The Avenue: Food - The Independent Florida Alligator

A scoop of organic, dairy-based cardamom ice cream at Karma Cream. The organic ice cream cafe offers a natural spin on favorite treats.

The Avenue

Organic treats pack health benefits

By Kiera Wright-Ruiz | Nov. 16, 2011

As I took the first bite of my Mexican Chocolate ice cream, I knew I made the right decision. The cool sensation melted away the Florida heat. A rich flavor of chocolate and cinnamon coated my mouth. It took me back to Mexico, where the only thing I had to worry about was which hammock to lie in. It was not until I looked up at the chalkboard menu that I realized the ice cream was organic.

Sarkara Sweets, 201 SE Second Ave., now offers wine choices on its menu including local fruit wines such as Blackberry Raspberry Royale and Peach Panache.

The Avenue

Cheers to cupcakes: Sarkara Sweets adds wine to menu

By Kate Feldman | Nov. 9, 2011

Here, have some wine with your cupcake.

The Avenue

Downtown's City Crepes serves sweet, savory delights that fill

By ERICA A. HERNANDEZ | Nov. 2, 2011

Chicken breast, Gouda cheese, spinach, tomatoes, broiled eggs and sour cream are tucked neatly into a freshly-made crepe, straight out of the pan. Steam rolls off as you peel the tin foil away from the thoughtfully-prepared creation. The simple ingredients combine perfectly to create a simply delicious crepe.

The Avenue

Planning to chug away this weekend? Check out these healthy boozes first

By Mae Basiratmand | Oct. 26, 2011

It would be foolish to condemn college students for drinking. After all, if it's a football weekend, you know inebriation is going to be a mass event.

The Avenue

Cheers to a red-hot 75 years: the anniversary of the Solo cup

By Saphira Lazarre | Oct. 26, 2011

What started out as a carry-away for fountain drinks has morphed into a party staple. Nothing quite says "cheers" and, "No, you can't know what's in my cup, it's MY cup," like the waxy, red plastic goblet that is the Solo cup.

The Avenue

Five reasons why you'll fall in love with a glass of bubble tea

By ERICA A. HERNANDEZ | Oct. 5, 2011

Tea has a whole new appeal. Gone are the days of high-noon tea at the Four Seasons.

The Avenue

Easy-Bake Oven gets new design, heating element

By Maegan Dennis | Sep. 21, 2011

An old favorite has gotten a modern makeover.

The Avenue

Wine bar Half Cork'd opens downtown

By Jay LaDuke | Sep. 15, 2011

Half Cork'd Premium Beer, Wine and Bubbles had its opening night Tuesday.

Downtown's Frresh Café, located at 204 SW Second Ave., offers customers a relaxing, outdoor atmosphere and a menu of dishes sure to please healthy palettes.

The Avenue

Downtown cafe offers fast, healthy choices that won't bore

By Amy Stuart | Aug. 31, 2011

Gainesville never seems to fail to provide us with new hang-out hubs. And now, one more spot has been pinned to the grid.

The Avenue

Vegan choices abound

By Kathleen Boyle | Aug. 14, 2011

One of the best things fall semester is the air of newness and reinvention that comes with it. Like a New Year's resolution, students find inspiration in the fall.

Marcus Brinson and LaShundra Coley pose for a picture inside the Crab Shack. Brinson, the manager of the restaurant at 104 NE Waldo Road, is holding a tub of fresh crabs that Crab Shack serves to local
customers every day. The restaurant is known for its family-first atmosphere, with only direct family and family friends working at the shack. That family-based dynamic has led to a constant stream of regular customers. "You wouldn't know there was a recession going on," Coley said. "Crab Shack doesn't stop."

The Avenue

Family-first Crab Shack keeps strangers coming back

By Benjamin S. Brasch | July 27, 2011

The blue-and-red flashing "open" sign is only the first level of welcoming Southern hospitality.

The Avenue

Owners of Boca Fiesta open new diner downtown

By Amy Stuart | June 29, 2011

B.F.D.? Boca Fiesta Diner? Best Friends Dude? Burgers for Days?

The Avenue

Local eating challenges test men of all sizes

By Benjamin Brasch | June 15, 2011

Eating is one of the most basic functions of the human body. Proving how superior you are is one of the most basic functions of a man.

The Avenue

Wine and Cheese Gallery tasting blends grapes, styles

By Benjamin Brasch | June 8, 2011

To integrate two of the same things but with different colors has brought about such changed beauty in history, and the same can be said about blended wines.

The Avenue

Local produce healthier for community ... and your wallet

By Amy Stuart | June 1, 2011

Stefanie Hamblen was tired of walking into markets and watching customers pick up produce, look at it and put it back down; they didn't know what to do with it.

The Avenue

Summertime bites

By Ben Brasch | May 18, 2011

Tired of getting

The Avenue

What to drink this summer

By Richard O. Stehli | Apr. 13, 2011

Sure, a combination of Gatorade and vodka seems like an ideal summer beverage: hydration and libation.

The Avenue

Downtown cupcake shop serves vegan-friendly fare

By Brittany Brave | Apr. 13, 2011

Claire Browning had to withdraw from college during the spring semester of her senior year. A rollerblading accident caused her to fracture her back, and she said the time off that followed left her restless.

The Avenue

For health junkies, half-vegetarianism a good option

By Robert Imfeld | Apr. 6, 2011

The litany of diets, exercise regimens and nutrition supplements that pervade American culture never seems to end.

The Avenue

Healthy snacks for late-night studying

By Andrew Wyzan | Mar. 23, 2011

March is usually the month when students push themselves to get through the swath of exams and papers that come just shortly after that glorious, now-faint week of Spring Break. And, as such, it’s very easy to be tempted to munch on snacks through the ever-common all-nighter.