Category: Florida

The Conch Shack – Key West, FL

Located on Duval Street is a small little place called The Conch Shack. A friend of mine recommended that I check them out because they have awesome conch fritters.

There was a long line when I got there. I waited my turn patiently, smelling the fresh fritters being cooked. When I finally got to the window I quickly ordered my conch fritters so that they could be made quickly too. I was hungry!

It would take a few minutes to get my order because they make them once you order; this allows them to be nice and hot. Luckily, I was able to grab a seat at their little bar. There are not many seats.  While I waited I was able to do some great people watching on Duval Street.

When I got my fritters, they were piping hot. I could not touch them for a while. Once they cooled off I was able to open them up and see all the pieces of fresh conch. They were very generous with the amount. The seasoning they used in the batter was subtle and did not overpower the briny flavor of the conch.

They served a fresh made tarter sauce on the side. I tired a few bites with the sauce, but I preferred the fritters plain.

This was a fun little place. It’s perfect to get a quick bite to eat. Make sure you have cash because that is all they take.  Check them out at www.myconchshack.com

Enjoy!

T

Island Dog Bar – Key West, FL

Walking around Duval Street in Key West really worked up my appetite and made me thirsty. I passed a bar called Island Dog that looked popular, so I stopped in.

What better way to celebrate being in Key West than with a cocktail called a Key Lime Colada. They blended a Pina Colada mix with Don Q coconut rum and Keke’s key lime liqueur. They “salted” the rim of the glass with crushed cookies to be reminiscent of the graham cracker crust of a key lime pie. It was extremely clever. I could taste the coconut flavor from the Pina Colada with a hint of the key lime. It was almost like a dessert.

One of the things that the Key’s are known for in conch. Conch is a mollusk that live in those beautiful seashells you find at souvenir shops. I wanted to make sure that I tried a few conch items that were on the menu.

I started with their white conch “chowdah”. They had tons of conch in the creamy white broth that was loaded with potatoes, bacon, and fresh herbs. It reminded me of a clam chowder.

The conch was tender and cut into small pieces which made it easy to eat. They used a ton of fresh potatoes that were tender as well. The bacon added a little crunch and smoky flavor. It was a great creamy soup.

I also wanted to try the conch fritters. These are most certainly a Key West tradition. Tender pieces of conch were mixed with a batter that reminded me of hush puppies. They deep fried the fritters until they were extra crispy on the outside.

When I opened the fritter, steam just poured out. The seasoning they added to the batter was savory and sweet. It paired well with the conch that was slightly salty. The fritters were also really good when dipped in the fresh cocktail sauce. It added a little zip to each bite.

I did make a second visit to Island Dogs Bar during my trip to Key West. When I went back I ordered the chargrilled oysters. I was excited to see these on the menu which is why I went back.

These delicious oysters came out sizzling on the tray. I could not wait to dig in, but I needed to wait a few minutes to allow them to cool down. They were too hot to pick up.

The oyster meat was extremely tender. The garlic butter that they were cooked in was full of flavor. The parmesan cheese that was sprinkled on top added a great salty taste that accented the briny taste of the oyster.

I was so glad that I went to Island Dogs Bar twice. It allowed me to really experience what they had to offer. I highly recommend checking them out in Key West. Check out their website at www.islanddogsbar.com

Enjoy!

T

Islamorada Fish Company – Islamorada, FL

Driving down to Key West you pass through a few different island towns. About an hour outside of Key West is Islamorada, Florida. It was the perfect area to stop and get something for lunch. What better place to stop then the World Famous Islamorada Fish Company.

There is inside seating but with the restaurant being on the water, the best seats are outside on the deck. The deck was huge, and the views were absolutely breathtaking. It really makes you feel like you are in paradise.

I started off with conch fritters for the table. These are a staple for the Keys so I could not wait to try them. The breading was nice and crispy on the outside and it helped keep the inside hot. The filling had a great taste, almost like a hush puppy.

There were big pieces of conch throughout each bite. I liked the flavor of the fritter by itself but dipping it in some tarter sauce helped add a zesty taste.

All their sandwiches came with a side salad. It was a simple salad that had a nice Italian dressing. It was a fresh starter and was great to enjoy it with the breeze coming off the water.

I got the crab cake sandwich for my lunch. It was a big crab cake. The sweet crab meat was mixed with seasoned breadcrumbs and deep fried. It was good on the soft bun but after a few bites the bread was filling me up too fast, so I took the crab cake off. It was nice and crispy on the outside and soft and moist inside.

I was also able to taste the grilled grouper sandwich. The fresh grouper was flakey and had a great grilled taste. They melted a generous amount of cheese on top of the fish. I had never had cheese on grilled fish before. It was actually really good; the creaminess of the cheese paired well with the flakey grouper.

Visiting Islamorada Fish Company was the best way to kick off my vacation to the Keys. The view was perfect, and the food was great. They have a couple of locations across the country. If you can’t make it to the southern most point of the United States, you can always visit somewhere else.

Visit their website at www.islamoradafishco.com

Enjoy!

T

Mojo’s – Lakeland, FL

Watching football on Sunday’s is a tradition across America. Having a fun place where you can watch the game and have great food is a must. I found that place in Lakeland, Florida called Mojo’s.

They were founded in 2008 and are known for their ice cold beer. I was very excited to see that their wings have won tons of awards.

Their menu is cute and creative. It’s a newspaper!

I was thrilled to try their red raspberry sangria. It can be ordered by the glass or the pitcher. Naturally, since it was game day I ordered the pitcher. They use raspberry liquor, cherry juice, and cranberry juice and mix that with Merlot and fresh squeezed oranges. It was the perfect amount of sweetness and great for a warm Florida afternoon.

For an appetizer, I ordered their potato chips and queso. It’s a unique combination. They make homemade potato chips that are really addicting. The queso has a chili mixed in that has a little bit of spice. I enjoyed how the spicy queso and the sweetness of the sangria complemented each other.

Since their wings have won awards I knew I needed to try these. There are several sauces to choose from so it’s good they can be ordered in increments of 5. I was able to try different flavors:

  • Hot
  • Garlic Parmesan
  • Sweet & Spicy Plum

The Hot is a traditional Buffalo wing sauce. It was not too spicy; it was the right amount of heat. The kick came from the vinegar in the sauce after I was done eating the wing.

The Garlic Parmesan was a creamy sauce with minced garlic mixed in. It was a little salty but the creamy sauce added a buttery flavor that balanced out the salt. I imagine this sauce would be amazing on pasta.

The Sweet & Spicy Plum is their take on an Asian sauce. The spice was not to hot and the sweet came from the plum sauce that was mixed it. I could really taste the plum. This sauce was my favorite. I liked how unique the flavor was. It was great on the crispy skin of the wings.

I had a great time at Mojo’s and I definitely want to visit again because their burgers looked really good. Plus the staff was fantastic. My waitress, Tiffany, was great!

For a fun time watching football or playing pool on the patio – Mojo’s is a must visit. Check out their website at: http://www.getmojod.com/

Enjoy!

T

 

 

Gaspar’s Grotto – Tampa, FL

Ybor City is a historic area in Tampa, Florida. In the late 19th century, this was home to many cigar manufacturers. Though the area has changed over the years, you can still find a few shops where a cigar can be rolled right in front of your eyes. Now Ybor City is filled with restaurants, shops, and night life. The original Columbia Restaurant that I have previously written about is located in Ybor City.

I was not sure what I was hungry for when I got there, but after walking around I saw Gaspar’s Grotto. The pirate flag caught my attention. The entire restaurant is pirate themed.

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The first thing I noticed on the front of the menu was that they are known for their sangrias. They make a homemade red and white every day. Depending on how thirsty you are you can order them by the glass, half carafe or pitcher. I just went for a glass.

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I started off with the red. This version was not overly sweet. They used a unique blend of watermelon and honeydew for the fruit decoration. It made the drink feel more tropical. It paired great with the appetizer I started with.

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My bartender recommended I try the Tostones with Mojo marinated shredded pork. This pork was served on top of fried plantains with a spicy salsa and a guava sour cream drizzle.

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The pork was juicy and shredded to perfection, no need for a knife at all. The salsa had a huge kick but then the heat was softened by the guava sauce. The fried plantains reminded me of potato pancakes, except that they were a little sweet. They tasted amazing dipped in the guava sour cream.

It was time for a drink refill. This time, I went for the white. I knew I had to try their other option. The white sangria is much sweeter than the red.

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This one also had the melons on top.

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One of the other items that Gaspar’s is known for is the Cuban sandwich. Of course I had to try that. The bread was toasted and the cheese melted wonderfully around the meat. The sandwich was much bigger than I was expecting so I had to take half of it back home.

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The sandwich came with fried plantain chips. These chips were slightly sweet and lightly salted. They were extremely addicting. I could not stop eating them. They were better than any kettle chips I have had.

If you want great food and drinks Gaspar’s Grotto is a great spot. Plus with their outside seating area you can enjoy an array of live music. Visit them at www.gasparsgrotto.com

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Enjoy!

T

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Scarpa’s – Lakeland, FL

Some friends of mine knew how much I loved Italian food and told me that I needed to join them at Scarpa’s in Lakeland, Florida. They absolutely love this place so I knew I would love it too.

As soon as I walked in I was greeted by a giant chalkboard filled with their daily specials. As soon as I saw arancinis on the board, I knew I would be getting these for sure.

The restaurant is slightly small inside so it is necessary to make a reservation. They do have a beautiful wine cellar with several great options to choose from.

I ordered a glass of their Rose Prosecco. It was pretty in color and light in flavor. It is not as dry as other Proseccos can be.

The fresh bread they brought to the table was amazing. This Italian bread was crispy on the outside and soft and warm inside. They served it with a side of seasoned olive oil. I could have eaten the entire basket so I had to pull myself back.

As planned I ordered the arancini. Two huge rice balls came out on the plate. I could not wait to see the chef’s interpretation. The breading on the outside was very crunchy. Inside was the cheesy rice. There were no peas or chopped meat which was ok because they used a ton of cheese that made it super creamy. The flavor was great on its own but the pasta sauce they served on the side was a nice complement to the cheese.

The eggplant rolatini came out fore I could finish the arancini. This was considered an appetizer but I thought it was big enough for a meal. Two large pieces of eggplant was plenty for me. The eggplant was sliced very thin and breaded just enough to get crispy on the outside. Inside the eggplant was loaded with a soft, creamy cheese mixture. The cheese had a sweet taste. It had pasta sauce drizzled on top along with a little extra cheese. The flavor was great and the cheese made the dish extremely filling.

The few things that I had a Scarpa’s were wonderful. I want to make sure I make another visit to try some other items. I heard the Parmesan crusted grouper is amazing.

Check them out at www.scarpasitalian.com and make sure you have a reservation.

Enjoy!

T

Trattoria Nonna – Boca Raton, FL

I was so excited to be celebrating my grandmother’s 92 birthday. We took her out to a really nice dinner at one of her favorite Italian restaurants – Trattoria Nonna.

Trattoria Nonna is a local, family owned restaurant where they make so many things fresh. It is so warm and inviting when you walk in. It is decorated beautifully.

Our waiter was wonderful and really knew how to handle a large party. He made sure to bring us plenty of fresh bread right away. They offer two kinds – fresh made Italian white bread that is crispy on the outside and soft inside and homemade garlic bread that is crispy and full of flavor.

We ordered a few appetizers for everyone to enjoy. The calamari fritti was perfect for everyone. The calamari was tender and was fried to a perfect crisp. They also fried up some cherry peppers which was a nice addition. These were served with a spicy marinara sauce for dipping.

They had a really special dish I have never seen on a menu but see on cooking shows all the time – zucchini flower blossoms. They stuffed the delicate blossoms with Ricotta cheese and pesto. These were extremely rich. The cheese was so creamy and the pesto added all the flavor. The zucchini blossom actually did not have much taste.

For my dinner I ordered the Tortelloni Piemontese. These were jumbo size tortelloni that were completely hand made. They were stuffed with generous amounts of Asiago cheese. They were very rich and creamy. The pasta was sauteed with fresh sliced mushrooms, pancetta, and peas. The peas added a slight sweetness, while the pancetta added saltiness. The mushrooms added soft texture that paired perfectly with the cheese.

There was a singer going around the restaurant playing an accordion. I was able to get him to sing happy birthday to my grandmother, which she got a kick out of.

The restaurant also brought out a huge slice of tiramisu to enjoy. They make their desserts fresh everyday and I could tell as soon as I took a taste how fresh it was. The cake was soaked in espresso which was amazing. The cream that was placed in between the cake was so creamy. It helped cut down on the flavor of the espresso. The dusting of cinnamon on top added just a hint of spice.

The food at Trattoria Nonna was amazing. Everything was so fresh it made eating each bite so enjoyable. I cannot wait to go back. Check the out their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Italian-Restaurant/Trattoria-Nonna-175664596312233/

Enjoy!

T

Whiskey Joe’s – Tampa, FL

What better way to watch the sunset over the water than at a beach bar. Whiskey Joe’s offers this. You can choose to sit on the sandy beach with your toes in the water or on the deck at their Tiki Bar.

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I chose the Tiki Bar. I honestly felt this was the best seat in the house. The sunset was breathtaking. Completely calming and allows all your troubles to melt away.

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To enjoy the sunset I ordered a “Gator Juice” cocktail. Being a Gator myself I felt it was appropriate. This drink was a blend of three different rums along with orange and pineapple juices as a splash of grenadine.

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Their menu is extensive with many different seafood options. Their “Island Firecracker Shrimp” caught my attention. These were fried shrimp that are tossed in their “Joe’s Island Glaze”, which is essentially a sweet Thai chili sauce. It’s served on top of fried wonton noodles. The breading on the shrimp was crispy even as it soaked up the sauce. The flavor was both sweet and a little spicy. I really enjoyed snacking on the fried wontons once the shrimp were all gone.

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If you want to enjoy a Florida sunset while eating and drinking something fun and tropical, then Whiskey Joe’s is where you have to go. Check out their full menu at www.whiskeyjoestampa.com

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Enjoy!

T

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West Caribbean Cuban Restaurant – Lakeland, FL

This restaurant is a little off the beaten path in Lakeland, but their Cuban food is worth the drive. I love Cuban food and it is not something you can find regularly outside of Florida. So when I visit it is a must have on my list.

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To start lunch off, I got two appetizers for the table. The first being fried ripe sweet plantains. These are my absolute favorite dish. I can tell that the plantain was perfect because it will be soft and sweet. When it is hard and bland then the plantain is not ripe enough. The best way to cook these is simply sautéing them in some butter and they are ready to go.

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The ham croquettes were also great to share. The ham was chopped up very fine. It was fried to crispy perfection. When I bit in I could taste the smoky flavor of the ham.

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I ordered their Lechon Asado – which is the traditional shredded pork. Cuban shredded pork is my second favorite dish (remember the fried plantains are my first). There is something special about how the pork is prepared and seasoned that I cannot replicate at home. The dish also came with a side of black beans and rice and more fried sweet plantains.

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The pork was amazing. It was juicy and the salty seasonings could be tasted throughout the meat, not just on the surface. There were also a few crispy edges which added a little crunch.

The black beans and rice they served were delicious and different from others I have had. Instead of serving white rice with a bowl of black beans in a sauce on the side, they actually combined them both and cooked it that way. I liked this style because it allowed the sauce and beans to coat all of the rice.

For authentic Cuban food, please visit West Caribbean Cuban Restaurant. They give you huge portions so plan on having a to go box.

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Check out their Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/westcaribbeancubanrestaurant/

Enjoy!

T

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Frescos – Lakeland, FL

I have written about Frescos in Lakeland, Florida before. I went back recently for brunch again. I had such a great experience I thought I would write about them again.

I started off with the deviled eggs. They are perfect for sharing. These had a beautiful sweetness to them. They also had crunchy bacon accents that added a very slight touch of saltiness.

For my meal I ordered the spicy chicken and waffles with chorizo gravy. After I ordered it my waiter said this was his favorite dish. When I here this from someone who works at the restaurant I knew I made the right selection.

This was a unique take on chicken and waffles. They used roasted chicken thigh meat. It was off the bone so it was easier to eat. The gravy had all the spice because of the chorizo they used. The chicken was covered in it. The waffle was extremely sweet. It created a perfect enhancement to the heat from the gravy. The dish was pretty big in size so it could easily be shared.

Now my favorite thing about Frescos brunch is their bottomless mimosas. However, there is more to it then just being bottomless. They offer several different flavors. So each time you order you can try something new. They had several flavors on the menu that were not available the last visit. They had Prickly Pear listed but when I went to order it my waiter said they had run out. I was lucky the last time I visited I got to try it. Clearly this is a popular flavor, so add that to your must try list.

I started off with the Pineapple. That’s my favorite juice so it is always a must for me.

The Raspberry version had great tartness to it.

The White Peach was light. There was a subtle peach taste, nothing overpowering.

My last mimosa I went for something fun. They were offering a Sex on the Beach mimosa. It was made perfectly with the right amount of grenadine. This was the sweetest of all the mimosas I tried.

Just like my first visit, this visit was fantastic. My waiter was fun and engaging. The food was great and the mimosas were wonderful. Make sure you add them to your brunch list.

www.frescoslakeland.com

Enjoy!

T