019t resist starting with a dozen. Three choices of oysters, labeled handwritten on ice pop sticks, provided a nice touch. For our main course, the Crab Grilled Cheese featuring brie, truffle, blue crab, and apple butter, was irresistible and we savored every morsel. We finished the meal by indulging in the Coconut Pumpkin Curry Soup with tender lobster, which was the perfect finishing touch. Considering they had just opened, we were charmed and impressed by both the food and service. Dave hinted at more menu and cocktail collaborations, along with additional nautical-themed d%u00e9cor touches. 1111 E Las Olas Blvd. www.evenkeelfish.comPLANTA QUEENThe esteemed vegan eatery on Las Olas Boulevard, recentlyunveiled its highly anticipated Happy Hour, available every Monday to Friday from 3-6 pm! As a supporter of all things plant-based, the news of this Happy Hour has me and my vegan besties beaming. Now there are options for after-work meet-ups where your plant-based enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of dishes and drinks. Happy Hour has the clinks of glasses filled with innovative concoctions like the %u2018Tinis ($9) %u2013 whether it%u2019s their espresso-infused vodka with a touch of vanilla and cinnamon or the dirty variant featuring vodka and Castelvetrano%u00a0olive brine. There is also the %u2018Sake to Me%u2019 ($9) %u2013 a blend of vodka,sake, watermelon, and yuzu adds an extralayer of joy to the experience. And of course, the selection of wines ($8) and beers ($6) only sweetens the deal. The delicious snacks on offer during this Happy Hour menu are truly exceptional. From the Crispy Mushroom Hand Roll featuring wasabi, avocado, gochujang, pickled ginger, and unagi to the Spicy %u201cTuna%u201d Hand Roll with ahi watermelon, avocado, and toasted coconut, each dish is a testament to Planta Queen%u2019s unwavering commitment to elevating plantbased food! Korean Chick%u2019n Bao, Cold Peanut Noodles, Firecracker Wings with crispy cauliflower %u2013 every bite is a flavorful journey. My favorite is undoubtedly the fluffy, sweet bao buns with their Chick%u2019n (crispy oyster mushrooms), vegan mayo, and a dash of POW! Make sure to check out the Happy Hour menu and download their new app for an instant $10 dining credit and reward points for future visits.1201 E Las Olas Blvd. www.plantarestaurants.comBy Caroline Carrara