Cuisine Queen

Great Recommendations From The Good Life Team

By Paula

In this issue, I asked my colleagues to send me their favorite restaurant. Some found this quite difficult, as they had many in this wonderful area. Here they are in alphabetical order of our staff.

RICK ALLEN: Wise Guys Pizzeria, 789-6569— My favorite is the pepperoni pizza. This is like the pizza of my youth in southeastern Michigan.

DEAN BLINKHORN: La Cuisine, 433-2570— Named a Golden Spoon Hall of Fame restaurant by Florida Trend magazine, it has been one of my family’s go-to dining spots since its opening more than a decade ago. The service is spectacular, the menu always has the items I crave (like the Beef Bourguignon), but it’s the feeling of dining in someone’s house that keeps us coming back. Always ask for a wine recommendation! We’ve found several new favorites that way.

CYNTHIA BROWN: Food Wizards, 203-4188—I was quite surprised to find this little gem of a restaurant located in the old Cal’s Place in Belleview. The interior has been remodeled as well as the menu. They have, hands down, the best fried catfish I’ve ever eaten. The homemade tartar sauce is a must. All-you-can-eat catfish happens every Friday night from 3-7pm. They serve breakfast all day and the portions are plentiful. Comfort food anyone?

TREVOR BYRNE: Ivy on the Square, 6225550—Ocala’s downtown square is the most beautiful place during the holidays, bar none. So this is my favorite place to eat, which you can bet will be tastefully decorated for the season. Although I usually go for the Baked Crispy Chicken for lunch, they have the best filet mignon in town at a price that can’t be beat!

CAROL DEWITT: La Dolce Vita, 857-8080— They have many homemade gelato and pastries that you would find in an Italian piazza, with lots of items imported from New York or handmade. My favorite is the Panna Cotta with homemade strawberry puree and freshly brewed espresso. They have a bright future here in Ocala! Note: La Dolce Vita was recently recommended by one of our readers, Mary Garrepy.

STEVE FLOETHE: Asian Pop, 237-2666—The Walnut Shrimp is my repeat and personal favorite. The meal features soup, a house salad and nearly two dozen jumbo shrimp suspended in a sweet buttermilk sauce sprinkled with roasted walnuts. The meal also comes with a side of white rice and a medley of sliced sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, broccoli, and carrots. The shrimp portion of the entree is so large I eat just half and box up the rest for next day’s lunch.

RICK JUNGLAS: The Front Porch Restaurant, 489-4708—My wife and I love their great down-home cooking in Dunnellon and the fried chicken is the best I have found in the area. Get there early, as they have been known to run out! They also have about 8-12 fantastic homemade pies made daily.

KAYE SCHULTZ: Craft Cuisine, 237-7300—I love the lobster sandwich. It has lots of meat, good bread, and a light sauce. Just divine! It has a sophisticated, quiet atmosphere with excellent service. The best time to go is early afternoon. Parking is near the front door.

SALLY TINKHAM: Red’s Restaurant, 3444322—I love Red’s Restaurant, especially breakfast. Fresh fruit, mouth-watering toasted marble rye bread, eggs done the way you like them, endless coffee in a relaxing country atmosphere. The new outdoor patio is a nice dining option.

Hope you find a new favorite from these staff picks. Happy holidays to all. See you in 2021!

Got A Hot Tip For The Cuisine Queen? E-mail me at paula@ocalasgoodlife.com