Chehab’s legacy transformed the food industry and the Middle Eastern community. His love for his home country, Lebanon, transpired into his work. Sharing his culture and showing pride in his roots made his business feel like a relative's kitchen, Choudar said, not a restaurant.
After being forced to shut its doors due to property ownership issues and new construction in June 2020, The Swamp Restaurant reopened Aug. 29 — ushering in some improved features while still staying true to its roots.
Longtime Gainesville favorite Mother’s Pub and Grill reopened as Mom’s OG May 23, staying true to its Irish sports bar roots and dedicated customers.
A combination of newly opened restaurants and long-time staples represent the late-night food restaurants in Gainesville. Some of the highlights include Insomnia Cookies, Naq’s Halal Food, Flaco’s Cuban Bakery, The Top and Five Star Pizza.
Hundreds of hungry college students continuously line campus cafes. After a full day of lectures and textbook chapters, they’re ready to be served a hearty dinner of grilled chicken, smoked pit ham, vegetable medleys and pasta topped with tomato sauce and fresh basil on hard plastic plates.
Birdie Box, a gourmet chicken sandwich food truck at 2216 SW 13th St, will have its grand opening as a cashless drive-up and curbside pick-up restaurant on April 1.
Opus and other Gainesville favorites such as Feliz Flavors Ice Cream and Satch Squared Pizza and Waffles will sell food at the event. Live music performances by Gainesville-based artists Mr. Aullie, Richy Stano, Ali and Will, Bears and Lions and Dan Flok will run throughout the event. Attendees can take pictures in the photo booth and enter a giveaway for the chance to win different Opus merchandise like mugs, t-shirts, stickers, koozies, candles and hip bags repurposed from Opus Coffee bags. For kids, there will be face painting and balloon animals.
Although much of the historic legacy of the Black community in America is commemorated through the work of civil rights trailblazers, local African and soul food pop-ups in Gainesville celebrate their culture through their culinary traditions.
The second-generation Italian-American grew up in the kitchen cooking pasta with her mother for holidays and family gatherings. Through Pasta by Pollio, she has the chance to pass along her family knowledge of Italian cooking for a living.
The vast plant-based meal options in Gainesville provide citizens with an easy transition to this way of living without sacrificing their favorite dishes.
Kava Gator, Gainesville's newest kava bar, serves kava, kratom, blue lotus and other botanical substances with sedative effects in their teas and coffees.
The Gainesville location of ice cream chain Jeremiah’s Italian Ice opened in Butler Esplanade Oct. 26.
Local coffee shop Wyatt’s Coffee partnered up with its sister company, Resident Coffee Roasters, to host a latte art competition Oct. 21. Baristas throughout Florida will be putting their skills to the test in an effort to win hundreds in cash.
DJ’s Cast Iron Burgers is giving people the opportunity to invest in the business through a platform called Mainvest. The local food truck is hoping to open a physical restaurant with the money gained from investments.
Hispanic Heritage Month runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. Check out the rundown of the Avenue staff’s favorite Gainesville restaurants and treat your tastebuds to authentic Hispanic cuisine year-round.
Solutions by The State News
