Who would you say is the greatest ambassador of Quebec artists in Florida? If you are a snowbird you will have quickly guessed that it is the imitator and singer Michaël Rancourt.
For years, the one who can imitate nearly 200 voices, in addition to imitating musical instruments, has been entertaining retirees and vacationers on the popular Thunderbird stage in Sunny Isles.
It all started 16 years ago, when Canada Fest was taking place in Hollywood Beach. The artist, who will celebrate his 60th birthday this year, had been invited to give two shows on the main stage of the “Hollywood Broadwalk”. “At the time, this event attracted hundreds of Quebecers. It was really a big party! So I was offered to do a series of shows but this time on the Thunderbird stage and it has since become a tradition, ”said the man who now spends part of the winter in Florida, precisely in Hallandale.
On March 19, he will perform for the third time this year at the Thunderbird, a mythical venue which over the years has hosted the late Pier Béland, Michel Louvain, Paolo Noël and more recently Patsy Gallant, Patrick Normand and Richard Abel, to name a few. than these…. Another sold out night. He will take the opportunity to make excerpts from his new show “Les Inoubliables” which pays tribute in song to about twenty great deceased such as Michel Louvain, Gilbert Bécaud, Jo Dassin, Dalida, Pierre Lalonde, and Gerry Boulet etc.
Back in Quebec, he will undertake with this show, his 10th tour, which will take him everywhere across Quebec and even to New
Brunswick: “I’m not necessarily the biggest star in Quebec, but I’m privileged because I’ve always been able to make a living from my job. On each of my tours, people are there, whether it’s here in Florida or in Quebec,” says the man who made a name for himself in 1992 with his show 100 voix en l’air.
Here are some of his good addresses in Florida.
Pizza Piola, Hallandale
Credit: Michaël Rancourt
The Pizza Piola restaurant in Hallandale
“In my eyes, the best pizza in Florida is at Pizza Piola on Hallandale Boulevard. I say this without embarrassment because my spouse is of Italian origin and her parents have long owned the only Italian restaurant in Granby, Di Carlo, and they also share the same opinion. My favorite pizza is the Diavolo with its thin crust and fresh tomatoes. What makes the difference of a good pizza is obviously the freshness of its tomatoes. Here you will never be served boiled tomatoes! Their outdoor terrace is also very pleasant, and it sometimes happens that we get served in French. This is not a place to party or flash. It’s a small traditional restaurant, without fla fla that doesn’t break our ears with loud music, and where the service is fast. A gathering place, perfect for meals with family or friends.”
Shinju Japanese Buffet, Davie
“All-you-can-eat buffet restaurants are legion in Florida, but it’s no secret that the quality often leaves something to be desired! Moreover, a good number of them do not even stay in business for more than a year. One of our best discoveries in Florida is the Shinju Japanese Buffet, in Davie which serves an Asian menu consisting of meats, sushi, crabs and oysters which is always delicious, and at a very reasonable price of $30 per person ! We are true followers! In three months, we come there at least a dozen times! Moreover, we are not the only ones because a large number of Quebecers frequent it assiduously! »
Dune by Laurent Tourondel, Fort Lauderdale
Credit: Michaël Rancourt
Michaël Rancourt on the terrace of Dune by Laurent Tourondel in Fort Lauderdale
“One of the most beautiful terraces, if not the most beautiful in Fort Lauderdale is that of the restaurant Dune by Laurent Tourondel. This restaurant is not in the very touristy part of Fort Lauderdale beach, where there are many bars, restaurants and souvenir shops. It’s a more secluded location, a little further north, heading towards Lauderdale by The Sea. What’s special about this terrace is that it’s literally on the beach, and that’s not on every street corner in Florida! The Dune is one of my favorite places for Happy Hours. Indeed it is very pleasant to enjoy a good cocktail accompanied by light dishes such as sushi, tapas or excellent fish starters, feet in the sand, facing the ocean. Gourmets will be happy to know that this restaurant is owned by the renowned Michelin-starred chef, Laurent Tourondel, and serves a refined menu in the dining room. »
Las Olas Street, Fort Lauderdale
Credit: Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau
The famous Las Olas Street in Fort Lauderdale
“If you like to eat outside, take a walk on the famous and vibrant Las Olas Street, in Fort Lauderdale, there is a great choice of restaurants where you can eat outside while listening to singers.
This street in the heart of Fort Lauderdale also offers bars, art galleries and beautiful shops. With its exotic and eclectic side, it is a place that transports us elsewhere. All this reminds us of the atmosphere that reigns on Lincoln Street in Miami Beach.
Broadwalk, Hollywood Beach
Credit: City of Hollywood
Hollywood Beach
“I’m not a big athlete, but I walk a lot and I love going for a walk on the Broadwalk in Hollywood Beach. It is a classic in Florida, a place that attracts walkers, cyclists, beach lovers and where there are many Quebecers. When I come here, I always feel like I see happy and cheerful people! The sun is good for the soul, it seems! I often have lunch at the Sahara restaurant, which is also very popular with Quebecers. It never costs me more than $18 for a lunch with a beer. Be careful, it’s not haute cuisine, but it’s not bad for a restaurant directly in front of the ocean! »
Credit: City of Hollywood
Hollywood Beach
For the dates of his new show “Les unforgettables” which celebrates his 35-year career, see: https://www.michaelrancourt.com
Note: we say Broadwalk and not Boardwalk in the case of Hollywood Beach
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