Central Florida Vacation

ACulinaryTour

Of Local Flavors To Experience On Your Next

Every  region  of  the  country  has  its  own  unique  way  of  doing  barbeque,  and  the  South  is  no  exception.  Central  Florida  is  home  to  a  wide  array  of  down  home  Southern  barbeque  restaurants,  serving  everything  from  pulled  pork  and  ribs  to  BBQ  nachos  and  fried  pickle  spears!

Bubba Chucks BBQ

Bubba  Chucks  BBQ  has  been  providing  delicious  Southern  BBQ  in  Winter  Haven  since  2010.  While  you'll  find  no  shortage  of  traditional  barbeque  eats,  Bubba  Chucks  has  a  solid  reputation  for  their  innovative  signature  items,  including  the  "Original"  BBQ  Egg  Roll,  BBQ  Nachos,  and  Smokin'  Forrest  Wings  -­‐  jumbo  wings  that  have  been  smoked  and  fried!  Bubba  Chucks  is  open  for  lunch  and  dinner,  Thursday  through  Sunday.

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Copyright © 2012 Central Florida Visitors & Convention Bureau  •  2701 Lake Myrtle Park Road, Auburndale FL 33823  •  1-800-828-7655

ver sink your teeth into a big juicy frog leg or gator tail? How about a BBQ egg roll or a slice of sweet grapefruit pie? Get ready to experience

bold, unique flavors like never before on your next Central Florida vacation! For those with adventurous palates, Polk County offers a wide range of one-of-a-kind culinary experiences; but don't worry if you lean more toward traditional fare. From mouthwatering BBQ and the freshest of seafood to authentic Mexican fare and elegant fine dining, the local flavors of Polk County

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Follow The Smoke Trail To Polk County's Best BBQ Joints

Looking for An Authentic Southern Barbeque?

Curly Tails BarbequeA    favorite  among  the  locals,  Curly  Tails  Barbeque  in  Bartow  is  family  owned  and  operated  all  the  way!  Customers  are  willing  to  drive  a  long  way  for  a  taste  of  their  pulled  pork,  barbeque  chicken  and  old-­‐fashioned  side  dishes  like  fried  pickle  spears,  corn  nuggets  and  home  made  potato  chips.  Or  if  you're  looking  for  something  a  bit  on  the  lighter  side,  you  can  get  a  true  taste  of  Florida  with  their  Smokey  Citrus  Chicken  Salad.  Plan  to  visit  on  a  weekday,  however,  because  Curly  Tails  is  only  open  Monday  through  Friday.

Jimbo's Pit Bar B-Q

Jimbo's  Pit  Bar  B-­‐Q  has  been  serving  genuine  Florida  barbeque  in  Lakeland  since  1964.  Known  for  quality  food  like  homemade  apple  pie  and  outstanding  service,  this  family  owned  and  operated  establishment  has  been  tantalizing  the  taste  buds  of  locals  and  visitors  alike  for  over  four  decades!  Jimbo's  is  open  for  lunch  and  dinner  Monday  through  Friday.

Peebles Bar-B-QIf  you're  looking  for  memorable  things  to  do  in  Central  Florida,  a  visit  to  Peebles  Bar-­‐B-­‐Q  in  Auburndale  is  a  great  place  to  start.  Considered  a  local  treasure,  this  humble  eatery  on  Old  Dixie  Highway  has  become  a  landmark  after  more  than  56  years  of  providing  customers  with  the  ultimate  Southern  barbeque  experience  -­‐  down  home  cooking,  screened-­‐in  porch  seating,  and  an  indoor  barbeque  pit!  Customer  favorites  include  their  sliced  beef,  ribs,  shredded  pork  and  signature  barbeque  sauce.  If  you  want  to  get  in  on  this  Polk  County  tradition,  plan  your  trip  accordingly  because  Peebles  is  only  open  seasonally,  serving  lunch  and  dinner  Thursday  -­‐  Saturday  from  Labor  Day  to  Memorial  Day!

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Copyright © 2012 Central Florida Visitors & Convention Bureau  •  2701 Lake Myrtle Park Road, Auburndale FL 33823  •  1-800-828-7655

What  do  you  get  when  you  combine  five-­‐star  cuisine,  luxurious  table  settings  and  breathtaking  views?  The  perfect  Central  Florida  vacation  date  night!  Whether  your  sophisticated  palate  craves  cutting-­‐edge  Italian  and  Mediterranean  fare  or  classic  comfort  foods  with  an  upscale  twist,  there  are  plenty  of  fine  dining  options  to  choose  from.

Arabella's RistoranteArabella's  Ristorante  in  historic  downtown  Winter  Haven  is  known  for  exceptional  Italian  and  Mediterranean  cuisine,  featuring  dishes  like  Blackened  Shrimp  Salad,  Pollo  Alla  Griglia  (Lunch),  Filet  to  al  Porto  (Dinner),  and  Pan  seared  Chilean  Sea  Bass  with  cherry  tomatoes.

The  warm  atmosphere,  classic  antipasti  and  pasta  dishes,  and  extensive  wine  list  make  Arabella's  an  ideal  spot  for  an  enchanting  date  night  or  sophisticated  family  dinner.  Arabella's  was  the  recipient  of  the  2011  Opentable.com  Diners'  Choice  Award.

Terrace GrilleWhether  you're  seeking  a  romantic  dinner  for  two  or  an  elegant  brunch  with  the  family,  The  Terrace  Grille  is  a  great  choice.  Located  within  the  historic  Terrace  Hotel  in  Lakeland,  diners  can  enjoy  remarkable  architecture  and  captivating  views  of  the  city,  along  with  delectable  New  American  cuisine.  Quiche  and  Eggs  Benedict  are  popular  dishes  for  breakfast  or  brunch,  while  dinner  runs  the  gamut  from  classic  comfort  foods  like  meatloaf  to  elegant  plates  of  filet  mignon  and  tuna.

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Copyright © 2012 Central Florida Visitors & Convention Bureau  •  2701 Lake Myrtle Park Road, Auburndale FL 33823  •  1-800-828-7655

With Elegant Fine Dining

Plan A Romantic Dinner For Two

When  you're  this  close  to  the  ocean,  there's  bound  to  be  an  abundance  of  fresh  seafood  on  the  agenda.  And  for  those  who  enjoy  a  good  Surf  'n  Turf,  you  can  also  find  plenty  of  Texas  size  steaks  in  Polk  County!  The  list  of  amazing  seafood  and  steak  restaurants  is  endless,  but  check  out  a  few  local  favorites  that  continue  to  delight.  

Cherry Pocket Steak & Seafood ShakFor  the  perfect  blend  of  entertainment,  scenery  and  fresh  seafood,  you  can't  go  wrong  with  Cherry  Pocket  Steak  &  Seafood  Shak  in  Lake  Wales.  With  gorgeous  views  of  Lake  Pierce,  made  to  order  dishes,  and  live  music  (Friday  -­‐  Sunday  nights),  it  would  be  hard  not  to  have  a  great  time  at  Cherry  Pocket!  Sit  on  the  outside  deck,  enjoy  a  few  drinks  and  get  ready  to  peruse  a  huge  menu  containing  everything  from  oysters  and  filet  mignon  to  gator  nuggets  and  frog  legs.  And  don't  forget  to  indulge  in  one  of  Elsie's  homemade  desserts  like  key  lime  pie  or  carrot  cake.  

Crazy Fish Bar and GrillCrazy  Fish  Bar  and  Grill  in  Lake  Wales,  known  for  its  eclectic  décor  and  charming  slogan  "Why  eat  frozen?"  has  been  a  favorite  among  locals  for  the  past  9  years.  Check  out  their  signature  homemade  seafood  gumbo  or  shrimp  po  boy  -­‐  or  indulge  in  a  wide  variety  of  seafood,  sandwiches,  pasta  and  burgers.  You'll  soon  learn  why  Crazy  Fish  has  been  rated  among  the  Top  5  Most  Popular  Restaurants  in  Florida  by  Urban  Spoon.

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Copyright © 2012 Central Florida Visitors & Convention Bureau  •  2701 Lake Myrtle

Central Florida Is Known For Juicy Steaks And Fresh Seafood

Bring Your Appetite!

Gary's Oyster Bar & Seafood HouseAs  Polk  County's  oldest  oyster  bar,  Gary's  Oyster  Bar  &  Seafood  House  in  Lake  Alfred  has  been  dishing  up  seafood  favorites  for  more  than  30  years.  Oysters  from  Apalachicola,  FL  are  shucked  right  in  front  of  you.  An  ideal  spot  for  fun,  family  dining,  Gary's  is  also  known  for  its  fried  lobster,  hushpuppies  and  conch  bites.

Harry's Old PlaceA  self-­‐proclaimed  neighborhood  restaurant,  Harry's  Old  Place  is  all  about  fresh  fish,  casual  lakefront  dining,  and  making  you  feel  at  home!  Located  in  Winter  Haven  and  overlooking  Lake  Ned,  Harry's  offers  a  wide  range  of  menu  options  for  the  whole  family,  including  fish  tacos  grouper  sandwiches,  Berry  Cool  Salmon,  and  don't  forget  the  #1  seller  on  the  menu,  "Harry  in  a  Bag"  -­‐  fresh  grouper  baked  in  a  bag  and  topped  with  crushed  pecans  and  seasonings.

Manny's Original ChophouseIf  you're  on  the  hunt  for  the  best  steak  in  Polk  County,  many  locals  would  direct  you  to  Manny's  Original  Chophouse  in  Haines  City.  Manny's  offers  a  fun,  family-­‐friendly  atmosphere  and  of  course,  quality  steaks.  Their  menu  is  brimming  with  a  wide  selection  of  steaks  including  prime  rib  and  Manny's  Special  -­‐  a  10oz  sirloin.  All  steaks  are  hand  cut  daily  and  then  expertly  char  grilled,  served  with  sides  like  a  salad  tossed  tableside  and  rolls  with  cinnamon  butter.

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Copyright © 2012 Central Florida Visitors & Convention Bureau  •  2701 Lake Myrtle Park Road, Auburndale FL 33823  •  1-800-828-7655

Norby's Steaks and SeafoodNorby's  Steaks  and  Seafood  is  a  small,  off  the  beaten  path  restaurant  in  Lake  Wales.  Not  only  can  you  get  Maine  Lobster  tail  and  juicy  steaks  cooked  over  a  flaming  grill,  but  you  can  also  purchase  Norby's  signature  steak  sauce,  garlic  seasoning  salt  and  habanera  hot  sauce  to  take  home  with  you  as  a  memento  of  your  visit.

Texas Cattle CompanyFor  steaks  the  size  of  Texas,  there's  only  one  place  to  go  in  Polk  County  -­‐  Texas  Cattle  Company,  where  the  motto  is  "more  beef  for  your  buck"!  This  staple  of  the  Lakeland  dining  community  boasts  giant,  hand  cut  tenderloin  filets  and  Porterhouse  steaks,  all  perfectly  aged  and  cooked  over  a  natural  wood-­‐burning  fire.  Choose  from  a  variety  of  steaks,  fresh  fish  and  seafood;  and  don't  forget  to  give  their  black  pepper  parmesan  kettle  fries  a  try.

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Copyright © 2012 Central Florida Visitors & Convention Bureau  •  2701 Lake Myrtle Park Road, Auburndale FL 33823  •  1-800-828-7655

The  Lakeland  Ledger  -­‐  Dining:  The  Lakeland  Ledger's  online  dining  section  is  chock  full  of  the  latest  restaurant  reviews,  blogs,  and  a  comprehensive  Polk  County  dining  guide!

Today  &  Tonight  Magazine:  View  an  online  version  of  the  latest  issue,  where  you  can  consult  a  dining  guide  and  read  current  restaurant  reviews.

Bubba  Chucks  BBQ:  Ready  to  give  those  BBQ  Egg  Rolls  a  try?  Check  out  Bubba  Chucks  website,  where  you  can  get  directions,  view  a  full  menu,  and  get  the  latest  news  and  specials.

Crazy  Fish  Bar  &  Grill:  Not  only  can  you  browse  the  Crazy  Fish  menu,  but  you  can  also  view  tons  of  photos  -­‐  from  pictures  of  the  staff  and  happy  customers  to  snapshots  of  their  most  popular  dishes.

Cherry  Pocket  Steak  &  Seafood  Shak:  Looking  for  fresh  seafood,  beautiful  scenery  and  some  live  music?  This  site  has  everything  you  need  to  plan  your  visit  to  Cherry  Pocket.

Gary’s  Oyster  Bar:  Serving  made  to  order,  fresh  seafood  for  the  past  30  years,  Gary's  Oyster  Bar  is  a  casual  restaurant  specializing  in  fresh  oysters  from  Apalachicola,  FL.

Manny's  Chophouse:  Get  ready  for  some  mouthwatering  steaks!  Here  you  can  view  the  menu,  read  up  on  early  bird  and  happy  hour  specials,  and  even  join  their  e-­‐mail  club.

Tapatios  Restaurante  Mexicano:  Here  you  can  read  the  menu,  make  reservations,  and  even  place  your  order  online.  Learn  about  Tapatios'  two  restaurant  locations  and  their  popular  grocery  store.

Taste  of  Florida  Café:  Read  about  the  café's  rich  history,  take  a  video  tour,  check  out  the  menu  and  purchase  fresh  citrus  fruit  and  candies  from  Lang  Sun  Country  Groves.  

Texas  Cattle  Company:  This  restaurant's  website  features  recipes  and  secret  tips  from  the  chef,  tips  for  ordering  steaks,  a  full  menu  as  well  as  a  wine  menu.    

Directory of Delectables

If  your  stomach  is  grumbling  and  you're  searching  for  unforgettable  things  to  do  in  Central  Florida,  why  not  take  care  of  both  by  visiting  one  of  Polk  County's  most  beloved  restaurants  -­‐  those  that  have  stood  the  test  of  time!  Many  have  even  become  tourist  attractions  in  their  own  right.  Plus,  you  can  find  a  variety  of  establishments  offering  cuisine  from  all  across  the  world.  

Andy's Drive-In Restaurant and IglooTaking  in  all  the  exciting  attractions  in  Polk  County  just  might  make  you  nostalgic  for  a  little  1950's  diner  fare.  You  can  easily  get  your  retro  fix  at  Andy's  Igloo,  a  landmark  Winter  Haven  drive-­‐in  restaurant  known  for  their  inventive  milkshakes  and  ice  cream  flavors  like  orange  and  lime  sherbet  and  their  fruit  pie  milkshake.  You  can  find  many  budget-­‐friendly  breakfast,  lunch  and  dinner  options,  including  a  classic  cheeseburger  and  fries.  Credit  cards  are  not  accepted,  so  be  sure  to  stop  by  the  ATM  in  advance  of  your  visit.

Silver Ring CaféYou  haven't  experienced  a  true  Central  Florida  vacation  until  you  sink  your  teeth  into  a  flavorful  pressed  Cuban  sandwich  -­‐  and  a  longtime  favorite  of  the  locals  is  Silver  Ring  Café  in  Lakeland.  Known  for  their  pressed  Cuban  sandwiches,  black  beans  and  yellow  rice,  Silver  Ring  serves  up  affordable  lunch  six  days  a  week  (closed  Sundays).  Enjoy  one  of  their  popular  lunch  specials,  but  be  sure  to  bring  some  cash  because  debit  and  credit  cards  are  not  accepted.

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Copyright © 2012 Central Florida Visitors & Convention Bureau  •  2701 Lake Myrtle Park Road, Auburndale FL 33823  •  1-800-828-7655

Check Out Polk County’s World Cuisine And Local Favorites

Looking For A Truly Unique Dining Experience?

Lang's Taste of Florida Café It's  no  secret  that  Central  Florida  is  known  for  its  acres  upon  acres  of  thriving  citrus  groves;  and  if  you  visit  Polk  County  in  October  through  May,  a  visit  to  Lang  Sun  Country  Groves  in  Haines  City  is  always  in  order.  While  you're  there,  stop  into  Lang's  Taste  of  Florida  Café  to  enjoy  a  glass  of  fresh-­‐squeezed  orange  juice  and  savor  a  cozy  afternoon  lunch,  including  fresh  salads,  sandwiches,  and  even  grapefruit  slaw!  The  café  is  best  known  for  Mary  Lang's  award-­‐winning  Grapefruit  Pie,  which  has  been  featured  on  the  Food  Network  show  "Epicurious".  When  you're  done,  you  can  even  pick  up  a  few  souvenirs  at  their  Old  Florida  style  gift  shop!

El Norteno Mexican RestaurantSince  2000,  El  Norteno  Mexican  Restaurant  has  been  providing  Winter  Haven  diners  with  traditional  Mexican  cuisine.  Popular  dishes  include  tri-­‐color  enchiladas,  fajitas,  chicken  quesadillas  and  chicken  nachos.  And  if  you're  in  the  mood  for  a  refreshing  margarita  or  daiquiri,  check  out  their  Happy  Hour  from  4  -­‐  7  p.m.  daily.

Tapatios Restaurante MexicanoA  staple  of  the  Polk  County  dining  community  since  1994,  Tapatios  Restaurante  Mexicano  offers  authentic  Mexican  dishes  in  a  casual,  inviting  environment.  For  a  genuine  taste  of  Mexico,  try  their  Miguel  Special  (grilled  fajita  chicken  cooked  with  tomatoes  &  covered  with  cheese  dip  and  served  with  rice  and  tortillas).  Stop  by  one  of  their  two  popular  locations  in  Lakeland  where  you  can  dine  in,  carry  out,  and  even  order  online.  Tapatios  is  open  for  lunch  and  dinner  Tuesday  -­‐  Sunday.

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Copyright © 2012 Central Florida Visitors & Convention Bureau  •  2701 Lake Myrtle Park Road, Auburndale FL 33823  •  1-800-828-7655

Come visit and try some of the local flavors on your next Central Florida vacation. Hope to see you there!