The sun hanging overhead in a bluebird sky. The bow of your boat cutting through crystal waters. The wind whipping through your hair. Miami behind you. Fort Lauderdale ahead.

As you coast along, the idea of pickled mussels with red pepper mayo enters your mind.

Yep, this place will do.

We speak of Boathouse at the Riverside, an easy breezy new place to eat and drink on the Fort Lauderdale New River. It's open now, as is its dock, where you'll gratis-moor your boat before enjoying things from both land and sea. Check it out. 

As boat days go, a drink in-hand is always nice. Say, something like a Figure Eight with ginger syrup, ginger beer and two types of rum. You'll find it at the indoor/outdoor bar with river views and sufficient Mediterranean vibes. 

But should you happen to be inside, you'll notice the aquarium of lionfish, some interesting woodwork details and the requisite amount of blue and white tones everywhere.

Either way, the menu's full of hot and cold tapas for you and your date. In the hot corner, the octopus fritters or fennel pollen bronzini might grab your attention. And representing Team Cold is anything from chickpea relish to Spanish chorizo.

Though, really, we're all winners here.