Bern's Steak House Tampa

Let me preface this by saying how important Bern's is to my family and me. My parents had their wedding rehearsal dinner there in the early 80s and every milestone birthday my brother and I have celebrated has taken place at Bern's. It is more than a restaurant and much like a tradition. Can you imagine a staple restaurant in your town that is first class, traditional and slightly fancy? Do you have a place where you only dine occasionally because you know what a special experience you will share? Bern's is that place for me. The inside reminds me of a midieval castle lit by dim chandeliers and each dining room carries its own story.

Last Tuesday my family and some dear friends dined at Bern's to celebrate the Christmas season. Aside from the highest quality meats, seafood and fish, they also pride themselves in growing their own organic vegetables in a garden near the restaurant. How cool is that!

We definitely ate with our eyes and before I knew it our table was scattered with fresh salad, french onion soup, roasted shrimp, escargot, 2 lb. lobsters, chateau briand, filet mignon, fried onion strings, sweet carrots, green and yellow wax beans, and pumpernickel toasts!

I personally ordered the vegetarian dinner: roasted acorn squash stuffed with wild mushrooms(!), goat cheese, and spinach topped with whole cranberries bathing in their own syrup. It was so fresh and delicious and perfectly seasonal and still left me room to taste lobster dunked in butter, tender melt in your mouth filet, and all those yummy veggies bursting with flavor!

For first class service, food, and atmosphere, Bern's is the Tampa staple.

http://www.bernssteakhouse.com/

Below is a recipe for my favorite roasted winter veggies!

2 garnet yams

2 zucchini

bunch of carrots

1 red onion

1 fennel bulb

Pre-heat the over to 400 degrees. Chop all of the veggies about the same size so they cook evenly. Place them on a large cookie sheet or roasting tray (this recipe makes two trays). Season liberally with salt and pepper. Drizzle a light olive oil and finish with pure maple syrup. Toss with your hands and roast for 20 minutes.

They can be used as a side dish, in a sandwich, or by themselves as a sweet and savory snack!

The Veggie Scoop

Hello all!

It has been a while... I know! We all know how hectic things can get during finals week. Now that that is over I can express my feelings on the organic/vegan/veg craze. Living in Tallahassee there are not a lot of options for those following Vegan or Vegetarian diets as far as restaurants goes. We have All Saints Cafe in Railroad Square and a few organic markets including New Leaf (which is a co-op) and The Fresh Market which is pretty far down Thomasville Road. My passion to find the freshest ingredients possible for my own cooking/eating enjoyment and my own diet preferences (I am not a veg, however, my diet does consist mostly of plant products for obvious health reasons.) has led me on this search for health supportive cuisine! Another great thing Tallahassee has to offer is the Downtown Market Place- a seasonal market that sells art, clothing as well as fruit and veggies!

I also understand that there are lots of other sustainable fruit and veg markets around the area that I am excited to try when I return for Spring Semester! Since I am running out of restaurants (almost) I have decided to extend my blog to not only blogging about the food I eat but the food I make with local ingredients combined with common grocery store items!

Here is a great banana bread recipe that I made this morning. It is absolutely delicious!

3 ripe mashed bananas (Fruit with a thick skin does not have to be organic)

1 cup chopped pecans

1 cup raisins

2 eggs

1/2 cup coconut milk (you can use any milk you like but I am a big fan of milk substitutes- almond, soy, hemp, and my new favorite is SO Delicious Brand coconut milk!)

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1/2 cup whole wheat flour

3/4 cup sugar

1/3 cup Safflower oil (or any other light oil- Safflower is just better for you and the Earth!)

1 tbsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

Combine the wet ingredients and the mashed bananas first, slowly add the dry and then fold in the raisins and nuts! Bake at 350 for an hour and enjoy!

Let me know if you have any questions about healthy eating and do let me know how that banana bread turns out!

Chez Pierre

Chez, as they like to call it, is a French American restaurant located in the Midtown area on Thomasville Rd. The yellow awnings that cover the climate controlled deck are canopied by large oak trees making Chez hard not to spot from the street.

That night there was heat lamps scattered about the outdoor seating area. It was chilly and damp and the heaters made sitting outdoors optional but Christine and I decided to sit inside because, well... I am perpetually cold and an unpleasant internal temperature can greatly affect the enjoyment of a meal!

There are many different dining areas with in the restaurant making it a good place to throw a birthday or other large gathering. If your party is large enough there is definitely a chance that you'll have a room to yourself. Christine and I were seated in a smallish room near the bar and main entrance. Our table sat next to a window with plantation shutters blocking our view of the outside. I began to hear the rain fall on the sill and felt a sense of cozy comfort dining in the warm shelter of the restaurant. The only thing that would have made this better was a glass of red wine. Unfortunately, it was a just 10 days shy of my 21st birthday!

Scanning the menu, I knew I wanted a few appetizers. Christine did too so we ordered a plethora of items!

First we ordered the border snacks which is a French version of chips and salsa. On the plate was fresh guacamole, nopalitos salad, which is a pickled olive and green bean salad, charred tomato salsa & salsa verde with a big bowl of red, white and blue corn chips. Then I spotted the smoked salmon tartines (caper, dill, olive Tapenade, herbed crème fraiche). It was fantastic especially if you are a fan of smoked salmon like moi! Finally, we ordered two French classics french onion soup and escargot. Top all that off with crusty warm bread and soft butter and you can see why this was the perfect French feast!

Chez is open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch! Bon appetit!

Hopkins Eatery

I am always eating but it has been so long since I have eaten at a place worth blogging about! Hopkins Eatery has really impressed me and I have eaten there numerous times throughout this semester. It's casual, quick, and reasonably priced. I also think that if you want hearty, homemade tasting food that is slightly gourmet, Hopkins Eatery is definitely something you should try.

There is something about the word "eatery" that is so inviting. It always reminds me of a gathering of people eating (of course), laughing, and being in the moment with their food. Whether it's just a 30 minute lunch break or a Holiday luncheon Hopkins can take your mind away from the daily grind and allow you to focus on the simplicity of good food in a comfortable atmosphere.

There menu is complete with a variety of salads, over 25 sandwiches, homemade soups, sinful sweets, and fountain drinks. When I walked in for the first time the line was out the door. It moved fast however and I was able to really scan the menu before ordering at the counter. The first time I went, I ordered the Salad Nicoise- peas, carrots, potatoes, eggs, onion, lettuce, and tomato, topped with a fresh scoop of tuna salad, not to heavy on the mayo and bright, crisp and creamy! I also had the soup of the day which was Thai Chicken Noodle. I sat with some friends and waited about 10 minutes before they called my name. The salad was chilled and the soup was hot. I got the house dressing on my salad- a Parmesan vinaigrette. It was a friendly, enjoyable first time.

Since then I have gone at least once every couple of weeks. I am a fan of the Cracked Wheat, Fruit and Cheese Salad-- Bulgar wheat, Granny Smith apples, dates, toasted almonds, green onions, grated mozzarella cheese. Served on Romaine with a yogurt, honey and lemon dressing and a piece of banana bread! Mediterranean Tuna Salad- fresh lettuce, white beans, black
olives, feta cheese, tuna, onion, tomato, and bell pepper. Served with a Light Olive Oil and Lemon dressing. And, The Garden Sandwich- A hot cheese and veggie combo on a Pumpernickel bun. Layers of spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, sprouts, sunflower seeds, green pepper, green onion, Swiss, provolone, cheddar cheese, and mayonnaise make this sandwich crunchy, smooth, and satisfying! I've also had there Congo Bar which is a rich dessert with a grahm cracker crust, sweetened condensed milk filling, coconut, and chocolate chips. To die for!

Don't forget about there decadent cakes that can be specially ordered for any occasion!

Hopkins had two locations: North Monroe & Market Street and they are open Monday-Saturday!

*****Berry

I feel the urge to post on this relatively new yogurt trend. This organic, fat free yogurt has become popular in the United States with in the last 5 years. I've seen these chains in Chicago, Houston, and New York so they are pretty much every where. My first time tasting it however was in the Dominican Republic. I remember the first time I ever had this tangy treat. I was traveling with a dear friend and she informed me that I MUST taste this amazingly refreshing dessert usually topped with all sorts of fresh fruit. The place was called YogenFruz. I barely remember it but I do remember it was unlike any frozen yogurt I've ever tasted before... it's just so tangy and refreshing. I topped it with strawberries, pineapple, and mango.

The yogurt is served out of what looks like a soft serve ice cream machine. Most places just have two flavors: original + the flavor of the week. The original I've tried at most places taste like an icy, sweetened version of the plain yogurt you buy at the super market. It's very hard to explain but very light and refreshing.

There are two places to check out here in Tallahassee. SunBerry, which is located on Tennessee right next to Jenny's lunchbox and YogenBerry right next door to the Club Publix. Both places are super cute and trendy inside. Bright colored walls and clean white counter tops clash with the vibrant colored toppings: blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, kiwi, granola, chocolate chips, coconut, etc.

For only 25 calories per ounce, a small runs you about 125 calories. Not bad for a frozen treat. This trend is rather pricey in my opinion. With a few toppings a small costs a little over 5 bucks! I still say it's definitely worth a shot.

myyogenberry.com
sunberryfyc.com

Enjoy!

One0One Restaurant & Lounge

If you know me you know that I have a wide variety of friends--black, white, Hispanic, small, big, average, affluent, bankrupt, gay, straight, intelligent, and I hate to say... below par. Interestingly though, food, like friends, comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and origins. I can't stick to one group of friends the way I can't stick to one food group or one type of cuisine.

I am fascinated by the variety and uniqueness of, say, an heirloom tomato, deep purple, kelly green, and terracotta orange painted on a bumpy ball of juicy flesh. Or even something as simple as a bunch of grapes.... Green, Purple, Red, White and Black are the most familiar but did you know that there are over 600 varieties red grapes alone!? And then there are the uses for this precious fruit... a beautiful glass of wine, the crunch to creamy Waldorf salad, or something as simple as grape juice! There is such bounty!

Okay, so my point is... this restaurant experience was shared with a quite colorful group of friends. The tale is as follows...

My friend Emily picked me up around 8. Our dear friend and former roommate Dominique had just turned 21 and her friends had planned a surprise party for her. D, Em, and I are still inseparable as we were when we were freshman roommates in ***** Hall. Em has ADD which I love. It is so funny to watch someone with a mild case of this. All of there thoughts and actions are literally unconnected and irreverent. The funny thing is though that Em is so intelligent and bright... not to mention blond and beautiful--an essential friend to have. Dominque is someone you can just be yourself around. She is huggable, voluptuous, and sweet like a big bowl of brown sugar! And all her friends are the same. I knew this party was gonna be a gas. I also knew that me and Em would be the only white people there. I was so excited.

The restaurant is beautiful from the outside in. It is right on the corner of College Ave. and Duval St. in the middle of downtown. A large scale staircase leads you up to the restaurant. Funky low lights, modern paintings, brass artwork, and red walls make this restaurant very romantic. Candles light black tables surrounded by cherry wood chairs and a stained cement floor.

Me and Emily were early so we sat at the bar. I ordered a don pellegrino with lime. She got water. We were a bartender's best friend... not. We caught up for a while until we were interrupted by Curtis, the manager... "So are you guys gonna order food or what?" "No," I said. "We are waiting for a group, can I answer any more questions for you, Curtis?" I played on his sarcastic rapport... who does he think he's dealing with? The rest of the party began to arrive so I paid for my drink and we all sat down to anticipate the arrival of the birthday girl.

Lots of laughter later we began to order dinner. The menu is sort blase. Tapas include stuffed mushrooms, Italian eggplant stack, spinach dip, and risotto balls. Not so appetizing. There are also burgers, salads, and sandwiches, with a few dull chicken and fish entrees. It's not that there is anything wrong with these items but when they are set in such an upscale atmosphere on oriental style, white square dinnerware I expect a little more creativity and umph! Emily and I ordered the stuffed mushrooms for an appetizer and the Black and Blue Salad for dinner. The rest of the table ordered burgers.

Our unenthusiastic waitress brought out our food a while later. You know when you can just sense someone doesn't want to serve your table? This was her. Not only that, but you could just sense her elitist attitude toward us. When she sat the plates down I had long lost my appetite. Our mushrooms were slightly cold and thrown over dressed arugula... and by the way I had no idea what the mushrooms were stuffed with. I couldn't taste any one dominant flavor. The steak lacked a pink center even though we ordered it rare and two guests burgers had to be sent back because they were raw. Need I say more?

After dinner it was time for cake. Dominique's friends don't play around, so, when they brought out a Vanilla Butter cream cake that served 30 people I wasn't surprised. I was in charge of cutting this Publix masterpiece. And, I'm sorry, when it comes to cake, my etiquette goes out the door. I couldn't resist tasting the frosting and picking up the crumbs that fell after each slice! Is that so bad? I just had a terrible meal... cut me some slack! After everyone received their piece I cut myself a corner... you can never have too much icing! If you've never had a Publix cake do yourself a favor and grab one for your next party.

At One0One, the atmosphere is great, the drinks are great, the social scene is also great-- late twenties crowd, very refreshing and good looking too. Unfortunately, the food nor the service lived up to the atmospshere.

Here is the website but don't be fooled by there fancy pictures. They clearly hired a great photographer.
http://101mint.com/

Mozaik

Can I just say that it is rare that I am this impressed by a restaurant? The entire experience was like waking up on Christmas morning over and over again. The artwork, the food, the service, the company, the chef (Yes, I met him)... even the temperature in the room was perfect. I cannot believe I have been in Tallahassee two years and have not dined at Mozaik.

The restaurant is located off Thomasville Rd. on Market Street, just past interstate 10. Ana and I missed the turn trying to find it BUT there is a benefit to having no sense of direction whatsoever. I FOUND A FRESH MARKET. Yes, just 10 minutes away from my darling FSU campus there is a place of refuge. I was squealing at this point and so was Ana... my fellow foodie friend. We decided to check it out because seeing food always makes me work up an appetite. We did a walk through and though I have seen all of these things before, they are still absolutely mesmerizing--pastry, bread, produce, flowers-- the abundance is astounding! I left giddy as ever with a bouquet of hot pink Gerber Daisies and freshly ground peanut butter-- two of life's essentials.

We arrived at Mozaik around 8. The dining area is split in two: a more causal deli area and a formal dining room. But, not to worry, it is still a very casual atmosphere and there were a variety of guests dining-- families, young adults, seniors. They were about half full which is good considering season doesn't start for a couple months. The hostess sat us and I had a great view of the whole restaurant-- I cannot/will not stare at a wall. All of the wait staff were clad in head to toe black and the one male waiter was gorgeous. I stared at him the whole time half listening to Ana. I'm kidding... but I am sorry to say I have a one track mind. It's either food, friend, or man and none can occur simultaneously.

The hostess brought us ice water and menus and I admired the decor of the restuarant. Glittery tile work is scattered about the walls and is illuminated by interesting large scale light fixtures. All the colors created the perfect ambiance and I couldn't wait to read the menu.

The cuisine at Mozaik calls itself "Modern American with Asian and Mediterranean accents." Is this my kind of restaurant or what?! So, I didn't even need to decipher the menu, the ingredients spoke for themselves! We started with the Asian Spiced Crab cakes with Kimchee Salad (Korean pickled vegetables) , Wakame (Japanese seaweed often used in Miso soup), and Ponzu Aioli (Citrus based mayonnaise). The cakes came right up and with one cake for each of us we dove right in. Heavenly. Why? BUTTER. Clarified butter. I'm sorry but I cannot stand it when seafood is fried in oil. Butter compliments the flavor so well without making the dish heavy. It also allows for a crunchy crust and succulent inside. Very French of them. I know this because I saw Julie & Julia for the third time yesterday.

It was time to decide on an entree and I was all out of sorts. I must have read the menu 20 times. I knew I wanted seafood but the options were endless! Tuna, oysters, swordfish, grouper, shrimp, salmon! (If you are afraid of the sea don't fret, they have land options as well--pasta, chicken, filet, etc.) Ana wanted pasta but I told her to broaden her horizons and order some variety! Yeah, yeah, I know I am bossy.

I think we made two excellent choices:

LONG LINE SWORDFISH -
	honey glazed spiced sweet potatoes, marinated Chinese long beans-pickled red onion salad, blueberry-balsamic barbeque, haricot vert (French green beans)
GULF GROUPER & JUMBO HOPPER SHRIMP -
	pan seared, creamy smoked lemon risotto, spinach, roasted garlic & grape tomatoes, kalamatas, crushed red pepper, oregano, roasted eggplant aioli, charred green tomato purée, house made ricotta

I got the latter because I am a sucker for roasted garlic and kalamata olives and she got the former because I love sweet potatoes. The food arrived while we were immersed in conversation but naturally that seized when I smelled the lemon scent wafting off my steaming risotto. I took the first bite... juicy tomato, creamy spinach, tender olives, and fluffy ricotta cheese smothered that perfectly cooked rice. I am telling you, you could taste every single flavor from the brightness of the lemon to the zip of the red pepper flakes. AND THE RICE WAS NOT SOGGY. Thank God. It still had a bite to it which is an absolute must. Next, I went for the pair of shrimp that were hugging each other on top of my grouper. They were also perfectly sauteed... in butter... with a naturally crispy skin and tender interior. The grouper was good too. It was lightly breaded and fried and had a nice, flaky texture. Grouper is a mild whitefish so all of the other flavors complimented it well.

I forked Ana's next. The sweetest, smoothest sweet potatoes I have ever tasted. Good firm Swordfish and crunchy, bright green haricot ver. Everything prepared in respect to the beauty of the ingredient. I loved it.

When we were thoroughly stuffed, I wanted to meet the chef and express to him how much we enjoyed ourselves. He came out a few minutes later with a glass of Cab Sav and pulled up a chair. We talked to him for a while about his culinary experience and how he wound up at Mozaik. He trained in Philadelphia, home to some of the best restaurants in the country, and came to Tallahassee about 3 years ago. Thank you chef for finding your way into my arms! You are very talented!

Secrets from the chef himself:
They hand make all of their pastas!
They also make Ricotta Cheese from scratch!

They take pride in the food here. You can just tell. From the presentation to the taste they are not going to skimp on specialty and creativity in order to make a profit.

My words can only do so much. You MUST do yourself a favor and treat yourself at Mozaik. It is worth every penny.

Check out there website: dinemozaik.com

Cabo's Island Grill & Bar

I rarely crave Mexican. Probably because most Mexican restaurants disappoint me. They lack the fresh, light feel of authentic Mexican cuisine. However, this particular day I would do anything to get my hands on some fresh guacamole and a taco. I had heard of Cabo's before and though it's not technically Mexican, they're nicknamed Cabo's Tacos, and I thought I'd give it a shot.

They are located on Apalachee Pkwy. on the right hand side in the same shopping center as Ross and Payless. Once you turn on Apalachee from Monroe St. merge right on to the Service Road immediately--it's easier to spot. Odd location, but most places off the beaten path are delicious.

I walked in to what I thought was the entrance and was inundated with cigarette smoke and weird looks. I looked around and an awfully creepy man greeted me with, "Don't worry your in the right place." I gave him an awkward smile and in my head I thought, "Really, I hope not..." I walked to the back of the dark bar and luckily the bartender noticed I was confused. She asked, "Are you looking for the restaurant?" I nodded my head like a scared child and she told me to go out the side door, walk down the side walk and the main entrance would be on my right. I hauled-ass out of there and realized the bar and restaurant have their own entrances, a good thing if you don't like the smell of hot alcohol.

I walked into the restaurant around 7. My friend Kelly had already taken advantage of the 25 cent happy hour discount and was sipping a Michelob Ultra. She also had already asked the waitress for an order of guacamole and chips which arrived just as I sat down. Hell yeah. I dove right in because the lemon aroma was tantalizing and I was starving as usual. The corn chips were hot and salty and crunchy and you could tell they make them from real corn tortillas. The guacamole? Wow. Lemony, spicy, smooth, fresh. Just the right amount of cilantro. Served COLD. So refreshing. You must order this. I'm telling you, it is so hot here and this guacamole cools you right off. Add a cold beer for a buck fifty and you've hit the jackpot.

When I was done attacking the guacamole, I reached for the menu. There are so many options. If you want a cheaper fair you can have a delicious, filling Mexican platter (burritos, tacos, enchiladas) for under $7 or you can choose one of their FRESH grouper or crab cake platters for about $20. I emphasis fresh because they never serve frozen seafood!

Kelly and I both wanted to stick with Mexican. I decided on the Black Bean burrito with Cheddar cheese, spinach, and hot salsa. I also got mine "wet" which means smothered in salsa and served atop Romaine lettuce. Kelly got a beef burrito with salsa and onion. She got hers Ultimate: covered in Queso. You can also get any item Supreme: covered in sour cream, black olives, tomatoes and onions. And you can't forget the traditional Mexican accoutrements available with any order: black beans, re-fried beans, rice, and salsa--spicy, mild, or Verde.

My taco was delicious. It had a good balance of everything. Not too much cheese not too many beans, soft flour tortilla, and fresh salsa that was spicy but not sinus clearing. Good, simple and light.

Aside from the Mexican food, they also offer lots of island specialties like Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Yellow Fin sashimi grade Tuna, Costa Rican Chicken, and a Fish of the Day Tostada.

When I finished my meal I checked out the restaurant itself. There are surf boards hanging from the ceiling, neon yellow, blue, and green tables, and bright colored walls painted with yellow palm trees. There are also lots of pictures featuring Cabo's family, friends, and patrons. A totally casual, family friendly, and delicious spot for after work, after school, or anytime your craving a fresh meal.

Website: http://www.cabosgrill.com/


***I later found out that Cabo's started out as a tiny taco stand and has since strived to serve the freshest food at the lowest price. They do not cook with lard and use 100% pure vegetable oil in anything they fry. Red hearts are found next to dishes that are heart healthy; another plus. Be sure to read the note from the owners at the bottom of the menu!***

Cypress

After an extremely long day of classes, work, and meetings, a relaxing dinner is just what I needed. I decided on Cypress Restaurant, located in a small building on the corner of Tennessee Street and Gadsden. I was extremely relieved that my dinner guest cancelled so I could dine alone. If you've never done this, I strongly encourage it. Maybe take a magazine or pencil and paper (not a cell phone). Not only will you receive more attention from the wait staff but also from the other guests who are most likely curious about your motives for eating companionless. If you love attention, this is a classy way to get it.

I sat down just as the restaurant opened at 5pm in a little booth by the window. The tables were dress in white cloth, white plates, and silver table wear with yellow flowers floating in petite vases. Very French Country. Each wall was painted in subdued versions of yellow, red, purple, and an unpleasant hospital green. I immediately noticed the natural light flowing in behind me and the soft jazz music playing in the speaker above my head. I scanned the restauant and noticed two older couples were dining and eavesdropped for a while. Nothing remately interesting was said. I should have known the entertainment would be scarce at 5 o'clock. My waiter, Jonathan, brought me ice water and a menu. The menu is small, consisting of Little Dish (apps), Bowls (soups), and Big Dish (entrees), and I like that. It means two things: they most likely change the menu everyday and/or they use only the freshest and best tasting ingredients that day offers. In addition to the daily menu, there is a cheese tasting menu that looked fantastic as well as a separate menu for bar guests.

Jonathan came back to take my order and informed me that I could take the menu home because they reprint them everyday (I figured). I suppose he noticed that I was jotting down notes and wanted to make things easier for me. How nice of him! He took my order and brought out shortbread biscuits, crusty, white bread and butter. If you are not familiar with short bread, it is a versatile white dough made with butter and flour. You can fold anything from cheese to chocolate chips into it and trust me you will not be disappointed. Cypress slightly sweetens their biscuits with sugar. They were heavenly and I put the other two in my purse.

I decided to start with the Locally-Farmed Salad for $7. A perfect choice for my health and for the community. I love restaurants that support local farmers. I also love knowing that my vegetables haven't been shipped thousands of miles before entering my mouth. A variety of lettuces, carrots, and sweet grape tomatoes were dressed with an Herb-Shallot Vinegarette and spiced pecan brittle. The vin tasted much like Italian dressing and the brittle was like a high class crouton-spicey and sweet and crunchy. Fantastic stick-to-your-teeth kind of stuff. I wish they sold that brittle separately. Although the salad was delicious and fresh, it was a little small for the price. I would have like to see a little more volume and variety.

I then ordered the Forbidden Sea Scallops from the Little Dish section of the menu. Three large scallops were seared-dry creating a perfect crust and melt in your mouth center. They were served over black rice risotto in a sea of ginger-papaya sauce and topped with cucumber-jalapeno relish. It was like three floating islands on a plate and I ate every bite. There are a variety of salads featuring fresh fruit and vegetables as well as oysters, shrimp, and tuna dishes available on the Little Dish menu. The portions are small but ample and the prices range from $7-$10.

I decided to skip a Big Dish and opt for dessert in stead. The mains sounded delicious though. Chanterelle (wild mushroom) Stuffed Flounder, 8 oz. Filet, Grilled Lamb Loin, and Lobster Tail Paella are just a few entree options. As for the flavors accompanying these dishes: I noticed lots of citrus, especially orange, which brightens the flavor of everything. For example, Citrus & Bourbon Spiced Jus, Fennel (crunchy like celery, tastes like licorice) Citrus Slaw, and Orange-Roasted Pepper Gastrique (fruit and vinegar reduction that creates a thick sauce). You'll also notice lots of Caribbean influence in dishes served with Plantain Maduros (Sweet, sauteed bananas) Tropical Fruit Salsa, and Tomatillo Salsa Verde.

Overall, however, the menu uses predominantly French and Italian ingredients: wild mushrooms, kalamata olives, ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, leeks, arugula, eggplant, and fennel.

Terms from the dinner menu that may be unfamiliar:
*Concasse: a French term meaning to rough chop and ingredient, especially vegetables.
*Jus: any reduced sauce made from the stock of meat or vegetables
*Coulis: a thick sauce that can be sweet or savory
*Caponata: a Sicilian dish usually consisting of chopped eggplant and other vegetables such as celery or olives
*Confit: French term meaning preserved. Usually duck meat that is salted and aged.
*Andouille Sausage: originally French and now mostly classified with Cajun cooking, it is smoked sausage with a kick.

It was finally time for dessert and lucky for me aside from the home-made chocolate cake, peach pie, and peanut butter bomb, they also offer home-made ice cream. I am such an ice-cream kind of woman. I told Jonathan I wanted the Double Chocolate Chip Stout Ice cream. Yes, Stout! And a decaf Espresso. So, this ice cream is made with stout beer, which is dark and bitter, BUT during the cooking process most of the stout is burned off leaving the ice cream with a rich, malty undertone. It was so creamy and satisfying.

My bill arrived and it was not cheap but I had some extra scholarship dough and wanted a special treat. This is definitely a good place for an occasion or anniversary. Lots of colorful ingredients and special attention to detail make each plate presentation unique and romantic.

Cypress is open dinner only, Tues-Saturday at 5pm.
www.cypressrestaurant.com

Kool Beans Cafe

I've been to KBC a handful of times. It is definitely the type of food I like to eat- New World Cuisine. Lots of Mediterranean and and Indian influence with some Asian flair as well. The menu changes often and the food has been consistently fresh. They also have a great wine list and lots of premium beer choices. The service, however, is questionable-- the waiters are a tad spacey and forgetful but I can't say I'm angry with this. It kind of lends itself to the restaurants theme: "Eat, Drink, Talk Loud-- You're among friends!" Very KOOL and hippie like and unconventional. A great place for a first date too-- you will have a blast looking at all the original art hung on the walls or peering into the open kitchen. So, if your date sucks, you will still be amused.

Around 7 PM, I picked up my friend Ana. Ana is the type of person you can be with all the time and not get annoyed by her. She just goes with the flow and I love to think I can boss her around. She also is someone who likes to eat... a rarity among females in college. We arrive and there is a 25 min wait... not a surprise for KBC. They are always on wait... even during the week. They recently expanded to outdoor seating and this has shortened the wait time dramatically but I can be impatient at times especially when I am hungry. There is a solution for this... ask them to look at the menu while you wait. I am telling you the combinations in one dish are mesmerizing. Like this for example: Annato-rum glazed sea scallops, garlic marinated tomatoes, and citrus risotto.

Not too long after, we were seated outside and immediately served ice water. A nice touch because it is still warm here even at night. The waitress came right away (a surprise) and took our drink orders. I had this waitress before and Ana had a feeling she was "on something." I insisted that googley eyes were simply part of her personality. A little while later she came to take our dinner order and I had to remind her about the iced teas she hadn't remembered. Not a big deal, really, but it is warm out and they have damn good iced tea. You just know if tea is brewed or instant and theirs is definitely brewed. Outside seating is a fun option but beware if you are seated closer to the edge. The flies can creep up on your plate and at some point during this particular visit I was attacked by some sort of flying, fluttering thing.

While she ran off to get our drinks we decided to make a final decision on what to order. I love to taste everything so I always order a couple appetizers. I think its a more fun way to eat and I feel like I'm not missing out. I'm really drawn towards Mediterranean cuisine The flavors are always so fresh to me and the spices are very simple, not taking away from the ingredients themselves. With that in mind, I opted for the Red Pepper Hummus served with olive tapenade, scallions and warm pita points. I also ordered the Lentil Falefal, which is traditionally a Middle Eastern dish composed of smashed, spiced beans shaped into a patty and then fried. It was served with a veggie cuc salad and was drizzled with tzatziki sauce and olive oil. Ana loves Latin cuisine and KBC definitely incorporates Latin ingredients into there plates. Tonight, however, they had a full-fledged Latin feast for a dinner option: Glazed pork chops, mango red pepper salsa, cilantro rice, sweet plantains, and black beans. It was like a Cuban explosion on a plate and growing up with a Cuban father I was well aware of what this dish could do to your digestive track. But Ana insisted the dish was calling to her so she went for it. And lucky for me, too, because I could compare it to the authentic Cuban cooking I grew up on.

While waiting for our food we sipped our tea and noshed on the crusty whole grain bread served with whipped butter. The food came a while later so if you are looking for a super quick dinner, I would opt for another location. This place is really about the whole experience and the anticipation of the food on its way is part of it. Googely Eyes sat the plates down and I dove in. I tried the Falafel first. It is a very dense fried ball similar to a hush puppy so we are not looking for lots of different textures or complex flavors here. BUT paired with the tzatziki it was perfect. I do however think they skimped on the ziki. For such a dense appetizer you need an ample amount of sauce to soak the Falafel. My hummus was also delicious. Very strong flavors here. Tangy red pepper, salty capers, spicy scallions, and fresh black olive tapenade went so well smeared inside warm pita bread. Ana's dish looked delicious and she gave me a taste of everything. The pork was good paired with the salsa in the same bite. The rice was a beautiful light green color and each grain was separate from the next. Mushy rice is a no-no. My favorite part were the beans. In some Latin and South American cultures they sugar their black beans and so does KBC. In my opinion, it is the only way to have them. It completely rounded out the meal.

Overall, a good dining experience. If you are going there for the first time I would definitely recommend any of the fish dishes. I would say probably some of the freshest tasting seafood I've had in Florida and that is saying a lot considering we are a peninsula. The scallops have been my favorite so far.

The fair for dinner is relatively high. Entrees range from $20-$30 with apps and salads around $10. In my opinion if you love good food and wine, it is definitely worth it again and again.

Don't forget they are also open for lunch!

http://www.koolbeanz-cafe.com/

Cafe Annapurna

So, I've been to the Tallahassee strip about twice as a college student. I must say beer in plastic cups, sweat and cloisterphobia are not really my thing. BUT, since Tallahassee is extra special, they decided to put an authentic Tibetan/Nepali cafe neighboring these bars. I cannot tell you how excited I was about this. When I first saw it, I was getting a vanilla cone at McDs (the only thing I will ever get there... though I'd like to try the third pounder. Who could deny REAL ANGUS BEEF? Gross.) Anyways, I felt like I had to try it as soon as possible and since then I have had an two pleasant experiences there.

This place is a true hole in the wall (I'm talking brown tile floor and orange painted bead board booths) run by the native themselves. Which is a fantastic sign because you know the food will be authentic, fresh, and healthy. In addition, both times I've been there, there are natives eating and speaking the native tongue, another good sign. I'm sure they were thanking Buddha that they didn't have to eat dreadful American cuisine.

Now, Nepal and Tibet are located right between China and India. The cuisine has elements of both--dumplings and pita are both choices on Cafe Annapurna's menu. Speaking of the menu... it is a bit hard to understand at a first glance. Menu items include Papad, Achar, Chhole, Partaha and Dal. Translation: Lentil tortilla, Nepali potato salad, marinated chickpeas, flakey wheat flour bread, and spinach lentil soup. Don't worry, I didn't look these up myself. The English version is right on the menu.

I went there for lunch yesterday with my cousin (she is another food buddy of mine because she's not afraid to try new things) and they had a pretty decent lunch crowd. We ordered the Tibetan Momo, the Paratha Plate, and Curry Tofu. The Momo are dumplings and they are DELICIOUS. They are filled with ground seasoned turkey and vegetables and served with a tangy brown sauce similar to soy but not as salty. The Paratha Plate was the daily special for 5.99. Holler. Anywho, it comes with 2 parathas (the flakey, sweet, wheat bread almost like pita but softer and more doughy), Nepali potato salad, which is so not what you think. The color is bright curry powder yellow and more veggie than potatoey. It also comes with Chhole which are the marinated chick peas. The Curry Tofu is self explanitory... the basmati rice it comes with however, is beyond description. You must taste it for yourself and only a true foodie can appreciate the flavor of such a simple side. The spices you can expect in all of these dishes are cumin, chillies, coriander, mrethi, fenugreek, fennel, turmeric, and tamarind. Really earthy and smokey flavors.

If you want my honest opinion this place is fantastic. It is perfect for a quick lunch... you order and pay at the counter and when the food is up they bring it to your table. When you're done you pick up after yourself and put your plate on top of the waste basket by the door. No tipping necessary.

A very positive experience. I'm curious how is is for dinner... but that's another day.

P.S. There are tons of Annapurna's all over the country... but don't worry they ARE NOT chains. Annapurna is a series of peaks in the Himalayas. Here is the Tallahassee website link: cafe-annapurna.com

Food Glorious Food.

Food Glorious Food is tucked away in a quaint shopping plaza on N. Thomasville Road and Bradford. Naturally, I missed it the first time and had to make a U-turn. Beware of this... it is hard to spot at first. The tables were covered in white sheet paper and a dimly lit candle. After passing the out door seating and making my way inside, with Christine of course, the large dessert case caught my eye and I nearly had an... well, you get the picture. I resisted the urge to walk over and Christine and I sat a table by the window and waited to be served. The menu was filled with unique appetizers, small plates, and mains, with a petite list of A la Carte sides at the bottom. After much debate, we decided on the Cuban Roast Pork, served atop a cheddar, cornmeal, pancake and accented with salsa fresca and herb sour cream, the Crab Cake with remoulade sauce, the veggie slaw, and the absolutely decadent, buttery, sauteed mushrooms.

The pulled pork was served Cuban style, sans BBQ sauce (thank God) but still a little dry for my taste. The pancake was my favorite. I just love bread in general and with that added cheddar cheese... I was hooked. The salsa was fresh and the sour cream added a nice tangyness to the spiced pork. The crab cake came next. It was lightly fried in I'm guessing olive or canola oil and VERY meaty. Hardly any breading, which, is how a crab cake should be. I'm afraid it was a little too lemony but the remoulade gave the dish balance. The veggie slaw was nothing special. Just some julienned carrots, zucchini and squash but a healthy side none the less. And last but not least THOSE BUTTERY MUSHROOMS. Oh my God. If you order anything from FGF, please order these alongside your meal. The are crispy and meaty and perfect. YUM.

Later, the cutest little waitress told us about each dessert in the case, homemade, in house. The first one looked like a 10 pound chocolate rock filled with layers of fresh whipped cream. She then pointed out various fresh fruit cobblers which are made according to the season (right now it is apple-peach), cream cakes, and pies filled with everything from white chocolate to peanut butter. Nothing I haven't seen before... But then out of no where she mentions an Almond Joy Cake. Now, in my opinion there is nothing better in this world than an Almond Joy EXCEPT an Almond Joy Cake. Though I was full, I did not want to miss out on this culinary experience so we ordered it to go. At about midnight I awoke from a dream about the AJC, popped from my bed, and headed for the fridge. A few bites of the almond graham cracker crust, coconut filling and rich, chocolate ganache was just what I needed to sleep like a happy baby until morning.

The beginning...

It's been a 2 year and almost unbearable wait but the time came Saturday August 22nd, 2009 when I met my food soul mate, Christine. I walked into my 4th floor apartment to find her unpacking boxes of kitchen supplies. Who knew anyone would have a like amount of Ikea pots and pans and hand me down dishes? I was ecstatic of course and offered to help her unload the stuff into the tiny kitchen of room 1414. After hours of conversation about how much we loved to cook and how we refused to buy a meal plan because of the inflated cost and low quality cuisine offered to us, we made it our mission spend less, cook more, and used the money we saved to taste the local fair in town. Thus, The Buttery Mushroom was born.

Here, I'll talk about what I like, love, or down right detest about the local restaurants in Tallahassee. Though not every dining experience will be with Christine... I'll always keep her in mind.