Local Foodie,Lori's Holiday Dining Recommendations

by Lori Allen

 Copelands New Orleans style restaurant that has been around for years and there is a reason. The food!  This is not your average rice and bean kind of place. You can get etouffée, gumbo and crawfish along with a tons of other dishes, steaks, fish, chicken the menu is endless.  Try the brunch filled with all kinds of New Orleans inspired specialties.  The specialty drinks are so fun and the atmosphere is cozy and friendly.
 
Maggianos Enjoy the hustle and bustle of the Christmas shoppers while you sit back and relax to some creamy pasta or some light bruschetta with a martini or Peroni.  The Christmas tree is always so pretty and it’s so festive around the holidays. It’s a fun place to rest and hang out in between dashing thru the stores looking for those last minute deals.
 
Caps on the water  If you are looking for a Florida Christmas night out this is the place to go. There’s nothing that says Florida then a nice balmy December evening along the river with casual dining and some delicious fresh seafood.  
 
Pizalleys and Chianti room My family’s favorite after checking out the Nights of Lights. With the smells of garlic and rich tomato sauce and the cooks banging around the kitchen right there you feel like you are in a family home having an authentic Italian meal.  They will even text you when your table is ready so you can stroll down St. George Street and enjoy some of the festivities while you wait for a table.

 J Alexanders A little different from the steak houses know and love this place offers a little more variety along with some great cocktails. Its décor is dark and warm so you can dress up and feel like you are having a fancy dinner but you won’t break your bank.  And with it being at the town center you can’t help but feel festive with all the Christmas lights.
 
Pussers For some fun Caribbean Flair and some unique drinks this place is a great place to meet for lunch or dinner and even brunch!  They have it all seafood, beef and chicken all with a little bit of flavors of the Caribbean seasonings and each dish is presented beautifully.  They are famous for their painkillers cocktails so you can decide what level of pain you want!

Aunt Kates is a great place to take your out of town guests for something a little more casual but with that great Florida Flair.  Steaming hot shrimp and oysters are a favorite as well as their fresh fried or grilled seafood. They also have some unique sandwiches and lots of dishes with the south in mind, fried green tomatoes, famous Menorcan Clam Chowder and a soft-shelled crab sandwiches to name a few. A great place to visit after a nice walk on the beach.
 
The Reef ...This restaurant is known for its fantastic view and awesome Sunday Brunch.  From their sweet juicy buttery crab legs to their endless mimosas and countless of other buffet items if that doesn’t scream it’s the holiday season I know what does?  They also have a great selection of entrees for lunch and dinner and even small plates if you want to try several of their menu items to share.  What great way to relax, enjoy the ocean and celebrate the holiday season.