Florida – Page 17 – Gator Girl

The Floridian – Treasure Island, FL

There is a restaurant in Treasure Island, Florida, not far from Tampa, that has been serving up Cuban sandwiches since 1993. They have won several awards including being voted “Best Cuban Sandwich in Tampa Bay”. At the suggestion of some great friends, we went to The Floridian to see what they were all about.

It is a small place that has a few tables inside and a large patio so customers can eat outside. That is where we ended up sitting.

Ordering is simple, just go up to the counter and tell them what you want. They make everything right there in front of you.

I was lucky enough to get a picture with the guys making my sandwich.

The Cuban sandwich had all the necessary ingredients: sliced ham, spiced pork, Genoa salami, Swiss cheese, and pickles. It was served on a toasted roll with mustard and mayo. The bread was extremely fresh and toasted perfectly. It had great crunch when I took a bite. Since the sandwich was warm, the meat was warm and it slightly melted the cheese. The flavors of the meats worked extremely well together. The mustard and mayo was mixed together for a creamier texture. I am not a mustard fan but the way they prepared the mixture made me fall in love with mustard.

I have had several Cuban sandwiches in and out of Florida and I agree with all the reports – this was the best I ever had. And as you can see from the picture, my friend Hunter agrees with me.

The Floridian has several other things on their menu besides Cuban sandwiches. The black beans and rice looked really tasty. I tried an item called a stuffed potato. I was very curious what this was.

It was a simple item, mashed potatoes that were stuffed with spiced beef. It was then lightly breaded and fried. It reminded me of croquettes that I have had before but instead of ham and cheese it was the spiced beef.

I really enjoyed this dish. The taste of the meat was amazing and was not too spicy. It was simple but it pack a lot of flavor. An order only came with one potato ball but I could have eaten a few more. I would highly recommend this item.

The Floridian is a great place and I am so glad my friends took me here. I will definitely stop by again when I am in the area. Check them out at http://www.floridianrestaurant.com/

Enjoy!

Beverly’s Restaurant – St. Pete Beach, FL

Before spending the day at the beach it is important to start off with a good breakfast. Beverly’s has been serving up hearty breakfasts since 1989.

It is a simple place that had people lined up outside waiting for a table, including myself.

They serve all the classic diner dishes. I went for a simple breakfast, eggs, grits, bacon, and toast. I got my eggs scrambled and mixed in the crunchy bacon. The grits were ok but I needed to add butter to them to make them a little creamier and saltier.

I did not get the homefries but I heard they were pretty popular. I was able to try a few off of my friend’s plate. They had great flavor from the seasoning they used. It tasted like they used a little chili powder and paprika.

Watching what the other customers were ordering it appeared that the pancakes and waffles were pretty popular. The pancakes were huge, practically the size of the whole plate they arrived on. The waffles came with tons of whipped cream on top, plus you can add chocolate chips.

The menu also includes several deli sandwiches that sounded good. However, you have to get there early because they are only open till 2:00pm.

Check them out at http://beverlysotb.com/

Enjoy!

Kafe Kokopelli – Dade City, FL

One of my favorite things to do on the weekend is have brunch. It is a great way to relax with family and friends plus enjoy some creative foods and cocktails. It was suggested that I try Kafe Kokopelli for brunch. They are located in a building that is over 100 years old. What I learned was the building was originally owned by Ford Motors to see their Model T. I thought it was amazing they were able to restore this location and repurpose it to something for the whole community. They have some pictures of the old building in the wall to keep the history alive.

Now upon looking at the rest of the décor around the restaurant, it feels more like a hunting lodge. There are stuffed bobcats, goats, and boar heads on display.

They use antlers to decorate the bar, walls, and lamps. If I didn’t know I was in Florida, I would have thought I was in the mountains.

I started off brunch with a mimosa. They make a unique one that combines prosecco, passion fruit vodka, and orange juice. It was a unique flavor that was not that sweet. I could taste more of the passion fruit than the orange juice.

Since I was eating later in the afternoon I was not feeling like any egg dishes. I wanted some more savory dishes. I ordered the almond crusted fried brie as a starter. The brie was lightly breaded for a slight crunch. Drizzled around the plate was fresh honey along with a little honeycomb. The saltiness of the cheese complemented the sweet honey perfectly. There was also a berry compote that came on the side. It was a blend of blackberries and blueberries. They were a blend of sweet and sour. When combined with the cheese the initial taste on my tongue was the sourness but after chewing the sweetness was the star.

By this time I was ready for another drink. I tried their tropical punch. It was a nice blend of rum, banana liquor, orange and pineapple juice, and a splash of grenadine. This drink was really sweet, completely opposite of the mimosa.

Since I was sticking with savory foods, I ordered a cup of the she crab bisque. It had lots of lump crab meat throughout the thick and creamy base. Normally with she crab there is supposed to be some sherry on top. I did not taste that element in my cup. Nevertheless, I still enjoyed it. I am glad I only ordered a cup because this bisque was really filling, especially with all the crab meat.

Now at this point the service was kind of slowed down. I am not sure if they were really busy in the kitchen. I am sure this was just because the restaurant was busy.

I was hungry again by the time my meatball arrabiatta came to the table. These were homemade meatballs that came with fresh pasta. The meatballs themselves were moist and spicy. The sauce that it came in was a garlic and pepper flake tomato sauce. This sauce added additional heat to the entire dish. It was extremely enjoyable. The sauce was also light and did not weigh down the pasta. I loved the fresh linguini pasta they used. I could tell it was fresh by the texture, it was doughier.

The food I had at Kafe Kokopelli was amazing. I only tried a few things from their extensive choices. I would definitely go back to try some other dishes. You can read about their history at http://www.kafekokopelli.com/

Enjoy!

Fire Restaurant – Winter Haven, FL

Winter haven is a small town in Central Florida. They have a cute little downtown area that is having a restaurant boom. Fire is one of those hot spots.

They are pretty big inside. There is an area where bands play. They have an outside patio area, with a full bar. This is also where you can go with your dog.

I was pretty hungry when I arrived because I had worked through lunch that day. I started off with the bacon wrapped scallops with an Asian slaw.

The scallops were large in size and wrapped tightly with crunchy bacon. The scallops were very tender and paired well with the bacon. It was as if the were soul mates with one being salty and the other sweet.

The Asian slaw added so many flavors to the dish. It consisted of cucumber and Mandarin oranges. The cucumbers added a crunchy element and the oranges added sweetness. Then drizzled across all of this were three different sauces: a hot sauce, a cucumber aioli, and a sweet and sour sauce. That may seem like an over use of sauce but they all worked spectacularly together. The hot sauce added heat that was quickly extinguished by the aioli. This was great with the scallops and bacon. The cucumbers and oranges were great tossed with the sweet and sour sauce. This was my favorite part; it was extremely refreshing. I would consider making this at home for a side dish.

I also ordered the fried green beans. I do not see these very often so I was happy to order them. They came with a red pepper dipping sauce. The breading had a subtle salty taste. The green beans were really fresh. I could tell as soon as I took a bite. Fresh green beans have a unique earthy taste to them. This is how I knew these were fresh. The red pepper dipping sauce was not spicy at all, it was slightly sweet and added extra flavor.

I also got some wings. They had a couple of flavor choices; I went with classic Buffalo sauce. I wanted them extra crispy because this is how I prefer my wings. They did come out crispy but they could have stayed a little longer in the fryer. They have nice meaty wings. The sauce had that great tangy kick that I have come to expect from Buffalo sauce.

I really enjoyed everything I ordered at Fire. It was all appetizers however, they do have a full menu with many options. I would want to come back and try one of their burgers, they looked great.

Check out their menu at http://thefirerestaurant.com/

Enjoy!

Robata Steakhouse – Clermont, FL

There is a stupendous Japanese steakhouse call Robata located in Clermont, Florida. I have been to this restaurant multiple times over the year. I have tweeted about them before but after another big family dinner there, I decided I needed to finally write about them on my blog.

With all my visits, Robata is always consistent in their flavor and quality of the food they serve. Their hibachi chefs always prepare flavorful entrees with a fun show. So it was the perfect option to take the family to celebrate my grandmother’s 90^th birthday.

Since this was a celebration, I went for a little change in my hibachi dinner. I ordered the chicken and scallops. I knew it would be a lot of food but I figured I could always get a to-go box.

As with all hibachi meals, I started off with the salad with ginger dressing. My salad had extra dressing, which made me really happy because I LOVE this dressing!

Out next was the soup. They do not have a traditional miso soup; it is more like a chicken soup with chopped up mushrooms. The unique aspect of their soup is they sprinkle fried onions straws on top that added extra flavor to the broth.

It was fun to watch the chef cook the fried rice and noodles. He made it look easy the way he cracked the eggs on the spatula.

I forgot how hot that grill was until I saw how fast the egg cooked.

The butter and sauces they use on both the rice and noodles was delicious. I could have just eaten bowls of these two items all night. I wish I could make my fried rice taste like this at home.

Another favorite part of the hibachi meal is the grilled shrimp.

The way these shrimp are cooked on the hot grill to create a crispy edge is something I can never find anywhere else. When I dip them in the ginger dipping sauce the flavor just seems to get even more robust.

If all of this wasn’t enough food, now comes the sautéed fresh vegetables – zucchini, onions, broccoli, and mushrooms. All chopped up and cooked in a combination of butter and soy sauce. They really are unique and delicious. Again, I wish my vegetables tasted like this at home.

Now was time for the main dish – the chicken and scallops.

The teriyaki sauce that the chef put on the chicken was sweet with just a hint of salty. The chicken was tender pieces of white meat. The scallops were seared perfectly, keeping the edges crispy but the scallop itself moist. The added flavor came when I dipped them in the Yum-Yum sauce.

I really was stuffed but dessert came out. It was their version of fried ice cream. Sweet vanilla ice cream was covered with tempura batter and deep fried. Then it was topped off with whipped cream and a strawberry drizzle. It was heavenly and to me it tasted exactly like birthday cake.

So if you have a big group of people and you want to have a fun, entertaining dinner then head over to Robata Steakhouse. Check out their menu at www.robatasteakhouse.com

Enjoy!

Columbia Restaurant – Clearwater Beach, FL

One of my favorite restaurants in Clearwater, Florida is Columbia Restaurant. They have multiple locations now but I have been visiting their Clearwater location for years. This Spanish-Cuban restaurant has been serving customers for over 100 years, and it is still family owned which is wonderful! They are rooted in family tradition and you can see that in the consistency of their famous dishes and drinks.

One of the reasons I love their Clearwater location is I can sit outside on their deck that overlooks the bay. Watching the boats go by reminds me why Florida is a perfect vacation spot.

On a hot summer afternoon, a pitcher of Columbia’s famous sangria is a must. They have red or white, I went for the white. What adds to the enjoyment of this sangria is they make it for you right at your table.

I love getting to watch every ingredient that goes into it, plus the care that the server puts into making it just right.

They use a Sauvignon Blanco that is made just for the restaurant. They mix in fresh citrus juices and a touch of brandy. This is the BEST sangria I have ever had. I measure all others I try based on this one.

For an appetizer I got the Ybor City Devil Crab Croquette. It’s made with fresh blue crab, paprika, and garlic. It’s rolled and covered in Cuban breadcrumbs then deep fried. There was a little spice to it but it balanced out with a sip of sangria.

The show stopper that is a must have for anyone visiting Columbia Restaurant is the “1905 Salad”. This salad is tossed right at your table. The chopped lettuce is mixed with julienne ham, Swiss cheese, turkey (if you want to add that), tomato, olives, grated Romano cheese and their homemade garlic dressing. It’s the dressing that makes this salad irresistible.

You can get a smaller version of the salad, but I recommend the full size that they table can share. This is one of the only salads that I have ever been able to eat as my meal. It’s refreshing on a summer afternoon overlooking the water.

Whether you are there on vacation or just having a quick lunch, being at Columbia helps you forget your troubles. Check out their website at www.columbiarestaurant.com to find a location near you. You can always stop by their Tampa airport location before you get on your plane back home.

Enjoy!

Donut King – Clermont, FL

When visiting my sister in Florida we have made it a new family tradition to stop by Donut King. There is always a line out the door and they offer fresh made donuts 24 hours a day.

As soon as you walk through the door you are greeted with the sweet smell of glaze and yeast. My mouth started watering just looking at the assortment of donuts.

We always get a dozen – but the tough part is deciding what flavors to get. They have chocolate, different flavor frostings, jelly and cream filled, bear claws, cinnamon rolls, sprinkles, and much, much more.

We make sure to get everyone’s favorite. I got the double chocolate. I could not wait to eat it so rather than waiting till I got to the house I just ate it in the car!

If you are within driving distance, make a short detour onto Highway 50 and check out the king of donuts! www.thedonutking.com

Enjoy!

Taco Bus – Tampa, FL

When in Tampa, a stop at the Taco Bus (which is actually a converted school bus) for authentic Mexican food is a must. What started out as just a food truck has grown into 5 different locations around the Tampa area.

Their menu is quiet large and includes gluten -free and vegan options. You can choose from classics like tacos, burritos, and quesadillas or try a torta (which is beans, filling, veggies, and cheese on fresh bread) or a tostada (a crunchy flat tortilla loaded with beans, filling, veggies, and cheese).

When you know what you want, just walk up to the window and order.

I wanted to try something different, instead of just getting tacos. I went for the tostada. It was almost like a taco salad, just on the flat tortillas instead of a shell bowl. The fresh fried tortillas were very light and would be wonderful on their own with just a little cinnamon and sugar. I also made sure I got a side of their refried beans and Mexican rice.

While many customers get their food to go, there are plenty of seats for you to sit and enjoy your food while it is still nice and hot. I wanted to make sure I had the full Taco Bus experience so I stayed to eat.

If you want great Mexican food that is prepared fast and well then you need to stop by the Taco Bus. taco-bus.com

Enjoy!

Whale’s Rib – Deerfield Beach, FL

Nothing tastes better than fresh seafood, and what better place to enjoy it than within walking distance to the beach. This is where Whale’s Rib is located. I had driven by this restaurant for years and never stopped in. What a mistake that was. When I finally went in I realized I had been missing out on some great dishes for years.

Let’s start with the lobster bisque; most places I’ve had bisque at only offer a slight presence of lobster – but not here. This bisque had large chunks of lobster meat mixed in the creamy broth. I was only disappointed that I ordered just a cup.

My server recommended I order the “Whale Fries” which are their homemade potato chips. They were thinly sliced and fried to a perfect crisp. They came with a dipping sauce called “Whale Juice”. This was an awesome sauce that is there secret recipe. It was so good I really wanted to know what was in so I could try making it at home but I was not able to convince my server to tell me.

The sauce was so good I got extra and added it to my lobster salad. If you love lobster then this salad is for you. Much like the bisque, there were large chucks of lobster meat that was sweet tasting. I swear I had to have an entire lobster worth of meat on this salad.

So if you’ve worked up an appetite after swimming in the Atlantic, stop by Whale’s Rib for a great lunch. www.whalesrib.com

Enjoy!

Metro Diner – Jacksonville, FL

Before heading south to Gainesville, I stopped off for breakfast at Metro Diner. It was another restaurant that was featured on The Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives.

It’s a great local place that is tucked away in a neighborhood. It was packed for a Friday morning – with a line all the way out the door, spilling onto the sidewalk.

I was hungry for French toast and they offered several options to choose from, it was a difficult decision:

Cinnamon Raisin Pecan French toast
Croissant French toast
Pound Cake French toast
Yo Hala on the Square French toast (challah bread stuffed with bananas, cream cheese, hazel nut syrup topped with blueberries & strawberries)

I went for the Cinnamon Raisin Pecan. It was a great twist on a classic. If you love sweets this is the breakfast for you.

They have many daily breakfast and lunch specials so there is always something new to try. Check out the menu at: www.metrodiner.com

Enjoy!
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Category: Florida

The Floridian – Treasure Island, FL

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Beverly’s Restaurant – St. Pete Beach, FL

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Kafe Kokopelli – Dade City, FL

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Fire Restaurant – Winter Haven, FL

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Robata Steakhouse – Clermont, FL

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Columbia Restaurant – Clearwater Beach, FL

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Donut King – Clermont, FL

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Taco Bus – Tampa, FL

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Whale’s Rib – Deerfield Beach, FL

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Metro Diner – Jacksonville, FL

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