Restaurant openings, closings and events heat up summer
Free gelato. A Latte Art Showdown. Summer movies. Restaurant openings. Cooking classes and wine tastings. And it’s officially summer. Take a look at what’s coming up in Tallahassee. Get busy, my friends.
*On these scorching hot days, what could be better than a scoop of ice cream or gelato — especially if it’s free. To celebrate the season and National Ice Cream Month, Peterbrooke Chocolatier Tallahassee is offering a free scoop of its gelato every Wednesday during July — for the ninth year. It’s a cool perk — enjoy. Photo credit / Peterbrooke Chocolatier
Argonaut’s new location at Goodwood Museum & Gardens. Photo credit / Argonaut
*Big coffee news: Welcome to the coffee shop, Argonaut Coffee, in this sweet spot at Goodwood Museum & Gardens, 1600 Miccosukee Rd. You may have sampled some of their coffee at Midtown Reader. If you’ve ever been to TOC Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic you probably grabbed a cup while waiting for your appointment. Great to see they’re adding homemade baked goods at their new Goodwood site. Looking forward to seeing a new business in this location. It was sad to see Soulful by Chef Shac close though the talented chef is still doing catering — Chef Shac — and appearing at many events. Argonaut is having a soft opening from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. through July 14 with its grand opening on July 15. All the best!
* More coffee news: Tallahassee’s baristas are throwing down at Ology’s Latte Art Competition on Sunday, July 9 at Ology Coffee Co. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. with the first pour at 8 p.m. It’s open to all baristas and coffee enthusiasts. It’s at Ology in Midtown, 118 SE 6th Ave.; 850-296-2809.
* Recipe developer and food photographer Kari Headings is offering a class called Picture Perfect Summer Eats from 6 to 8 p.m. July 10 at The Prepared Table, Bannerman Crossings, 3425 Bannerman Rd.; Suite 104; 850-354-8352.
*The Veg-Out Food Festival, from the Fuzzy Pineapple, is from noon to 8 p.m. July 15 at 1205 S. Adams St. Admission is free and kids and pets are welcome. www.thefuzzypineapple.com/veg
Chef Jessica Bright McMullen, co-owner of KitchenAble Cooking School, is presenting a Chef’s Table cooking class featuring French flavors and seafood on July 21. Photo credit / KitchenAble Cooking School
*Chef Jessica Bright McMullen, co-owner of KitchenAble Cooking School, is presenting a Chef’s Table cooking class featuring French flavors and seafood at 6 p.m. July 21. Jessica just returned from France so this should be a fun class. It features a tasting and discussion of French cheeses with fresh baked French bread, steamed artichokes with fresh mayonnaise, an entree of fish Meunière, a salad course and the magical Ile Flottante or floating island dessert. Doors open at 6 p.m. at 967 Briarcliff Rd. and the cost is $75. Attendees will receive a packet of recipes from the dinner. Call 850-264-2308 or visit https://www.kitchenable.net/
*The Huntsman’s chef Skylar is presenting a five-course wine dinner featuring Bodegas Borsao on July 20. Visit the restaurant’s website for reservations and more information. The Huntsman is at 320 E. Tennessee St.; 850-765-1887.
*Wine lovers of all types can continue to savor wines made around the world, selected by the pros at Poco Vino Wine Bar & Market in downtown Tallahassee. Amanda Morrison, Poco Vino co-owner with husband Gus Corbella, focuses on these small production wines in three new wine clubs: The Cab Club offers one classic Cabernet Sauvignon plus another bold red for $125 per month. The Sparklers Club features two bottles for $75 per month. And for those eager to try new wines, choose the Poco Picks Club – two bottles per month for $65 per month. For more information, contact Poco Vino at 850-320-4552. Poco Vino is at 225 S. Adams St.
*Say hello to the new Jeri’s in the Northeast, serving breakfast, brunch and lunch in the former home of Grove Market Café. Sad to say goodbye to the cafe owned by David and Elizabeth Gwynn (Cypress Restaurant) but they will still be operating Vertigo Burgers & Fries. Jeri Madden is the effervescent presence behind Jeri’s Midtown Cafe. No fears, fans. The cafe, at 1123 Thomasville Rd., will continue to be open, but for lunch only, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Saturday. The new Jeri’s at 1370-1 Market St. will be open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday. Welcome Jeri’s.
*This sounds like such a fun, summery idea. The new South Station bar & eatery will be showing movies every Wednesday night, starting at 8 p.m. (South Station opens at 5 p.m. Wednesday). Enjoy the menu, with plenty of fun food and drinks, along with the movie. South Station is on the city’s Southside, across from Proof Brewing Company, in the former home of Happy Motoring, at 1215 S. Adams St. South Station is from the Seven Hills Hospitality Group, owners of Liberty Bar & Restaurant, El Cocinero, Bar 1903, The Hawthorn Bistro & Bakery and Black Radish. Photo courtesy / South Station.
Gourmet popcorn from Pop Fun Chew Cafe. Photo / Pop Fun Chew Cafe
*Popcorn lovers, this could be your new favorite place. Stop by Pop Fun Chew Cafe, which offers gourmet popcorn and funnel cakes, along with vintage games and party space, at 1316 S. Adams St. (near Proof Brewing Company). 850-570-0249. Thanks to Mary McTague for the heads up.
Chris and Drew Schmoe, at their farm in Quitman, Ga. where they produce pasture-raised eggs, poultry, and forest-raised pork. Photo / Schmoe Farm
*Don’t forget about our Farmers’ Markets . Check out our guide to our farmers markets and online market at https://www.tallahasseetable.com/tallahassees-farmers…/
Check out the varied treats at the new Duck Donuts on Thomasville Road. Photo / Duck Donuts
*We’re, um, quacking up over this new place. Sorry, I couldn’t resist. Duck Donuts has just opened its first branch in the Capital City, at 1894 Thomasville Rd., is in the shopping center with JOANN Fabric and Craft Stores and Five Guys. It’s owned by local veteran Timothy McGrew and his wife Renee. The shop also has a breakfast sandwich on a doughnut or an English muffin — grab with your latte. Duck Donuts is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
Bowls and stews are among the African-influenced fare at Halisi Africa. Photo / Halisi Africa
*Halisi Africa presents Soulful Sundays at its boutique and cafe in Railroad Square. Halisi features Ethiopian, North African, West African and East African inspired dishes as well as art and music. This is the only restaurantI know of that serves African cuisine. The menu includes bowls (including the Selassie, Sankofa, and Swahili), Zanzi pizza made with chapati bread crust and okra stews. Sunday brunch is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Beer wine and specialty teas available. 625-17 Railroad Square.850-739-3129; [email protected] Other hours: lunch, noon to 3 p.m., dinner 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday to Friday; noon to 8 p.m. Saturday.
*Also at Railroad Square: The Rose Room Cabaret presents Queer Movie Night, with a meal and film, from 6 p.m. to midnight Tuesdays. at the Rose Room, 651 Railroad Square. 850-371-4448. Other events include Emo Night and karaoke.
Hawthorn Bistro & Bakery is now serving bagels on Saturday mornings. Photo / Tallahassee Table
*I’m from Philly and my friend Gail is from Brooklyn. We’ve devoured quite a few bagels between us so we’re happy that The Hawthorn Bistro & Bakery is now serving bagels on Saturday mornings. On our visit, the choices included Rosemary Parmesan (my choice), Jalapeño Cheddar, plain (Gail’s choice),Everything and Cinnamon. Gail said the bagels remind her of a New York bagel – (crisp but not hard on the outside and soft inside, good for a sandwich). You can put eggs and other breakfast items on a bagel. We’re lobbying for lox and cream cheese though. 1307 N. Monroe St.
A pizza pop-up at Hawthorn Bakery & Bistro. Photo credit / Hawthorn
*Also at Hawthorn Bakery & Bistro. The restaurant has restarted its popular Pizza Pop-Up, serving its sourdough Neapolitan pies on Saturday. Preorders are accepted by phone – 850-354-8275 – during business hours from Wednesday to Friday. Delivery and pickup available on Saturday through @foodies.takout. The online ordering link will be available on their website, hawthorntlh.com. Hawthorn is at 1307 N. Monroe St. Top photo / credit Hawthorn.
Sorry to say there are two restaurant closings to report: Kezzy’s Bistro has bittersweet news. The restaurant and bar has decided to close its location in the Governor’s Square Mall. The owners will continue doing catering and events and states on Facebook that a new location will be posted soon. World of Beer closed its doors June 11.
