Candid Florida

Tucked into an urban Tallahassee strip backing up on FSU, Pitaria is a grill shop serving up souvlaki, pita, dolmades, and other Greek standards in veg and non-veg versions (make mine lamb!). Around for nearly 20 years, it’s obvious it’s an FSU tradition as the back-to-college crowd files in. Falafel, hummus, and fava beans accent the menu. Opa! You’ll find them at 617 W Tennessee, downtown Tallahassee.

When in downtown Palm Beach…let the memories lead you into Hamburger Heaven, an oldie and goodie from the 1940s. It was like slipping into the five-and-dime with Mom for a burger, with mile-high cakes, root beer floats, and egg custard tempting! Right in the heart of it all, and yes, they’ll have you out in time to beat the meter.

I pulled into the packed parking lot at Southern Sisters in Sebastian because it looked like the in place to be, and what a pick for gluten-free me! The cheeseburger salad was just what I needed after building up a hikers’ appetite. Extensive menu, happy regulars, and cakes (which I can’t sample, dang it!) to die for. Along US 1.

Made a stop in Sebring for a chance to get a little writing done and a bit of a java jolt at Brewster’s, a locally owned coffeehouse along US 27 just south of the DQ & BK. What a delight and surprise. They’re in a little strip mall with a Dominos and ice cream shop, but have a feel anything but strip mall.  The wifi wasn’t working, but who cared. The ambiance, decor, and sense of community – everyone passes through those doors – was spot on. If I lived here, I’d live there. But best of all, the coffee. Special of the day: Almond Toffee. I had mine on the rocks. Way to go, Bruce!

Dairy Rich

One of the things I love most about visiting with my friends in Pinellas County is driving Alt 19 along the coast to stop in at all the funky little eateries and produce stands, many of which have been around for years. Dairy Rich is no exception – a family-owned ice cream stand in Palm Harbor, looking just like the 50s drive-in that it’s always been, and still serving up tasty shakes, burgers, and ice cream sundaes. Cap off a visit to the beach with a cool treat here.

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