Cedar's Cafe (Melbourne)

Cedar's Café is a small Mediterranean style restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and super friendly service.  It is located in the Publix Shopping Center at Post Commons, hidden back in the corner between Panera and Stein Mart. 



Gyro Salad with Lamb and baba ghanaouj
 

The food is exceptional.  Shawarma, Gyro, Falafel, Kafta...everything I have tried there has been excellent. 

An interesting option is the "walking wine list."  The idea is that you tell them what kind of wine you normally like (white, red, sweet, dry, Chardonnay, Cabernet, etc) and they will match your tastes with what they have.  You get to taste a sample and if you like it, order a glass.  If not, they will try again to make sure you enjoy your wine as much as your food.  They also have a nice selection of beers.

Because it is a small restaurant they request reservations on weekends, nights there is a show at the King Center, and for larger parties.  I have not had a problem getting a seat for 2-4 on a week night without a reservation; however, be cautioned that they do occasionally close down for private events, so it is wise to call ahead. 

They have both indoor and outdoor seating.  When we stopped in last night, we grabbed a booth outside and were very comfortable, but shortly after we sat down the place was full.  It was fun to watch people arrive as so many were regulars who knew the staff by name and were willing to wait or talk a smaller table than their party size because "the food is just that good."

The service was quick and friendly.  The staff, all of them, stopped by the table at some point during our meal to ensure everything was just right and seemed honestly pleased that we were quite happy. 

If you have never had Mediterranean food and are up for trying something new, I highly recommend this option to ensure you get the best possible experience first time out.

Tips:  Come hungry. 

Website:  www.cedarscafe.com



Brevard Renaissance Fair (Melbourne)

Wickham Park, right in the middle of Melbourne, is a great park with a lot of different events happening all the time.  http://www.brevardcounty.us/ParksRecreation/South/Wickham/Home

One of the neatest things they have there is the Brevard Renaissance (am I the only one who has trouble spelling that word?) Fair. 

For the adults there were shows including comedy, music and dancing.  A little raunchy fun with the Washing Well Women and the Splatter show should not be missed.  The gypsy area was made up of local performers who put on a great musical show. 

For the children there was a pirate ship play ground, a fairy area, and a little tykes theater.  A mermaid tank, a unicorn to pet and brush, and pony rides all made sure the kids had plenty to do. Face painting and hair braiding were also popular.

There was a joust and many games for the gentlemen to show their strength and manliness (lol).  And of course lots of food and drink.  Shops to wander and bridges to cross (beware the troll). 

The best part of the event is people watching.  Many of the attendees dress up as elves and fairies, witches and wenches, knights and pirates...the costumes are terrific and so are the bosoms. 

Tips:  Buy your ticket online in advance to avoid lines.

Bring lots of singles for tips, somebody has to feed that unicorn.

Take a look at the show schedule before you go.  Some of the best shows only happen a couple times a day.

Website:  http://brevardrenaissancefair.com/

Melbourne Civic Theater (Downtown Melbourne)

This place is such an unknown gem in Melbourne!  Maybe I shouldn't even post about it because sometimes secret places should remain secret.  But I can't not share this with you.  I have been going to this tiny little theater for three years or so.  They put on the VERY best shows I have seen in Melbourne.  The sets are well done, the acting is extraordinary, the musical talent is exceptional, and the directing is perfect.  So why is it so unknown?

Set for Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol

It could be that it is housed in a building that one would never think of as a theater, right in the heart of downtown Melbourne.  It is near shops, restaurants, and bars, not big parking lots and theater type accoutrements (the Melbourne city parking lot is across the street).  They have an agreement with Meg O'Malley's that includes a coupon for food with your ticket. 

It could be that the theater only seats 105.  Such a tiny place can't put on good shows, right?  Wrong!  I have been to exactly one show there that I didn't enjoy.  I have been to at least 25 shows here.  Some of the shows have been so amazing that I can't even imagine how they did it. 

Regardless of how little known it is, the shows sell out all the time.  They sell what is called flex pass tickets in advance.  If you are a flex pass holder, you pay in advance for a ticket to every show of the season, but not on a specific date.  Flex pass holders call a few days before general admission and reserve seats for the day they want to see each show. 



Set for the Curious Savage (not a cast member)

On the night of the show, they usually have a waiting list.  If you are late, they will call you to be sure you are coming.  If you are running a little late, they will hold the show for you.  If you can't make it, they will try to sell your seats to someone on the wait list (and let you reschedule).  Where besides a small theater in Melbourne could you get service like that? 

Once you are seated in your soft theater style seats with a pillow for back support (or however you want to use it), you are practically on the small stage with the actors.  There is no yelling actors or squinting to see the action.  There is nothing but good acting and singing, because there is no place for hiding on the stage. 

Set for the Underpants (also not a cast member)

The people who run the theater are unfailingly friendly.  The concession has (bad) wine, beer, coffee and snacks for donation.  There is a 50/50 drawing every night, which I have never won, but my friend has won several times. 

Tips:  Park at the city parking garage across the street.  There are lots of very good restaurants in walking distance.  Bring cash for concessions and the 50/50 drawing. 

website:  http://www.mymct.org/