USA
Florida’s Friendly Folk and Fine Food
Article and photography by David J. Cox
I love visiting Florida and am enjoying the emergence of a food culture that is turning from chains to a new reality where chefs from around the country, and world, are creating a foodie paradise!
After a day of seeing some of the greatest cars ever built and designed at the Mecum Kissimmee Car Auction, I would enjoy my first meal at the Wilson restaurant in the lovely Melia hotel in Kissimmee. The low-key theme in the restaurant was contrasted by the creative cooks who make regular fare exceptional. On the recommendation of the hotel’s front desk clerk, I chose the house made “Pull Apart” bread with its dipping sauce. I would have eaten 3 portions if it were not for the Rigatoni Bolognese that I was presented. A nice taste of home cooking, it had just enough of everything to make the pasta dish memorable.
Kissimmee has many fun adventures, and I enjoyed a helicopter tour with Leading Edge Helicopters and an exciting morning Airboat adventure where we got close to some alligators in their own habitat at Wild Florida. While there, I also toured their drive-through animal preserve and then ate some interesting dishes at the canteen, including Gator Bites with sauce, as well as a great fruity “Swamp Slushy.”
A while later, I would enjoy lunch at the Formosa Winery Tasting House. The main hall has an industrial chic set up with a central bar, product racks filled with Florida wines and local merchandise. I would enjoy their O.G. chicken flatbread with a tasting of 10 of their wines. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the dry blueberry wine!
In the evening, I was joined by local history buff Kelly in front of Old Osceola County Courthouse. She took me on a walking tour of historical and significant sites, including the re-vamped port with a walkway and parks, the unique Monument of States, all while telling personal stories about the old days and how much her town had changed. A highlight was running into some local heroes, the Kapps, who run the only B&B around and are now opening a brewery, hotspot and art workshop named Violet’s Garage.
After the walk, we headed to the 1881 Restaurant Located in the historic W.B. Makinson Hardware building. The owner’s transformation of the store into a bar and restaurant is impressive, with a casual dining area, a Wine Room and banquet area, as well as artifacts from its previous life including pictures and hand-written receipts. Another highlight was being present when the congregation of the Church of Beer showed up, a gang of locals who meet here for beers and socialisation.
That night, I would enjoy one of the highlights of the trip – Gatorland Night Shine. Led by a wonderful guide, I took an animated walk through the creaking walkways of their Breeding Marsh. There is something primeval and deeply affecting seeing hundreds of glowing eyes looking at you from the water!
Tampa
Tampa Bay has become a food lover’s dream, with an explosion of restaurants of all sorts, from family diners to fine dining favorites.
In a nondescript building on a suburban street lies the Michelin Star Rooster and Till. The trio of Chefs have been busy creating bold new dishes blending flavours and textures of all sorts. Here we did not only eat amazing dishes like roasted golden beets and fried chicken on a waffle, but we also enjoyed watching the crew show off their style and skills. It felt like we were in a Broadway show.
The next day I would enjoy the Tampa Bay History Center, which included interactive exhibits and a fun pirate adventure with video, surround sound and special effects. It traces local history from the Tocobaga Indians who first called the waters of Tampa Bay home through pirates, conquistadors, plantations all the way to the present.
Not too far away is the Tampa Museum of Art, boasting rotating exhibitions and an amazing view of downtown. Its façade is also a work of art itself with the shifting colors of Leo Villareal’s “Sky (Tampa).”
Morning would bring a nice breakfast in the unique Psomi. This Greek eatery has an on-site bakery and a gift store and serves fresh bread and pastry every day. I was full after enjoying their Strapatsada plate with a Greek egg scramble filled with feta and caramelised onions.
I worked off the meal with a fantastic tour of the wetlands with Tampa Bay Kayak Anglers. The couple who run it are locals who decided to start the non-profit company after Covid and they never looked back, except if there was a big fish. They run sightseeing tour, day camps for kids and fishing trips.
Afterwards I would be regaled with stories of how the Tampa Riverwalk came to be while enjoying a braised fish and local beer at the art-inspired Ulele restaurant. The riverfront was redesigned to maximize access to the river and to bring an urban oasis to life with shops, restaurants, parks, condominiums, and stylish office buildings.
The afternoon was spent in my hotel, the Current. With a view on the bay, this Marriott Autograph hotel offered a pool, private beach and rooftop bar, all maximizing the views of Tampa. Magnificent property.
That night I would enjoy another restaurant show at the Rocca. This upscale and elegant restaurant has some great options, particularly the pasta. However, the highlight was the chef who made fresh mozzarella at the table.
Before heading off to Ocala, I ate breakfast at Timpano. Located in historic Hyde Park, the restaurant offers Italian fusion foods with odd but delicious combinations that are filling and delicious.
Ocala
Once I arrived in this lovely town, I enjoyed a good old-fashioned American dinner at District Bar and Kitchen. Filled to capacity, this family-friendly restaurant was loud and lively. And I mean what is more American than watching the big game while enjoying a cheeseburger, fries…and braised brussel sprouts?
The next day was filled with adventure, starting with a visit to Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park where two spectacular canyons and 4 lakes welcome adventurers. Zip lines, horseback riding, gem mining, and kayaking are all offered to visitors at this majestic park.
That tour was followed by a great clear kayak adventure on the Rainbow River with Sam of Get Up and Go Kayaking. Charming and chatty, he led our group through small channels filled with fish and turtles we could see in the clear water beneath us. A great time and one that I highly recommend.
After, I was treated to more aquatic fun with a Glass Bottom Boat Tour at the Silver Springs State Park. Led by a great captain, we were taken for a ride through the park and given an up-close view of Florida manatees. The highlight was seeing where various TV shows and movies had been filmed on the location, including a Tom Cruise film, Legend!
My final stop was Stirrups Restaurant, an elegant southern steakhouse, where the chef has created comfort food coupled with extraordinary service. I enjoyed the deviled eggs, beet salad and a wonderfully braised venison. I cannot emphasize the quality of staff and the food – both were amazing.
