Happy late February everyone! I’m currently blogging from Daytona Beach, FL, the weather is getting hotter and there’s only eleven weeks until graduation!
I am hoping this week I will find out my base assignment and my estimated arrival date for when I am supposed to go to my base post graduation and commissioning. In the mean time, however, I’ve been reflecting on all my favorite spots in Daytona that I’ve come to know and appreciate over the years. Since it is my last semester, it’s time to go over my Best List for must see/do/experience food related while at ERAU-Daytona Beach!
First on the list is Tia Cori’s Tacos! A must visit if you like Mexican food! Chips and salsa is probably one of my favorite meals (does that count as a meal?), and Tia Cori’s is the best quality for the lowest price.
Next on the list is Smoothie King for their $5 medium smoothies on Fridays! Friday is typically my run day, and my favorite post-run activity, especially when the weather is hot as it usually is in Florida spring, is to get a cold smoothie! I love smoothies, and they’re so refreshing and for $5 you can’t beat it!
Another budget friendly idea for a group of friends is lunch at Sushi King! Sushi King has daily lunch specials and all you can eat sushi! I recommend going with a large group so you are able to order a lot and try different rolls without the pressure to eat them all yourself. A favorite if you’re particularly hungry, a bonus is that the sushi arrangements are always very pretty too!
Up next is my favorite pho place! Phở Saigon is located right across the bridge if you’re heading towards the beach, and their soup and fresh spring rolls are so yummy! If I’m ever feeling a bit under the weather I always order take-out. Pho broth is super nutritious! Soup is also my favorite go-to for rainy days or cozy evenings.
In terms of yummy lunch/dinner options another fun spot to try is Evolve Modern Vegan Kitchen on Seabreeze. Evolve is the ultimate vegan comfort food and is one of my favorite post-PT test indulgences! If you’re looking for a healthier vegan option though – Kale Cafe is delicious, vegan, and great post beach day-vibes.
Local favorites would not be complete without breakfast/brunch and coffee at Cinnamon Tree Cafe! Cinnamon Tree serves a variety of sweet and savory crepes, giant pancakes (the cinnamon roll one is the best to share with friends), and my personal favorite – croissant breakfast sandwiches! They also have amazing iced coffee. If you’re in the mood for something savory be sure to order their homemade blueberry hot sauce on the side too, you won’t be disappointed!
A breakfast classic of Daytona Beach is Steve’s Diner. Steve’s is your typical, super budget friendly, home style diner, and has the best diner coffee in town. Breakfast is my favorite meal, and Steve’s is a consistent classic that never disappoints!
My top grocery store picks are as follows:
Perrine’s Produce – They offer the best priced, freshest, and local fruits and veggies! They also have an ‘ugly’ produce section for cheaper prices! Additionally, Perrine’s sells bulk nuts, seeds, and dried fruits and veggies. Their coffee section, and spices are the way to go too!
Love Whole Foods Cafe & Market – While Love’s is an amazing, amazing place, they are a bit on the pricier side. I highly recommend visiting for the experience though and checking out their super delicious chocolate section. They also offer a wide variety of fresh mushrooms that are gorgeous! Love’s is the fresh, Whole Foods, earthy crunchy vibe that I love, and visiting always puts me in a good mood! They have the best vibe, particularly if you’re wanting a treat yourself experience. Love’s is my recently discovered local favorite!
Publix – sale items, general packaged grocery items, and all else that you wouldn’t typically buy specialty. My grocery shopping usually includes Perrine’s for fresh produce, Love’s for specialty items, and Publix for all else. Publix also has fresh ground nut butters which are great, and $5 fresh made sushi rolls on Wednesdays!
I hope this list helped give you some local breakfast, lunch, and dinner ideas, along with fun grocery shopping experiences to try out! Keep on keeping on folks, will report back soon!
