Candid Florida

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.

At the table at Ted's Luncheonette

For pancakes and just-perfect eggs, Ted’s Luncheonette has become a favorite along Alt US 19 south of Clearwater. Given the name, I’m sure it’s busy at lunchtime, but I’ve stopped here several times over the years because I love a good hearty breakfast, and that’s what they do. Inexpensive, too, and with that Greek flair you come to expect when traveling in Pinellas County.  A great hometown diner that shouldn’t be missed.

Intriguing Greek pastas at Hellas

One of the toughest things about going to Tarpon Springs is deciding where to eat. Unfortunately (when in proximity to Greek cuisine), during my second day at the area, my business meeting came complete with a lunch. So I had no excuse to choose between calamari at Santorini, or pastistio at Mykonos … instead, I could dive straight into dessert. I walked it off first, of course, in the near-100-degree heat, so it was a relief to step into the chilled room at Hellas and order up a pasta: make mine layers of chocolate and vanilla custard with a touch of mousse. On my visits to Greece, the only place I saw such elaborate baking was in Rhodes, and sure enough, Rhodes has its own Tarpon Springs Blvd – it’s near Halki, where many of the original sponge divers are from. When in Tarpon Springs, always save room for dessert!

Hellas
85 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs
(727) 943-2400