Happy Hump Day!
I would like to take a minute to highlight my favorite restaurants in Gainesville. I don't know how many people read this who actually live close enough to Gainesville to eat here often, but these places deserve some credit.
1.) The Jones Eastside http://www.thejoneseastside.com/
From the website "The Jones is a local and independently owned community restaurant committed to providing sustainable, local, and organic food. Oh and it's really yummy." It is really yummy. My absolute favorite thing I have tried so far is the 'Quin-What?' It is Organic red quinoa tossed with seasonal squash, red onion, sweet peppers, peas, love, garlic and olive oil. I typically add chicken, broccoli and spinach. They have a large menu of veggies and proteins that you can add to any meal you order. I love being able to customize my dinner and I LOVE the fact that the meats and produce are organic and local.
2.) Blue Gill http://www.bluegillqualityfoods.com/subscription.html
The next three restaurants that I am going to talk about are all owned by the same person. I am going to start will Blue Gill because it is my favorite. Blue Gill serves all different types of food, but with one common theme (for the most part): food that your grandmother / someone who is southern and a really good cook would make. The plates are vintage and drinks are served out of mason jars. The Roasted Chicken is to die for and is served with homemade mac-and-cheese and collard greens. I have been to Blue Gill twice and I have ordered that exact meal both times. I can't order anything else. It is THAT good. Heath has tried the pork shoulder and shrimp and grits. The pork was great but the shrimp and grits was missing something... still good... but missing something. I would also highly recommend any of their soups. Oh, and all of the meats and produce are local. Are you noticing a theme?
3.) Mildred's / New Deal Cafe http://www.mildredsbigcityfood.com/ and http://www.newdealcafegainesville.com/
From the website "We buy only local, organic Produce, Fresh Florida Fish and Meat - No one comes close to our commitment to sustainable agriculture . . ."
Mildred's and New Deal are owned by the same person that owns Blue Gill. I have only been to Mildred's for lunch since the dinner menu is kind of pricey, but everything is really good! I have tried a lot of things on both of these menus and you really can't go wrong.
Honorable Mentions:
Satchel's (Thanks for the reminder, Janelle!)
Sister's
Queen's Arms (Best fish and chips in town)
Reggae Shack
Caribbean Queen
Burrito Brothers
So there ya go! If you are in Gainesville for dinner you should give these places a try. Not only because they are good, but because you would be supporting a local business.
I'll update you on food tomorrow. I don't have cell phone service in my office so I can't upload pics right now. I'll make sure to do it tonight :)
