CREDIT RYAN DAILEY / WFSU-FM
Historic library reopening as downtown bar
I love this building so very excited that Jesse Edmunds, partner and owner of the group Seven Hills Hospitality, which owns The Hawthorn Bistro & Bakery, Liberty Bar and El Cocinero, is going to open the historic building as a bar serving casual food. In this article by WFSU, Edmunds said: “think tapas, small bites, bar sandwiches – little things.”
The skylights in the building are gorgeous and Edmunds wants to keep the original flavor.
He’s looking at a January opening, so looking forward to this new downtown destination, which should complement other new places in town, it seems.
New venue with ‘multicuisine’ menu, buffet
Here’s some good news! Aaru’s Multicuisine Restaurant, located in the former Mayuri , will officially open at 5 p.m. Jan. 10 at 1108 S. Magnolia Dr. The restaurant will specialize in Indo-Chinese and South Indian dishes.
The menu looks really intriguing, including Thai and Chinese soups, East Indian dumplings called Momo, whole fish, kimchi salad, a range of entrees, items with paneer (cheese), “sizzlers”, vegetarian dishes and a dozen dosa choices
The restaurant will initially serve a lunch buffet and regular dinner service with plans to offer a breakfast menu with American and Indian fare (I love breakfast so I’m especially excited about this).
Hours will be 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for lunch and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. for dinner. When breakfast starts, hours will be 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. The website is aaruz.com/ Phone: 850-350-0129.
Earley’s Kitchen in the Capitol Building
Earley’s Kitchen, a Tallahassee landmark for 40 years, serving Southern-style home cooking from their restaurant located on South Monroe Street, has taken over as the food service vendor at the state Capitol building, replacing Sharkey’s Capitol Cafe.
Earley’s restaurants on the Capitol’s lower level and 10th floor have opened in time for the new session.
From Rosanne Dunkelberger at FlaPol: “At the Capitol, patrons can expect to find menu items from the original restaurant, including daily specials such as fried chicken, fried pork chops, fish and chips, and meatloaf. “Earley’s Kitchen is Earley’s Kitchen,” said Chef/Owner Jay Morrell. “Expect new and exciting changes.”
Congrats to Morrell and the folks at the Capitol building.
Flying Bear closes its doors
The Flying Bear, at 6265 Old Water Oak Rd. has closed. Here’s the message from the family restaurant on its Facebook page:
“Thank you Tallahassee and Thomasville for supporting us for over 6 years! The Flying Bear is being sold to an unnamed business. Our last day of service will be Saturday, December 14th.
“We want to give a big bear hug to our hardworking employees and loyal customers. It has been our pleasure serving the Big Bend. Follow Tallahassee Foodies for news and updates surrounding the new ownership.”
Say goodbye to longime Nick’s Restaurant
Nick’s Restaurant – Tallahassee’s oldest continuously owned restaurant that opened February 1955, will be closing on Dec. 20.
In the Tallahassee Democrat, reporter TaMaryn Waters writes that “For generations, it’s been the cedar paneled backdrop for first dates, family nights and homecooked meatloaf, fried chicken and hamburgers shared between neighbors and politicos, including former governors Bob Graham and Lawton Chiles.”
“I’ll be 72 in February,” said owner Jimmy Mitchell, sitting at a table overlooking South Monroe Street. “So, I decided it’s time to move on. It’s been a good life for me.”
It’s at 1431 S. Monroe St. There’s still time to stop by for one more meal and to say best wishes.
tallahassee.com/story/news/money
Rooftop view from Eve on Adams
The nightlife scene in downtown Tallahassee just got considerably brighter — on many levels.
The new rooftop cocktail lounge perched above the 16-floor DoubleTree by Hilton gleams like a beacon, its bold white lights a hard-to-miss signal that Eve On Adams is now open for business.
While the venue is still having a soft opening, you can head up to the 17th floor (get off on the 16th floor and switch elevators), have a drink and take a peek at the stunning view, alone worth the trip.
Glass barriers surround the outdoor patio which juts out beyond the building, giving patrons unfettered views of downtown Tallahassee, particularly the west and south views. It’s especially pretty now with all the twinkly lights on Park Avenue trees.
A few downtown dining destinations have been a welcome addition, including Il Lusso, Saveur, Rootstock Pours and Plates joining classics Andrews Downtown and Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille, but there are hopes that Eve could help bring new life to the area.
“I think the venue itself is a destination,” said Jonathan LaBarre, director of sales and revenue for the DoubleTree. “The sunsets are amazing. As word gets out, it could keep people downtown after work or bring people back. It’s a gathering place.”
The interior decor is minimal but elegant, with crystal chandeliers, dramatic murals (depicting hands tentatively reaching for the forbidden apple) by local artist Cosby Hayes and an illuminated translucent onyx bar.
Eve is still evolving, developing its bar and food menu.
As of now, there are plans for a menu of shareable appetizers, primarily “finger food” in place by the start of the legislative session, which convenes on Jan. 14, said LaBarre.
There are six beers on tap including Proof’s 850 and Jai Alai from Cigar City Brewing in Tampa.
As for New Year’s Eve, the lounge will feature a DJ and a champagne toast — no cover. “Enjoy the views, the music and celebrate,” said LaBarre.
If you go …
Eve on Adams, 101 S. Adams St.; 850-224-5000.
Hours: Eve opens daily at 5 p.m. Closing time: 10 p.m. Sunday-Monday, midnight Tuesday-Thursday and 2 a.m. Friday-Saturday.
Sad to see Ology Food Lab go
Ology Food Lab: Update: The Food Lab food truck at Ology Brewing Company, 118 E. Sixth Ave. has had to close due to a complaint from a resident. From Ology’s Facebook Page: “Unfortunately, a private individual has compelled the City to enforce outdated and previously unenforced regulations which prevent us from operating the FoodLab in front of Ology [Midtown]. Because of this, the FoodLab will be closed for the foreseeable future starting this week.”
We’re hoping there can be a solution to this or other options. Chef Robert Alexander Lee (Izzy Pub & Sushi) had devised a casual but creative menu. The food was really good.
FYI, Ology has a second location at 2708 Power Mill Court, near Capital Circle and Park Avenue, featuring some popular taps, kombucha and cold brew. Phone: 850-296-2809.
Fans lament closing of Bamboo House
The longtime Chinese and Taiwanese restaurant, on Sixth Avenue off Monroe Street, has closed. The phone at Bamboo is disconnected, the place is dark and equipment has been moved out. Wishing them the best.
Jeri’s Midtown Cafe adds tapas, happy hour
Jeri’s, at 1123 Thomasville Rd., has started serving its tapas menu during Happy Hour from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday to Friday. Her slogan: fittingly, “Peace, Love on Small Plates.
Slide Hustle pairs with Deep Brewing
The Tally Mac Shack folks will be operating this new food truck parked permanently at Deep Brewing, offering homemade sliders, some infused with Deep’s beer. The Slide Hustle will be open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, while Tally Mac Shack will remain the featured food option at Deep on Sundays. 2524 Cathay Ct. Tallahassee Mac Shack now has a space inside Happy Motoring and on October 1 opened its first Florida State University location in 1851 Dining Hall. You don’t have to be a student to eat at this spot or any of the other dining options at FSU.
Crafty Crab expanding in Tallahassee
There’s a new branch opening in the former Roadhouse Grill location at 2226 N. Monroe St. The current Crafty Crab opened at 1241 Apalachee Pkwy. in August.
Hot new eatery opening on Thomasville
There’s been some progress with Volcano Hot Pot & BBQ, which is moving to the former Red Elephant Pizza & Grill in the Capital Plaza at 1872 Thomasville Road. The restaurant now has a real sign up. It’s estimated the place will open in December or January.
Photo: Ariel’s Ice Cream
Sweet new ice cream parlor now open
Ariel’s Ice Cream is now open at 1323 Thomasville Road. October flavors include blondie, strawberry shorty and cake batter aside from standards like vanilla, chocolate and mint chocolate chip. Current vegan flavors are guava sorbet and coconut ash. More info to come.
Closings on Thomasville Road
Sorry to report two restaurant closings in the Capital Plaza across from Whole Foods on Thomasville Road: Beef ‘O’Brady’s and N2Sweets. Fans can still frequent the Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Capital Circle, 1208 Capital Circle SE, which is remaining open. N2Sweets, co-owned by Blu Halo’s Keith Paniucki, specialized in ice cream made with liquid nitrogen has closed. The message on N2 Sweet’s Facebook page: “All good things must come to and end and we want to thank each and everyone that has come in and supported us!”
Panera Bread on a roll
The chain has received conditional approval for a new branch with a drive-thru at 2009 Apalachee Parkway, near the Holiday Inn Tallahassee E Capitol – University. The restaurant is aiming for a mid to late spring opening. Panera Bread has three Tallahassee locations on North Blair Stone, Ocala and Thomasville roads. The company has more than 2,300 bakery-cafes in the United States and Canada.
New Tallulah Juicebar brings CBD items
The Tallulah Juicebar + CBD: This new venture from owner Ashley Guy opened on September 16 at 1410 Market Street C-4 . It’s touting “the largest CBD selection in the city,” including CBD ice cream, CBD beverages, CBD gummies, CBD candies and CBD food. Free CBD coffee samples at the opening. Quoting a Forbes article, “CBD is only one of 120 compounds called ‘cannabinoids’ found in cannabis.” Advocates point to health benefits from CBD but don’t confuse it with THC. CBD does not produce a high or any psychedelic effects. By law, CBD products contain no THC or less than 0.3%. tallulah-cbd-juicebar/tallulah-cbd-opening
Ma’s Diner now open for breakfast, lunch
The diner is now open at 6668-9 Thomasville Road near Marco’s Pizza. The menu features breakfast and lunch classics — as well as classic tunes on the turntable. Hours will be 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.
Photo: Glory Days Grill
Glory Days Grill a sports bar newcomer
Glory Days Grill: Here’s another spot to cheer on your team or share a brew with your buds. Glory Days has opened, with hours from 11 a.m. to midnight. Glory Days Grill is replacing the former Saltwater Seafood & Cocktails Restaurant, 1926 Capital Circle NE. The menu offers burgers, wings, nachos, bowls, sandwiches, soups, salads, barbecue and entrees like meatloaf or fish fry. 850-919-3779. glorydaysgrill.com
Photo: I Heart Mac & Cheese
I Heart Mac & Cheese now in College Town
The restaurant chain has opened its branch in College Town, offering different versions of the beloved dish with .customizable macaroni and cheese bowls (you choose your type of pasta, protein, sauces and toppings), grilled cheese sandwiches and salads. It’s at 799 W. Gaines St.; iheartmacandcheese.com
Sugar Rush times 2
Sugar Rush, known for its over-the-top milkshakes, has expanded and opened a location at Bannerman Crossings at 6668 Thomasville Rd. You can order wild concoctions or simply enjoy your favorite flavor in an ice cream cone. Stop by the grand opening to help cut the giant red ribbon, then celebrate with bounce houses, face painting, raffles and other activities. The current Sugar Rush location is at 414 All Saints St.; 850-778-9227. sugarrushtally
Mayuri gets a new home
In case you missed it, Mayuri Indian Restaurant has moved from Magnolia to a new site by Mattress Firm (across from Buffalo Wild Wings) at 1234 Simpson Ave. The place looks and smells heavenly. Mayuri is still offering its lunch buffet and the same dinner menu with some additions. The new restaurant is three or four times bigger than its former home. It now includes a small bar and a private room with space for about 40 to 50 people. Mayuri will be open daily, with the buffet from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The number is 850-402-9993.
Photo: Sabor
Sabor brings Mexican food, late hours
Here’s another Mexican restaurant to add to your list. Sabor is a new, counter-serve, local establishment opened about 2 months or so; from owner Victor Carranza. The grand opening is Aug. 31. Students should like the late-night hours — to midnight Sunday to Wednesday and 2 a.m. Thursday to Saturday. The menu features the usual suspects: tacos, burritos, enchiladas, fajitas and quesadillas — and icy margaritas. 1600 W. Call St,; 850-727-7084
Savour offers Chef’s Table experience
is now accepting reservations for its new Chef’s Table experience featuring Chef Brian Knepper’s cuisine in the reservation’s private “Parlour”. For reservations of parties of 6 – 10 guests, call 850-765-6966.115 E. Park Ave.
Mexican brunch buffet gets a boost
Casa Grande Bar & Grill is continuing the brunch buffet it started offering on Mother’s Day. $12, $5.99 for kids under 12, with items like fajitas, enchiladas, quesadillas and chimichangas. Bring a big appetite. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 3212 Apalachee Pkwy.; 850-402-0733.
TC Bakery, Ma Mary’s a historic debut
TC Bakery featuring Ma Mary’s is now open at 614 Eugenia St. The bakery portion, from Jennifer Young and family, will offer sweet treats, including homemade cakes, cupcakes and custom orders. Ma Mary’s closed when co-owner, Tommie C. Williams, Jennifer’s mother, passed away. “Now, Jennifer is re-opening Ma Mary’s Kitchen to honor her mother while bringing this long-missed menu back to life for people in Tallahassee,” Jennifer stated. Looking forward to this opening!
Ruby’s Diner back in business
Who says public opinion and support doesn’t count? Ruby’s Diner – Tallahassee, at 1580-4 Summit Lake Drive, had announced it was closing but after so many people expressed their disappointment, the restaurant has decided to stay open. From Facebook: “After receiving such an outpouring of support from the community and talking things through with my family, we’ve decided to hand over management of the restaurant to my grandson, Maverick. He’s been working at Ruby’s ever since we opened, and he’s committed to providing all of you with good, southern home cookin’. ” Pictured: Ruby’s butterfinger cake.
Bowled over at Boru Boru
This new restaurant, located in the Varsity Plaza (Target) on West Tennessee, specializes in poké bowls, rice bowls, salad bowls and sushi burritos. They also serve sushi nachos, sides like edamame, sweet fried yam disks and the ball-shaped snack takoyaki (with diced octopus inside) and boba tea and desserts. Gluten-free and vegan dishes are available. This is the second location for Boru Boru. The original is based in Atlanta. 1861 W. Tennessee St. ; 850-270-9253.
You’ll relish this burger joint
Relish, a small, Gainesville-based burger joint has moved into ‘Noles territory. Along with Angus beef burgers, Relish offers the vegan Impossible Burger, the turkey burger, veggie burger and salmon burger. Another attraction poutine fries, and unlimited sauces and toppings (guacamole is free but avocados are $1 extra). Another appeal, especially to students looking for a late-night bite: Relish is open to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday and till midnight other nights. 1935 Tennessee St.; 850-807-0152.
Hangar 38 offers family entertainment
Hangar 38: The idea of a family entertainment center isn’t a novelty nationwide, but the new Hangar 38 certainly seems to fill a gap in Tallahassee. But the venue was also built with parents in mind. It features a bar, dining area, eight bowling lanes and games, including pin-ball machines. 6668 Thomasville Rd.; 850-999-2606.
Maria Maria brings Mexican cuisine, bakery
The restaurant, touting homemade Mexican cuisine and a bakery, is now open in the former Crepevine location at 1314 N. Monroe St. Maria Maria serves breakfast all day plus lunch, dinner and desserts. The menu features small bites, appetizers, entrees and desserts. 850-270-9057.
