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Why Tarpon Springs? I need to add another Greek dining experience to the blog, because... Tarpon Springs is the most Greet city in the U.S.!  Thanks to the Greeks who brought their sponge diving skills to the Gulf of Mexico in the early 1900's, there is a charming historic sponge dock district filled with quaint restaurants and shops. Hellas Restaurant You have to love the blue theme with this restaurant!  There is a cool glow to this place that makes you feel like you're in some kind of a glitzy igloo! Which was great, because it was pretty hot out for late September. Decorated Tiles, Murals and Fountains Even if it's not a meal time, you can stop in for a cold cocktail... or a coffee.  This bartender fit right in with his white shirt and bluish tie. He was all business, which sort of fit the retro feel. We had the place to ourselves, which was nice. But a little people watching could have been interesting if the place had been crowded. We just enjoyed the festive decor instead! Posing Since there were lots of waiters hanging around, it was easy to find someone willing to snap our photo.  In this pic, we're blocking the bubbling fountain, but you have to love the windmills and twiggy trees with blue lights! Sweets It wasn't meal time, but it's always time for sweets.  The adjoining room with baked goods, felt like an American soda fountain from the 1950's. But, the yummy display behind the glass made me feel like I'd just arrived in Greece! Some Goodies  I don't even remember the names, but these desserts were more than sweet! The shredded wheat looking item was dripping with honey. The almond treat was my favorite. I will definitely try to make it back to Hellas for a real dining experience! But nice to know you don't have to dine on a full meal, to enjoy a little of the atmosphere! Walking off the Sweets... and Beer We spent an hour walking around the sponge docks and browsing in shops selling sponges and soaps.
After a while, we had worked up a bit of an appetite for one more little Greek Food experience. Mykonos This little building was also dressed in blue and white colors!  The inside didn't have quite the glow and sparkle of Hellas, but it had (small) Greek columns and maps and a cozy atmosphere that felt kind of boat-like. Just a Little Hungry Again, it was not really meal time.  But Don and I were both up for sampling a Greek specialty! Saganaki! Just look at that flame! This was my first time sampling flaming Greek cheese. The first few bites were pretty amazing!
I smeared a nice amount on my freshly baked bread and it tasted rich and creamy. I must admit, I suffered a bit trying to finish off the last bites. Too much of a good thing. Maybe I shouldn't always worry about cleaning my plate. We headed back on the road, full and happy. What a fun tangent on our Florida road trip! We had stopped in Tarpon Springs, just to wander around and look at some boats. I'm glad those curious blue and white buildings lured us in for some mini-dining-adventures! Next time... a full meal!
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The Dining Blog
This is a blog about Dining Adventures. Sometimes, I talk about food. Below, you can read how this started. On July 4th 2011, I set a goal to try 50 culturally diverse restaurants in one year! (I knew that was possible, living in the Houston area) I spent the year pulling in friends and family to join me, on some unusual dining adventures. I met some curious people, tried some scary foods and explored places and cultures I never would have otherwise. Even though I met my goal, I learned too much to end my adventures in dining. I have continued blogging about memorable dining adventures of all kinds, near and far... and all the discoveries and funny things I've learned along the way! Locations and types of dining adventures, are listed further down. Archives
February 2025
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