Florida: The Places We Ate

Last Thursday, we got our first big snowstorm of the year. I was giddy about it all week- the weathermen kept saying we could see over a foot. Unfortunately, our big "snowstorm" barely brought us four inches of snow. However, I am thankful. Most winters, I'd be begging for snow to just stop falling. This year, I was begging for it. Besides a couple of inches we got right before Christmas (that melted soon after), we really haven't had much of anything for snow. I guess you never realize how much you don't mind something, until you don't have it.Winter seems so much more bearable with beautiful snow on the ground and the excitement of possible weather delays. Not much beats the rush of waking up, calling the weather line, and getting to go back to sleep. I love it.

Despite the freshly fallen snow, I'm letting my thoughts drift back to Florida. I promised I'd let you know where we ate, so I'll get there soon. :) As silly as it seems, sometimes vacation centers around the food. Especially in a place like Florida, you just have to dine at the places that don't exist in the Midwest. Seafood, Chicago style pizza, and anything bigger than your face- that's what the Hicks' like to eat.

Our breakfasts every morning consisted of fresh fruit bought at the roadside fruit stand that I mentioned in the last post. Our dinners were usually pretty light, but our suppers were always big- a relaxing, fun way to end the busy days.

Here were two of our favorites:

Giordanos 

Since the Hicks family ate there three years ago, Keagan hasn't stopped talking about Giordanos. He ranted and raved about the size of these delicious pizzas and how they surprised the waiter by eating as much as they did. So, obviously we had to eat there again. If you like Chicago-style pizza, this is the place to go. We took advantage of one of their three locations outside of the Chicago area. The restaurant setting was fun- with lots to look at and enjoy, and not much beats the excitement of two pizzas that probably weigh ten pounds a piece (okay, maybe I am exaggerating just a bit, but still) being set down in front of you. We even had the option of a gluten-free version, which Keagan's mom appreciated. After eating way more than our fair share, we were ready to sleep...forever. So satisfying.

The Lobster Shanty

 After a morning at the beach, we set out in search of seafood. We asked one of the locals which restaurant we should visit, but on the way to the place of interest, we found The Lobster Shanty instead. We noticed a building close to the water and decided to give it a chance. We got to sit out behind the restaurant, in a gazebo by the water. The breeze coming off of the water was so refreshing, and the view was so relaxing. Since it was nearly 3 in the afternoon, we had the place almost to ourselves. We tried crab dip, alligator bites, lobster, and fish. Oh, it was 'delish.' Another appeal of this spot? Watching a seagull steal an oblivious old man's french fry. Seriously. If you're in the Cocoa Beach area...stop at the Lobster Shanty.

That about wraps it up. We had a fabulous vacation, and I really wouldn't mind going back. I'll stop blabbing about Florida now, we all have to get through our midwest winter.. :)