'What's on the menu?' with Joa Jane Harpster

Joa Jane Harpster, membership and events director at the Leesburg Area Chamber of Commerce, gets around for obvious reasons. She's on the scene during ribbon cuttings and goes out to lunch a lot with local business owners and nonprofit leaders.

A resident of Lake County three different times for a total of about 13 years, she's been with the Leesburg Area Chamber for two years. Multitalented with stellar singing chops, Harpster used to run the La Tea Da mobile tea party business and hopes to get it up and running again.

She grew up in Pennsylvania in an area full of Italian, Irish, Polish and Greek descendants.

"So, we always ate well, and those are still some of my favorite types of food," Harpster told the Daily Commercial.

"I enjoy trying different types of food from around the world, and I’m willing to try most anything once. I would hands down rather go out than cook, and the best food is always something I didn’t make, unless it’s baking, because I do like to bake," she said, adding that her scones and cupcakes are legendary. 

Because Harpster knows the eateries around town and throughout Lake County so well, we sought her expertise to find out what she likes to eat at local popular restaurants, cafes and other establishments. She answers our questions (in bold) below:

Your favorite meaty dish or entree at Brick & Barrel Public House ...

My favorite at Brick & Barrel in downtown Leesburg used to be their Black and Bleu flatbread, but they took it off the menu (frown emoji). Usually, I will order their steakhouse salad or the BBQ burger. Both are delicious. If I’m doing an appetizer, their bacon onion dip is yummy.

Let's say you're at McCracken's. Are you eating lunch, dinner or enjoying a pint? What you be havin'? 

Probably all of the above, since their food is amazing and I’m very Irish. LOL. But typically I take someone (or just myself) to lunch at McCracken's. If I have the opportunity (and appetite!) I’ll order their Shepherd Fries. I recommend those to everyone. If I’m doing their lunch special menu, I’ll order the Corned Beef Boxty Stack or patty melt. I’m not a fish and chips person, but everyone who is says theirs is amazing.

Is there a place that makes that reminds you of childhood or your youth, or just makes you sentimental for some reason?

It’s not downtown, but Dairy Queen always makes me feel like I’m a kid again. My dad would always take us to DQ for a treat, so eating ice cream from there always makes me feel young. Plus, it’s Pumpkin Blizzard season, which is my absolute favorite!

When hanging out with friends at the Great Chicago Fire Brewery & Tap Room, are you eating pizza or a hot dog?

Definitely the pizza at Great Chicago Fire. I’m all about pizza in all forms.

Are there any Asian places you like?

My whole family loves Asian food, so we are always game to try new places. Typically we go to Saigon Fusion in Mount Dora or Japan Express in Tavares for sushi or hibachi.

We also like Sumi Japanese in Leesburg in the Aldi plaza. But recently, we tried Woochi Japanese fusion (which just changed names to Kawachi Sushi and Bar). They recently opened by the Lake Square Mall, and we enjoyed the food and ambiance.

For Chinese, we like China 8 in Mount Dora, but quite honestly, when we’re in the mood for Chinese, we’ll order from anywhere close. I am also looking forward to trying the new Vietnamese food truck here in Leesburg, Banh Mi Express, and the new Japanese/Korean place in Tavares, Tokyo Teriyaki.

More restaurant news: Japanese/Korean restaurant opens in Tavares

Do you have favorite cocktails or a favorite wine at Ski Beach or Primo 3?

At Ski Beach, I ask for their Green Algae shot as a drink. I like pretty much anything with coconut and pineapple in it. Prime 3 has a lovely craft cocktail menu and extensive wine list. I’m all about rum and fruity, so that’s usually what I order wherever I go.

Do you have favorite dessert downtown?

I typically don’t order dessert too much when I’m out, but I love the Pumpkin Bread at Florida Porch Café, and The Sipping Garden has a lovely selection of desserts that are tasty — especially their cheesecakes. I have also had the Crème Brulee at Prime 3 and it is amazing.

What are some of your go-to items at the breakfast cafes and coffeehouses downtown?

I’m a total tea girl, and I typically make my own, but I will say I have had the raspberry matcha latte at The Sipping Grounds and it’s divine. I don’t typically eat breakfast out, but I have to say I’m looking forward to Breakfast at Tiffany’s opening. I had a chance to sample some of their goods during Bikefest, including their Sausage Gravy Bomb, and I can’t wait to make that a regular stop.

If you're elsewhere in Lake County, where do you go?

I lived in Mount Dora for about nine years, so I’m more familiar with the places there than anywhere. I’m a huge fan of Las Palmas in downtown Mount Dora, The Goblin Market, PizzAmore, and WAVE Sushi.

I recently discovered La Perla Tapatía in Eustis (YUM), and my family also likes Night Owl Caribbean Cuisine as well. There are lots of great restaurants in Lake County to check out — and I love that Leesburg itself has so many great options. I could go on and on about all the places I enjoy going here or would like to try (if anyone wants to take me out … hint, hint). I think it’s great we have so much local variety to try.

This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: Straight from the local's mouth with Joa Jane Harpster