Category: Florida

Fancy Q Sushi & Thai – Lakeland, FL

If you’re looking for a spot that can satisfy both your sushi cravings and your love of Thai food, Fancy Q Sushi & Thai is worth a visit. This Lakeland favorite serves up fresh rolls, flavorful Thai dishes, and a laid-back atmosphere that makes it easy to settle in and enjoy a great meal.

We started with the steamed Gyoza. These dumplings were filled with a savory blend of meat and vegetables, wrapped in a soft, tender dough that let the flavors shine. Served steaming hot with a flavorful soy sauce for dipping. These were light and satisfying.

The Krab Rangoon was another standout starter. Each crispy wonton was filled with a rich, creamy crab mixture that offered the perfect contrast to the crunchy exterior. Served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce, each bite offered the perfect mix of creamy, crispy, sweet, and tangy flavors.

One of the highlights of dining at Fancy Q is the extensive sushi menu. Whether you’re a fan of simple, classic rolls like a Spicy Tuna Roll or enjoy more creative specialty options, there’s something for every sushi lover.

Our favorite roll was the Rock N Roll, a flavorful combination of shrimp tempura, krab, cream cheese, fish eggs, and cucumber. The crispy shrimp tempura paired perfectly with the creamy filling and fresh cucumber, creating a roll that was packed with texture.

Not everyone visits a Japanese restaurant for sushi, and Fancy Q has plenty of options for those looking for something else. The Steak Hibachi is a great choice, featuring tender grilled steak served alongside a generous portion of grilled vegetables, stir-fried noodles, and flavor-packed fried rice. It’s a satisfying meal that delivers all the classic hibachi favorites.

Whether you’re a sushi enthusiast or simply in the mood for something packed with flavor, there’s plenty to discover on the menu.

www.fancyqslakelandfl.com

Enjoy!

T

Yellow Dog Café – Malabar, FL

Just south of Melbourne in Malabar, Yellow Dog Café is the kind of waterfront spot people stumble upon and want to come back to. Set on the Indian River, it pairs beautiful views with relaxed charm and comfort food with a little extra flair.

The Yellow Dog Café’s, Cosmopolitan came with a sugar rim. Crisp, citrusy, and just sweet enough, it’s an easy choice for something pretty, refreshing, and a little extra special with dinner.

The Baked Brie is wrapped in golden puff pastry and baked until perfectly war; this creamy brie is paired with a bright cranberry-cherry sauce, fresh fruit, and house-made crackers for an elegant start to the meal.

A coastal favorite done right, the Conch Fritters are packed with tender chopped conch, sweet red peppers, and onions. Crispy on the outside and flavorful within, they’re served with a tangy Dijon mustard dipping sauce that adds the perfect finishing touch.

The house-made Crab Bisque is rich, creamy, and brimming with sweet crab flavor, pure comfort in a bowl. Finished with a cute cracker shaped like the Yellow Dog logo, it’s a playful touch that makes this classic memorable.

Their Spinach Salad provides the perfect backdrop for sweet blueberries, crunchy candied pecans, and rich crumbled bleu cheese in this vibrant salad. Tossed with a house-made blueberry vinaigrette, each bite delivers a delicious balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.

The perfectly grilled Mahi Mahi takes on a tropical flair with a fresh pineapple salsa on top that is bursting with sweet and vibrant flavor. Served over a bed of rice and fresh green beans, this dish delivers a light, refreshing taste in every bite.

The Onion Crusted Chicken delivers a chicken breast with the perfect combination of crunch and flavor, covered with crispy fried onions and finished with a rich caramelized citrus sauce. Served alongside creamy mashed potatoes, fresh green beans, and broccoli, it’s a comforting dish with a bright, flavorful twist.

Comfort food meets Italian indulgence with their Five-Cheese Ravioli, filled with a rich blend of ricotta, mozzarella, asiago, provolone, and parmesan cheeses. Finished in a velvety vodka sauce, each bite is creamy, savory, and packed with classic flavor.

The Scallops are perfectly pan-seared and finished with a delicate lemon butter sauce that enhances their naturally sweet flavor. Served atop creamy risotto with tender asparagus, this elegant dish brings together rich textures and bright coastal flavors in every bite.

Whether you’re planning a laid-back dinner or celebrating something special, Yellow Dog Café has that easygoing Florida feel that makes it hard to leave. Stop by and experience the flavors, hospitality, and atmosphere for yourself.

www.yellowdogcafe.com

Enjoy!

T

Metro Diner – Jacksonville, FL

I’ve visited Metro Diner several times over the years, but always for breakfast. On this visit, I decided to switch things up and explore the lunch menu for the first time. With Metro Diner’s reputation for comfort food, I was excited to see if lunch could be just as satisfying as the breakfasts I’ve always enjoyed.

For lunch, I chose the Chicken Pot Pie, a comforting classic that delivered on every level. Beneath its golden homemade biscuit crust was a hearty filling of tender chicken, carrots, celery, and corn, all enveloped in a rich and creamy sauce. Every bite was warm, satisfying, and packed with the kind of homestyle flavor that makes this dish a diner favorite.

Another standout lunch selection was the Iron City Meatloaf, a hearty comfort food classic. The griddle-seared meatloaf was tender and flavorful, topped with a rich brown gravy that complemented every bite. Served alongside creamy mashed potatoes and seasoned green beans, this dish delivered all the comforting flavors of a home-cooked meal.

If you’re looking for a place that serves up generous portions and classic comfort food, Metro Diner is worth a visit. From hearty favorites to homestyle dishes, there’s something on the menu for everyone.

www.metrodiner.com

Enjoy!

T

Ulele – Tampa, FL

Along Tampa’s waterfront, Ulele reimagines Florida-inspired dining with thoughtful cuisine, local ingredients, and an atmosphere that balances history with contemporary style.

Every memorable meal has a beginning, and cocktails often set the tone. Whether bright and refreshing or bold and spirit-forward, the first sip creates a moment to settle in, connect, and ease into the dining experience before the first plate arrives.

The Tuna Benne  is a delicately seared yellowfin tuna crusted with benne seeds is paired with fresh wakame slaw and corn salsa, while chadon sauce and white garlic wasabi cream bring a smooth, flavorful finish.

The Calamari  is flash-fried and lightly crispy. It is layered with a vibrant citrus glaze, pickled jalapeño peppers, and a fiery-sweet chili aioli that adds just the right kick.

The vibrant Aji Amarillo Ceviche highlights fresh mahi-mahi, shrimp, and calamari bathed in zesty leche de tigre infused with Peruvian yellow pepper. Red onions, cilantro, sweet choclo corn, serrano pepper, and delicate trout roe create a lively balance of brightness and spice.

The Gorda Grouper is a tender Gulf grouper elevated with a creamy smoked Gouda ale béchamel. It is balanced by a flavorful wild rice blend and fresh green beans.

The Florida Pompano “Pallardy” is pan-seared to perfection and layered with a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce and delicate crawfish tail meat. Wild rice, crisp carrot ribbons, and green beans complete this flavorful coastal dish.

The Tomahawk Pork Chop is a tender 14 oz. pork chop complemented by sweet-savory guava demi-glace, velvety roasted garlic mashed potatoes, and fresh green beans.

No meal feels complete without something sweet, and dessert provided the perfect ending. Rich chocolate paired with creamy coconut ice cream offered a simple yet satisfying finish that lingered long after the last bite.

www.ulele.com

Enjoy!

T

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