A long time ago at a restaurant not so far away we were tossing around ideas one day. Nothing specific, just shooting the breeze and otherwise discussing what we’d like to do for a new season of Eat It and Like It with Jesse Blanco. Keep in mind, I am talking about nearly 7 years ago. Yes, very early in the process.
We spend a lot of time talking about what we want to feature on our show. Probably more time than you will ever realize. You’ve heard the story before, we didn’t want to be a local restaurant show. We’ve always aspired to do more.
At some point, the conversation turned to the State of Florida and the diversity that the Sunshine State offers any visitor. Honestly, I don’t remember who said it first, I suppose it doesn’t really matter, but the idea came up to take a camera crew with us to Florida, Miami in particular, and share some ‘foodie secrets’ from my hometown with all of you. We even discussed having a contest and taking a couple of winners with us to South Florida for a full weekend of Eating and Liking.
Ah, yes. Great ideas. All of them. At the time, that’s where it stayed. On the idea shelf. Until this year.
Fast forward to Summer 2018 and a revisit to the idea shelf. That plan to visit Miami for Season 8 evolved into a full blown tour of the State of Florida. A tour of the State of Florida that I know and love. Far away from the glitz and glamour of “South Beach” and VERY far away from the tourist mecca that is Orlando’s theme park circuit. No chance you’d find us there.
That episode of Eat It and Like It with Jesse Blanco was shot last week. We are calling it “Eat It and Like It: Florida”
We visited some places tourists might know about but generally don’t. Places that are so off of the beaten path, one of them had a dirt and oyster shell parking lot. The other side of Florida you are unlikely to see in a fancy magazine, much less on television.
We literally drove the length of the state. Started along the Gulf coast in the panhandle and wrapped in the heart of Miami. We avoided touristy spots that will demand a $20 bill for a margarita. As well as spots with dishes you cannot pronounce. No, we spent all of our time in ‘my Florida.’ Of course, yes, there was Cuban food.
I cannot wait to share it with you.
It is currently scheduled to air Sunday, December 2nd 11:30am on WTOC-TV.
The contest part of the idea remains on the shelf. Maybe next year we’ll go back and draw a couple of names to come with us. Who knows. Give us something to look forward to.
See you on TV
Jesse
# # #
