Candid Florida » Dining

Kappys keeps Maitland happy

Sandra Friend — Wed, 18 May 2011 20:01:25 +0000

Kappys

On my drive home from the Orlando International Airport Monday, I swung by a few old haunts and was delighted to see them still hanging in there. While Maitland – especially along US 17/92 – has undergone some radical changes since I used to live there, a few old standards keep hanging in there, among them, Kappy’s.

It’s an old-fashioned drive-in, the kind my parents would frequent, with burgers, dogs, and the thick, rich milkshakes that it’s so hard to find these days without dropping a bundle. Open for lunch and dinner, it’s still a fave of locals in the know – and worth trying out on your next trip.

Give Black Hammock a whirl

Sandra Friend — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 14:23:16 +0000

Black Hammock Fish Camp

One of the first genuine Florida adventures I was introduced to upon arriving back as a resident after a long absence was the crazy quilt of outdoors and dining that is Black Hammock Fish Camp, not far from Orlando along Lake Jesup in Oviedo.

The restaurant is down-home and tasty, featuring farm grown alligator and seafood. At the time I visited, you had to slip and slide down a sand road, much like driving in snow, to get there. The road’s since been paved but rambles through old orange groves in a blissfully agricultural district of Seminole County.

Beyond the restaurant, it’s a complex of entertainment and outdoors: a marina and boat ramp, waterfront tiki bar and shop full of trinkets and Ts, an alligator pit, and airboat rides on Lake Jesup. Now I’ve experienced for a fact that Lake Jesup is full of alligators. So if you’re hankering to see some, either hatchlings in a tank, gator tail on your plate, or the big guys in the lake, this is the place to be.

Black Hammock Fish Camp
2356 Black Hammock Fish Camp Road
Oviedo, FL 32765
407-365-1244

Mile-high pie at the Front Porch

Sandra Friend — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 20:03:10 +0000

Stop at the Front Porch!

When you’re driving down US 41 from Dunnellon towards Inverness, a stop at the Front Porch is a must. It’s not just that they’re a family diner serving great country cooking, nor is it the long list of side items – mostly veggies – up on the board each day to round out your lunch. No, it’s the many flavors you’ll encounter, from French silk to lemon meringue to coconut cream – in their awesome mile-high pies. ‘Tis the season to put in your order if you’re not a baker, and if you are, well, stop in and see what you’re up against. These are awesome pieces of pie.

Closed Mondays, but otherwise open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The Front Porch Restaurant & Pie Shop
12039 North Florida Avenue
Dunnellon, FL 34434-2211
(352) 489-4708

Hickory Hollow high on the hog

Sandra Friend — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 20:50:08 +0000

A tasty treat of your favorite Southern BBQ awaits just off I-75 along US 301 south in Ellenton. Hickory Hollow is abuzz in customers for a late lunch on a Thursday.

It could be the huge selection of sides, or the fact you can get your pulled pork with either a tomato or vinegar base. Bring cash, that’s all they take, but it’s well worth it!

Hickory Hollow Barbeque
4705 US Highway 301 N
Ellenton, FL 34222-2871
(941) 722-3932

Dining’s Fine at Chez Pierre

Sandra Friend — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 15:15:03 +0000

Dining's fine at Chez Pierre

Once upon a time, there was a sweet little French restaurant in Ocala, in a space – still unoccupied – that sits next to Tast-T-O donuts on Silver Springs Blvd. When sweeping through Tallahassee for restaurant reviews, I was surprised to find that Chef Eric – owner and creative force behind the capital city’s finest French restaurant, Chez Pierre – came from that eatery in our humble city.

Chez Pierre is a delight, updated to fit the times. No stuffy waiters and over-the-top European elegance here! It’s now full of modern Euro flair. Chalk paintings greet you along the walk, and flamboyant modern impressionism dresses up the tasteful maroon walls, setting a festive mood that spills over to Chef Eric’s parade of fresh French cuisine, with entrees that range from magret de canard to shrimp and grits. Call it French / Southern Fusion. Call it good.

Pitaria in the City

Sandra Friend — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 22:34:47 +0000

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.

In Hamburger Heaven

Sandra Friend — Sun, 23 May 2010 01:49:36 +0000

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.

Put a little South in your mouth

Sandra Friend — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 17:27:31 +0000

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.

A better buzz at Brewsters

Sandra Friend — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 02:47:55 +0000

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!

Cool down with Dairy Rich

Sandra Friend — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 17:45:24 +0000

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.