Fort Lauderdale's top dining and retail areas for gay-chic factor are Las Olas Boulevard, between the beach and downtown, and the uber-gay community of Wilton Manors, on the north side of Fort Lauderdale. Fortunately for fans of obscenely rich and delicious baked goods, aromatic fair-trade coffee drinks, and fresh sandwiches and salads, you'll find branches of the highly gay-friendly Stork's Bakery in both parts of the city. Stork's Las Olas is right on a canal at 1109 E. Las Olas Blvd. (954-567-3220), which, by the way, is the headquarters for the charmingly romantic Las Olas Gondola Tours. And Stork's Cafe & Bakery is right in the heart of Wilton Manors, at 2505 N.E. 15th Ave. (954-567-3220).
Stork's was begun by openly gay political figure and business owner Jim Stork, who served as Mayor of Wilton Manors in the early 2000s and who continues to be a prominent leader in Fort Lauderdale's gay community. The two cafes have a hugely gay following, although anybody who loves tasty baked treats and good food loves these places.
The smaller Wilton Manors branch draws a gayer bunch, as it's right in the heart of that community's business district, close to several gay bars, shops, and restaurants. It has a patio as well as a cozy indoor seating area, but the setting is rather ordinary, looking out at busy Northeast 15th Avenue. The somewhat less gay Las Olas locale is the winner in terms of charm - it's right on a canal in one of South Florida's snazziest and most picturesque shopping and dining districts, and there's plenty of patio seating overlooking the water.
Of course, the big draw of both places is the food - and coffee. Stork's serves six fresh-roasted coffees each day, with the usual array of espresso drinks. Desserts are reliably decadent - big, chewy chocolate-chip cookies; chambord mousse torte; carrot cake packed with toasted pecans; and a particularly memorable orange-caramel mousse cake. Come here looking to satisfy your sugar fix, and you won't leave disappointed.
For savory fare, Stork's scores high marks for its creative salads and sandwiches (all using fresh-baked bread, such as San Francisco sourdough and olive bread). Favorites include the Hello Kitty (tuna salad with fresh dill, sweet peas, and sliced red onion and tomatoes), and the Mykonos (over-roasted chicken breast, fresh spinach, crunchy cucumber, and Greek feta dressing in a wheat wrap). There's also a very tasty Caprese salad with mixed baby field greens, vine-ripened beefsteak tomatoes, fresh Mozzarella, basil, Calamata olives, and cracked pepper with extra-virgin olive oil.
Stork's Las Olas is open weekdays 8 am till 11 pm and weekends till midnight, and Stark's Wilton Manors is open weekdays 6:30 am to midnight, and weekends 7 am till midnight.
