Swamp House River Front Grill (Debary, FL)

While we were out exploring we stumbled upon this place.  Well, we actually used a smartphone app, because you would be really unlikely just to accidentally find this place out driving around.  For one thing, it is at the end of the road.  For another, it doesn't really look like a public restaurant until you are parked and walking in.

This place is pretty unique.  We were there on a Saturday afternoon.  There was a man playing good country music.  Not too loud, just right.  They actually grill their burgers outside on a real grill.  And I'm here to tell you they are delicious.

They have a specialty drink called a Rum Bucket.  I watched the bartender pour 4 types of rum in and then a bunch of other stuff too.  Only 9.99 for the first one and 7.99 for refills.  This drink is NOT for the driver!

The restaurant sits right at a harbor where there are lots of boats parked and reserved parking for diners who wish to arrive by boat.  The country store sells fishing and boating supplies, some oddities, and also rents Pontoon boats for cruising up and down the St. John's river.  You only need a drivers license to rent one.
 

If you are up visiting the Springs, the Sanford zoo, Debary Historic House, or just in the area, it is worth stopping by here on a sunny day.

Tips:  Outside tables at the bar are first come first served, so be prepared to stand or wait or go upstairs to the inside restaurant.

Website:  http://www.swamphousegrill.com/

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



The Black Tulip (Cocoa Village)

In the past few months I have had several opportunities to visit The Tulip (formerly The Black Tulip) in Cocoa Village.  At least I think they have changed the name...I'm not 100% certain as I have seen it both ways lately.  I have not had cause to be disappointed in any of these visits.

The first visit was for a friends birthday.  The Tulip arranged for the front bar area to be reserved for the group of about 20.  They provided a limited menu at a fixed price, half price on wine and beer, and the organizer arranged for delicious appetizers to be served prior to dinner.  Every single part of this event was handled smoothly, the food was delicious, and the service was impeccable.

Based on the success of that event, I decided to host my company's holiday party at the restaurant.  We had 45 people and reserved the entire restaurant on a Sunday when they are normally closed.  Again we had appetizers served in advance on trays and a limited menu that included soup or salad, entrée, and dessert.  We offered an open bar.  The staff, again, was perfect.  Friendly, smiling, professional and apparently with amazing memories to remember what everyone was drinking and make sure glasses were always full. 

After the event, the owner, Daniel, gave me a gift certificate as a thank you for having our event at his restaurant.  For our anniversary, we went to the restaurant on a Friday night.  Daniel greeted us at the door and welcomed us back.  It was clear that he knew we had been there before, but he didn't specifically remember us.  That was fine with us.  We weren't looking for any special treatment, just a nice dinner in a good restaurant. 

We had a nice dinner.  I ordered the duck, which is not something I would normally order.  It was good, but I probably wouldn't order it again.  The other meals I had there were more to my personal liking.  We had mentioned that it was our anniversary and they offered us a complementary dessert, but we declined.  Daniel visited our table several times just to check on us and when we declined dessert, he brought us a tequila mix shot instead.  It was very good. 

After we left, having paid with the gift certificate, Daniel remembered who we were and was quite embarrassed that he hadn't remembered us.  He called me on my cell phone to apologize and asked why we hadn't reminded him.  He apologized repeatedly for not visiting with us more (although, the amount of time he spent checking on us was more than you would ever get most places).  It was a super nice gesture.  Something that would never happen at a chain restaurant! 

My concern is this.  Whenever I mention The Tulip to locals, they all say how much they love that place.  But they also say, I haven't been there for years.  When we were there, it wasn't empty, but it wasn't packed either.  I worry that people take these nice places, locally owned, a part of the local history and culture, for granted.  They think they will go there sometime, but they don't and eventually the business is gone and becomes an "I remember when" instead of a vibrant part of the community. 

So, instead of thinking this is a special occasion place, just go.  Our dinner, including a bottle of wine, was $100.  It may not be Applebee's prices, but it isn't Applebee's food either.

Tips:  http://www.theblacktuliprestaurant.com/

Old Florida Grill (Port St. John)

This isn't the post I had planned for today, but I was out and about and went someplace new.  I liked it, so I must share it with you. 

Some friends and I were out for a midwinter walk up Indian River Road, just north of the Beachline and between US1 and the river.  Beautiful place to take a walk.  This morning happened to be slightly foggy and a the water was still and reflective.  Our walk this morning had a purpose though.  We are walking to support the Hash House Harriers effort to raise money for the Make A Wish foundation. 

The game for the fund raiser is to carry a plunger with a rabbit on the end of it all across America raising money along the way.  The rabbit can only be carried by non-motorized methods:  walk, run, bike, paddle.  It has been making its way through Florida slowly and steadily and certainly not by the most direct route, but almost $11,000.00 has been raised so far!  You can find out more about that here:  http://www.hashacrossamerica.com/#/

At the end of our walk we met up with some people who were going to take the HashIt (the plunger) further up the road towards Dayona by bicycle.  We met at an Old Florida, authentic bar/restaurant called Old Florida Grill. 

This place is authentic Florida all the way.  The bar consists of an inside bar and two outside bars with docks leading down to the river.  The is the mandatory biker only parking near the back bar and plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the outside and the refreshments any way you choose. I chose to enjoy a $2.50 margarita and a stroll down to the river. 

After that I enjoyed a very good Ahi Tuna seared with Sesame cooked perfectly (seared only) for only $11.  My husband had the steamed clams and a burger, both perfectly satisfactory.  Other friends had shrimp po'boys.  All enjoyed, but would recommend the blackened over the grilled.  No complaints.  I was surprised how busy such an out of the way place was, but busy they were, so there was some delay in getting food.  But seriously, who cares with views like these? 












Tips:  Here is their website http://www.oldfloridagrill.com/

Be sure to walk out on the docks.  They are safe and sturdy. 

It looks like a biker bar (and it is), but on a sunny afternoon there were plenty of families there. 

Live Music.