Food

October is American Cheese Month, and what better way to celebrate these dairy delights than with the farmers, cheesemakers, retailers and chefs who bring them to us.

A new restaurant promising fast, cheesy goodness has landed in Tallahassee. I Heart Mac and Cheese, a Florida-born franchise, began as a concept in South Florida in 2015 and has now grown to several locations, the newest opening on Gaines Street near Florida State University in August.

With the summer holidays over, kids back to school and everyone returning to their routines, it’s easy to get in a rut when it comes to dinner.

Earlier this summer, the new Mexican restaurant Maria Maria opened in Midtown at 1304 North Monroe St. After only a short time, it is well on its way to becoming every local’s favorite authentic Mexican restaurant.

The Tallahassee Farmers Market has relocated from Market Square to a new location at Kerry Forest Parkway and Thomasville Road. The Cornerstone Presbyterian Church at 2904 Kerry Forest Parkway will host the market.

The French inspired bistro Mimi’s Table has become a Tallahassee favorite since it opened Memorial Day weekend last year.

On a recent trip to California, my family and I fell in love with poke bowls. We ate them every chance we could while in the Golden State. Thinking we left our poke bowl adventures on the West Coast, we were pleasantly surprised when we found a great poke option right here in Tallahassee.

For those who enjoy sleeping in on Saturday mornings, I suggest visiting the Farmers Market at Bannerman Crossings. Every Wednesday from 3–7PM, local favorites set up shop in the Bannerman Crossings pavilion, located in between Dao and Blu Halo.

The Fat Cat Café off Park Avenue has some friends you can meet. A small café and boutique greet you upon entering, but the real fun begins when you head to the back, where you are greeted by cats of all sizes and ages. Each cat is a rescue being cared for in the hope of being adopted.

When I think of Florida summer flavors, I think citrus, spice and seafood. These elements inspire me to curate delicious and creative cuisine that pays homage to our Sunshine State.

Florida has been farming citrus commercially since the mid-1800s and is the largest producer of citrus. Florida citrus can be found all over the world in Canada, Japan, France and U.K., and, in most seasons, more than 90 percent of America’s orange juice is made from Florida-grown oranges.

Chi Chi’s Cafe, lovingly nicknamed after co-owner Rick Diaz’s wife Donna, is located near Florida State University on Tennessee Street and offers the authentic Cuban flavors that many of south Florida’s transplanted students miss.

You might hear this a lot this summer at Table 23: “Excuse me, when does happy hour end?” Answer: Labor Day.

With Cinco de Mayo just a few days away, be sure to venture out and try some of the best authentic Mexican eats in the Capital City:

It’s snowball season in Tallahassee, and if you’ve been to Big Easy Snowballs, you know why this is exciting news.

Baker, author and magazine editor Brian Hart Hoffman released the third volume of “Bake from Scratch: Artisan Recipes for the Home Baker” on March 15. The book features more than 600 recipes and is currently available for order through online retailers, such as the “Bake from Scratch” website.

Now’s no better time to bring your dog all over town with you – including out to eat.

Far removed from the bought-in-bulk version you may have lived off in college, the ramen noodles served at Tallahassee’s new Downtown Ramen Bar are all grown-up. Located in the old Jasmine Cafe & Lounge on College Avenue, Downtown Ramen Bar offers casual dining with an Asian twist.

Who doesn’t have a to-do list a mile long these days? Tallahassee Magazine put together the five best local coffee shops that will help you change your to-do items to “done.”

A bar just a few blocks from Florida State may be one of the only bars in Tallahassee that’s perfect for kids.

Proof Brewing Company opened its new location at 1320 South Monroe St. The new state-of-the-art facility is located nearby the revitalization of South Monroe. It is also within walking distance of lovely Cascades Park.

Three local restaurants recently announced menus made for four-legged companions. Township, Madison Social and Centrale will now serve “pup specials” for those who would like to dine on the patio with their furry friends.

All things change with time, even food. Jeff Rindskopf recently compiled a list of 20 foods that are found today but were not in kitchens 20 years ago. The 21st century’s increased emphasis on health and local foods has brought with it a slew of now-commonplace ingredients that most families would not have seen on their supermarket shelves two decades ago. This list rounds up some newer culinary staples:

I headed to Il Lusso with high expectations and it far surpassed those expectations. Tallahassee’s new Italian steakhouse, which features prime steaks and northern Italian cuisine, was by far one of the best meals I’ve had.

Baking with my Nana has always been my favorite thing to do around the holidays. My favorite recipe to make is “Nana Cookies.” The recipe is easy to follow, which allowed me to begin making it at a young age. I hope you can introduce this tradition in your families this holiday season.

There’s no better way to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the movie “Elf” than serving up a dish of Buddy’s iconic breakfast spaghetti.

‘Tis the season for holiday parties, and a festive beverage always livens up a gathering. This slow cooker winter sangria from The Foodie Affair is one of my all-time favorites – it’s incredibly easy, and the warm cinnamon scent that fills your home is an added bonus.

Chop House on the Bricks in Thomasville, Georgia, is now open for lunch, which finally gave me an opportunity to try this farm-to-table restaurant.

Fellow craft beer enthusiasts: Have you heard of the TLH Beer Society? Initiated just a little more than a year ago, the TLH Beer Society is your go-to for information on local breweries, beer events and new beer releases. They are “the megaphone” for craft brew in the capital city.

Gordos’ new northside location is officially open. Just up the road from its previous spot, Gordos Northside is now on Market Street next to Don’s Shoe And Leather Repair and Chico’s.