Around the World Food Tour

by Local Foodie Lori Allen

As everyone knows or at least those people that love food as much as I do, November is Food and Wine month! So the challenge is to check out all the different food nationalities in our Northern St. Johns area and see what's out there. Of course there are many more than are listed below but here's a great sampling of places that I think you would enjoy. Happy Food and Wine Month!

Noura - MidEastern/Lebanese Who doesnt like a daily special? This cute little grab and go has these amazing hot meal daily specials filled with all kinds of Mideastern specialities. Grape leaves, Kibbeh, hummus, tabbouleh along with stuffed squash and other delicacies. Sandwiches, salads and even homemade pies are ready anytime for pickup or dine in. For the sweet tooth there is baklava as well as vegetarian and gluten free options. www.

1928 Cuban Bistro The best cafe con leche around! Be adventurous and try a Cuban Sloppy Joe - Cuban seasoned ground beef, cheese, maduros on a soft bun. You won't be disappointed. Croquetas de Jamón, Papas Rellenas (Cuban MeatBalls) and Pastelitos (Guava and Cream Cheese Pastries) made daily. Get'em before they are gone! www.1928bistro.

Bon Chon St Johns Durbin Korean Fried Chicken - Need I say more? Double fried for extra crispiness tossed in a soy garlic sauce giving them a tangy sticky crunchy wonderfulness! (Also available in hot and sweet chilli) or try a Bibi Bap cooked in a real clay pot! Comes out piping hot filled with rice, quinoa, kimchi, veggies, choice of protein all smothered in Bonchon Bibimbap sauce. Delectable! www.

Trattoria di Bernardone Unique Italian dishes, try the Herb-Crusted Calamari Steak- breaded and sauteed to perfection. I love the Gemelli Aglio e Olio con Salsiccia e Funghi - garlic/olive oil, sausage and shrooms. Delish! Don't forget their homemade Gnocchi smothered in a gorgonzola sauce so creamy and rich!

Serafina s Pizzeria If you like NY style pizzas this is your place. I personally love getting the slices, crispy on the bottom and tons of choices for toppings from speciality to create your own. Daily specials even on the weekends! Need a slice stop on by!

I Noodle Ramen and Dumpling I mean I can eat Ramen anytime but with the weather changing now is a great time to check this place out if you haven't already! The made from scratch broth is so satisfying, deep with complexity and flavor. Soft and tender handmade dumplings is a great way to start and I would highly suggest trying their Braised beef Ramen - Taiwanese style soy sauce base with beef bone broth topped with slow cooked angus beef shank, pickle daikon, pickle bok choy, soy boiled egg, corn and scallion. Delish!

Green Papaya Let's start with their Angry Dragon roll - shrimp tempura, spicy tuna, avocado, spicy crabmeat, topped with sweet chili and eel sauce. Pink in color for fun and a meal in itself. But then just imagine digging your fork all the way to the bottom of their amazing duck dish. Duck with Curry-coconut milk, asparagus, carrots, mushroom,pepper, onion, broccoli topped with the most tender crispy rich duck. Such a marvel of flavors and textures.

Tikka Bowls and Tacos Take a step out of the norm and try this fun fusion. Tastes of India with Mexican style bowls and tacos. All the traditional indian sauces without the heat. Rice bowls filled with chicken, beef, etc, topped with lettuce, cheese, pico de galla, mango salsa, red cabbage, jalapenos, beans and this amazing cilantro chutney (I want to smother everything with this) making it so light and stuffed with flavor! They also have the tikka tomato curry, tikka smoked curry, brown gravy and chloe chana if you prefer one of those. Anyway you choose to build your bowl or taco adding the indian flavors really creates such a flavorsome unique taste. www.

Taste of India 210 Tangy spicy Samosa Chaat! - popular Indian street food deep fried and served with masala, chutney and spices is a great way to start any meal here. The Chicken Biryani has a wonderful strong savoury taste. This comes from frying onions and other indian spices before the rice is added. Along with either plain Naan or garlic Naan you will have enough deliciousness to feed a family! And if you like lamb which is one of my favs give theirs a try with its little Indian flare. So good!

The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill If you want something light but filled with flavor you must try their Tzatziki. One of the best around made with greek yogurt, labne, cucumber, garlic and dill. Enjoy it alone, in one of their combo dips, salads or gyro. Speaking of Gyro who wouldn't love their Great Greek Gyro - stuffed with lamb, beef or chicken topped off with creamy Tzatziki and feta! Love that combination! And if you want it all, have the Mezze plate filled with all things greek. Yum!

There are so many more places I could go on and on! So get on out there and start exploring! Enjoy! Enjoy!

Raquel Suzanne Watkins, MD Board Certified Allergist & Immunologist TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS

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