For the size of its population, SWFL can be a Paradise Coast of epicurean delight. However, there are a few gaps in our gastronomic palette that can be filled by jumping in your vehicle and exploring points North and West. This month, we take a look at some spots that are worth turning into the De Leon of dining.
First, we head just a little bit north to the exploding burgh of Cape Coral and the great pizza, pinball and punk joint, Nice Guys. Nice Guys has that community and music vibe that is all too rare in a lot of places in our national map, let alone Florida. They have multitudes of pizza varieties, including a massive menu for your gluten-free and vegan friends. Along with a full bar, their beer selection is pretty broad and the bartenders have intimate knowledge of every can they serve and tap they pull. They even have fried Oreos!
It’s not just prime grub and bevos that make Nice Guy great though. They have a full stage with a ton of different quality local acts, very few of whom fall into that cheesy cover vibe (please stop playing “Still The One” or “Hotel California” immediately!) and…my personal favorite, they have a wall of about fifteen rotating pinball machines from all eras. The weirdo artwork illuminated by blacklights makes for the perfect ambiance for a great experience.
Next, swing through the alley and head over to Mi Tierra in Kendall West for some spectacular Dominican and Caribbean fare. The blueprint stereotype of a Latin spot usually is homey with vibrant flavors and colors - Tierra stands out for its elegant light wood ambiance and subtle but spectacular takes on the classics. Their Picadera gives you a sample of all the classics, from well done mini sausages (amazing!) to fried cheese (duh...its FRIED CHEESE!) to perfect tostones. The avocado salad has a slight Asian slaw twist that balances out the meat in your meals with some nice acid. The star was the Mofongo. Mr. Bites loves him some plantains but had always thought Mofongo was a word that SNL attributed to David Ortiz for a Big Papi joke. Their mofongo is no joke. I highly recommend getting this mashed plantain dish with a pile of chicharrons on top for a crispy, salt and tender slap of amazing. Don’t forget to wash it down with one of the best sangrias I have ever had the pleasure of drinking.
Speaking of drinking, our last stop is less of a sit-down spot and more of a “Hey, I’ve had a few drinks, how do I wake up feeling just a tad bit less awful tomorrow while putting something really delicious in my belly?” Sadly, there are not enough of those spots around these parts, but for post-quaffing perfection, head over to the main drag of Delray, Atlantic Avenue for Big Al’s Cheesesteaks. My personal experience at Big Al’s was at midnight when the Avenue had tempered its party vibe with just a few stragglers left trying to capture the remains of the night. I approached Big Al’s window and ordered what turned out to be a spectacular, perfectly greasy, and cheesy (provolone, not Whiz, thank you very much!) footlong delight. The bread has a little crust, but was soft enough to let all the onion drippings mesh perfectly with the meat. Their authentic Philly style is enough to rival Geno's or Pat's even!
Hope you've enjoyed some of these road trip culinary delight ideas!
Until we eat again,
Yours in deliciousness
Mr. Bites