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Saturday, September 12, 2026

Food

A sign for La Cocina de Abuela stands outside the restaurant in Gainesville, Fla., on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025.
El Caimán

La Cocina de Abuela: A taste of Colombia on the go

At La Cocina de Abuela, a vibrant family-owned restaurant, traditional Colombian flavors meet the convenience of counter-service dining. With an assembly line-style setup, guests are invited to build their perfect bowl, savoring fresh, made-from-scratch dishes that tell the story of generations of Colombian heritage.


Valentines Day themed drink specials at Opus Coffee on Wednesday, February 12th, 2025.
The Avenue

Five sweet deals to secure this Valentine’s season

As people get into the spirit of love during the month of February, flowers are selling out and chocolates are leaving the shelves. For those who have an appetite for a sweet deal, assorted candy boxes may not be enough. Here’s five food options for the valentine who’s looking for something special. 


Shake up your next get-together with these exciting dinner party ideas!
The Avenue

Five dinner party theme ideas for the would-be host

With Valentine’s Day looming, people are scrambling to make dinner plans. For those looking to go beyond one-on-one date nights, dinner parties are a popular way to get loved ones together for a good meal and great company. Here’s five dinner party themes to make sure every party eats, regardless of the guest list.


The Avenue

Five must-try restaurants for the Gainesville locals

After a long day, slaving over a home-cooked meal is the last box a person wants to check. However, it can be difficult to satisfy the taste buds without cooking or breaking the bank. To those looking to dine on a budget, here’s a list of the top five meals under $20 in Gainesville ranked from least to most expensive for when cooking at home just isn’t in the cards. 


Arepa Burger, a Venezuelan food truck, waits to open in downtown Gainesville on Sept. 7, 2024. | Arepa Burger, un camión de comida venezolana, espera para abrir en el centro de Gainesville el 7 de septiembre de 2024.
News

A glimpse into Gainesville’s South American cuisine

Some restaurants have grown alongside the Hispanic community, which makes up about 12% of Gainesville residents. Others are just now following in their footsteps by opening their businesses. Beyond fulfilling the community’s cravings, Venezuelan restaurant owners have found themselves creating meaningful connections with their customers, which in return fuels their entrepreneurial spirit.



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