My parents and I recently visited Kool Beans Cafe, near midtown Tallahassee. A small, local restaurant, Kool Beans would be easy to miss and never consider going into for dinner. That would be a mistake. We arrived at Kool Beans shortly after six o'clock, and we made perfect timing. We didn't have to wait and sat at the bar. The interior of Kool Beans Cafe is very eccentric, as well as the food. As we sat down at the bar, we were handed mens on clipboards and a glass of water. From the bar, you are able to watch the cooks prepare your meal. We ordered grouper cheeks to start out with and watched as the kitchen went to work. It takes a team of skilled, fast paced workers to create each dish from scratch and ensure that it gets out to the tables in time. Our grouper cheeks arrived in about ten minutes, on top of sliced oranges and grapefruit. They were absolutely delicious. We finished these cheeks in mere minutes; the combination of fish and fruit was just perfect.
My parents ordered porkchops with a pear chutney sauce, green beans, and mac n' cheese. I ordered a linguini pasta with crawdads, ham, garlic cream sauce, mushrooms, and asiago cheese. We watched as the cook prepared our meals. Constantly moving pots and pans, and throwing new ingredients in to be sauteed, our meals started to come together. Of course, while making our meals, the chefs were responsible for feeding the rest of the restaurant as well. It was unbelievable to watch how well this team worked together, from the dishwasher, to the expediter, to the cooks themselves, everything was seamless.Our meals arrived in gigantic bowls, easily enough to feed two people. I had the challenge of tackling my meal by myself. As I took the first bite of my pasta, I was amazed. This was easily the best pasta I have ever eaten in my life. The thick cream sauce was to die for. I ate more of the pasta than my little body would have generally allowed, but it was that good. My parents had the exact same things to say about their meal. Simply amazing.
If you are in Tallahassee, I urge you to go to Kool Beans cafe. Although the meal was rather pricey, $60 for three people, I was venture to say that my dad would claim it well worth the price. Kool Beans Cafe is not just amazing food prepared before your eyes, it's an experience.
Gainesville Grub Rating
Food: A+
Atmosphere: A+
Service: A+
Price: $$$
Barnaby's Family Inn
If you are in town and looking for the perfect pizza place to go, Barnaby's is the place to go. Owned and operating for over 40 years, Barnaby's remains the local favorite for many. My family and I have been eating at Barnaby's for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I would ask for some dough and play with it until the pizza was ready, crafting all sorts of masterpieces. My friends and I would race each other in the game room and go through my mom and dad's quarters faster than you can imagine. So for me, Barnaby's has great memories. But, even without the memories, this place serves some pretty darn good pizza.Because the pizza is so good, you will tend to overlook a few things. I couldn't tell you when the last time the ceiling has been dusted, so whatever you do, don't look up. The microphone to call the customers up when their pizza is ready is extremely loud, so sit in the back. And the bar only takes cash, so go by the ATM before you come. But, I am telling you, this pizza is so delicious. It's a completely different type of pizza, not New York style, not Chicago, just straight up Tallahassee pizza. The crust is crunchy and twisted, the meat is all fresh, and the cheese is ridiculous. Be careful though, for when you get your pizza, it will be hot. Let it cool for a few minutes, or you will burn your mouth like we do every time.
For an easy, fun night out in Tallahassee stop by Barnanby's on Apalachee Parkway. Bring the whole family because Barnaby's has something for everyone!
Gainesville Grub Rating
Food: A
Atmosphere: B+
Service: B
Price: $$
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