Our Annual Honeymoon Recap: Eats & Treats From Florida!

We had a fantastic time in Florida and ate SO MUCH GREAT FOOD! We can’t wait to tell you all about our Paleo and gluten-free eats from Orlando in downtown Disney and Universal, Tallahassee, Emerald Coast, and Pensacola!

Many years ago when Matt and I first met, we bonded over Harry Potter and fell in love with each other’s minds as we untwisted the mysteries, anticipated the plot, and enjoyed something so completely… together. So planning a trip to visit Universal Studios and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter together, alone, just us – has been so special. It brought back all the feels, plus the gluten-free Butter Beer was a nice touch!

And oh my goodness, the eateries we visited along our journey were so delicious! Since we have been asked by lots of people who also plan to visit Orlando, FL we thought dedicating this week to what we found to eat while there would be a great idea!

These donuts were from the dedicated gluten-free bakery, Erin McKenna’s Bakery – and they were so good! The bakery had a huge variety of gluten-free treats but donuts were our obvious choice! They were so sweet that just a bit was enough!

Our first real meal in Orlando was in Downtown Disney at Raglan Road Irish Pub. Disney is known for it’s gluten-free options, so starting at Disney Springs – their free, open to the public location, was a perfect kick-off to our vacation! I was having a little mommy-guilt for leaving the kids at home for this trip, but having dinner with We Are Primal Two and digging into this gluten-free Fish and Chips plus Onions Rings helped the relaxation kick in!

If you are doing Universal Studios and have food sensitivities, Mythos is the place for you! The food was fresh, fast, and affordable, the warm gluten-free bread was the best we’ve had. There’s a reason this restaurant has been ranked the BEST theme park restaurant in the entire US 6 years in a row! The view overlooking the water was the icing on the cake. Matt got the Pad Thai and I had the seasonal Mushroom and Beet Risotto with Beef Medallions and a Citrus Feta Side Salad. Pro tip: go for lunch to make it more affordable and make a reservation for this place! We were so full all we needed was a protein bar from our backpack in the evening to get us through park closing.

BB Junction in the Winter Park area of Orlando, FL was so incredibly good that we went there twice! There’s no way I could’ve left Florida without trying the Brisket Rueben! I ordered the smoked & fried Garlic Wings smothered in real butter on both visits – by far THE BEST wings evar! We also loved the Sweet Potato Fries with Maple Aioli and locally made Lemon Turmeric Kombucha! This is a must-eat-at place!

Avenue Eat and Drink inTallahassee was another killer find! Each time Matt and I eat out we declare a winner of who ordered best. He won the appetizer with the Balsamic Bacon Cream Scallops and Lamb Chops over the Caviar and Crab Deviled Eggs and Pork Chop I ordered. We loved that this restaurant sourced many things locally, and the waiter was not only fluent in gluten-free, but nightshades as well! An all around great place for dinner!

As we continued our drive up the coast our friend Summer of The Dirty Floor Diaries invited us to brunch at the Watercolor Inn & Resort. I can’t decide what I liked more – the amazing views of the clean, bright green waters or the brunch itself. We ordered Crispy gluten-free French Toast to share as a table and I ordered the Gouda Potatoes with Poached Eggs & Bacon – which was a great way to start the day and fuel us for exploring the Emerald Coast. If you EVER have a chance I cannot recommend highly enough that you visit Grayton Beach and Santa Rosa on A30 in Florida. I will definitely be going back when the weather’s warmer to enjoy the stunning gulf coast and the only US coastal dune lakes.

Then finally what the trip was all about – visiting The Domestic Man (and family – including his brand new baby!). He made his famous Gyros from Paleo Takeout and they did not disappoint!! Seriously, his gyro meat is spot on! Friends who make you home-cooked meals are the best!

We spent several evenings catching up with Russ and his family, I sure hope his next military assignment is back in the DC area! He also made us eggs with hash using Primal Palate’s AIP-friendly Breakfast Seasoning. The dish was paired with fresh Florida citrus and we were set for the day!

Along the way we also stopped to visit several book stores to sign copies of our books. Check out B&N Destin, Talahassee, and Altamonte Springs (Orlando) for signed copies our books as well as signed foreword copies of Down South Paleo!

We were thrilled with the gluten-free and Paleo-friendly eats throughout downtown Disney, Universal Studios, and northern coastal areas of Florida. Everything was family-friendly, in the event you want to go for more than just a couples getaway – although I highly recommend it!

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