There are a plethora of reasons for traveling — to broaden one's cultural horizons and sensitivities, to amass a wealth of experiences or to take a break from the everyday to soak in life elsewhere. Traveling for food is another approach. In Florida, these five picks take a quirky, unique spin promising an unforgettable, not run-of-the-mill culinary experience.
This restaurant's slogan is "It's always Christmas at the Bubble Room," and the rainbow colored Christmas lights are the supporting act. The waiters and waitresses call themselves bubble scouts and cater to diners among the three floors and five dining rooms of the restaurant. Other must sees at Bubble Room — running toy trains on all three floors, photos from '30s and '40s Hollywood glamour, 3,500 antiques available for sale and fish tanks. The desserts, delivered in massive slices, are favorites — Jamaican rum cake, butter crunch ice cream pie, Key lime pie and chocolate cake. The Bubble Room. 15001 Captiva Drive, Captiva. 239-472-5558. bubbleroomrestaurant.com
A fusion of The Little Mermaid nostalgia and bar-style eats and libations, The Wreck Bar is an inventive way to dine and drink. Found at B Ocean Resort Fort Lauderdale, while dining or sipping on a custom cocktails, guests at this restaurant can see mermaids swimming through the portholes in a space that gives an under-the-sea vibe. Happy hour is daily from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Catch the mermaid show on Friday and Saturday at 6:30 p.m. The Wreck Bar. 1140 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. 954-524-5551.
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The glitz, glamour and charm of train dining comes alive at Bob's Train in Sarasota. Guests arrive at this restaurant and step into four old train cars for a slice of culinary bliss. Bob Horne is the chef and owner of this unique restaurant. Three of the four train cars have an interesting past. They were last used as housing trains for the Ringling Bros. Circus in 2004. Menu highlights — bacon wrapped lamb chops and chocolate spaghetti. Bob's Train hosts a weekly Sunday brunch. Bob's Train. 2211 Fruitville Road, Sarasota. 941-321-5643. bobstrain.com
The Old Spanish Sugar Mill Grill and Griddle House
The wonders and beauty of DeLeon Springs State Park can be alluring with paddle boating and picturesque views. Work up an appetite and a solution is nearby — a pancake house. Guests can DIY pancakes on table-side griddles. The Old Spanish Sugar Mill Grill and Griddle House. 601 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, De Leon Springs. 386-985-5644. oldspanishsugarmill.com
On the banks of Branden River is Linger Lodge Restaurant, a restaurant dedicated to game meat. Lining the walls as decoration is taxidermy, due to the owner's love of animals native to the area — snakes, alligators and the occasional coyote. Alligator makes a frequent appearance on the menu — fried alligator and alligator chowder are customer favorites. Linger Lodge Restaurant and Campground. 7205 85th Street Court East, Bradenton. 941-755-2757. lingerlodgeresort.com
