Cuisine Queen

Hot News For The Busy Season

By Paula [paula@ocalasgoodlife.com]

Just in time for the busiest time of the year, there are many openings to share with you, so let’s get started and hope for many more.

Just like the long-awaited opening of Cheddar’s, many were happy when the doors of Culver’s recently opened. I’ve yet to try the ButterBurger, which may sound like a burger drenched in butter, but it’s not. Instead, the top bun is lightly buttered “for an extra touch of goodness,” reads their website. Their beef is never frozen and instead cooked fresh. Order a single, double, or triple! For those that like sweet endings, Culver’s also prepares frozen delicacies including shakes, malts, sundaes, and my favorite, frozen custard! See their mouth-watering pictures and menu at culvers.com.

Another restaurant that is highly anticipated but taking a little longer than usual is The Mellow Mushroom in Downtown Ocala. It will be a multi-story building that will also contain another, yet-unnamed restaurant and a rooftop bar. Mellow Mushroom is known for their unique toppings but also offers burgers, sandwiches, appetizers, and more. Once complete, this will be an eclectic addition to the Downtown area, for sure.

Mutiny, a pirate-themed bar, opened adjacent to its sister business, The Tipsy Skipper, a tiki bar with a 1950s ambiance. Mutiny serves hoagie-type sandwiches and more, whereas Tipsy Skipper has more of a laid-back atmosphere of handcrafted cocktails to enjoy in a relaxed, beach-type setting. Both are located near the Marion Theater. For hours and more, visit their Facebook pages.

Cantina Tex Mex & Tequila must be close to completion because they are now hiring. Check out their Facebook page and soak in the transition of beauty from a bank to a magnificent cantina!

Have you visited Celebrity’s Soul Food on Southwest 19th Avenue Road? “Celebrity” because everyone is treated like a star when they enter to dine. Just looking at their website makes you want to drop what you’re doing and head over for a beautiful representation of fine dining in a casual atmosphere. Check out their website at celebrityssoulfood.com and reserve a table.

Flying Boat Tap Room opened in Belleview. Pilots Bill Bow and Tim Kirby have a passion for Flying Boats (not the same as sea planes) and beer. Tucker Bengoa, born in Spain, complements the beer with his tapas, charcuterie boards, and light dishes using fresh ingredients. Visiting their website is a must at flyingboattaproom.com.

Rice and Noodles Thai Cuisine opened close to the intersection of SR 200 and CR 484, near Chili’s and IHOP. The website is more about ordering online from the menu. You can place your order the night before and schedule for delivery or pick up the next day at riceandnoodlesocala.com.

“Where can I find a good pizza?” I read that a lot. I’ve hardly had a pizza I didn’t like. Let’s face it, better than others, but I’m not picky when it comes to the pie. I love pizza! The Original San’s Pizzeria is on Old Blitchton Road in the Quail Commons Shopping Center. Check them out at sanspizzeriaocala. com. The menu is quite extensive, offering what you’d expect from a full-service Italian restaurant.

The Front Porch, known for their selection of fifteen homemade pies daily in Dunnellon, has added “The Back Porch.” Owners Melissa and Michael Gray added 30 more seats outside under a canopy of oak trees. For now, this area is only open on the weekends when they’re busiest. Melissa is entertaining the idea of displaying local artists’ work and other fun things in this new area in the future.

Until next time.

Got a hot tip for the Cuisine Queen? E-mail me at paula@ocalasgoodlife.com