DRWMAG.COM 18 #353 • SEPTEMBER 2018 • 29 YEARS STRONG Zona Blu has been thrilling local foodies with its unique Sardinian cuisine for the past three years, and is excited to introduce a distinc- tively Italian approach to Happy Hour that includes unique cocktails along with a special bar menu. Staying true to its Sardinian roots and bringing the flavors of the famous Italian “Blue Zone” – where many residents live to 100 or longer – the new cocktails and bar menu incorporate ingredients found exclu- sively on the island. Since opening three years ago, Zona Blu has won many accolades, in- cluding being named “Best Restaurant inWest Broward” by SouthFlorida.com, and annually earning a Certificate of Excellence from Tri- pAdvisor.com,where they are rated 4.5 stars. In addition to a menu that changes seasonally, and with its evolving wine list that includes over 100 wines, Zona Blu is the proud new owner of a full liquor license and is thrilled to launch Zona Blu Bar. Dazzling Cocktails If you’ve not been to Zona Blu in a few months, the first thing you’ll notice is a fresh look that brings renewed warmth to what was already a desirable spot for a lunch date or night out.The fully-loaded bar – which previ- ously focused exclusively on wine and coffee – is a highlight, and creative cocktails of all kinds are yours for the drinking. “We collaborated with several well known mixologists to create entirely unique cocktails,” said Sheila Marras David, who co- owns Zona Blu with her sister, Debbie Marras Bautista, and Executive Chef Andrea Fadda. Several of the cocktails make use of mirto, a rare berry from a species of Myrtle tree found in Sardinia, where is it used in all sorts of sa- vory and sweet treats. Mirto lends a concen- trated berry flavor and delightful purple hue to Zona Blu’s signature cocktails. It can also be enjoyed as a straight shot, perhaps with the traditional Sardinian toast of “A kent’annos!” To 100 years! Aperitivo Happy Hour & More Complementing the expanded bar options is Chef Fadda’s rotating and ever-surprising col- lection of aperitivi that will be offered free on Thursday evenings from 4-7 p.m. with your drink order at the bar. "Aperitivo Happy Hour" is a common tradition throughout Ita- ly in which aperitivi (small, hand-held appe- tizers) are offered to guests in order to “open their appetite” in anticipation of dinner. Zona Blu’s aperitivi will change weekly and may in- clude Arancini (fried risotto balls filled with various delicious ingredients), Quiche Lor- raine, Olive Ascolana (deep fried stuffed ol- ives), Salumi & Formaggi, Tramezzini (small finger sandwiches) and Focaccia. In celebration of the launch of Zona Blu Bar, Happy Hour will be offered 7 days a week from 4-7 p.m. and will feature half- priced cocktails, $5 house wine, and $5 draft beers at the bar through December. Zona Blu is also offering the following weeknight spe- cials: MONDAYS – $1 fresh Connecticut oysters (minimum 6) throughout the restaurant. TUESDAYS – $10 Napolitano-style pizza with up to four toppings at the bar. WEDNESDAYS – Wine Festival featuring ½ price on all wines, restaurant-wide. THURSDAYS – Free aperitivi with drink purchase at the bar. Weston's celebrated Sardinian eatery brings an Italian twist to Happy Hour ZONA BLU BAR