Tag: Lakeland

Some restaurants simply serve a meal, while others create the kind of experience that makes you want to linger a little longer. Tucked away on Lakeland’s north side, Il Forno brings together classic Italian flavors, freshly prepared dishes, and a welcoming atmosphere that feels like gathering around the family table. From the first bite to the last, it’s a place where comfort and tradition come together beautifully.

Il Forno’s homemade Sangria is the perfect way to start your meal. I chose the white sangria, which was light, fruity, and refreshing, while guests who prefer a bolder flavor can opt for the red version.

Il Forno’s garlic bread arrives warm, buttery, and loaded with garlic flavor. Paired with their house marinara sauce for dipping, it’s the perfect way to kick off an Italian feast.

One thing that keeps me coming back to Il Forno is their rotating soup specials. On one visit, I enjoyed a rich and comforting Creamy Chicken Soup, proving that you never know what delicious homemade creation might be waiting on the daily specials board.

Pair a soup with the Caprese Salad, creating a light yet satisfying combination. Fresh slices of mozzarella and ripe tomatoes were layered with fragrant basil, then finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and olive oil for a simple, classic Italian starter that complemented the rich soup beautifully.

While listed as an appetizer, the Mussels Marinara is easily large enough for a meal. Tender mussels are sautéed in a savory red sauce with garlic and parsley, making this one of my favorite dishes to order.

When it comes to main dishes, Il Forno offers several Italian classics, including a delicious Fettuccine Alfredo. Creamy Parmesan cheese sauce coats the fettuccine pasta, while bits of pancetta add a savory touch that takes this comforting favorite to the next level.

Another classic worth trying is the Penne alla Vodka. Tender penne pasta is tossed in a rich vodka-infused pink cream sauce and finished with prosciutto ham, creating a flavorful dish that’s both creamy and satisfying.

One of the best reasons to check the specials board is that there’s always a chance to discover something new. On one visit, a standout special was the Eggplant Rollatini—thin slices of eggplant rolled around a creamy cheese filling, baked in tomato sauce, and served with a side of spaghetti for a comforting Italian meal.

Another memorable special featured tender chicken served in a creamy spinach sauce with tomatoes, all tossed with penne pasta. The combination of rich, savory flavors and perfectly cooked pasta made this dish a standout from the specials board.

Finish your meal the Italian way with a chilled glass of Limoncello. Its bright lemon flavor provides a refreshing and satisfying ending to a great meal.

From classic Italian favorites to ever-changing daily specials, Il Forno offers delicious food, generous portions, and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s a North Lakeland gem that’s well worth a visit.

ilfornolakeland.com

Enjoy!

T

Nestled in the heart of downtown Lakeland, Fresco’s has become a favorite gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. Combining a vibrant atmosphere with a menu full of creative flavors, this longtime staple offers the perfect setting to relax, enjoy great food, and soak in the energy of the city.

Brunch at Fresco’s is even better with one of their signature cocktails. For those looking to celebrate the weekend, the bottomless mimosas are a popular choice, adding a fun and refreshing touch to an already enjoyable brunch experience.

A great starter to share is the Deviled Eggs, a Southern classic with a delicious twist. Topped with bacon crumbles and candied jalapeños, they deliver the perfect balance of creamy, smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors in every bite.

For a lighter brunch option, the Chicken Salad Croissant is a standout choice. Sweet chicken salad made with apricots, pineapple, and walnuts is layered with lettuce, tomatoes, and onions on a flaky croissant. Served with a side of homemade potato salad, it’s a refreshing and satisfying meal.

For those craving a deli classic, the Reuben Sandwich delivers. House-roasted corned beef is piled high with sauerkraut and Thousand Island dressing on rye bread, creating the perfect combination of savory and tangy flavors. Served with a side of crispy fries.

Whether you’re gathering for brunch with friends or enjoying a casual lunch downtown, Fresco’s offers great food, refreshing drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere that keeps guests coming back.

frescoslakeland.com

Enjoy!

T

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

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

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

There is a wonderful Italian restaurant in Lakeland, Florida that is only open for dinner. And it is a small place, so it is impossible to show up without a reservation. It had been many years since I had been there, so I decided to check them out. We had a reservation for a Monday, it made it a little easier to get a table.

As soon as you walk in you must check out the chalkboard. This is where they list all their specials for the day.

We were one of the first groups to be seated so the restaurant was still a little empty. But by the time we got our drinks the place was full.

Freshly made bread and olive oil came to the table as we were looking over the menu. The bread was crispy on the outside and soft inside. The olive oil with an Italian blend of seasonings, was creamy and had a buttery texture.

The first appetizer we ordered was one of their daily specials, Strawberry Balsamic Brie. We were excited to try this because it is the start of strawberry season in Florida. They took a beautiful brie cheese and baked it in the oven with honey, balsamic vinegar, sliced almonds, and fresh strawberries. The dish came out sizzling to the table; it took a few minutes for it to cool off slightly. They served toasted ciabatta bread on the side. The crunch from the bread was a nice complement to the softness of the cheese. The sweetness from the strawberries and honey paired perfectly with the saltiness of the cheese.

The other appetizer that came to the table was the Eggplant Rollatini. They served 2 pieces which was perfect to cut in half to share. The eggplant was thinly sliced and fried until crispy. Then it was rolled with ricotta cheese and baked until the cheese melted. Then they topped it off with a freshly made marinara sauce. The eggplant was cooked wonderfully allowing the outside to be crispy and the inside soft, not mushy.

Two of the dishes ordered for dinner were the special, Spinach Artichoke Chicken. They grilled the chicken and topped it with a creamy spinach artichoke dip. They ran it through the oven to make the dip a little crispy. They served the chicken with a side of orzo rice and grilled zucchini and yellow squash. The creaminess of the spinach artichoke made the dish very rich.

I ordered the Chicken Florentine for my meal. They chargrilled this chicken as well with amazing Italian seasoning. They served angel hair pasta and fresh spinach on the side. These were drizzled with olive oil and garlic. It was simple but delicious. This was some of the best spinach that I have ever had. There was no bitter taste the way it was prepared.

The last meal that was ordered was the Lasagna. This classic dish was layers of cheese, sauce, and noodles. It came with 2 large homemade meatballs. The meatballs were tender and juicy. They were a nice accompaniment to the lasagna.

It was time for dessert. They had many options to choose from. We ordered the Crème Brule. This sweet dessert had the crispy melted sugar on top covering the creamy filling. The filling was cool, and the sugar crust was warm. It was a wonderful contrast of temperature.

The Tiramisu was delicious. It was layers of lady fingers soaked in espresso. Then they were layered with a mascarpone cheese mixture and dusted with chocolate and powdered sugar. The espresso flavor was not too strong as it was mellowed by the cheese filling which was extremely creamy.

The food at Scarpa’s was fantastic. Our waiter was attentive and very friendly. It was an amazing evening out. Give them a call and make a reservation that next time you are in Lakeland. Check out their menu at www.scarpasitalian.comEnjoy!

T

If you are in downtown Lakeland and looking for a wonderful Spanish influence restaurant then Nineteen Sixty-One is the place to visit.

There are many great starters that are perfect for sharing around the table. The Brussel Sprouts were one of those dishes. They were flash fried and tossed in a maple balsamic vinaigrette. Then they were topped with raisin caramel and Manchego cheese. These were the sweetest Brussel sprouts that I have ever had. The maple vinaigrette and raisin caramel were a flawless combination of flavors that mellowed out the bitterness of the Brussel sprouts.

The Peruvian Ceviche was marvelous. The ceviche was made with Corvina (a sweet fish) and soaked in Leche de Tigre (the liquid from the fish mixed with ginger, lime juice, & cilantro). There was cancha choclo mixed in with the fish. Cancha Choclo are whole corn kernels that have been soaked so that they puff up. They served plantain chips on the side. The ceviche was full of immense flavor.  It was tangy from the acid in the lime juice which accented the sweetness of the fish.

The Chips, Avocado Mousse, & Tomatillo Salsa was another great sharable. They made homemade tortilla chips to dip into the mousse and salsa. They also included plantain chips. The avocado mousse was extremely creamy and a little tangy. It was delicious on the plantain chips. The tomatillo salsa was a blend of roasted tomatillos and jalapenos. It was not as spicy as I was expecting with the jalapenos.

To help enjoy these appetizers we ordered a bottle of red wine called Finca La Mata. It was a Tempranillo, which is a black grape from Spain. It was bold but smooth in flavor.

I got to try the soup of the day which was a creamy clam chowder. There was an overall sweet flavor to the soup. The clams were tender.

I made sure to order the 1961 Salad. I heard that this was a best seller. They had chopped up lettuce tossed with Manchego cheese, baby Swiss, and manzanilla olives. They coated the ingredients with a homemade house dressing. The dressing reminded me of both an Italian and Greek salad dressing. It had a tangy taste, but I could not get enough of it.  I wish I could have bought a bottle of this dressing for home.

For my dinner I ordered the Arroz Chaufa. This was a Peruvian style Chinese fried rice. They used Peruvian spices, bean sprouts, soy sauce, cilantro, and scrambled eggs. They drizzled a Fresno aioli on top and sprinkled green onions all over. I ordered the rice with chicken. They had tender pieces of chicken chopped up throughout. They had marinated the chicken which added extra flavor to the rice. It had a nice smoky taste to it from the Peruvian spices.

The Seafood Paella was also ordered. This took a little extra time to make so it needs to be ordered right away so that it will come out with the rest of the meals. This was a traditional Spanish paella with bay scallops, lobster tail, shrimp, clams mixed with calasparra rice (the traditional Spanish rice used in paella), cantimpalo chorizo, bell peppers, onions, peas, saffron, cilantro, and sofrito (onions, garlic, bell peppers, tomatoes in a sauce). This paella had extraordinary flavor. The saffron in the rice pairs perfectly with the seafood. The lobster was tender, but the bay scallops were my favorite part. They were sweet, which was a contrast to the saltiness from the other components.

The other dish that was ordered was the Churrasco Steak. They marinated a flat iron steak in aji panca (a Peruvian red pepper marinade). It was cooked to a perfect medium. It was served on top of a black bean chorizo risotto. On the plate they included an avocado crema, salsa criolla, and chimichurri. The steak was tender and full of bold flavor. But it was the black bean risotto that was the star. It had a hint of spice and a creamy texture. It was something unique that I was not expecting when I hear risotto.

Each dish was amazing at Nineteen Sixty-One. We did not save room for dessert so we will definitely have to go back another time for that. Check out their menu at www.nineteen61.com

Enjoy!

T

 

We went to The Back Nine because we heard their brunch was amazing. They do have a specific brunch menu for Saturdays and Sundays, but you can also order items off their regular menu.

Since I was there with a large group of friends, I was excited to see all the different dishes that we were going to order.

The staple item that we always order when we come here are the Par Three Fries. These are amazing French fries. Everyone loves sharing them because they come with 3 different types of fries: Curly, Crinkle, and Traditional straight. They are cooked perfectly, and they fry them up to order because they are always piping hot when we get them. Make sure you ask for some of their homemade cheese sauce on the side. This is perfect for dipping the fries in.

One of the brunch dishes ordered was the Chicken and Waffles. This was breaded chicken tenders that were placed on top of a waffle. Then they were topped with fresh fruit and sprinkled with powdered sugar. The chicken was amazing. The breading was crispy and had great flavor and the chicken remained moist and juicy. I loved dipping it in maple syrup for extra flavor.

The Classic Breakfast Plate was truly a classic. It came with 2 eggs (these were ordered scrambled), sausage patties, toast, homefries, and fresh fruit. The eggs were amazing. They had such a creamy taste. It reminded me of the way my dad use to make them when I was a kid.

The Breakfast Bowl was pretty big. The bowl started with homefries being covered in the house made cheese sauce. Then there were layers of peppers, onions, and bacon. It was topped off with 2 scrambled eggs. If you like having all your ingredients mixed together for easy eating, this is the dish for you. The homemade cheese sauce helped pull the whole dish together.

A few friends did not feel like breakfast items, so they ordered more lunch type items. The Mahi Tacos looked fantastic when they came out. There were 3 flour tortillas stuffed with grilled mahi-mahi, housemade slaw, and a Cajun remoulade on top. My friend devoured all three. She said the fish was flakey and the sauce made them taste amazing.

If you like salads then the Cobb Salad would be a great choice. The mixed greens were topped with fresh grilled chicken, sliced egg, onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, bacon, and bleu cheese crumbles. The bleu cheese dressing was served on the side. This was such a fresh-looking salad. The bleu cheese crumbles helped set it apart and make it unique from other cobb salads I have seen.

Lastly the chicken tenders were ordered. This was the same chicken that came on the chicken and waffles, but just with a few more pieces. It came with grilled veggies on the side which were grilled zucchini and yellow squash.

The food was amazing at The Back Nine. They never disappoint. And the staff is fantastic and always trying to take care of you.

Check out The Back Nine in Lakeland. And if you want to have fun playing the golf simulators, head to the back of the restaurant. They also have a great loyalty program, so make sure to sign up for that.

Check out their website at www.thebackninelakeland.com

Enjoy!

T

If you follow me on social media, I have done many posts about a great restaurant called The Back Nine in Lakeland, Florida.

It is owned and run by a husband and wife, whose dream was to open a restaurant. They have a wonderful menu, a full bar, and fun golf simulators in the back where you can have a fun game of golf (or a variety of other games, including zombie dodgeball).

They serve an amazing brunch on the weekends, and I wanted to make sure I wrote about it. We were a big group, so we got to try a variety of things off the menu.

They had two types of mimosa options for brunch. The one option was a Mimosa Flight. These were 4 of their popular flavors: Classic, Blackberry, Sunset, and Blueberry Lemonade. These were pretty large glasses for a flight.

They also have a Bottomless Mimosa. There is a 2-hour limit for this but there is plenty of time to enjoy all 6 flavors. Just make sure you eat something so you can walk out ok.

My friend and I decided to do the bottomless option. We went in order of the menu. It was easier to keep track that way. The first one out was the Classic. This was a good way to start. Something traditional to cleanse the palette before the unique flavors arrive.

The next flavor out was Blackberry. This was sweet and tart at the same time.  There was a hint of blackberry flavor which is where the sweetness came from, and the brut champagne is where the tartness came from.

The Sunset mimosa was beautiful. The 2 colors of orange and red really did look like the sunset. This was a sweet mimosa. I liked how it hid the flavor of the champagne but was still bubbly. I would say this was one of my favorites.

The Raspberry was the fourth flavor on the list. This was similar to the blackberry but it was sweeter. However there still was some tartness.

Strawberry was out next. This was full of strawberry flavor. I feel it was mixed a little with some orange juice which made it the perfect combination.

The last mimosa out was the Blueberry Lemonade. I was originally not sure about what this flavor would be like but the combination of tart blueberry and sweet lemonade worked well together. This ended up being my second favorite mimosa of the day.

If you are looking for a great place to get bottomless mimosas then The Back Nine is the place to go.

Check out their website at www.thebackninelakeland.com

Enjoy!

T

It has been a few years since I have written about Taco Bus. Since that time they have opened a few more locations across Florida. I went back to the Lakeland location in the downtown area. For readers who might not be familiar, Taco Bus started as a food truck out of an old yellow school bus.  Diners, Drive-ins, & Dives visited them for an episode and they exploded from there.

When you walk in you are greeted by a yellow school bus to keep with the tradition. I ordered a few things off the menu since I was pretty hungry.

I started off with the Mexican Street Corn. This is a messy dish, so make sure you grab lots of napkins. They roast the corn on the cob and then coat it with a smoky chipotle sauce. Then it is topped with crumbled cotija cheese and fresh cilantro. The corn itself is sweet. I feel that there is something in the roasting process that brings out the sweetness. The chipotle sauce adds just a little spice, but nothing too hot. There is also a slight tanginess from the sauce and the cotija cheese. The cilantro did not seem to add anything to me except for a little color.

I also ordered a Taco. I went for the hard corn shell with ground beef. I love the freshness of their shells and how well they hold up when you bite into them. They topped the flavorful meat with cheese, purple cabbage, and fresh pico de galo. The cabbage is a unique addition to their tacos. It adds crunch without adding an overly cabbage taste. Their homemade pico goes wonderfully with the seasoning on the beef. It is so juicy it will drip down your hand when you eat. So make sure you grab more napkins.

The last thing I ordered was an Empanada. The dough shell was fried up until it was puffy and crispy. I got ground beef and cheese. They used the same beef as was in the tacos but by putting the cheese inside to melt, it made the meat immensely creamy. The empanada was a little pocket of heaven. Each bite stayed warm because of the shell.

While all of these dishes sounded like a lot of food, the size proportions are perfect. They are not oversized so you can order a few things which allows for more experimentation with menu combinations.

The experience I had at Taco Bus was exceptional. I enjoyed everything. I would recommend checking out their Lakeland location, or any other one in the area. You can find them at www.taco-bus.com

Enjoy!

T