Ristorante Deneno
14960 Main Street
Alachua, FL 32615
386-418-1066
http://www.deneno.com/
Casual nice. Full bar.
Plenty of parking in the public lot across the street.
Visited: May 2010, Lunch, Dine-in
This adorable restaurant in the heart of downtown Alachua is such a gem! The portions are generous, the prices are very reasonable, and the service is friendly.
We started with the Calamari ($6). A very lovely pile of nicely coated and crisp calamari as well as these little slices of coated crispy lemon slices - quite an interesting flavor surprise. The marinara was thick and spicy, and very tasty.
The have an open wood burning pizza oven, and we had the Portobello Pizza ($6) with lovely portobello mushrooms, and grana padana and mozzarella cheeses, and the Blanca Pizza ($7) topped with garlic, artichokes, and a number of cheeses - ricotta, parmesan, romano, and mozzarella. Both were plate-sized with a very lovely chewy crust and plenty of toppings.
We also tried the very tasty Deneno Burger ($8) that came topped with gorgonzola, red onions, and choice of swiss or cheddar. The burger also comes with mushrooms, but we opted out of those. As the pizza crust was great, the burger also came on a very nice homemade roll. A generous serving of pasta salad also came with.
It was a very relaxing lunch with great good. I'm looking forward to trying other menu items.
Showing posts with label florida. Show all posts
Showing posts with label florida. Show all posts
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Shivers Bar-B-Q, Homestead, FL
Shivers Bar-B-Q
28001 S. Dixie Hwy
Homestead, FL 33033
305-248-2272
http://www.shiversbbq.com/
Casual; large shared tables and benches. Beer and wine.
Parking in the front lot.
Visited: March 2010, Lunch, Dine-in
We had a lovely late lunch at Shivers, home of hickory smoked bar-b-q since 1950. It has a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
We tried the Beef and Pork Combo ($10.99) - 2 very nice servings of very tender beef brisket slices and sliced bar-b-q pork that also came with two sides. We got the Bar-B-Q Beans which were sweet and smoky with nice chunks of pork, and the Sweet Corn Souffle was terrific. There were choices of three sauces on the table - sweet, spicy and mustard-based. I had the sweet, and it was very good. The spicy was a bit too hot - meaning it was all hot without much flavor.
We also had the Hickory Burger ($7.99) with cheese ($0.50) and bacon ($0.75) added to it. The burger was thick, tasty, and very satisfying. The burger came with two sides, and we got the Bar-B-Q Beans and French Fries, also very good.
Additionally, we got a couple appetizers. The Onion Rings ($3.89) were a massive pile of skinny, lightly coated onion rings. And the fried Corn on the Cob ($2.19) was amazing. The corn became sweet and caramelized from the frying, and was oh-so-tasty.
A very nice little place that was recommended by locals.
28001 S. Dixie Hwy
Homestead, FL 33033
305-248-2272
http://www.shiversbbq.com/
Casual; large shared tables and benches. Beer and wine.
Parking in the front lot.
Visited: March 2010, Lunch, Dine-in
We had a lovely late lunch at Shivers, home of hickory smoked bar-b-q since 1950. It has a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
We tried the Beef and Pork Combo ($10.99) - 2 very nice servings of very tender beef brisket slices and sliced bar-b-q pork that also came with two sides. We got the Bar-B-Q Beans which were sweet and smoky with nice chunks of pork, and the Sweet Corn Souffle was terrific. There were choices of three sauces on the table - sweet, spicy and mustard-based. I had the sweet, and it was very good. The spicy was a bit too hot - meaning it was all hot without much flavor.
We also had the Hickory Burger ($7.99) with cheese ($0.50) and bacon ($0.75) added to it. The burger was thick, tasty, and very satisfying. The burger came with two sides, and we got the Bar-B-Q Beans and French Fries, also very good.
Additionally, we got a couple appetizers. The Onion Rings ($3.89) were a massive pile of skinny, lightly coated onion rings. And the fried Corn on the Cob ($2.19) was amazing. The corn became sweet and caramelized from the frying, and was oh-so-tasty.
A very nice little place that was recommended by locals.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Sonny's Famous Steak Hogies, Hollywood, FL
Sonny's Famous Steak Hogies
1857 N. 66th Ave
Hollywood, FL 33024
954-989-0561
www.sonnysfamoussteakhogies.com
Casual; take-out, order from the counter; eat in, table service.
Plenty of free parking out front and on the street.
Cash only.
Visited: March 2010, Dinner, Dine-in
As seen on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives with Guy Fieri, this fun little sandwich shop has great Steak Hogies, akin to Philly Cheesesteaks, and everyone working there was really nice. They've been around since 1958 - they must be doing something right!
We had the #90: Steak Hogie, Plain with Fried Onions ($5.45) plus the recommended Provolone ($0.50), although Mozzarella and American are available. The Sauce was also recommended, so we got a dish on the side. It's a homemade marinara style sauce, which did add a nice kick. So really, this sandwich became a #50: Steak Hogie, Sauce and Fried Onions ($5.45) with Provolone. A very satisfying sandwich that hit the spot for dinner.
We also had a #90 with Provolone, Green Peppers ($0.50) (cooked, but not well cooked as I prefer), and I would have ordered the mushrooms, except that I read reviews online that these were canned mushrooms, and I'm not a fan of those on sandwiches. No sauce. Again, a very satisfying sandwich.
We noticed other folks ordering the pizza, pasta and other hot and cold hogies, and then the smell of buttery garlic entered the small dining area. We couldn't resist, and got an order of Garlic Rolls ($2.90) that are only served in the evenings. These tender bread morsels are coated in butter and minced garlic and herbs - YUM!
Sonny's is definitely going to stay on our list the next time we're in the Ft Lauderdale / Miami area.
1857 N. 66th Ave
Hollywood, FL 33024
954-989-0561
www.sonnysfamoussteakhogies.com
Casual; take-out, order from the counter; eat in, table service.
Plenty of free parking out front and on the street.
Cash only.
Visited: March 2010, Dinner, Dine-in
As seen on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives with Guy Fieri, this fun little sandwich shop has great Steak Hogies, akin to Philly Cheesesteaks, and everyone working there was really nice. They've been around since 1958 - they must be doing something right!
We had the #90: Steak Hogie, Plain with Fried Onions ($5.45) plus the recommended Provolone ($0.50), although Mozzarella and American are available. The Sauce was also recommended, so we got a dish on the side. It's a homemade marinara style sauce, which did add a nice kick. So really, this sandwich became a #50: Steak Hogie, Sauce and Fried Onions ($5.45) with Provolone. A very satisfying sandwich that hit the spot for dinner.
We also had a #90 with Provolone, Green Peppers ($0.50) (cooked, but not well cooked as I prefer), and I would have ordered the mushrooms, except that I read reviews online that these were canned mushrooms, and I'm not a fan of those on sandwiches. No sauce. Again, a very satisfying sandwich.
We noticed other folks ordering the pizza, pasta and other hot and cold hogies, and then the smell of buttery garlic entered the small dining area. We couldn't resist, and got an order of Garlic Rolls ($2.90) that are only served in the evenings. These tender bread morsels are coated in butter and minced garlic and herbs - YUM!
Sonny's is definitely going to stay on our list the next time we're in the Ft Lauderdale / Miami area.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Versailles, Miami, FL
Versailles Cuban Restaurant
3555 SW Eighth Street (Calle Ocho), Little Havana, Miami, FL 33135
305-444-0240
Plenty of parking in around the restaurant and its associated bakery and cafe.
Casual.
Visited: March 2009, Dinner, Dine-in
We were under the impression that our beloved Versailles in LA was somehow related to this original establishment in Miami. However, after sampling the fare in Miami, there is no comparison to the garlicky goodness that we are accustomed to, in fact, barely any garlicky goodness.
We tried the Roasted Garlic Chicken and the Macitas de Puerco Fritas, our Cuban fare favorites, and while the meal was just fine, the portion sizes were much smaller, and the mojo de ajo was hardly visible and didn't have much taste. As we understand, there are different standards for Cuban fare, but we prefer our garlicky goodness that we can get at our home Versailles.
However, we would come back to visit the Versailles Bakery and Sandwich Shop or the Pastry and Coffee Counter for some amazing Cuban coffee served traditionally in those tiny little paper cups to share. Sidewalk seating is great for people watching.
3555 SW Eighth Street (Calle Ocho), Little Havana, Miami, FL 33135
305-444-0240
Plenty of parking in around the restaurant and its associated bakery and cafe.
Casual.
Visited: March 2009, Dinner, Dine-in
We were under the impression that our beloved Versailles in LA was somehow related to this original establishment in Miami. However, after sampling the fare in Miami, there is no comparison to the garlicky goodness that we are accustomed to, in fact, barely any garlicky goodness.
We tried the Roasted Garlic Chicken and the Macitas de Puerco Fritas, our Cuban fare favorites, and while the meal was just fine, the portion sizes were much smaller, and the mojo de ajo was hardly visible and didn't have much taste. As we understand, there are different standards for Cuban fare, but we prefer our garlicky goodness that we can get at our home Versailles.
However, we would come back to visit the Versailles Bakery and Sandwich Shop or the Pastry and Coffee Counter for some amazing Cuban coffee served traditionally in those tiny little paper cups to share. Sidewalk seating is great for people watching.
Don Jose Mexican Restaurant, Sebring, FL
Don Jose Mexican Restaurant
1711 SW Lakeview Dr, Sebring, FL
863-385-9326
http://www.donjosemexican.com/florida
Plenty of parking in their lot.
Casual nice.
Visited: Lunch, Dine-in
Most recently: September 2009
Don Jose is located on the shore of Lake Jackson, and many of the seats have a lovely view of the water, the reeds, and the wildlife (lovely little egrets and cranes).
The chips and salsa were fresh, and the salsa had a little kick to it.
We had the #7: Beef Burrito ($6.95; also available with Chicken) was full and satisfying, and quite the value for the price. The beans were tasty and creamy.
The #21: Enchilada Mole ($9.95) was exceptional. The shredded chicken in the chili guajillo and peanut butter mole sauce is very distinctive and tasty. The rice and beans are a nice accompaniment, but the real winner here is the mole.
Overall, a nice restaurant and pleasant suprise in Sebring.
1711 SW Lakeview Dr, Sebring, FL
863-385-9326
http://www.donjosemexican.com/florida
Plenty of parking in their lot.
Casual nice.
Visited: Lunch, Dine-in
Most recently: September 2009
Don Jose is located on the shore of Lake Jackson, and many of the seats have a lovely view of the water, the reeds, and the wildlife (lovely little egrets and cranes).
The chips and salsa were fresh, and the salsa had a little kick to it.
We had the #7: Beef Burrito ($6.95; also available with Chicken) was full and satisfying, and quite the value for the price. The beans were tasty and creamy.
The #21: Enchilada Mole ($9.95) was exceptional. The shredded chicken in the chili guajillo and peanut butter mole sauce is very distinctive and tasty. The rice and beans are a nice accompaniment, but the real winner here is the mole.
Overall, a nice restaurant and pleasant suprise in Sebring.
Charlie's Bar-B-Q, Dania Beach, FL
Charlie's Bar-B-Q
1302 S. Federal Hwy, Dania Beach, Fl 33004
954-924-0109
Plenty of parking behind the restaurant, also has a drive-through.
Dania Beach is in the greater Fort Lauderdale/Miami area.
Casual. Order and pick up at the counter.
Visited: Lunch, Dine-in
Most recently: March 2009
Charlie's Bar-B-Q is very tasty, and quite the value. Charlie, himself, is quite the character.
The Texas-style bbq is very good. The Beef Brisket Sandwich and the Pulled Pork Sandwich were on super tender rolls, and the meat was fork-tender, and the sweet bbq sauce, beans and potato salad were excellent.
When we head back to this area, we're going to stop by again.
1302 S. Federal Hwy, Dania Beach, Fl 33004
954-924-0109
Plenty of parking behind the restaurant, also has a drive-through.
Dania Beach is in the greater Fort Lauderdale/Miami area.
Casual. Order and pick up at the counter.
Visited: Lunch, Dine-in
Most recently: March 2009
Charlie's Bar-B-Q is very tasty, and quite the value. Charlie, himself, is quite the character.
The Texas-style bbq is very good. The Beef Brisket Sandwich and the Pulled Pork Sandwich were on super tender rolls, and the meat was fork-tender, and the sweet bbq sauce, beans and potato salad were excellent.
When we head back to this area, we're going to stop by again.
Woody's Bar-B-Q, Sebring, FL
Woody's Bar-B-Q
3030 US 27 North, Sebring, FL 33870
863-314-4447
http://www.woodys.com/
25 locations throughout Florida, and few other locations in the southeast.
Casual, family friendly.
Visited: Dinner, Dine-in
Most recently: Dec 2009
Over the years, we've seen billboards for Woody's on the interstate throughout the state of Florida, and finally decided to try one, and it wasn't bad! Definitely better than another large southeast chain, Sonny's BBQ.
We got the Pork Sampler ($12.99) which consists of 2 spareribs, a small pile of Carolina pulled pork, and several slices of bar-b-q pork. They serve the bbq sauces on the side - Southern Sweet, Smokin' Hot, and Tangy Mustard. The meat looked dry, but once you put a little of your fave sauce on top, it didn't feel dry at all and was very tender. It comes with garlic toast and two sides (choice of Special Recipe Bar-B-Q Beans, Creamy Cole Slaw, French Fries, Country Vegetables, or Mashed Potatoes and Gravy), and we got the beans (sweet and smoky; very tasty) and for $2 extra, the Corn Nuggets (which are on the appetizer menu) which are tasty little fried creamed corn morsels. It doesn't look like much when the plate arrives, but it's quite a bit of food. I had some leftover sliced bar-b-q pork, and ate it the next day with garlic toast as a mini sandwich - a very tasty sandwich.
We also tried the Bacon Cheddar Burger ($7.79) which is based on a half-pound grilled Angus beef burger. The burger comes with one side, and we got the fries. This is a very generous and filling burger.
Haven't quite figured out what the Country Vegetables are, but the next time we get a hankering for bbq while in Florida, we'll have to stop in and ask.
3030 US 27 North, Sebring, FL 33870
863-314-4447
http://www.woodys.com/
25 locations throughout Florida, and few other locations in the southeast.
Casual, family friendly.
Visited: Dinner, Dine-in
Most recently: Dec 2009
Over the years, we've seen billboards for Woody's on the interstate throughout the state of Florida, and finally decided to try one, and it wasn't bad! Definitely better than another large southeast chain, Sonny's BBQ.
We got the Pork Sampler ($12.99) which consists of 2 spareribs, a small pile of Carolina pulled pork, and several slices of bar-b-q pork. They serve the bbq sauces on the side - Southern Sweet, Smokin' Hot, and Tangy Mustard. The meat looked dry, but once you put a little of your fave sauce on top, it didn't feel dry at all and was very tender. It comes with garlic toast and two sides (choice of Special Recipe Bar-B-Q Beans, Creamy Cole Slaw, French Fries, Country Vegetables, or Mashed Potatoes and Gravy), and we got the beans (sweet and smoky; very tasty) and for $2 extra, the Corn Nuggets (which are on the appetizer menu) which are tasty little fried creamed corn morsels. It doesn't look like much when the plate arrives, but it's quite a bit of food. I had some leftover sliced bar-b-q pork, and ate it the next day with garlic toast as a mini sandwich - a very tasty sandwich.
We also tried the Bacon Cheddar Burger ($7.79) which is based on a half-pound grilled Angus beef burger. The burger comes with one side, and we got the fries. This is a very generous and filling burger.
Haven't quite figured out what the Country Vegetables are, but the next time we get a hankering for bbq while in Florida, we'll have to stop in and ask.
The Watering Hole, Sebring, FL
The Watering Hole
6813 US 27 South, Sebring, FL 33876
863-382-4554
http://www.wateringholesebring.com/
Restaurant open Mon-Sat, 4pm-10pm. Lounge and package store open 7 days.
Plenty of parking in the dirt lot.
Cash only; they have an ATM inside.
Casual. Can be dark inside.
Visited: Dinner, Dine-in
Most recently: December 2009
The Watering Hole has been in Sebring for a very long time, and really did start out as a watering hole for the local cowboys way back in the day. It's now a really good steak and seafood restaurant, but still maintains some of the casual cowboy-ness with its large wood plank tables and large communal-ish dinig room. There's also a 14'+ alligator named Bully that lives there, and if you're lucky, you may actually see Bully move.
As soon as you walk in, you smell garlic, and the entrees come with the house garlic bread which is quite tasty and not for the faint of heart. The bread is toasted in the same area as the dining room, so the smell really pervades everywhere.
All of the dinners come with green salad, fruit salad or cole slaw. The green salad is nicely sized and very colorful. It has romaine as its lettuce base topped with pretty bell peppers, onions, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots. The fruit salad was a very nice mix of melons, fresh pineapple, and grapes.
Entrees also come with a very nice fruity garnish of a strawberry, a third of a peeled banana, and a thick slice of grapefruit. Very pretty. You also have your choice of potato: baked, parsleyed red, or fries. In all, very generous portions.
In addition to the menu items, you'll also see their meat and seafood specials at the hostess podium. We got the special of the day Porterhouse ($21.95). YUM! It was well cooked and comes slathered in the same garlic butter that is on the bread, and a baked potato. It was a great price for the quality and size of the meat and for all that comes with it.
We also got the Cowboy-size Fillet Mignon (as opposed to the Cowgirl-size) with Fries, the special of the day Ribeye ($15.95) with parsleyed red potatoes, and the very nicely sized Fried Shrimp (choice of grilled, fried, or sauteed in the garlic butter) and potatoes.
We saw someone at the next table over have the fettucini (with a number of menu options), and I think we'll try that the next time we visit.
Everything was very tasty, and the service was good and southern friendly.
6813 US 27 South, Sebring, FL 33876
863-382-4554
http://www.wateringholesebring.com/
Restaurant open Mon-Sat, 4pm-10pm. Lounge and package store open 7 days.
Plenty of parking in the dirt lot.
Cash only; they have an ATM inside.
Casual. Can be dark inside.
Visited: Dinner, Dine-in
Most recently: December 2009
The Watering Hole has been in Sebring for a very long time, and really did start out as a watering hole for the local cowboys way back in the day. It's now a really good steak and seafood restaurant, but still maintains some of the casual cowboy-ness with its large wood plank tables and large communal-ish dinig room. There's also a 14'+ alligator named Bully that lives there, and if you're lucky, you may actually see Bully move.
As soon as you walk in, you smell garlic, and the entrees come with the house garlic bread which is quite tasty and not for the faint of heart. The bread is toasted in the same area as the dining room, so the smell really pervades everywhere.
All of the dinners come with green salad, fruit salad or cole slaw. The green salad is nicely sized and very colorful. It has romaine as its lettuce base topped with pretty bell peppers, onions, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots. The fruit salad was a very nice mix of melons, fresh pineapple, and grapes.
Entrees also come with a very nice fruity garnish of a strawberry, a third of a peeled banana, and a thick slice of grapefruit. Very pretty. You also have your choice of potato: baked, parsleyed red, or fries. In all, very generous portions.
In addition to the menu items, you'll also see their meat and seafood specials at the hostess podium. We got the special of the day Porterhouse ($21.95). YUM! It was well cooked and comes slathered in the same garlic butter that is on the bread, and a baked potato. It was a great price for the quality and size of the meat and for all that comes with it.
We also got the Cowboy-size Fillet Mignon (as opposed to the Cowgirl-size) with Fries, the special of the day Ribeye ($15.95) with parsleyed red potatoes, and the very nicely sized Fried Shrimp (choice of grilled, fried, or sauteed in the garlic butter) and potatoes.
We saw someone at the next table over have the fettucini (with a number of menu options), and I think we'll try that the next time we visit.
Everything was very tasty, and the service was good and southern friendly.
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