Hobo's Fish

[feelinpeckish]

I guess every already knows this place on Powerline Rd had closed due to "problems". I passed by today unaware of all that had gone before and in a state of hunger. Well it is indeed closed but on the way to becoming something else. Construction is underway and goodness knows where it is likely to end up. But it is interesting!

[RickL]

Here's an update from Friday's Sun-Sentinel:

Hobo's keeps talent, changes name to Del Vecchio's

Good news for all Hobo's Restaurant fans! Watch for its re-opening with a new name and a new owner, but the same talent in the kitchen. The sparkling new Chef Steven Creation is Del Vecchio's Italian Fishery, 246 S. Powerline Road, Deerfield Beach; 954-571-9700, expected to open toward the end of March.

Steven LaBiner describes it as "Hobo's seafood meets Italian and Mediterranean." The many changes made by chef LaBiner, the culinary director, and new owners Belinda and Lou Del Vecchio boast a full liquor license, lunch and dinner, and a first-catch sunset menu. Start your mouth watering with thoughts of LaBiner's delicious seafood dishes along with innovative rotisserie items, unique bar sandwiches, salads and fresh pasta. The new venture also features moderate prices and serving sizes a cut below LaBiner's famous Paul Bunyan-size plates. Reservations are suggested.

[johnmlinn]

Good to know. Did you guys like Hobos? I'd only been to the Coral Springs location, but the fish I had there was pretty decent. A little overpriced, but I suppose you have to pay premium to get people who know how not to dry out a filet.

[RickL]

My wife took me to the new location for my birthday a couple of years ago and we thought the food was very good. I had an excellent but way to large lobster bisque and a crab stuffed fillet that was cooked just right. The chef really knows how to prepare his seafood.

The service was a little slow but no worse than most places in this area. I agree that the prices were on the high side and all of the portions were really too large (and I'm a pretty big guy.) But all and all we liked it and would have gone back but they closed before we got a chance.

I like the idea that the new place will supposedly have more moderate prices and somewhat smaller portions.

[zook]

I happened to run into one of the investors today and he told me that they were shooting to open on the 17th or 18th (next week). Since I loved Hobo's (both the CS location as well as the current one), I can't wait. It's hard to find a place that cooks great grilled fish.

[RickL]

Does anyone know if Del Vecchio's opened as planned? Has anyone tried it?

[Jenaclaree]

Opens Tuesday

[RickL]

A co-worker went to DelVechhios last night. She said it was very good but pricey. She was talking to the owner who told her that the guy from Hobo's backed out just before they opened so he had to bring in another chef.

[johnmlinn]

Verrrry interesting. I'm guessing he didn't say why.

[mikek]

My father and I had the exact same impression. Very good food, but pretty expensive for what it was (over $100 for 2 people with no wine or dessert).

[Jenaclaree]

Hobo's will still have Chef Steve but will be an Italian fishery. Going to open in the next few weeks

[johnmlinn]

Yup, passed that way going to the new Shorty's the other night. Looks like a major overhaul inside, the doors were swung wide and workers were using a blowtorch on something. I think it's going to be an upscale Italian joint. No eta on arrival, though.

PS - Shorty's blew badly, man. Pork was like cardboard, dry and devoid of smoke or flavor. Brisket was so-so, also sort of dry. Ribs were the saving grace, pretty juicy and smoky. I wouldn't go back, though. Are the other locations this bad?

[itslin]

Shortys in Miami and University Drive in Lauderdale are much better and still owned by the original owners. I believe Powerline is a franchised owner.