Category: 0 Florida

Cypress Inn Restaurant in Cross City, FL

3/20/2019

Country Cooking on the Old Dixie Highway

Seven years ago while on a Florida road trip, Don and I pulled off the Old Dixie Highway to check out this little beauty. We'd already eaten that morning, but bought coffee and looked around. We quickly added Cypress Inn Restaurant (and its Country Cooking) to the "Must Return" list!

Dixie County

This past January, Don and I found ourselves on another Florida road trip. We headed north from St. Pete, with giddy anticipation. Lunch at Cypress Inn!

Before reaching the little restaurant in Cross City, the highway took us over the Suwannee River, right into Dixie County. Two songs came to mind as we crossed the bridge... I sang a few lines, from the one about the river. I have fond memories of belting out Suwannee River as a kid, while our family Ford traveled on that very highway, over that very river.

Big Lot in a Small Town

When we arrived at Cross City's iconic restaurant, we joined other vehicles in the large, unpaved lot. On that January day, it looked like every Dixie County police officer, sheriff and firefighter had already arrived.

Cross City is an odd title, for a town with fewer than 2,000 residents. But maybe the town earned its city status by importance, not size. It is the county seat of Dixie County, after all.

Entrance

The sweet little side entrance delighted me. I loved the odd texture of the red painted cypress. The door windows were decorated with homey curtains and a sign. We read and chuckled, "Please Come Again" as we headed in.

90 Years Old

The other side of the door, showed a sign that might have made more sense for greeting us. "Cypress Inn Since 1928"

I loved the idea of dining at a roadside cafe, that opened the year my parents were born.

I loved the visual, of two white birds, sitting on a cypress tree... dripping with Spanish moss.

At the Counter

We passed through the side dining room and into the front area, with counter seating. A few young women were cleaning up after the rush. They took turns fussing over one woman's 2 month old baby. All were chatty and welcoming. I was delighted to be introduced to the baby.

Changes

The old restaurant hasn't changed much since it opened 90 years ago, but I noted a few differences from 7 years ago. My old photo shows a juke box and upper shelves, filled antiques and a quilt. The display of dishes, even looked different back then.

Dish Display

The display was more colorful on this visit. I asked if the dishes were the restaurant's original plates and cups. I guess that was stupid question. The bright china matched the unstained potholders. I was told, "Oh no. Those are dishes from the Pioneer Woman collection." It took me a minute to realize we were talking about the blogger-turned-TV-personality-pioneer-woman.

Pecky Cypress

The Cypress Inn got its name because of the "Pecky Cypress" paneling that covers the walls and ceiling. The Dixie County area is home to many lumber yards and sawmills and this special cypress is one of their unusual products.

At first glance the brown and white wood made me think of a stage set or a cartoon drawing. There was something fake looking about the weathered appearance of the wood. But the dips and holes in the wood were created naturally, by the growth of pecky fungus.

Words of Wisdom

Tacked onto the pecky cypress, I saw a few little reminder signs. "Be Thankful" and "Cowboys Welcome"

I also saw some words of wisdom scribbled in pen on the cypress... beside the Bible quote. Actually the graffiti was mostly names... nothing profound or rude.

Where to Sit?

There were open stools at the counter, but Don and I headed into the side dining room, where the folks in uniform were dining. I asked the cashier, if the tables were original. They looked mighty old. "Well..." She pondered a bit. "My dad owned the restaurant from the time I was about 6 to 16. They've been here as long as I can remember."

More Helpful Folks

Don and I looked over the menu first. Then I popped up to have a peek at the buffet in the front room. The fellow in the overalls was pretty clear. "There's nothing here that's not great! I've been in town working for 2 days and this is the second time I've eaten here. It's all good!"

All the locals were doing the buffet, but it was just more food than I was up for. I headed back to the table and paused to look at a photo of Cypress Inn, when it was more than a restaurant.

Shamrock, Florida

I studied the old photo from when Cross City was mostly a company town for Shamrock Lumber Co. It was odd to imagine our little restaurant having a service station and hotel rooms at one time. A police officer on his way to the buffet, paused to chat. "If you like old buildings, you should look at the Putnam Hotel across the road!" He was incredibly enthused about recent renovations of the old hotel... which also has pecky cypress wood!

Time to Eat!

I ordered the BLT and could barely see the bread underneath my mountain of bacon. "Oh we do bacon well!" Our server said with a proud grin. "We're a southern restaurant and we're going to feed you well!"

Retro Menu

The menu itself looked retro, with old fashioned prices... skillet image... opening hours of 5 am... and the words... "Southern Hospitality Dixie Country Style"

Don and I will go a for a bigger feast next time, but we were both in a sandwich mood. Don was pleased with his good old fashioned cheeseburger and fries!

Old Pic

I didn't take a photo of the dining room this time. I felt a little restrained with all the people dining in uniform. But here is a photo from a few years back, showing the brown wood walls and beams... and a couple of deer heads, hidden in the shadows.

The Throne!

Sometimes a trip to the Ladies Room becomes part of my dining adventure memory. (There have been some odd ones over the years!)

I just had to capture this image, with the mint green walls and vintage tile. But best of all was the platform toilet, that just made me laugh. I'm guessing this was the answer to some tricky plumbing issue back in the day.

I don't know, but it amused me!

Heading Off

We headed to the car feeling content, that we could put a check on our list.

Don and I discover so many curious places on our travels, but we don't have time to experience them all. This was one of those places that we spotted, then added to the list. 7 years ago, I crossed my fingers that we really would have a chance to return.

Cypress Inn asked us to "Come Again" and we did!

0 Comments

Skyway Jack's in St. Petersburg, FL

3/18/2019

0 Comments

U-Turn For Breakfast!

Last January, Don and I left our hotel in St. Pete Beach and headed north. We were planning to grab coffee and eat granola bars in the car, but the sight of this diner made me giddy. I grinned as we drove by, then told Don to turn around. He did... happily.

The Sign

The pink pig certainly lured me, but the yellow sign below, made us both curious. Any place that serves $3.99 breakfast specials from 5 to 8am, must be full of character!

The upper part of the sign, was what truly delighted me. I didn't know who Jack was, but I was eager to find out what the connection was with that special bridge!

I have fond memories of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, from when I was a kid. We crossed the original 2-lane bridge for the first time in 1968, when a hurricane was brewing in the gulf. It was creepy and thrilling, even without knowing the bridge would collapse about 10 years later.

Goofy Things

The crowded parking lot was a good sign. Would it be filled with children? What kid wouldn't beg Mommy or Daddy to pull over to the restaurant, with Humpty Dumpty and a piggy bench. The motorcycle on the pole might have excited some older kids.

Painted Windows

There were cartoon images, too. I wasn't quite sure what to think about the ethnically diverse pig officers... eating bacon. Yikes.

Since 1976

I posed next to the chicken and painted windows. Since 1976? Really? It seemed a whole lot older than that.

Crowded at the Counter

The place was hopping on a drizzly morning. Almost every stool was taken at the counter.

Window Seats

The tables near the windows didn't open up, till a little later. The corner looked pretty darn cozy, below the sheer curtains and shelves of piggy knickknacks. I forced myself not to laugh.

Table With a View

Actually our table had a fine view. We could keep an eye on all the men, dining at the counter and the servers, rushing about. It felt like we'd stepped back in time, when I noticed a few men reading newspapers. I didn't see a single person staring at a cell phone.

Menu Time

Our server Amy, let us know how the restaurant got its name. Jack, the original owner, opened the diner at a location near the Sunshine Skyway. He had been a Navy cook and knew how to cook for hungry crowds. Fishermen from the nearby marinas were a big part of his business. But the Skyway was destroyed in 1980, when a freighter collided with a support column, killing 35. Business changed and Jack moved his restaurant north, to 34th street. Evidently, a lot of business still comes from the fishermen at the marina.

Coffee and Christmas

Amy brought us our coffee in Christmas mugs. We studied our menus and peeked around at some of the decor.

So Many Pigs

When Amy came back for our order, I just had to ask. "Has anyone ever counted, to know how many pigs are in this place?" She shook her head and laughed. "A lot!"

She said there used to be a lot more pigs than now. "The new owner took over 4 years ago. He's been gradually taking some of the stuff down." Then she added, "He's from New York." As if that explained it.

Our Orders

Don ordered the Ham Hash, which was a blend of grilled potatoes & onions, topped with 2 poached eggs and served with a biscuit and Hollandaise. Amy said she would be happy to put the "Holly sauce" on the side. That gave me a little chuckle.

My big order was two slices of raisin toast, which came with homemade, green tomato jelly! I figured I could save the "Real He-Mans" order for next time.

That would be, two 8-ounce steaks, 4 eggs, potatoes, sausage, gravy, baked apples and 2 biscuits!

Wash Up Time

It's always nice to wash up before you hit the road. Some of our most iconic diners have had the most memorable restrooms. I headed for the sows and Don headed for the boars.

Off We Go

We headed off down the road feeling pretty pleased with our stop. I couldn't help sharing the experience with a quick Instagram post. It wasn't long, before I got 2 comments. Who would have guessed that I would know 2 people who have been to Skyway Jack's. Yay, for the friendly staff and crazy pigs and chickens at breakfast!

0 Comments

Backwoods Crossing - Tallahassee

2/20/2019

0 Comments

Road Trip Stop in Florida

Last month, Don and I headed to South Carolina. I was frustrated when I saw the exits for Tallahassee, off I-10. We didn't have time to drive in and see the places I remember, from when my family lived there in the '70's. But we spotted this farm-style restaurant from the freeway. We made time for quick lunch.

Farm to Table

The farm to table term is used pretty loosely these days. But this restaurant was sitting on 4 acres, surrounded by gardens and chickens and a bayou behind. Even in January, the raised plots had some growth!

Growing Room

When we stepped in the front door, we spotted a young man watering plants in a room to the left. The words on the door said "The Nursery" which was kind of sweet. I felt like we should whisper.

I learned later that the growing room is where seedlings are tended, before they're moved to the nearby greenhouse.

Indoor Porches

We passed the Nursery and headed down the enclosed porch that wrapped around to the back. I loved the colorful red tractor painting. The empty waiting benches made me realize the huge parking lot probably gets very full at times.

Back Porch

The porch off the rear had lots of windows and a barn-like feel.

View

I liked the swamp view, which might look different in warmer months. The utensil display on burlap was clever.

Main Dining Area

The main dining room had a modern, homey feel, with some fun farm accents. The pine floors and bright veggie & dairy art, was pleasing to the eye. Best of all the place smelled good, which means a lot. Before Backroads Crossing opened, locals used to gather here at Stinky Fish Camp.

Upscale Feast

Our wonderful server Stacy, talked us through the menu. She explained how the offerings changes weekly, depending on what the garden inspires and what the local and regional farmers have available.

Don was mostly inspired by the burger options, on toasted sourdough bun. I stole plenty of fries!

Down Home Price

My "Toasted and Roasted Salad" was like dinner and dessert in one. Blackened beef tips, served on a bed of healthy greens, with roasted red peppers, toasted sunflower seed, bleu cheese crumbles and Rosemary bleu cheese dressing ... all for $11. It was pretty amazing.

Sweet Place

I liked the friendly vibe of this place. Hard to believe it's owned and run by two brothers, who happen to be about the ages of our own kids. Their mama must be proud.

Next time we pass through, maybe we'll have time to visit the chickens or wander through the garden... and drive into Tallahassee for a peek at my old house!

0 Comments

Singleton's Seafood Shack

2/14/2017

0 Comments

Mayport, Florida

In 2016, Don and I were heading north in Florida, along the Atlantc coast. It was lunchtime. This place didn't look very inviting, but we had heard about the seafood shack. It was featured on Food Network's, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. So why not?

Trash or Treasures

As we headed towards the door, we saw a cat and quite a collection of weathered boat related goodies. It was hard to tell if these were discarded items or decoration.

The Porch

The porch also held a lot of clutter, but a Budweiser sign seemed to be welcoming us.

Tub-O-Fish

The first thing we spotted inside, was a gigantic built in tub of ice, holding all the fresh seafood.

Shark Above

Above the tub, was a shark on the wall, with a bottle in his mouth. All very festive.

Tables and Benches

The warped tables and benches made me feel like I was at summer camp.

Filling up
The tables began to fill, soon after we arrived. The larger tables invited strangers to dine together, which encouraged a community feel... which was helpful at one point.

I had noticed a white haired woman earlier. She looked like she was from another era and I imagined her heading off to her square dancing club after lunch. All eyes turned to her table at one moment when her tipsy bench sent her tumbling backward onto the floor. Before I had a moment to gasp, a number of men dressed in camo jumped up and rushed over to assist. She was actually fine, but I'm guessing she wasn't up for square dancing after that.

Ray Singleton

Founder, Ray Singleton was featured in many news clippings and photos. He and his wife Ann, opened the tiny shack in 1969 to serve breakfast to fishermen. Ray is no longer with us, but his son Dean is carrying on the tradition.

Ann's Pigs

Ray's wife Ann, is evidently responsible for the pig artwork.

More Collectibles

Florescent lights gave a special glow to the collections of old bottles and cameras and toy vehicles on an upper shelf. There was lots to look at.

Seafood

The Shack kept things simple with Styrofoam plates. Don's Mahi Mahi was quite good, even with plastic cutlery. I ordered the New England Clam Chowder, but should have ordered the Minorcan Clam Chowder. I didn't read up on my history earlier, or I would have known about the Minorcan colony in the area. Dean Singleton claims to be 10th generation Minorcan.

Dining with a View

The outside deck wasn't open, but it had a nice view of the St. John's River and ships carrying cargo.

A Museum?

The most memorable part of our oddball dining experience, was the free of charge, attached "museum" that held over 100 large carved boats. Ray Singleton evidently was the creator of these ships years ago. There were many signs reminding us not to touch. There were also signs telling us the boats were not for sale. The good news is, these boats did not float away last fall when Hurricane Matthew did some damage to Singleton's Seafood Shack!

A Better View

After a museum visit, we wandered around back and found a better view of the restaurant. The dock and boats were much more appealing than the unpainted front.
I guess we'll just plan to arrive by boat, next time!

0 Comments

Columbia in St. Augustine, Florida

8/10/2016

0 Comments

Gem of the Spanish Restaurants

Don and I spent a few days in St. Augustine last January. We were delighted by the atmosphere of the historic city.

Many times, we'd walked by this wonderful building with whirling fans and trickling fountain.

Since 1905!

1905 is pretty young for St. Augustine, which was founded in 1565! But the building was inviting and 1905 is old in my book. How could we resist?

So Many Options for Seating!

We entered the charming building at 9:30, on a Sunday evening. Luckily, there were still enough diners to make things festive. The hostess seemed a little tired, though. She walked us through the arched entrance of the room marked "El Patio". She put menus down, at a cramped table for 2. When I cheerily asked for another table facing the fountain, she yawned and moved us. I didn't ask her to move the broom and dustpan that rested up against a column. I'm pretty sure someone was eager to use that and get home, but I tucked them behind the column where I didn't have to stare at the eyesore.

Exploring

Before ordering, I did a quick "Race to the Ladies Room", which means, I went exploring. There were so many rooms in this great old place.

Family

I wanted to know all about the 5 generations of The Hernandez Family who have been running Columbia since it first opened.

And More Seating

The murals, stucco, iron and tile felt very Spanish, but Mr. Hernadez, Sr., evidently immigrated from Cuba. The foods on the menu reflected that.

Looking Down

I took a quick glance down towards our table from the railing above. My photo doesn't show a very clear shot of fountain in the center of the dining room, but there was quite a curious sculpture. The glowing, white legs are wrapped up in the tail of a dolphin! It gave us lots to ponder.

Food and Drink

I was hoping for a very old server who could tell me some stories, but our young server was at least very gracious and didn't rush. She brought us warm Cuban bread, which was heavenly. Don had a Pisco Sour and I celebrated with a Margarita. Then she tossed up our "1905 Salad" right next to the table.

The salad was iceberg, mixed with ham, Swiss, tomato, Spanish olives, Romano cheese, Worcestershire and lemon. I actually liked the plate it was served on, just as much as the salad!

The Original Cuban Sandwich

A recipe from 1915 was used for this perfect sandwich. Genoa salami, smoked ham, pork loin, Swiss, pickle, and yellow mustard was pressed and melted inside long slices of Cuban bread.

Fun Food

Not only was it the best tasting sandwich I've had... since a Muffaletta in New Orleans... But it was just plain fun.

Look at Don. He looks like he's eating giant cigar. Which is kind of funny because I found out later that some of Mr. Hernandez's first customers were workers from a nearby cigar factory. They often bought the Cuban sandwiches to eat walking to and from work.

The Bad News

Don and I enjoyed our dinner, even though we sort of closed the place down. We even managed to laugh at the disappointing restaurant trivia, that we learned after our meal. I asked about Columbia's history and our young server answered with a smile. "Oh it's been here since the 1980's" I cringed and asked, "Well is the building old?" "No, it used to be a parking lot." What? So there are 6 locations of Columbia. The original is in Tampa. So much for my love of historic dining!

0 Comments

Cafe Alcazar in St. Augustine

6/15/2016

2 Comments

A Hotel in Florida, from 1887

St. Augustine has more than its share of fabulous old hotels, thanks to Henry Flagler... who built at least 4 gorgeous buildings on this corner. The Hotel Alcazar is no longer a hotel, but we were able to at least have a meal there!

Sunday Morning

The entrance to the restaurant was on the side, away from the big towers at the front. It looked like we were entering a church, with that rounded wall. But our dining adventure would be more intriguing than dining in an old church.

A Simple Door

The door wasn't grand, but it invited us into the portion of the building that holds the cafe as well as some antique shops.

Nothing too odd sounding about that.

Here's the Odd Part

The sweet little cafe was tucked into the "deep end" of what had once been the hotel's indoor swimming pool! The pool was once quite the highlight of the hotel's health center, where guests could swim in a constant stream of fresh water, supplied by an artesian well.

Built in 1889

It looks like a flooded building at first glance. But this is the 120' X 20' space used by the male bathers. Women had their own private pool at the west end.

Then and Now

The rock wall near the stairs, would have been nearly covered in water. The gallery on the second floor sometimes held musicians and seating for the guests who just wanted to stay dry while they watched the swimmers.

A Little Sunday Lunch

What a treat to meet up in St. Augustine with my sister Jennifer and her wife Kate, while we were on our travels. We joined up at this curious place and shared a meal... on a very tiny table.

The Food

It was nice to have a menu and not be forced into a big brunch. Don's Turkey, Bacon, Avocado Sandwich was pretty yummy. He thought the Cajun slaw was kind of spicy, but I liked. My onion soup was piping hot and the crusty brown cheese was quite delicious. But hot soup, makes me want bread. It would have been perfect with a big piece.

Classical Music

We didn't have an orchestra, but the classical piano music added a bit of a Titanic feel to the place. Something about seeing those photos of the big space, filled with water...

As we dined and the music played, we just kept staring around at all the oddball features, trying to imagine being here in 1890, paddling around the arches and columns... hanging onto some of the metal rings... Too bad the skylight is no longer visible. They used to open that up for star gazing!

Post Lunch

And after lunch, what could be more lovely than strolling through the shops, set up in the spaces behind the columns.

One shop had a dazzling ball gown, that was NOT allowed to be photographed. But this little store was my favorite. Books and magazines and all sorts of clutter jammed in so tight, the shop could only hold about 2 visitors at a time!

Sun Out!

The rains from earlier had passed by the time we exited. As we wandered outside, we got to study the towers, the arched windows and so many chimneys! What an amazing building and we really only experienced a piece of it!

I love it that we ate lunch in what was once a pool. But I'd love it more if they brought the hotel back and filled the pool once again!

2 Comments

Boss Oyster in Apalachicola, FL

2/25/2013

0 Comments

Oyster Town- Oyster Republic!

I've talked about Florida oysters before, but not the famous Apalachicola Bay Oysters! This odd little spot with a very odd name, has its very own oyster boat, with a third generation oyster harvester in charge. The oysters are gathered daily in the bay, chilled on board until they arrive at the restaurant's dock where they are washed, chilled, and then shucked to order. "Chilled from bay to belly" they claim!

Outside Dining in January!

But the best part of the oyster experience was sitting outside on the deck with my two good friends, Kim and Kim! We had a little beer, watched some boats on the bay, chatted with some fellow diners, then decided on oysters. There were endless possibilities!

Broiled with Artichoke, Jalapeno and Parmesan

We could have gone raw, but it was too fun choosing the ingredients that are offered with the broiled and baked options. We could have cucumber, orange, wasabi, chives, crushed almonds, jerk seasoning...just to name a few!

Hope to Return

I forgot to ask what they do with all their shells! I remember piles like this outside of Florida seafood restaurants when I was a kid. You don't see shell mountains like this anymore. I'll have to come back and ask!

0 Comments

Lunch in Old Florida

10/14/2012

0 Comments

Good Book!

Good Movie!

Good Restaurant!

Hard to Find!

We almost gave up finding this place on East County Road in Cross Creek, Florida. The old restaurant and bar have been serving up "lunch and supper" since 1952, just down the road from the home of author, Marjorie K. Rawlings. The cozy building with its metal awnings and screened porch fit perfectly in the setting of monster trees and swaying moss...with a stormy sky brewing!

Yearling Decor

The inside was even cozier, with plenty of antiques and book related memorabilia tucked into numerous rooms. Seeing this picture on the wall brought me back to the first time I watched The Yearling on TV when I was about 10. I remember scenes of the boy romping in his bare feet with "Flag" through the jungle of palms and oaks and Spanish moss. I remember this sad scene in the movie... worse than Bambi.

Old Florida Cooking

Sadly, the restaurant is no longer allowed to serve cooter (soft shell turtle) but there were a number of alligator options. However, our server recommended the stuffed grouper. She was kind enough to encourage us to share the meal so we'd have room for dessert! First she brought the salad in 2 bowls which was a meal in itself with nuts and cheese. The grouper with homemade hushpuppies and creamy tartar sauce was delicious. The sour orange pie was rich and tangy. Think key lime pie meets creamsicle!

People Encounter

Don and I had the restaurant mostly to ourselves until a man in a white button down shirt, clutching a book sat in the booth next to ours. I had noticed him earlier when we had toured the Rawlings house down the road. For that reason I figured the book was not the bible and decided to ask him if he was an expert on Rawlings. He was indeed reading Rawlings' Cross Creek and we spoke for while about her books until he and Don got off on a discussion about road trips. I will always remember this soft spoken character and wonder what it would be like to travel alone...reading...chatting when strangers strike up a conversation.

Someone I Wish We'd Met

In the clutter of oddball stuff, I noticed a tiny space that could be considered a stage. An organ, a music stand, a tip jar and 3 old chairs. I had read somewhere that a man named Willie Green often stops by to perform a little blues guitar. He gets paid in tips. I was sorry we missed him. Next time.

One More Person to Remember

We met Harold while we finished our lunch. First we heard him chuckling to himself as he cleared a nearby table. He teased our waitress about a lousy tip. Then we heard him holler "Coming through!" in a playful way as he carried an armful of dirty dishes through a swinging door to the kitchen. He came over to our table a few times to chat. He just shook his head and laughed to hear we'd come all the way from Houston! Once he apologized for the clicking noise of his dentures. "The glue bothers my stomach." He explained. He offered to give us a tour of the nearby cabins that we could rent. He admitted prices were negotiable. I think business has been slow.

Good Food
Good Memory

Hope to Come Back!

0 Comments

Showtown Restaurant & Lounge

10/14/2012

0 Comments

Breakfast With Old Carnival Folk

The Tamiami Trail, which goes from Tampa to Miami, was once crowded with tourists. This odd spot at the north end in Gibsonton, FL has seen better days. Motels and restaurants that were once jammed with travelers before modern interstates, are closed down or getting by with mostly locals.

Open?

We parked on the side, near two doors and a peeling mural of a chef. The door marked "bar" was the only one unlocked at 10 am. My husband paused before opening the door. "Are you sure about this?" I told him to trust me, because I'd read about this place.

Carnival History

The interior was just as eerie. There were a couple men eating breakfast and a couple women wiping tables and mopping. There was a balance between Budweiser neon and carnival artwork like this one titled, "Ringmaster in the Sky."

Art Work

We were told that a local man nicknamed "Brownie" had created all the murals. I'm guessing Brownie may have had a job painting signs for sideshows at one time. Gibsonton first began attracting wintering carnival workers back in the 1940's and the town is still home to many retired and wintering workers. Too bad we didn't get to ask him ourselves. Lucy our server said he should be on his way over, but he never arrived in the 90 minutes we were there.

Restroom Rating?

Back in the day, when I was a kid giving restrooms silly detailed reviews, this one would have been off the charts.

Cleanliness issues aside, I would have given an extremely high rating for the excitement factor. The Ladies Room, had no sign, so that added an element of risk. And the creepy mural on the wall could freak a man or woman out. The lifted toilet seat added one more confusing element. I'll let you imagine what the men's room looked like.

People Encounters

Luckily Freddy was in no hurry. He sat at the Showtown table near ours and told us stories about his life as a carnival man. (more details in the Stranger Blog) While we chatted, an older woman came in and sat at the same table without ever interrupting us. After she left, I asked if the Showtown table was for some kind of VIPS. Lucy laughed that it was just the Liar's Table. So I'm not sure I can believe anything Freddy told us.

Breakfast

Since this is a dining blog, I should mention the food. This meal looks about 10 times creepier than it actually tasted. But I also was pretty distracted by Freddy's stories of Lobster Boy being murdered and the monkey circus Freddy's brother started. I wasn't paying a whole lot of attention to my plate of chipped beef on toast with fried egg. I'm pretty sure it wasn't as bland tasting as this bland photo!

Restaurant History

A framed wall photo shows the original owner and his sons. Freddy told me that Joe was a "hardworking Pollack", when he opened the place 40 years ago. But when Joe died his son turned it into a bar and the place has gone downhill ever since. Now the grandson, Chuckie owns it and it's barely surviving. Freddy and Lucy complained about the changes, but clearly did not want to see Showtown disappear.

Missing the Party

Too bad we had to leave. The 40th anniversary party was the next night. Freddy said it would be "pretty crazy with lots of freaks." I'm not exactly sure what he meant by crazy or freaks!

0 Comments

Regional Seafood...Florida vs. California - October 2011

11/15/2011

0 Comments

EAST vs. WEST!

Thought it would be fun to compare two seafood spots we visited in October. JB's Fish Camp in Florida and Daurte's Tavern in California. Let's see who wins!

Here's the Rock Shrimp at JB's Fish Camp near New Smyrna, FL. This spicy stuff was served on a limp paper plate with tiny cups of butter.

3 points for food at JB's

Here are oysters served on an icy cold plate at Duarte's Tavern in Pescadaro, CA.

They were okay...but my avocado stuffed with crab (not pictured) gives Daurate's a total of 5 points for food!

Rating the building!

JB's in Florida was once an actual bait shop. Over the years the weathered wood and metal structure has expanded...in some odd ways.
3 points for a building that makes you feel like you're at summer camp!

Even though the exterior is not the most interesting...Duarte's gets 5 points for being the oldest building I've dined in for the dining blog!

It was 117 years ago that Great-Grandfather Frank bought a barrel of whiskey and sold it for 10 cents a shot!

Rating the tables!

Our table on the porch at JB's was quiet, with a view of the inter-coastal waterway. Nice and breezy and peaceful.

3 points for having the porch area to ourselves...2 weeks before BIKETOBERFEST IN DAYTONA!

Families waited over an hour for tables at Duarte's. What a treat getting our cozy corner with a view of old counter with swivel chairs. Kind of liked the fact our table (on Oct. 30th) had a cute little pumpkin. 3 points for that! (a real pumpkin...as well as my nephew, Silas!)

People Encounters

I love my people encounters...but it was a little creepy at JB's. The guy with the cut-offs wanted to pose for me. Gotta love his hands on hips and slight lean. Note the guys high-fiving at the bar.

2 points for JB's peeps

Costumed people always get extra points...even if it's the day before Halloween. I loved this kilted server at Duarte's, who offered to entertain my energetic nephew with some spoons!
5 points for colorful wait staff !

Looks like the West Coast wins! 18 points for California and 11 for Florida!

0 Comments

<<Previous

Cypress Inn Restaurant in Cross City, FL

Skyway Jack's in St. Petersburg, FL

Backwoods Crossing - Tallahassee

Singleton's Seafood Shack

Columbia in St. Augustine, Florida

Cafe Alcazar in St. Augustine

Boss Oyster in Apalachicola, FL

Lunch in Old Florida

Showtown Restaurant & Lounge

Regional Seafood...Florida vs. California - October 2011

EAST vs. WEST!

Thought it would be fun to compare two seafood spots we visited in October. JB's Fish Camp in Florida and Daurte's Tavern in California. Let's see who wins!

People Encounters

Looks like the West Coast wins! 18 points for California and 11 for Florida!

Archives

Categories