Category: Florida

Mr & Mrs Crab – Lakeland, FL

There’s something about a true seafood feast that feels both indulgent and unforgettable — and when the craving hits, there’s one place that immediately comes to mind, Mr. & Mrs, Crab, in Lakeland, Florida. This local favorite serves up fresh catches drenched in perfectly seasoned sauces, piled high and ready to dig into.

From the moment I walked in, I could tell this wasn’t just dinner — it was an experience. This spot promises messy hands, full tables, and flavors that would keep me coming back for more.

I had to start with a cup of lobster bisque. There’s something undeniably comforting about a cup of lobster bisque. From the very first spoonful, the delicate sweetness of the lobster blends beautifully with the smooth cream base, creating a flavor that feels both elegant and soothing. A cup of lobster bisque isn’t just soup — it’s comfort, and the perfect way to start a meal.

There are meals you eat — and then there are meals you experience. The Shrimp & Crawfish Boil is served in a steaming, oversized bag is definitely the latter. From the moment it hits the table, I knew this was something special. The bag was puffed with heat, the aroma of the Mr & Mrs Crab Special Sauce spilled out the second the bag opened —a bold blend of Cajun spice, zesty lemon pepper, and rich garlic butter instantly made my mouth water.

Inside, bright red crawfish and perfectly cooked shrimp are tossed generously in that signature sauce, soaking up every bit of flavor. The shrimp are tender and juicy with just the right snap, while the crawfish are sweet and delicate, practically begging to be peeled and savored. Nestled among them are golden corn on the cob and fork-tender potatoes, both fully coated in the sauce and bursting with seasoned goodness in every bite.

There’s something irresistibly comforting about a Clam & Mussel Boil done right — especially when it’s served piping hot in a steamy bag of garlic butter goodness. The moment the bag is opened you can smell the rich aroma of melted butter and fresh garlic.

Inside, tender clams and plump mussels are perfectly cooked, their natural brininess beautifully complemented by the silky, savory sauce. The garlic butter enhances the seafood without overpowering it.

Digging into a traditional Crawfish Boil, especially when it arrives piping hot in a steamy bag is good any day of the week. Packed with vibrant crawfish, hearty potatoes, and sweet corn on the cob, this dish delivers comfort and bold flavor in every handful.

Ordering it with just the Cajun sauce ties it all together — a savory blend of spices with just the right kick of heat. As you pour everything out onto the tray, you will notice the potatoes and corn are perfectly infused, and the crawfish are tender and full of character. It’s casual, a little messy, and absolutely delicious.

www.mmcseafood.com

Enjoy!

T

FM Pizza Oven – Melbourne, FL

Tucked into the heart of the Eau Gallie Arts District, FM Pizza Oven has carved out a name for itself as a go-to spot for authentic wood-fired pizza along Florida’s Space Coast. What began as a mobile pizza operation has grown into a charming brick-and-mortar restaurant, now housed in a beautifully restored historic bank building that adds character the moment you walk in.

The Pepperoni Woodfire Pizza is simplicity done spectacularly well. It comes straight from the roaring wood-fired oven with a crust that’s tender and slightly charred — smoky, airy, and perfectly textured. Each slice balances rich tomato sauce, gooey melted cheese, and spicy pepperoni in a way that feels both timeless and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of pizza that grabs your attention from the first bite and keeps you coming back for more.

The Meatball Burrata Pizza takes comfort to another level. Juicy, flavorful meatballs are spread across the pie, baked until perfectly tender, then finished with fresh, creamy burrata that melts slightly into the warm surface. A bright marinara ties it all together, adding just the right touch of acidity to complement the richness of the cheese and meat. It’s hearty yet refined — a pizza that feels both rustic and elevated at the same time.

While the pizzas are the main attraction at FM Pizza Oven, the wood-fired tapas deserve just as much attention. These shareable plates bring the same smoky depth and comforting flavors, making it nearly impossible to order just one.

The mac and cheese comes bubbling hot with a beautifully crisped top layer that gives way to a creamy, cheesy center. That contrast — golden and slightly crunchy on the outside, rich and velvety underneath — makes every bite incredibly satisfying.

The meatballs are another standout, baked in a vibrant red sauce and topped with melted mozzarella that stretches with every forkful. The sauce is bold and savory, clinging to each tender meatball, while the cheese adds that extra layer of indulgence.

And then there are the garlic knots — soft, fluffy, and brushed generously with garlic butter before being finished with gooey, melted cheese. Warm, pull-apart, and packed with flavor, they’re the kind of appetizer that disappears from the table in minutes.

Whether you’re meeting friends for dinner or looking for a casual yet memorable night out, FM Pizza Oven delivers a warm, inviting setting with flavors that speak for themselves.

www.FMpizzaoven.com

Enjoy!

T

Metro Diner – Jacksonville, FL

I was in Jacksonville, and I remembered there was a great diner I had been to before.

Metro Diner was also featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives which has helped this restaurant expand to other locations.

It was breakfast time so I was ready to enjoy their Classic Breakfast. It was simple, scrambled eggs, grits, and toast. There was a lot of food on the plate. The eggs were fresh. The grits had a great creamy and salty taste once I added some butter.

Another Classic Breakfast was ordered. This one had eggs over medium, and it came with bacon, homestyle potatoes, and fresh biscuits. It was extremely hearty.

A side of Pancakes were ordered. This buttermilk batter had great taste. It was perfect to share with the classic breakfast.

Biscuits and Gravy was a larger breakfast than I was expecting. The two biscuits were smothered with creamy pepper country gravy, hashbrowns, and scrambled eggs. There was also extra country gravy on the plate which tasted perfect with the eggs and hashbrowns. I would recommend getting a side of the gravy to eat with a homestyle potatoes.

If you want a great place to go for breakfast, Metro Diner should be on your list. Just keep in mind, they are popular so there could be a small wait.

www.metrodiner.com

Enjoy!

T

Eleven – Kissimmee, FL

There is a wonderful rooftop restaurant at the Reunion Resort called Eleven. I got to go there for an event, and I was excited to get to be wined and dined.

This rooftop bar/restaurant has great views. There’s a pool you can lounge in if you want. You can see all of the theme parks in the distance. It’s cool at night because you can see all the fireworks.

We started the event off with some cocktails as we socialize with other guests.

The appetizer table was set up outside so we could enjoy the views. The spread was nice. We had an array of options:

– Caesar salad

– Two different kinds of Hummus

– The Charcuterie Board was beautifully arranged with cured meats and artisan cheeses. There were sauces of jalapeño hatch peppers, and honey.

For dinner, it was served family style at each of the tables. The food just kept coming out. There was something for everyone to enjoy.

The Spinach Artichoke Dip was extremely creamy. It was a blend of Fontina and Manchego cheese. They served colorful tortilla chips on the side.

Meatballs came out and these were lamb meatballs with basil, a peanut crumble and saffron aioli. They had a slight gamey taste, but the saffron aioli helped hide that.

The Flatbed Pizza came out and everyone got excited. It was a Margarita Pizza. The dough had great flavor. There was a lot of melted cheese that normally a margarita pizza does not have. I love this because the cheese is sometimes the best part of the pizza.

There were beautiful Beef Steak Skewers that were on top of the bed of Couscous. The steak was tender and had a great pepper taste.

The Shrimp and Grits were amazing. There was so much on the plate. The grits were creamy and cheesy, the best I’ve ever had. The shrimp was tender, but not the star of the dish.

One of the side dishes was Broccolini. They sautéed this with butter and garlic. It was also cooked with raisins. This added a spectacular sweetness to the broccolini, which can sometimes be bitter.

Salmon was the fish for the night. This was a pan seared perfectly. It was flaky and fresh.

The Mac & Cheese came out last and now I know why. Because I would’ve eaten the entire bowl myself and would not have had room to try any of the other dishes. This mac & cheese was made with Fontina Mornay cheese. It was so creamy. Total comfort food.

It was time for dessert. They set the dessert tables up back outside. We got to enjoy:

– Key Lime Cheesecake. It was both sweet and tangy.

– Layered Cake Cups –  there was chocolate, strawberry and vanilla icing available

This was the best way to experience Eleven. If you were in the area or staying at the Reunion Resort, you must check them out.

www.reunionresort.com/dining/eleven

Enjoy!

T

Caddy’s – Madeira Beach, FL

I have visited Caddy’s many times. It is one of my go-to restaurants in Madeira Beach.

I love the view of the Gulf. The second floor of the restaurant is the best spot.

It was a hot afternoon, so grabbing some frozen drinks was a must. The Frose blended vodka, Moscato, sour mix, peach purée, and pear syrup. This combination was both sweet and sour, almost like a piece of candy.

The Rocky Margarita was a nice take on a classic. It blended Silver tequila, triple sec, sour mix, orange juice, and lime juice. It was a very fresh tasting margarita.

The Calamari was a great appetizer to start with. They were flash fried to crispy. A sweet Thai chili sauce was served on the side for dipping. The calamari were tender, and there was just the right amount of breading.

Another great appetizer is the Kickin’ Watermelon Bites. They chopped up watermelon and mixed it with feta cheese, dust it with chipotle & extra-virgin olive oil. A balsamic glaze was drizzled all over. Some mint and lime juice accented the dish.

This was extremely refreshing, the sweetness of the watermelon and the tartness of the feta cheese complemented each other. It was also a unique blend of textures. This was a great dish for a hot day.

The Ahi Tuna was tremendously fresh. It was so tender. It melted in my mouth. They did a char-crusted sear on the tuna. They drizzled a spicy mayo and teriyaki glaze on top. There was a seaweed salad also served with the tuna.

A dinner at a beachside restaurant would not be complete without some Mahi Tacos. They lightly blackened Mahi and topped it with pico de gallo, lettuce, cheese, and a chipotle sauce. The soft tortilla shells wrapped around the Mahi, made it easy to pick up and enjoy. The Mahi had fantastic seasoning.

If you are looking for a great beach restaurant, then Caddy’s is the perfect place.

www.caddys.com/caddys-madeira-beach/

Enjoy!

T

Fresco’s – Lakeland, FL

If you want a southern restaurant with a modern twist, check out Fresco’s in Lakeland, Florida.

Grab a seat at the bar and start enjoying some of the great cocktails they have to offer.

The Blackberry Basil Cooler is sweet and refreshing. It blends vodka, basil, blackberry syrup, lemon, and orange bitters.

An Aperol Spritz is a classic cocktail that Fresco’s does well. It includes Aperol, lemon, simple syrup, Prosecco and a splash of soda for bubbles. If you want something that is not overly sweet, this is the cocktail for you.

Their Old-Fashion keeps with tradition, smooth and your choice of bourbon.

Plus the bartender like us so I was able to get a few of those special cocktail cherries just for myself!

If you like whiskey, then make sure to do a Whiskey Flight. You get the sample four options. We got to try:

1. George Dickel 8 year

2. Stranahan’s Colorado single malt

3. Barrell Seagrass Rye

4. Barrell Dovetail

Fresco’s has more than just drinks. They have a great menu offering unique takes on classic dishes. They also have great appetizers that are able to be shared.

The FSKB Loaded Baked Potato Wedges are amazing. The potatoes are covered in pimento cheese, bacon, chives, and sour cream with herbs. The pimento cheese is a unique element. It adds a saltines and a creaminess.

The Deviled Eggs have the southern style creamy filling, but they give it a unique twist with bacon crumbles and candied jalapeños. It’s a nice salty sweet combination.

The Fresco’s Eggrolls are different. They use chicken, bacon, cheese, and salsa inside crispy wonton wrappers. They serve an avocado cream sauce for dipping. It’s a unique take on southwest style eggrolls.

They have a few flatbreads on the menu we ordered the Fig. The sweet dough was covered with an apple fig chutney, mozzarella cheese, goat cheese, arugula, and slices of apple. The pizza overall was sweet and the arugula gave it a slight pepper taste.

I loved everything we tried at Fresco’s. Check them out if you’re in the area.

www.frescoslakeland.com

Enjoy!

T

BellaBrava – Tampa, FL

If you’re looking for an Italian restaurant in Midtown Tampa, check out BellaBrava.

Sitting at the bar is the perfect place to order cocktails and have fast service. We had an Old-Fashion and a Strawberry Balsamic Martini. The martini was sweet with a little sourness. It included vodka, strawberries, sweet balsamic, simple syrup, and lemon.

They brought out homemade Focaccia bread. It was slightly dense but melted in my mouth once it was mixed with the creamy olive oil and roasted garlic.

If you like gnocchi, then you must order the Stuffed Gnocchi al la Vodka. The gnocchi were like little potato pillows that were stuffed with a creamy cheese blend. They served it in a vodka sauce. The sauce was savory and creamy. They mixed roasted wild mushrooms, and oven dried tomatoes on top for some added texture.

The Pasta Brava is a must order. Radiatori pasta was blended with tender grilled chicken and cotto ham. This was tossed with peas and wild mushrooms in an asiago cream sauce. The texture was immensely creamy with a rich flavor from the cheese. I could not stop eating the tender pasta. The peas added a nice sweet touch to the dish.

If you like vegetables, then the Pasta Caponata is for you. Mafaldine pasta is in a Pomodoro sauce. There are tender pieces of eggplant, garlic, red, bell pepper, olives, and capers mixed throughout. These vegetables added saltines, as well as a sweetness. Fresh oregano, basil and pangrattato were accented on top. The pasta in this dish was also extremely tender. I love fresh pasta. It helps make the dish exceptional.

If you are looking for a great Italian restaurant then check out BellaBrava at www.bellabravatampa.com

Enjoy!

T

La Segunda Bakery – Tampa, FL

Did you know that Tampa has a bakery that is over 100 years old? La Segunda Bakery has been baking fresh breads, pastries, and sandwiches for generations.

Expect a line when you walk in. But don’t worry, you can make use of that wait by looking over their menu and gazing at all the beautiful desserts.

There’s nowhere to sit so you’re getting your food to go. If you are like me, you will dig into your food as soon as you get in the car.

Check them out if you’re in the area. www.lasegundabakery.com

Enjoy!

T

Meg O’ Malley’s – Melbourne, FL

If you are in downtown Melbourne, Florida, and looking for a great Irish pub, head to Meg O’Malley’s. They offer all the traditional Irish dishes, plus a few extra if you’re there for St. Patrick’s Day.

Start with their famous Irish Parliament Bean Soup. This homemade soup is the same recipe that is served in the Irish parliament, and they keep the price at $0.18. The soup is very savory and has a creamy texture.

If you like cabbage, then definitely order the Cabbage Wraps. They take ground corned beef and wrap it in tender cabbage. It’s served with fresh ground mustard on the side. The corned beef is juicy and full of flavor. The cabbage has a sweet taste that complements the salty corned beef.

The Irish Stew was amazing. Their beef is extremely tender and rich. The flavor of the broth is savory and full of potatoes and root vegetables. This is a very filling stew that has such a comforting feeling.

The Shepherd’s Pie is prepared perfectly and looked so beautiful when it came out. The tender ground beef was tossed in a savory brown gravy, along with root vegetables and sweet peas. Then it was smothered with mashed potatoes and baked until the potatoes get crispy. The beef and vegetable mixture was bursting with flavor. The potatoes were creamy and helped soak up the extra gravy.

If you’re having a hard time selecting something off the menu then I suggest you order the Pub Trinity. This is smaller portions of the Irish classics: Shepherd’s Pie, Irish Stew, and Bangers and Mash. You can’t go wrong with trying a little bit of everything.

Along with all the dishes came a side of Buttered Cabbage and a roll. The cabbage was tender and had a sweet taste. It’s a very classic Irish dish.

If you love Irish comfort food or just want to get a pint of Guinness, then Meg O’Malley’s is the place to be.

www.megomalleys.com

Enjoy!

T

American Social – Tampa, FL

If you were in the Tampa area and want a great place to go for brunch, then American Social is the place for you. It is right there on the water, the perfect place for fresh air and a cool breeze.

Brunch calls for cocktails. This brunch we went for mimosas, cosmos, and martinis.

We decided to get a few small dishes to share. The Soft Baked Pretzels were perfect. They were hot when they came out. They had a light salty taste on the outside. I love dipping them in beer cheese. They also served a honey mustard on the side.

Deviled Eggs are perfect for sharing. These eggs came out with candied bacon on top. The sweetness of the bacon was delicious. It paired well with the creamy flavor of the eggs.

The Hot Chicken Sliders were the last thing out. They made fluffy buttermilk biscuits and placed Nashville hot chicken pieces in the middle. They used Mike’s hot honey and drizzled all over. It was a double dose of heat, but the honey also added sweetness.

If you want a relaxing place to enjoy the afternoon, then check out American Social.

www.americansocialbar.com

Enjoy!

T