The family will be going to Florida soon over winter break. We live near San Francisco, and will be traveling with a six year old and a 1.5 year old, so preferably staying light on the higher-end restaurants, though earlier this year, in New Orleans, we did stop by Shaya for a fantastic meal with kiddos in tow (thanks in part to reading through recommendations here). I guess I’m saying, we’re not going to a $200pp tasting menu, but if there is a higher-end place where kids might not be quite as much of an issue (a bit more casual setting or a patio), it might be a possibility. There are no food restrictions (the more unique, the better) and I do love a good brewery (what are the laws there with breweries and kids?). Wife likes a good bakery. We will have a car.
Our first stop is Orlando. It’ll be very park-heavy. Three days at Disney (tentatively two days Magic Kingdom, one day Animal Kingdom), one day at ???. Might be Legoland or something. We’re staying near this kitschy-looking place called Old Town. The only restaurant I have on lock is The Polite Pig. Any food strategies for Disney would be well appreciated. Downtown Orlando might not be in the cards after a tiring day chasing kids around, but if there is a place well worth the trek, I’m all ears.
Second stop is Cape Canaveral, with the Space Center as the focus. We’re staying on the peninsula, I think technically in the northern part of Cocoa Beach. I got nothin’ here. I was told that Playalinda Brewing Co is a “safe” bet, but it’s not particularly close to where we’re staying.
Following this is a road trip down to Miami, where we’ll probably need a rest stop along the way for lunch. Might stop at Delray Beach. I was told Civil Society Brewing has great hazies. Might stop by 3 Sons. Lunch doesn’t have to be at those locations. Bonus points: What areas should we hop off the interstate to drive along the coast/towns?
We’ll be in Miami a few days. We’ll spend some time in Miami Beach to check out the Art Deco scene and walk around 1111 Lincoln. In that area, I noticed Bourdain went to Yardbird. Worth a stop as the one lunch or dinner place in the area? Might make a trip out to the Wynwood area for Zak the Baker and/or J Wakefield Brewing.
I intend to eat a lot of Cuban food while there. Sanguich Little Havana is one I have bookmarked. Miami Sunrise at Los Pinarenos is another. May try to hit Mary’s Cafe based on some Hungry Onion reading. Have some others bookmarked, but would like to hear opinions and see if they line up with them. Anything else I need to try? What particular food items should I make sure don’t fly under my radar?
We’ll also have one day in Key Largo. Sol by the Sea seems to have a nice patio view for dinner. If you had one night here, would this be worthy, or is another place more deserving? Read somewhere on this board that Harriette’s has a great selection of muffins. Opinions on the best key lime pie? Good places for conch fritters?
What other food must we try that is difficult to find around San Francisco? I don’t think I’ve ever tried gator. Is that something I should look to try?
For those who made it through all that text, thanks so much!
This was delicious food professionally presented with ample servings and the wine was fairly priced compared to NYC. We shared a scrumptious and huge duck rillette app which , a berkshire pork chop and a fish dish that offered 3 different types of fish each with a differently seasoned sauce. All flavorful, rich, well cooked and interesting.
