What’s New in Tallahassee

Restaurant openings, a cooking competition and an anniversary bash help usher in the fall season. There’s lots to do and check out, Tallahassee. Have fun!

Duck Donuts is one of the many coffee shops and bakeries offering pumpkin spice-themed drinks or treats. Photo / Tallahassee Table

* You might hate or love pumpkin spice but you can’t deny it’s a taste of fall – even if it’s a little early. We’re already seeing pumpkin-spice drinks and desserts just about everywhere. What’s your take? Are you a fan? Have any suggestions for the best pumpkin treats? Or are you already tired of all things pumpkin?

The new Rae’s in Bannerman Crossings. Photo credit / Seven Hills Hospitality Group

* The new restaurant, Rae’s is now open in Bannerman Crossings. There’s a lot of early buzz for Rae’s – with good reason. Seven Hills Hospitality Group, the team behind Liberty Bar, El Cocinero, Black Radish, Bar 1903, The Hawthorn Bistro & Bakery and the fairly new South Station, is launching the new venue. The description of Rae’s from Seven Hills: “Our scratch kitchen menu evolves with the seasons, embracing the coastal, southern panhandle, and Mediterranean influences that have shaped our culinary identity.” The cocktail menu will focus on mojitos and daiquiris along with claissic cocktails, a tap and wine list. Rae’s is located in the former home of Hemingway’s Bar & Kitchen, at 3431 Bannerman Rd. Rae’s hours will be 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The website is https://www.raesrestauranttlh.com/ A sample of Rae’s cuisine in top photo / credit Rae’s.

The new City Dogs Cafe will be offering an assortment of hot dogs and toppings, many representing the country’s iconic weiners. Photo credit / City Dogs Cafe

* Chef Michael Robinson, owner of Ma’s Diner on Thomasville Road, has opened his new venture, City Dogs Café, located in the former space of All Saints Cafe at 903 Railroad Ave. He is serving hot dogs that are based on the iconic specialties of major cities, such New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Miami and Los Angeles, plus veggie dogs. He’s also launching a second concept in the space — the All Saints Art Station, which will offer art shows and live performances. The soft opening continues from 5 to 10 p.m. Sept. 9 and 10. The restaurant will be open full time starting on Tuesday, Sept. 12.

The new Bowden’s restaurant is named after the legendary FSU coach Bobby Bowden. Photo credit / Bowden’s

* If you’re game for pub food, craft cocktails and honoring a football legend, you’ll want to try the new Bowden’s, which just opened Sept. 7 in College Town. The restaurant pays tribute to Florida State University legendary football coach Bobby Bowden. The menu features The Bobby Burger, Gator Hater Salad, Best Dadgum Chili and Puntrooskie Peanut Butter Pie. It’s located in the space formerly occupied by Tin Lizzy’s Cantina and 51 on Madison, off Woodward Avenue, near Doak Campbell Stadium in College Town. Bowden’s will be open for Game Day weekend. Generally, the restaurant will be open at 11:30 a.m. daily with late-night hours. 619 S. Woodward Ave.; 850-273-4258. For more information, check out the story in the Tallahassee Democrat.

Photo credit / Clusters & Hops

* Like other fans, I’m thrilled that Clusters & Hops is now serving its full menu at the restaurant’s new location at 1866 Thomasville Rd.; 850-222-2669. Open 4-10 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday.

* Don’t forget about our farmers’ markets and the Downtown Market Tallahassee FL. Check out our guide at https://www.tallahasseetable.com/tallahassees-farmers…/

Stop at Piebrary, on the second floor of Midtown Reader, and try one of the pies from TC Bakery, like this peach treat and a cup of coffee. Photo / Tallahassee Table

*Congratulations to talented Jennifer Young, owner of TC Bakery. Jennifer is the first black female to have her baked goods for sale at Tallahassee International Airport.Jennifer is one of the hardest-working people you’ll meet, certainly a Tallahassee treasure. My husband, friends and I were recently at Piebrary at cozy Midtown Reader, at 1123 Thomasville Rd., and devoured slices of Jennifer’s delicious peach and coconut cream pies. Piebrary is one of the many spots where you can now find treats from TC Bakery.

Pete Evarts of Crum Box Gastgarden. Photo courtesy / Pete Evarts

*Hey fans of Crum Box Gastgarden: You can still load up on memorabilia from owner Pete Evarts (above), who has closed the beloved restaurant. You can order (even if not local) T-shirts, towels or Crum Box Seasoning. Order by Sept. 16 and pick up at Bird’s Aphrodisiac Oyster Shack, Oct. 1st between 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Here’s the link to order: https://the-crum-box-gastgarden.square.site/ From Pete: “PS: All money from your gracious and large orders will go to the “Peter Meats Doesn’t Have a Job Currently Foundation”, so order now to support!”

Ben Flournoy added his musical talents to the Tallahassee Beer Festival. Photo credit / Tallahassee Table

* Talented singer/songwriter/musician Ben Flournoy will be performing at the Oyster City Brewing Company in Tallahassee at 7 p.m. Sept. 29 at 609 W. Gaines St. 850-629-4518. We most recently saw Ben at the Tallahassee Beer Festival and he and his band were terrific, as always.

Viet Vu and Jesse Edmunds team up for lunch at South Station. Photo credit / Seven Hills Hospitality Group

* In case you missed this news, chef/restaurateur Viet Vu (Mobi Street Food) is teaming up with South Station to launch the lunch business for the casual restaurant and bar. Viet will be adding four New Orleans style po’ boy options and Bánh Mì sandwiches. Other South Station standards like an all-beef hot dog and honey buns will also be available. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Friday. South Station is at 1215 S. Adams St. (formerly Happy Motoring); 448-209-9072.

* Also at South Station, check out September movie nights. The restaurant is showing a different move at 8:30 p.m. each Wednesday this month. Each week will also feature a new cocktail to go with the movie’s theme. The schedule: September 13th: Heathers, September 20th: Jurassic Park (I’m curious about the cocktail for a dinosaur film) and September 27th: Easy A. 1215 S. Adams St.

Chef Sam Burgess, owner of Pineappetit, serving up samples of his fare at a 2022 Cleaver & Cork food fest. Photo / Tallahassee Table

* Pineappetit chef/owner Sam Burgess will be featuring Sunday brunch from noon to 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 17 at 2037 W. Pensacola St. Each ticket comes with an appetizer, entree and four flavored mimosas. Live music will be provided by DJ MT. Cost $45. FYI: Pineappetit will be offering some of its fare at the concession stand on Sept. 10 for the 85 South Live Show at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center. Pineappetit will be at the civic center for men’s and women’s basketball games.

Chef Jessica Bright McMullen with an antipasto salad from a previous class. Photo credit / KitchenAble

* Chef Jessica Bright McMullen, of KitchenAble Cooking School, will be presenting a cooking class on Italian cuisine. The menu will feature vegetable and beef lasagna, green salad and fresh baked garlic-parmesan knots. For dessert, there’s cannoli. The cost is $60 and includes a recipe packet along with the meal. Doors open at 6 p.m. at the KitchenAble Cooking School at Historic Briarcliffe Cottage, 967 Briarcliff Rd. Book your reservations for classes by visiting kitchenable.net and clicking on “calendar.” Jessica will also be offering a class on Sept. 28, inspired by autumn: shaved Brussels sprouts and apple salad accompanied by apple butter and apple muffins, Chicken Calvados served over rice (a stew of apples and apple brandy that is popular in Normandy), and for dessert, sea salt caramel on fresh apple crowns. This class is also $60 at Briarcliffe Cottage.

The 2022 Tallahassee Beer Society anniversary bash attracted a big crowd at the Hub at Feather Oaks. Photo / Tallahassee Table

* Celebrate the sixth anniversary of the Tallahassee Beer Society from 5 to 9 p.m. Sept. 30 at the Hub at Feather Oaks, 6500 Miccosukee Rd. The party features food trucks, live music and unlimited beer sampling. The $20 entry includes a commemorative cup. Proceeds benefit the Leon County Humane Society. For tickets, visit https://www.tlhbeers.com/prod…/tlhbs-6th-anniversary-party

* Another festival is brewing! The Georgia Beer Company in Valdosta is offering four days of German-style beer, traditional foods and live polka music at its 5th annual event. Johnny Koenig kicks it all off. The event is from Sept. 28 to Oct. 1 at 109 S. Briggs St. Doors open at 4 p.m. and the official keg-tapping is at 6 p.m., marshaled by Danny Aller, co-founder of the Tallahassee Beer Society. 229-588-4664.

Chefs Amanda Cauley and Nikki Pettineo are ready to compete for the title of Battle of the Chef 2023. Photo credit / The Prepared Table

* Chefs Amanda Cauley (Social Catering and Events) and Nikki Pettineo (instructor and private chef) will battle for the title of Battle of the Chef Winner 2023. The event is from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 1 at Bannerman Crossings Pavilion. Tickets are $35/general seating or $60/VIP seating. The battle menu is pork belly. Chef Mikey Powell (The Blu Halo and People’s Choice Winner 2022) will be adding a mystery ingredient to the mix. Judges for this 3rd annual competition are chef Randy Blass (culinary director at Ology Brewing Company Food Lab), chef Leon C. Brunson (owner of Leon’s at Lake Ella and winner of the 2022 Battle of the Chefs) and Coach Ron Dugans (FSU Seminole Football Assistant Coach). Plus, there will be a chance for you to determine the People’s Choice Winner. Tickets include complimentary food tastings from both chefs and an appetizer from Chef Mikey. See https://tptkitchenshop.mybigcommerce.com/battle-of-the…/ for tickets, more info.