Culinary Tour of Local Flavors to Experience on Your Next Central Florida Vacation by Jessica Roberts

Culinary

Tour

Of Local Flavors To Experience On Your Next

Central Florida Vacation

ver sink your teeth into a big juicy frog leg or gator tail? How about a BBQ egg roll or a slice of sweet grapefruit pie? Get ready to experience bold, unique flavors like never before on your next Central Florida vacation! For those with adventurous palates, Polk County offers a wide range of one-of-a-kind culinary experiences; but don't worry if you lean more toward traditional fare. From mouthwatering BBQ and the freshest of seafood to authentic Mexican fare and elegant fine dining, the local flavors of Polk County

Looking for An Authentic Southern Barbeque? Follow The Smoke Trail To Polk County's Best BBQ Joints Every region of the country has its own unique way of doing barbeque, and the South is no exception. Central Florida is home to a wide array of down home Southern barbeque restaurants, serving everything from pulled pork and ribs to BBQ nachos and fried pickle spears!

Bubba Chucks BBQ Bubba Chucks BBQ has been providing delicious Southern BBQ in Winter Haven since 2010. While you'll find no shortage of traditional barbeque eats, Bubba Chucks has a solid reputation for their innovative signature items, including the "Original" BBQ Egg Roll, BBQ Nachos, and Smokin' Forrest Wings -‐ jumbo wings that have been smoked and fried! Bubba Chucks is open for lunch and dinner, Thursday through Sunday. Copyright © 2012 Central Florida Visitors & Convention Bureau • 2701 Lake Myrtle Park Road, Auburndale FL 33823 • 1-800-828-7655

Curly Tails Barbeque A favorite among the locals, Curly Tails Barbeque in Bartow is family owned and operated all the way! Customers are willing to drive a long way for a taste of their pulled pork, barbeque chicken and old-‐fashioned side dishes like fried pickle spears, corn nuggets and home made potato chips. Or if you're looking for something a bit on the lighter side, you can get a true taste of Florida with their Smokey Citrus Chicken Salad. Plan to visit on a weekday, however, because Curly Tails is only open Monday through Friday.

Jimbo's Pit Bar B-Q Jimbo's Pit Bar B-‐Q has been serving genuine Florida barbeque in Lakeland since 1964. Known for quality food like homemade apple pie and outstanding service, this family owned and operated establishment has been tantalizing the taste buds of locals and visitors alike for over four decades! Jimbo's is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Friday.

Peebles Bar-B-Q If you're looking for memorable things to do in Central Florida, a visit to Peebles Bar-‐B-‐Q in Auburndale is a great place to start. Considered a local treasure, this humble eatery on Old Dixie Highway has become a landmark after more than 56 years of providing customers with the ultimate Southern barbeque experience -‐ down home cooking, screened-‐in porch seating, and an indoor barbeque pit! Customer favorites include their sliced beef, ribs, shredded pork and signature barbeque sauce. If you want to get in on this Polk County tradition, plan your trip accordingly because Peebles is only open seasonally, serving lunch and dinner Thursday -‐ Saturday from Labor Day to Memorial Day!

Plan A

Romantic Dinner For Two

With Elegant Fine Dining

What do you get when you combine five-‐star cuisine, luxurious table settings and breathtaking views? The perfect Central Florida vacation date night! Whether your sophisticated palate craves cutting-‐edge Italian and Mediterranean fare or classic comfort foods with an upscale twist, there are plenty of fine dining options to choose from.

Arabella's Ristorante Arabella's Ristorante in historic downtown Winter Haven is known for exceptional Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, featuring dishes like Blackened Shrimp Salad, Pollo Alla Griglia (Lunch), Filet to al Porto (Dinner), and Pan seared Chilean Sea Bass with cherry tomatoes. The warm atmosphere, classic antipasti and pasta dishes, and extensive wine list make Arabella's an ideal spot for an enchanting date night or sophisticated family dinner. Arabella's was the recipient of the 2011 Opentable.com Diners' Choice Award.

Terrace Grille Whether you're seeking a romantic dinner for two or an elegant brunch with the family, The Terrace Grille is a great choice. Located within the historic Terrace Hotel in Lakeland, diners can enjoy remarkable architecture and captivating views of the city, along with delectable New American cuisine. Quiche and Eggs Benedict are popular dishes for breakfast or brunch, while dinner runs the gamut from classic comfort foods like meatloaf to elegant plates of filet mignon and tuna. Copyright © 2012 Central Florida Visitors & Convention Bureau • 2701 Lake Myrtle Park Road, Auburndale FL 33823 • 1-800-828-7655

Bring Your Appetite! Central Florida Is Known For Juicy Steaks And Fresh Seafood When you're this close to the ocean, there's bound to be an abundance of fresh seafood on the agenda. And for those who enjoy a good Surf 'n Turf, you can also find plenty of Texas size steaks in Polk County! The list of amazing seafood and steak restaurants is endless, but check out a few local favorites that continue to delight.

Cherry Pocket Steak & Seafood Shak For the perfect blend of entertainment, scenery and fresh seafood, you can't go wrong with Cherry Pocket Steak & Seafood Shak in Lake Wales. With gorgeous views of Lake Pierce, made to order dishes, and live music (Friday -‐ Sunday nights), it would be hard not to have a great time at Cherry Pocket! Sit on the outside deck, enjoy a few drinks and get ready to peruse a huge menu containing everything from oysters and filet mignon to gator nuggets and frog legs. And don't forget to indulge in one of Elsie's homemade desserts like key lime pie or carrot cake.

Crazy Fish Bar and Grill Crazy Fish Bar and Grill in Lake Wales, known for its eclectic décor and charming slogan "Why eat frozen?" has been a favorite among locals for the past 9 years. Check out their signature homemade seafood gumbo or shrimp po boy -‐ or indulge in a wide variety of seafood, sandwiches, pasta and burgers. You'll soon learn why Crazy Fish has been rated among the Top 5 Most Popular Restaurants in Florida by Urban Spoon.

Gary's Oyster Bar & Seafood House As Polk County's oldest oyster bar, Gary's Oyster Bar & Seafood House in Lake Alfred has been dishing up seafood favorites for more than 30 years. Oysters from Apalachicola, FL are shucked right in front of you. An ideal spot for fun, family dining, Gary's is also known for its fried lobster, hushpuppies and conch bites.

Harry's Old Place A self-‐proclaimed neighborhood restaurant, Harry's Old Place is all about fresh fish, casual lakefront dining, and making you feel at home! Located in Winter Haven and overlooking Lake Ned, Harry's offers a wide range of menu options for the whole family, including fish tacos grouper sandwiches, Berry Cool Salmon, and don't forget the #1 seller on the menu, "Harry in a Bag" -‐ fresh grouper baked in a bag and topped with crushed pecans and seasonings.

Manny's Original Chophouse If you're on the hunt for the best steak in Polk County, many locals would direct you to Manny's Original Chophouse in Haines City. Manny's offers a fun, family-‐friendly atmosphere and of course, quality steaks. Their menu is brimming with a wide selection of steaks including prime rib and Manny's Special -‐ a 10oz sirloin. All steaks are hand cut daily and then expertly char grilled, served with sides like a salad tossed tableside and rolls with cinnamon butter.

Norby's Steaks and Seafood Norby's Steaks and Seafood is a small, off the beaten path restaurant in Lake Wales. Not only can you get Maine Lobster tail and juicy steaks cooked over a flaming grill, but you can also purchase Norby's signature steak sauce, garlic seasoning salt and habanera hot sauce to take home with you as a memento of your visit.

Texas Cattle Company For steaks the size of Texas, there's only one place to go in Polk County -‐ Texas Cattle Company, where the motto is "more beef for your buck"! This staple of the Lakeland dining community boasts giant, hand cut tenderloin filets and Porterhouse steaks, all perfectly aged and cooked over a natural wood-‐burning fire. Choose from a variety of steaks, fresh fish and seafood; and don't forget to give their black pepper parmesan kettle fries a try.

Directory of Delectables The Lakeland Ledger -‐ Dining: The Lakeland Ledger's online dining section is chock full of the latest restaurant reviews, blogs, and a comprehensive Polk County dining guide!

Gary’s Oyster Bar: Serving made to order, fresh seafood for the past 30 years, Gary's Oyster Bar is a casual restaurant specializing in fresh oysters from Apalachicola, FL.

Today & Tonight Magazine: View an online version of the latest issue, where you can consult a dining guide and read current restaurant reviews.

Manny's Chophouse: Get ready for some mouthwatering steaks! Here you can view the menu, read up on early bird and happy hour specials, and even join their e-‐mail club.

Bubba Chucks BBQ: Ready to give those BBQ Egg Rolls a try? Check out Bubba Chucks website, where you can get directions, view a full menu, and get the latest news and specials. Crazy Fish Bar & Grill: Not only can you browse the Crazy Fish menu, but you can also view tons of photos -‐ from pictures of the staff and happy customers to snapshots of their most popular dishes. Cherry Pocket Steak & Seafood Shak: Looking for fresh seafood, beautiful scenery and some live music? This site has everything you need to plan your visit to Cherry Pocket.

Tapatios Restaurante Mexicano: Here you can read the menu, make reservations, and even place your order online. Learn about Tapatios' two restaurant locations and their popular grocery store. Taste of Florida Café: Read about the café's rich history, take a video tour, check out the menu and purchase fresh citrus fruit and candies from Lang Sun Country Groves. Texas Cattle Company: This restaurant's website features recipes and secret tips from the chef, tips for ordering steaks, a full menu as well as a wine menu.

Looking For A Truly Unique Dining Experience? Check Out Polk County’s World Cuisine And Local Favorites If your stomach is grumbling and you're searching for unforgettable things to do in Central Florida, why not take care of both by visiting one of Polk County's most beloved restaurants -‐ those that have stood the test of time! Many have even become tourist attractions in their own right. Plus, you can find a variety of establishments offering cuisine from all across the world.

Andy's Drive-In Restaurant and Igloo Taking in all the exciting attractions in Polk County just might make you nostalgic for a little 1950's diner fare. You can easily get your retro fix at Andy's Igloo, a landmark Winter Haven drive-‐in restaurant known for their inventive milkshakes and ice cream flavors like orange and lime sherbet and their fruit pie milkshake. You can find many budget-‐friendly breakfast, lunch and dinner options, including a classic cheeseburger and fries. Credit cards are not accepted, so be sure to stop by the ATM in advance of your visit.

Silver Ring Café You haven't experienced a true Central Florida vacation until you sink your teeth into a flavorful pressed Cuban sandwich -‐ and a longtime favorite of the locals is Silver Ring Café in Lakeland. Known for their pressed Cuban sandwiches, black beans and yellow rice, Silver Ring serves up affordable lunch six days a week (closed Sundays). Enjoy one of their popular lunch specials, but be sure to bring some cash because debit and credit cards are not accepted. Copyright © 2012 Central Florida Visitors & Convention Bureau • 2701 Lake Myrtle Park Road, Auburndale FL 33823 • 1-800-828-7655

Lang's Taste of Florida Café It's no secret that Central Florida is known for its acres upon acres of thriving citrus groves; and if you visit Polk County in October through May, a visit to Lang Sun Country Groves in Haines City is always in order. While you're there, stop into Lang's Taste of Florida Café to enjoy a glass of fresh-‐squeezed orange juice and savor a cozy afternoon lunch, including fresh salads, sandwiches, and even grapefruit slaw! The café is best known for Mary Lang's award-‐winning Grapefruit Pie, which has been featured on the Food Network show "Epicurious". When you're done, you can even pick up a few souvenirs at their Old Florida style gift shop!

El Norteno Mexican Restaurant Since 2000, El Norteno Mexican Restaurant has been providing Winter Haven diners with traditional Mexican cuisine. Popular dishes include tri-‐color enchiladas, fajitas, chicken quesadillas and chicken nachos. And if you're in the mood for a refreshing margarita or daiquiri, check out their Happy Hour from 4 -‐ 7 p.m. daily.

Tapatios Restaurante Mexicano A staple of the Polk County dining community since 1994, Tapatios Restaurante Mexicano offers authentic Mexican dishes in a casual, inviting environment. For a genuine taste of Mexico, try their Miguel Special (grilled fajita chicken cooked with tomatoes & covered with cheese dip and served with rice and tortillas). Stop by one of their two popular locations in Lakeland where you can dine in, carry out, and even order online. Tapatios is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday -‐ Sunday.

Come visit and try some of the local ﬂavors on your next Central Florida vacation. Hope to see you there! Copyright © 2012 Central Florida Visitors & Convention Bureau • 2701 Lake Myrtle Park Road, Auburndale FL 33823 • 1-800-828-7655