2018-12-12 00:39:02
Hall You Can Eat: FLORIDA’S FAVORITE FOOD HALLS By Dalia Colón In recent years, food halls have become a big draw for locals and visitors alike. For the uninitiated, these creative eateries are the grown-up version of a mall food court — freestanding buildings featuring a range of upscale food and drink items. If you have an insatiable appetite for the latest foodie finds, check out these spots that are leaving their mark on Florida’s food scene. TAMPA Tucked inside of a restored mixed-use building on the banks of the Hillsborough River is Armature Works (armatureworks.com), featuring food stalls, Heights Public Market and live music. The food hall’s outdoor seating — with ample running space — makes Armature Works a hit with kids, adults and even pets. Just a few blocks from downtown, the European-inspired Hall on Franklin (thehallonfranklin.com) offers an upscale atmosphere, weekend brunch and late-night menus. With everything from cold-brew coffee and grilled cheese to poke bowls and specialty popcorn, there’s always an occasion to set foot in these halls. MIAMI The artsy Wynwood neighborhood is home to 1-800-Lucky (1800lucky.com), an Asian-influenced market offering dim sum, poke bowls, green tea ice cream and other Eastern eats. In the city’s Design District, the chic St. Roch Market (strochmarket.com) showcases a dozen vendors selling fried chicken, vegan baked goods and cocktails. Over in the buzzworthy Brickell neighborhood, the Italian-themed La Centrale (lacentralemiami.com) features restaurants, bars, cafés, wines and a cooking studio. Buon appetito. Also in Brickell, Casa Tua Cucina (casatuacucina.com) is a Mediterranean-inspired villa full of unique eating spaces, from the lantern-lit patio to the cozy library to the bar. ORLANDO In Orlando’s Audubon Park Garden District, you’ll find East End Market (eastendmkt.com), a mixed-use building that’s home to a dozen local vendors, a sit-down restaurant and a commercial kitchen for cooking classes and aspiring food-preneurs. Go for a Cuban sandwich from Houndstooth Sauce Company. Trendy Plant Street Market (crookedcan.com/plant-st-market) in historic downtown Winter Garden features 20 vendors selling artisan pizzas, sushi, doughnuts, cold-pressed juices and other specialty food items. Also on site is Crooked Can Brewing Company, which offers brewery tours and a taproom for dining. Award-winning chocolate chip cookies and craft beer to wash them down? Yes, please. JACKSONVILLE BEACH Chef Kenny Gilbert packs four concepts under one roof in this mini-food hall. At the front of the building is the fast-casual Gilbert’s Hot Chicken, Fish + Shrimp (gilbertshotchicken.com), while upstairs is the ocean-facing Gilbert’s Southern Kitchen & Bar (gilbertssouthern.com), offering an expanded menu. Gilbert’s Beach BBQ, located on a patio overlooking the ocean, is open Memorial Day through Labor Day. FLORIDA FOOD TOUR By Amy Nance Hungry for the Sunshine State’s signature fare? Follow this route to discover Florida’s incredible culinary diversity. STOP 1: Start at Key Largo Conch House, famous for its curry-dusted conch fritters. Stay a while at this laid-back eatery, housed in a cheery old cottage that sits along the Overseas Highway. STOP 2: Drop by Homestead fruit stand Robert is Here to cool off with a sapodilla milkshake before grabbing authentic ceviche at Miami’s CVI.CHE 105. STOP 3: Head west to Tampa for a frita (Cuban hamburger) at West Tampa Sandwich Shop. STOP 4: Mama’s Greek Cuisine in nearby Tarpon Springs is right on the sponge docks in this vibrant Greek community. STOP 5: Just north, Crystal River’s Charlie’s Fish House & Seafood Market is a must for locally caught stone crab after a day of manatee spotting. STOP 6: Back on the road, head east on I-4 for Gulf shrimp in Titusville, where no-nonsense Dixie Crossroads serves them fresh from the sea. STOP 7: For Florida’s take on Southern fare, hit Jacksonville’s The Potters House Soul Food Bistro. Do not deny yourself the country-fried chicken. STOP 8: Round out your food voyage by scooping up some much sought-after Apalachicola oysters in Destin at Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House.
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Dining
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