Na’cho Average Taco Joint!

Cabo Taco Mexicali Grill is a lot of things, but they’re definitely na’cho average taco place. With a quirky staff, an inventive menu and a good heart; you’ll be making Cabo Taco a must SEE shortly into your visit.

Located about five minutes from the St. Augustine outlets, my BFF L and I decided to head there for lunch after a morning of bargain hunting. We were hungering for some delicious eats and they did not disappoint.

The Mexicali grill is nestled in a local strip plaza. On the outside, Cabo Taco appears like any other plaza storefront: uniform and in place. Once inside though, an explosion of color and artwork welcomes you. Not to mention, an incredibly friendly staff who’s already greeting you before you’re halfway inside.

Next to the register at the back of the restaurant, you’ll find the expansive menu on the wall. With appetizers, tacos, wraps, salads, burritos and desserts; Cabo Taco has everything including typical Mexican fair like nachos, quesadillas, fajitas and chimichangas. Trust me when I say, they have something for everyone. In fact, they have multiple somethings.

Overwhelmed by the huge menu, I inquired what was good. Next thing I knew, our order was in and I didn’t know what we were having. L and I grabbed a couple of brews, after the staff insisted they were the only true complement to a Mexicali meal. Not a huge beer fan, I went with a Seagram’s Escapes Mango ($3.50). Like a sparkling mango juice with a kick, the alternative was delicious and perfectly supplemented the upcoming grub. The same could be said for Leanne’s Corona Light ($3.50) … if you drink beer.

Mentioning beer, let’s talk about boobies – beer for boobies. Throughout October, Cabo Taco will support local breast cancer survivors by donating $1 to Unity Outreach of St. Augustine every time a Budweiser, Bud Light or Bud Light Lime is purchased.

After a short chitchat at the table our identical meals were delivered. On each plate, we were presented with one Seared Ahi Tuna Taco ($4.99), a half of Cabo Burrito ($9.99/whole) and home made tortilla chips. It was just as scrumptious as it sounds and that’s a huge compliment coming from a non-fish eater.

I first tried their special, the ahi taco. Lightly seared sushi-grade ahi tuna, accompanied by cucumber, avocado, sesame ginger coleslaw, cucumber wasabi dressing and sesame seeds, all nestled together in a soft taco shell. Served cold, this light and delicious taco won’t leave you feeling miserably stuffed.

For fear of becoming full, I moved onto the Cabo Burrito. Blackened Mahi, cilantro lime rice, black beans, avocado, pico de gallo, mango, fire roasted corn and cilantro sauce come together to make this one incredible fusion of flavors. I tried not to inhale it, but the warm burrito on a rainy day was just too scrumptious.

Sometimes it’s the little details that blow me away. Like at Cabo Taco they make their own tortilla chips. Perfectly sized, they are great for dipping and enjoying in one bite. Their three different salsa choices were phenomenal. My personal favorite was the pineapple salsa. With chunks of pineapple, it was slightly sweet but still very salsa like.

Shortly after finishing our lunch, we were presented with what looked to be the King of all Mexicali desserts. A base of crispy cinnamon and sugar coated tortilla chips were drizzled with chocolate syrup and brown sugar agave sauce, adorned with chunks of mango, pineapple and strawberries; and topped with a mound of whipped cream. Simply phenomenal.

Definitely na’cho average taco joint, my BFF L, and I left Cabo Taco Mexicali Grill more than pleased with their delicious eats, quality service and philanthropic endeavors.

- A

Cabo Taco Mexicali Grill

965 SR-16 Unit 110, Saint Augustine, FL 32084

(904) 201-3790

Serving Lunch and Dinner

Open Monday to Thursday, Saturday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Friday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sunday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The Hyppo Gourmet Popsicles

Ice cream, frozen yogurt, gelato… old St. Augustine has it all. Now they’ve got the original treat on a stick at Hyppo Popsicles on Hypolita Street. Not your average popsicle, flavors range from strawberry banana to mango habanera, and their not exactly dainty.

While exploring St. Augustine one Saturday afternoon, my BFF L and I deemed it necessary to have an ice-cold snack in our hands. Just off the beaten path, a little down Hypolita St. we found the quaint Hyppo Popsicles.

Deceiving from the outside, the interior of the popsicle place is an explosion of colors and cute animated hippos. A simple setup includes a kitchen, a cooler for popsicle storage and an iPad for a register. That’s right an iPad, my receipt was sent to me in a text.

When we walked in, there were only a couple of people in front of us. But by the time we were headed out, the little shop had filled up. All the popsicles are the same shape and size. The cooler hold flavors like datil strawberry, pineapple cilantro, Riesling pear and Mexican hot chocolate, as well as some tamer flavors like strawberry banana, orange crème, coconut coconut and banilla vanana.

Although I was tempted to play it safe with strawberry banana, I decided to be a little more daring and go with the key lime popsicle. L, clearly in the mood for some bubbly, went with mango champagne. At $3.50 each, we grabbed our frozen snacks and hit the streets once more.

As we walked the streets feverishly licking out popsicles, I began to notice patrons everywhere doing the same thing. From children to adults, everyone seemed to be enjoying a delicious popsicles from Hyppo.

I particularly loved my key lime flavor choice as did Leanne, who ended up helping me finish the popsicle. It was a little sweet and mostly tart, just like any good key lime pie. They only thing missing was the graham cracker crust, but I’m not quite sure how that would have tasted on a popsicle. L also thoroughly enjoyed her choice of mango champagne. More mango than champagne, it was perfectly refreshing on the warm Saturday afternoon.

Overall, we had a great time licking on our popsicles while enjoying the streets of old St. Augustine. The gourmet flavors were delicious and their wide selection already has me planning my next visit.

- A

the Hyppo Gourmet Popsicles

15 Hypolita St., St. Augustine, FL 32084

(904) 217-7853

Open Monday to Thursday: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Friday to Sunday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Caribbean Jack's Restaurant and Bar

When the skies are clear, the sun is shining and the hunger pains set in, Caribbean Jack’s Restaurant and Bar is the place to be. Named after John “Caribbean Jack” Gilbert, a famous prohibition rumrunner, Caribbean Jack’s offers an excellent choice of rum concoctions, awesome food and a beautiful view of the Halifax River.

On a cloudless Wednesday afternoon, my fellow foodie, Dan, and I sat down to enjoy the ambiance and eats of Caribbean Jack’s. We started our run off with the Caribbean Crab Dip, a bowl of chunky blue crab and creamy cheese dip surrounded by slices of warm dipping bread. The toast points were soft in the center, yet crunchy at the crust and the dip was cheesy, but didn’t overpower the taste of the blue crab. The whole dish was quite complimentary.

My mouth literally salivates as I think back to my main entrée at Caribbean Jack’s. Black beans, chicken and rice all drew me to the Bird of Paradise dinner that features jerked chicken over calypso rice, plated with fresh pineapple and black bean salsa. It was like the Fourth of July in my mouth as I devoured this delicious, yet attractive dish. It was more than enough to fill me up and even take a bit home.

Dan opted for the Mahi-Mahi BLT. Island jewel mahi mahi is seasoned and sandwiched with remoulade sauce, bacon, lettuce and tomato. This combined with his side choice of onion rings was more than enough to leave him pleasantly full and pleased with his decision.

There was no question when it came time for dessert. Caribbean Jack’s is one of the few places in town that carries Bananas Foster. I’ve experienced the pleasure in a single bite of this extraordinary dessert. Dan, on the other hand, had no idea about it. So there was no debate. We were having Bananas Foster. A combination of fresh sliced bananas, banana liqueur, rum and sautéed pecans are poured over a flaky pastry and vanilla bean ice cream. (And again, I am salivating.) Our stomachs pleaded for no more food, but the sensation in our taste buds encouraged us to move forward. Good thing this dish is made for sharing and comes with a couple of spoons, because neither of us could have solely devoured it. A perfect way to conclude our run at Caribbean Jack’s.

Not just a restaurant, Caribbean Jack’s plays host to many events, live entertainment, a gift shop and banquet style functions.

If your looking for food as scrumptious as the view from your table is beautiful, than venture no further than Caribbean Jack’s. I’m still trying to think of an excuse to go back soon, whether I take a friend, my mom or anyone … just so long as I can revisit their spectacular cuisine. Absolutely delicious!

m Open: Everyday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturdays.

Address: 721 Ballough Rd., Daytona Beach, FL 32174

Phone: 386-523-3000

Website: www.CaribbeanJacks.com

Hog Heaven Real Pit Barbeque, Daytona Beach

Blocks away from our dining destination, my fellow foodie and I found ourselves inhaling the intoxicating aromas of slow cooked scrumptious barbeque. We were salivating as we neared our upcoming meal. Nothing recharges the body after a day in the sun like some good ole’ Southern slow cooked barbeque.

Hog Heaven Real Pit Barbeque is located a quick walk from the beachon the west side of A1A across from the Daytona Beach boardwalk. With everything in the pit from beef, pork and chicken cooked “low and slow,” you’ll be pleased with their tender and juicy selections … I know we were!

D, my partner in all things food, joined me for this heavenly occasion on a Tuesday evening. After taking our seats outside, we chose to start the evening off with the Fried Pickles ($5.99) appetizer. I must say I was shocked with my choice … I don’t like pickles, but something inside me gravitated towards the Dill delight.

When our fried starter arrived, I was surprised to see that it was in fact fried pickle spears. I’ve experienced fried pickle chips before, but never before a spear. Its shape allowed the fried goodness to retain its pickle-y taste, even when dunked in ranch. All though I’m not a fan of pickles, I found the dish quite tasty. On the other hand, D, a huge fan of pickles, LOVED it. Tangy, crunchy, hot and cold, this unique combination of sensations started our meal off perfectly.

Dinner arrived within a short time of finishing our appetizer. I opted for the Pulled Pork Dinner ($11.99) and chose fried okra and green beans as my two sides. I love pulled pork so choosing an entrée was simple, but deciding which bar-b-q sauce to use was a whole different story. The caddy at the end of the table contained four different sauces: sweet, smoky, mustard and spicy. I couldn’t wait to try them all. Normally, I gravitate towards a mustard or sweet sauce, but on this occasion I was all about their spicy sauce. Not too hot, a little sweet, it was the perfect compliment to my pork.

D went with the ½ Baby Back Ribs and Pulled Pork dinner ($16.99). Of course, I had to have a little nibble of the ribs. He handed one my way and we were both pleased to see the meat fall right off the bone. Succulent and tender, it was easy to tell that these ribs were cooked low and slow.

At the end of our meal with little room to spare, we filled the final corner by splitting a slice of Key Lime Pie ($4.99). Just one of the five desserts offered, the pie was a classic featuring a sweet graham cracker crust. The treat was presented beautifully with whipped cream, a curled lime garnish, and, of course, two forks.

At Hog Heaven Real Pit Barbeque great service meets an awesome atmosphere. On our visit we enjoyed the outside seating nestled right up to A1A, complete with a view of the boardwalk’s ferris wheel and plenty of people watching. This combined with Hog Heaven’s scrumptious eats, made for a wonderful evening.

Open: Daily to 10 p.m.

Address: 37 N. Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, FL

Phone: 257-1212

Website: www.hogheavendaytona.com

Chucherias Hondurenas

When the first words out of your server’s mouth are “would you like something good to eat,” you expect to have your taste buds blown away by either the most amazing combinations of flavors or something you wish to have never tasted. In either case, it’s a memorable experience that won’t be forgotten for many years to come.

So when our server recited those words at a late lunch at Chucherias Hondurenas, my fiancé and I were on the edge of our seats with anticipation. Located on Mason Ave. in Daytona Beach, the freestanding hole in the wall wasn’t the first place I expected to find some grade-A Hispanic food. In fact, I didn’t know what to expect from the small cement off-brown building. But if the black bean and onion aroma that teased us as we parked was any indication, it would be something delicious.

Chucherias Hondurenas, along with Chef Mayra Rodriguez trave

led a long way before settling into their Daytona Beach abode. Chef Rodriguez hails from Lacciaba, Honduras where she once worked as a server while taking culinary classes at a local trade school in an effort to learn more about the restaurant industry. In 1990 her journey brought her to New York City where she continued learning, before honing her skills at various restaurants in Atlantic City, including a Honduras fusion restaurant of her own, Chucherias Hondurenas. While reaching great success, Rodriguez felt the familiar pull of family and made the move to Daytona Beach where she re-opened Chucherias Hondurenas at its current location.

As you enter the one-room restaurant, the kitchen envelops you with the sights and sounds of a traditional Latin America kitchen: clinking dishes, fast speaking Spanish women, and whiffs of sizzling onions and peppers. You’re welcomed to sit wherever you please. Various Latin American paraphernalia decorate white walls, surrounding a dozen or so tables. Each table clad in white linen sits two to four patrons and is simply decorated with two roses in a bud vase, nothing special. It’s not the most poshly decorated eatery in town, but that’s ok because it isn’t a place where you go to be seen and to see. It’s a place where you experience the cuisine of Honduras. A place where you feel like family whose come over for dinner on a random weekday, welcomed by your cousins and fed a traditional meal by your favorite tia.

The first thing our server said was asking if I wanted something good to eat. My immediate response was “Of course, I want something good to eat!” She quickly pointed my to the comida (main dish) section and explained that each choice of meat came with white rice, black beans and sweet or green plantains. I decided today was a chicken ($8) day and passed on the beef, pork chops and fish. My fiancé heeded the suggestion as well and ordered the beef ($9.50) from the comida section.

It’s rare to find servers who aren’t just feeding you an act to benefit their tip. I’m even guilty of doing it myself during a past life of serving, but that wasn’t the case during our visit to Chucherias Hondurenas. Our server genuinely welcomed us like we were family encouraging us to try their best dishes and sit in the best seats, while smiling like a grandmother would at her grandchildren.

Before placing my order, I quickly perused the menu. Although not extensive, it’s authentic and without the typical Taco Bell like cuisine cluttering it up. They have a small Chucherias section, which includes a few finger foods in smaller portions including Pupusas de Queso, two griddled cheese corn cakes served with cabbage, salad, refried beans and shredded cheese. The sandwich selection names a few delicious subs including a traditional Cuban. Soups and salads have their rightful place on the menu along with all the expected side orders, including my favorite: sweet plantains.

Prior to the arrival of our entrees I was surprised to the see our server headed towards our table with what looked like two teacups and saucers. After being set on our table, I quickly discovered they were filled with beef and vegetable soup and even better, were compliments of the house (normally $3). The soup reminded me of a beef stew loaded with chunks of tender beef that fell apart at first touch, as well as yucca and other vegetables. Delicious, especially on a 50-degree afternoon.

Following the soup, our server brought a ramekin of garifuna sauce and one of a sweet Verde sauce. The bright red garifuna sauce really made an impression as it tingled all throughout my mouth, deep into my throat. It’s was a beyond hot blend of Habanero peppers, diced tomatoes, oregano, fresh garlic and red wine vinegar. I felt like I was on fire just after a little taste, where as the Verde sauce with all it’s fruity sweetness made my taste buds think we were someplace tropical relaxing on the beach. Two sauces, each with two very powerful tastes.

Everything was prepared and brought to us in a more than timely fashion and that’s saying a lot considering we weren’t thinking straight because we were so hungry. Our entrees arrived shortly after finishing the soup and both looked spectacular. My fiancé made sure to give me dirty looks the whole time I was snapping pictures, willing me to finish so he could dig in. I attacked the sweet plantains first unable to resist one of my favorite sides. They were perfectly cooked to a softness that wasn’t mushy and maintained a delectable seared outside. They know how to do plantains. I then noticed the unique presentation of the rice. White rice shaped like an upside down bowl was familiar, but the yellow rice layered underneath was a new experience and I loved it. The yellow and white rice mixed with black beans was not only a color explosion compared to the typical white rice/black bean combo, but tasted as wonderful as it would any where. The addition of some of the provided sauces really took the classic combination to a new level. Not to mention, the great flavor of the fresh chopped onions and peppers that topped off the rice mountain. The chicken daunted me, piled high with grilled onions and peppers, but after the first bite, I was hooked. The seasoning of the onions and peppers combined with the pan-seared chicken blew my taste buds away. When our server asked me if I wanted something good to eat, she knew what she was talking about. For an added bit of zest, I would add a smidge of Verde sauce every few bites.

My fiancé enjoyed his comida dish and was pleasantly surprised with the sheer amount of beef provided. Although it was thin cut, there were three flanks of meat hiding under all his onions and peppers.

Although we were about to explode, we decided to wrap everything up and finish off our meal by splitting the Flan con Carmelo ($3.50). The flan was a first for me. Never have I had it before, but I am sure that it was exceptional. It was presented on a beautiful dessert dish with two spoons. Each contained a cracker and leche type cookie, all sprinkled with confectioner’s sugar. My date was in heaven and I was busy exploring the different texture and tastes the flan had to offer. The silky smoothness of caramel was obvious, but I couldn’t put my finger on the subtle floral taste. Flan may not be my favorite dessert yet, but it was a pleasant way to end a phenomenal meal.

As we paid for our meal, total of $26.38, we had a chance to chat with Chef Rodriquez who was now manning the little eatery alone. She warmly thanked us for coming in and bid us a good day as we headed into the brisk December air plump and pleasant.

Details – Chucherias Hondurenas, 722 Mason Ave., Daytona Beach. Open from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Call 386-239-0548

Tattoos for bakers!

My wonderful friend and prior college roommate sent me the coolest birthday gift this year! Knowing my recent love for baking, she supplied me with the a Charm City Cakes cake tattoo kit, a box of funfetti cake mix and icing, and some striped icing: all the makings for a fun day of baking!

Sticking to college traditions, I opted to make cookies from my cake mix and cut the tattoos out accordingly. I made the cookies following the directions on the side panel, like always.

The fun part came in opening the cake tattoos. The tattoo sheets were already cut for a 2 tier cake, but I patiently cut them down using the provided guide and my trusty xacto knife. After the cookies cooled, I applied the frosting and smoothed the tattoos on to each cookie. The tattoo itself resembles a thin paper. I think it was the same stuff they use to apply pictures to cakes at the store, but instead of a picture you have a cool design.

The tattoo kit came with two different designs. One was a paisley design and the other was a cool striped pattern. I thought the stripes were my favorite before applying the tattoo, but afterwards I was really favoring the paisley. I couldn't tell you why...

The icing turned out to be really cool and funky too. It also worked out and covered some little paper cutting mistakes (the paper isn't always easy to peal off). I gave it a go and tried to ice a cookie, but the result wasn't very pretty. I then recruited D and Viola: beautiful cookies! That boy is always impressing me.

The icing turned out so cool with blue and yellow/green strips. It came with two tubes of icing and two different types of icing tips. I was amazed with how perfect the two colors squeezed out. D really did a wonderful job, don't you think?

The finished product was as tasty as ever. Like I said before the striped icing was a little sweet, but other than that the cookie was delicious. You couldn't taste the tattoo and you could hardly feel the texture. Let's just say if someone didn't know you put the tattoo on, they wouldn't notice the difference in texture!

"A veritable smorgasbord, orgasbord, orgasbord..."

A little more than recently, D and I accompanied some friends to the Volusia County Fair where we took in the sights and smell of every imaginable fair food possible. We even rode a few rides. I was awe struck by the shear amount of food offered at the fair. Never had I been to a fair of such large proportions. In the past, I've only frequented our local Octoberfest and that was nothing compared to this. Let's just say the rides at this fair made all of the rides at the Octoberfest look like kiddie rides.

Now on to the important stuff: the food. Surrounding the concert stage and rides were booths for all types of fair food. It's a safe bet to say that there were more food booths than game booths. I decided on an Italian Sausage with onions and peppers for me and D to split. I don't have a picture, but it was delicious. Definitely way better than expected.

By splitting the sausage, D and I left room to try one of the craziest things my eyes ever saw, a basket of fried oreos ($5).

Absolutely positively amazing! At first bite these became my secret indulgence. They were freshly fried and sprinkled with confectioners sugar. The oreo cookie hiding underneath all the fried batter was so soft it was practically melted. Each bite melted delicious in my mouth and I couldn't wait for the next one. As delicious as they were, they were surprisingly filling. I could only eat a few. Good thing I had some friend to share with!

Next, we all decided to try the delicious and oh so classic, funnel cake. Not much to say here, it was as delicious as every other funnel cake. It was huge and between the five of us we couldn't finish it, so much of it went into the trash waiting for a gluttonous rat in the morning.

We rode a few rides, but the place was packed, so there was only time for a few. Kids were everywhere and cutting line, making the wait even longer, but overall I really enjoyed my trip to the fair! I was really pleased when I finally spotted someone selling candied cashews on our way out. Of course I stopped and bought a bag for D and I to enjoy on the way home.

As Templeton would sing, "A fair is a fair is a veritable smorgasbord, orgasbord, orgasbord.."