The Floridian:the Perfect Friday Night on the Back Porch

by Amanda Wood (2015)

PAPPARE PRIMAVERA Choice of blackened Florida shrimp, herb-marinated chicken breast, or tofu served over a bed of zucchini pappardelle "noodles" simmered in a rich ginger and lemongrass coconut sauce with house creamed corn, carrot, sweet potato, and summer veggies. Topped with Mango-Pepper Slaw and fresh herbs.

Imagine walking into a gorgeous, leafy green patio with a southern charm feel and tons of shade.  That is what you will see at The Floridian.  Inside the restaurant you will find local artwork depicting beach and local art themes with a boat hanging from the ceiling.  There is a small, quaint bar located in the back of the establishment with few small tables.  Inevitably, you will feel like you are on vacation.

The menu boasts fresh, healthy local favorites.  Datil BBQ, Not Your Mommas meatloaf, shrimp and sausage pilau, corn bread stack and shrimp and grits (of course).  There’s also healthy fare including a delightful Pork Belly Caprese salad with heirloom tomatoes and a delicious southern Belle salad loaded with your choice of meat and peaches, sweet potatoes and candied pecans.  They also offer tempeh or tofu as vegetarian options and substitutes.  

This writer highly recommends the cheese board as an appetizer.  It is loaded with cheeses from Sweet Grass Dairy from Thomasville, GA, local FL honey, pecans, apples, peaches and a French baguette. There are daily desserts  including seasonal cupcakes, key lime cheesecake and a chocolate coconut pecan bar (is your mouth watering?).  They offer several local wines and beer. They have several (7) aperitif/digestive aromatic wine drinks, which include a Madeira Cobbler with ingredients of a fortified wine, seasonal fruits, citrus/vanilla simple syrup and nutmeg (yum).  They offer a moderately priced kids menu with staple entrees including quesadilla, chicken, shrimp and ribs.  By the way, several menu items can be made gluten free! 

The Floridian has a reputation of being a fine establishment and appears popular with the locals and tourists alike.  They find the finest local, fresh ingredients from local farmers, seafood vendors and ranchers and this is quite evident in their food.  The Floridian is a part of the sustainable food movement, which is quite commendable.  It embodies “clean eating” at its best!  The atmosphere is nice enough for a Saturday Date night dinner wearing a cute sundress or laid back enough for stopping by on the way back from the beach wearing shorts and a tank.  The next time your near 39 Cordova St. in old St. Augustine, stop on in and enjoy a local meal and drink!

829-0655
​ 39 Cordova Street St. Augustine, FL 32084, 
info@thefloridianstaug.com
www.thefloridianstaug.com

What you need to know:
Kids menu price range $5-$8
Lunch menu price range entree $10-$16
Dinner menu price range entree $10-$25

Hours:
Lunch 11:00-3:00 daily 
Closed Tuesday for lunch!
Dinner 5:00-close every day! 

SJM Publisher Debbie Gaylord on the back porch....