By alexia gonzalez on June 14, 2014
In honor of the currently running 2014 FIFA World Cup, why not take this opportunity to examine a different culture outside of your own? You may not be able to embark on a cross-country Euro trip or watch the World Cup games from Brazil, but that shouldn’t discourage you from broadening your horizons. Take a day out of the week and use lunch or dinnertime as a reason to explore something foreign. Tallahassee offers a variety of unique and delicious multicultural restaurants around town that will allow you to “study abroad” without even having to leave the city. So if you wish to travel to a new land, or want to learn more about your favorite soccer team’s native country, then savor a new cuisine at one of these amazing international locations.
KOREA
“Korean BBQ and More” – 2624 West Tennessee Street, Tallahassee, FL
“Korean BBQ and More” has to be one of the most underestimated spots in town. The unassuming appearance and odd hours of this hole in the wall location would typically cause your average diner to forfeit any effort in paying a visit. However, the courageously curious diner would disregard those externalizations and venture inside; and that’s exactly what I did (somewhere between the hours of 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.). My mission proved to be a success when my taste buds exploded with intense flavor as I tried my first bite of Korean BBQ. Don’t be fooled by the lack of decoration or signage, because this family owned establishment is truly spectacular. The small menu with less than ten home made options all under $10.99, may seem limited but the selection of dishes ranging from Korean style Pork BBQ to the vegetarian friendly Sweet Potato Noodles with veggies, will satisfy any appetite. While waiting for my meal to arrive, I indulged in the all you can eat soup, sides, and kimchi bar, along with unlimited tea and beverages. Distracted by a plethora of side dishes and bean sprouts, I barely noticed when my order arrived. My excitement doubled when I looked down at the fluffy white rice and perfectly cooked veggies nestled next to a bounty of steamy Korean beef. Unlike anything I’ve ever tried, the immense flavor packed into each bite proved to be the reason why most Korean BBQ visitors become returning customers. I topped it all off with the rice malt beverage, a dessert treat with a unique yet addicting taste, which comes at no extra charge subsequent to your meal. I know this all sounds too good to be true, but believe me; this foodie fantasy is completely real. Check it out for yourself, but be sure to plan ahead of time. You don’t want to let the elusive timeframe stand in your way of an amazing meal at “Korean BBQ and More”!
FRANCE
“Sage Restaurant” – 3534 Maclay Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32312
French cuisine embodies the concept of fine dining, with rich tastes and simple ingredients at the core of every dish. Although not entirely French, Chef Terry White has certainly adapted that same formula at Sage Restaurant. The formal dining room, accented with sleek glass fixtures and modern décor, convey a sense of upscale minimalism. The seasonal menu boasts an eclectic array of multicultural dishes crafted with the freshest seafood and locally sourced ingredients. Chef Terry fuses southern comfort food with European flare in dishes such as the Porcini and Morel Mushroom Vegetable Pan Stew with fiddlehead ferns, braised local baby carrots, caramelized fennel, and fresh summer squash. Mediterranean fare lends inspiration to the Australian Rack of Lamb paired with cardamom scented gold rice, lamb tagine, and pomegranate molasses. Chef Terry is a culinary artisan whom has created an incomparable menu that takes its diners on an epicurean tour around the world. If you’re tempted to luxuriate in the Sage experience but are concerned about budget, I suggest stopping by during their lunch hours for the same incredible dining at reduced prices. So whether you visit for a casual lunch or a more formal dinner occasion, you certainly will not leave Sage Restaurant feeling anything less than satisfied.
JAPAN
“Sakura Japanese Sushi and Grill” – 1318 N Monroe St, Tallahassee, FL 32303
When it comes to strictly authentic Japanese food, Sakura is definitely the place to go. Located right off of Monroe Street, this intimate and elegant sushi bar transports visitors straight to the Orient. Upon entering, the attentive staff greets guests before showing them to their table where in which a server provides everything necessary for a comfortable dining experience. The extensive menu lists a wide variation of traditional Japanese delicacies ranging from top quality seafood to hibachi options and creatively crafted sushi rolls. A rotating selection of monthly specials allow visitors to explore unique and seasonal treats, such as the Tuna Cupcake, one of the chef’s creations involving various types of tuna and special sauce, or the Uni Empire with fresh sea urchin, cilantro, and sirracha sauce. In addition to delicious fare, most of Sakura’s dishes come prepared in an aesthetically extravagant manner, beautiful enough to make you not even want to eat them. My favorite item, both visually and in flavor, has to be the Volcano roll. Made with shrimp tempura, spicy king crab, and a dollop of kani on top, the Volcano is not only delectable; it’s a show-stopping piece as it arrives to the table in a blaze of flames.Sakura’s fresh ingredients, courteous staff, and delicately prepared cuisine all come together to create an authentic experience for anyone looking to savor a bit of the Far East.
GREECE
“Sahara Greek and Lebanese Café” – 1241 E Lafayette St, Tallahassee, FL ?32301
In my opinion, Greek food is severely underrated. Around these parts we’re used to breading the fat out of our meats and drenching our vegetables in heavy creams or cheeses. Greek cuisine however, is healthy and full of bold flavors that highlight lean proteins, fresh ingredients, and flavorful spices and sauces. Luckily, we have our very own Greek oasis right on Lafayette Street. A meal at Sahara Greek and Lebanese Café will force your taste buds to question whether you are still in Tallahassee or have landed somewhere in the Mediterranean. The tangy aroma of simmering spices lure visitors into a small and casual dining room with indoor seating. The family operated establishment offers a variety of delicious and freshly prepared Greek and Middle Eastern specialties with substantial portions at reasonable prices. The home made Chicken Shawarma, served on warm pita and made savory with Lebanese garlic sauce is definitely a favorite for returning customers. I’m a lover of the Gyro Wrap, which contains perfectly seasoned slices of meat, and is wrapped in a pita with tomato, onion, and topped with tzatziki (yogurt sauce). The crispy Greek fries, seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices and topped with tomatoes and feta cheese, easily rival any chili-bacon-cheese fry concoction in town. Definitely don’t skip out on dessert at Sahara’s, because the indulgent Baklava is certainly worth a try. This rich pastry is composed of layers of filo pastry filled with chopped nuts, and is all contained together with sweet honey. Sahara Greek and Lebanese Café is unlike any restaurant in town and I more than recommend that you take the time to see for yourself.
Although many of us may be scared to venture into unknown territory, food is certainly an easy way to step outside of your comfort zone and try something new! Not everyone is so keen on pursuing the exotic, but exploring the unfamiliar is the only way for us to grow and learn about our personal preferences. So don’t just root for your favorite World Cup team from your sofa, empower international relations by learning about one of the most important components within any cultures anatomy: food.
Fuente: fsu.uloop.com
