For as long as I can remember, I have loved to drive. Once I was old enough, I’d look forward to a road trip far more than the average bear. Four hour drives for me are ‘down the street.’ I can do about 10 hours a day and be perfectly happy. Especially if I am driving somewhere I’ve never been. With that in mind, we decided to dedicate an episode of Eat It and Like It to the road trip. Three spots you might want check out next time you find yourself in that area. We will probably do it again in the Spring. Here they are, in the order that they aired:
The Edison is probably Tallahassee’s most beautiful restaurant. Built in an old power plant, they took advantage of every tiny detail of the building. They added a beautiful deck with televisions and a gorgeous view of a brand new park and a bandshell in the city’s center. Really a nice scene. The food is great as well. Lobster rolls (yes, in Tallahassee) are great. As is the Southern Board featuring fried oysters, house made bacon, pimento cheese and more. Wine list is impressive as well if you want to turn it out for dinner.
The Floridian makes me smile because for those of us that grew up in Florida, it is almost a snapshot of a road trip and our childhood. Doesn’t hurt that the food is absolutely fantastic and one of my favorite stops along I-95 in Florida. The Floridian is a nod to ‘Old Florida’ as well like to call it. Long before the glitz and glamour rolled on to the beach in Miami, and Orlando became “The Magic Kingdom” Florida was just a little sleepy collection of kitschy decor, screened in patios and rest stops where you could buy ashtrays in the shape of an orange. That’s what the vibe at The Floridian feels like. I’ve enjoyed dinner at The Floridian, but lunch (for me) is where it’s at. Their collection of sandwiches and salads are tough to beat in that city, as a result, it is one of the more popular spots in historic St Augustine. If you roll up at peak time, you are likely to wait. Meatloaf Sandwich add Pimento Cheese is a winner as is their burrito fresco made with pulled chicken. Also an extensive vegetarian selection as well.
Jekyll Island Club -Jekyll Island, Georgia
I could go on for 3 paragraphs about the history of this property and the island it sits on alone without mentioning food. Truth be told, as a State Park, Jekyll Island is an absolute treasure. Although you wouldn’t know it because there is so much development on the island. Tastefully done, of course, and a seasonal water park hidden in the bushes on the Southern end of the island.
The resort is beautiful. Impeccably manicured and maintained. In the summer, rooms aren’t inexpensive and that is to be expected. But off season you can probably find a deal. Especially in January when it is very slow. That is when the island hosts Dine Jekyll, a ‘restaurant week’ of sorts. Three courses for about $30 at any restaurant on the island. There are 7-10 of them. It’s maybe the best value in the state. The scene is beautiful, the food is as fantastic as you would expect it to be. Very much worth a drive down there.
See you on TV,
Jesse
