Florida Ave. Brewing Co.
Let’s Talk about “Florida Avenue Brewing Co.”
Location: Located in the Wesley Chapel area. I always wanted to visit a place right here in the local area of Wesley Chapel. So it was a last-minute decision to dine here for a family outing.
Service: I know what you are about to say. Another spur-of-the-moment dinner. Yes, it was, and even though it was last minute, it was a 45-minute wait. I suggest making reservations as they were busy on a Saturday evening. Okay, back to talking about the service. Our host who sat us started taking our drink orders because our server was running a tad behind with other table orders. Dory was her name; once she got to us, she was super excellent, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu. One downfall is that I really wanted to try the shrimp and grits. I’ll chat about that in the food section.
Food: The menu carried a variety of options. Let’s talk about what happened to the shrimp and grits dish. Let’s go back a bit, I saw it n the menu, and I was like, yes, this is what I would like to try. So fast forward to our server, Dory taking the food order. We had the Buffalo Cauliflower (Buttermilk marinated and fried, blue cheese crumbles, scallions, topped with buffalo sauce, and house-made ranch dressing) for an appetizer and for our main course hubby ordered the 12 oz. Hand-cut New York strip, marinated and grilled, sautéed brussels sprouts with applewood smoked bacon, parmesan risotto, caramelized onion jam. He was not a happy camper with the steak as it was pretty chewy. I ordered the Slow-roasted brisket topped with brown sugar bbq sauce. This brisket melted in my mouth.. not fair but totally opposite to the hubby’s meal. The dish came with cheddar Mac, roasted street corn, with a side order of the Brussel sprouts sauéed in butter and herbs topped with bacon and balsamic reduction. The little one had a side order of the Mac & Cheese. We ordered dessert based on our server recommendation; we went with the egg roll wrapper and deep-fried, served with accompanying sauce or garnish. Overall, great restaurant to hang out with family or friends.
Ambience: We entered the restaurant, and it was indeed a brewery with an industrial type decor and feel. Huge open space seating. There is a shopping area at the entrance to purchase gifts such as t-shirts, bags, etc. On the left-hand side is the actual brewery section, where they craft their own beers. During my wait, I observed people coming in to purchase brewed beer in-house. The restaurant is prominent on the inside, with an outside seating section. You can also host private events on-site. Totally love the overall concept of the restaurant.
Price:$$
A Dash of Encouragement: Florida Avenue Brewing. Why didn’t I try the beer if I am at a brewery? Good point, but I didn’t. Maybe, next time. As we were waiting, there was so much that I took in that evening, again by now, you know I love quality time with my family. We love exploring various restaurants. The open concept of the restaurant made me think of the word openness. So, here is the question How open are we with our spouse, family, or even friends. Or do we like this restaurant has certain sections that are just private?
I would characterize myself as an open book when I get to know you and feel comfortable with you, but I am also very private. Weird, huh? You would have never thought I was private doing a blog. Lol, but I am. I got this trait from my dad, as he is indeed a private man about everything. I wonder, is this how God wants us to be an open book or private about our lives? What do you think? My thought is that we can be both. He wants us to be transparent, so when people look at us, they see Him. I believe He also wants private things between Him and us until he has given you the okay to be transparent with whatever you are dealing with. I challenge all of us to be more open but respect each other’s boundaries of privacy.
A Dash of Life, Laughter and Love!
