321 Flavor Bites: This week's food fun includes new restaurants; free food for teachers
As I peruse Facebook and come across posts about new restaurants, I generally take a screenshot and file it away for future reference. After a few months, I go through my file and make a list.
And y'all, let me tell you, we've got a lot of great new restaurants! The last time I compiled a list was back in March, when about 20 new places had opened since the first of the year. Between March and now, we've had more than 25 new spots open for service, with cuisines that run the gamut from barbecue and Vietnamese to Puerto Rican and breakfast fare.
Here's my Big List if you're looking for your new favorite hangout.
Lovely Luna
Restaurant critic Lyn Dowling recently had the pleasure of dining at Luna at Kahuna in Cocoa Beach. If you've never been, go ahead and make those reservations. It's bright and cheerful, and just steps from the beach. But more importantly, the food is amazing. Don't just take my word for it. Check out Lyn's 4⅟₂ star review.
(By the way, she says Luna's coconut shrimp are among the best she's every tasted.)
Bye for now, Chick-fil-A
If you've ever driven along Wickham Road near the Brevard Zoo between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., you know how popular that Chick-fil-A is. There's almost always a line at the drive-thru, often backing up into the Wickham Road turn lane.
Well, owner Mike Urso has plans to remedy that, but it comes with a cost. The restaurant will have to close for several months. Here are all the details, plus the story of how Urso got into the chicken business. It all started with drumsticks ...
Oh, the horror of it all
Yes, it's still hot as blazes outside. And yes, Halloween is supposed to happen during crisp fall weather. But, hey. This is Florida. Even if it is a tad cooler in October, we still run the risk of being carried away by mutant mosquitoes, so we might as well get this celebration started.
Halloween Horror Nights, that bastion of all things spooky at Universal Orlando, starts Sept. 1 and runs through Nov. 4. This year HHN includes a ghoulishly delicious menu. My USA Today Florida Network colleague Samantha Neely wrote this story about the dishes, which include Left Behind Ravioli, Bloody Campground Poutine and Vegan Walking Taco. Read it if you dare!
If the thought of a Peanut Blooder Burger leaves you a bit squeamish, fear not. Samantha also shared a few photos from Minion Cafe, part of Universal's recently opened Minion Land.
Sonny's honors teachers
Kids are back in school, so Sonny's BBQ wants to recognize teachers for all their hard work and dedication.
Sonny's Random Acts of BBQ deal runs Aug. 21-24, giving teachers a free pork sandwich, side and soft drink. To take advantage of the deal, teachers need to do is visit the Sonny’s BBQ website to verify their teacher status and receive their coupon. In addition, Sonny’s BBQ has been fulfilling Amazon teacher wish lists and is currently accepting Random Acts of BBQ nominations for teachers that deserve a surprise BBQ feast.
Sonny's has Brevard locations at 150 Sheriff Drive, Melbourne, 321-242-4600; 2900 Cheney Highway, Titusville, 321-385-2665; 1020 Malabar Road SE, Palm Pay, 321-953-3997; and 310 N. Courtenay Parkway, Merritt Island, 321-449-9102.
Food holidays this week
What food will you be enjoying this week? Here's what's worth celebrating, according to nationalday.com:
National Rum Day, Aug. 16
National Ice Cream Pie Day, Aug. 18
Pinot Noir Day, Aug. 18
National Soft Ice Cream Day, Aug. 19
National Bacon Lovers Day, Aug. 20
National Chocolate Pecan Pie Day, Aug. 20
National Spumoni Day, Aug. 21
National Pecan Torte Day, Aug. 22
Until next time, happy eating y'all
If you have questions about any of our food content, feel free to reach out anytime via email at sleonard@floridatoday.com. Or connect with me on Facebook: @SuzyFlemingLeonard or on Instagram: @SuzyLeonard
FLORIDA TODAY food editor
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: A Big List of new restaurants, plus bacon appreciation day is coming
