Wine, Ice Cream & Sandwiches, Oh My!

I am suprised more Central Floridians haven't heard of Eat More Produce in Winter Park. I used to visit the store that features local produce, wine, Boar's Head sandwiches and much more once in awhile. Now, it is part of my weekly grocery shopping trip.

That is, in part, because I have found such great deals on produce from Florida growers and elsewhere. For example, this week I got an overflowing pint of cherry tomatoes for $1.50, and Florida strawberries were 99 cents per pint. While they were pricier, I was happy to see a variety of lettuces and greens from an Apopka farm that were in great condition. Isn't it best to support the local economy?

Many people also know Eat More Produce for their great Boar's Head sandwiches and salads. There was a long line for the sandwiches when I was there the other day. Plus, the store recently hired a chef to develop new menu items such as soups. I can't wait to see what they come up with. You must check out Eat More Produce's granola, which is made locally. It is the best granola I have ever had.

Do you know what makes shopping for groceries more fun? Wine. Yes, Eat More Produce offers wine samples as you shop on Saturdays. I nearly bought a Blue Moon Pinot Noir the other day. Delicious! Plus, this Thursday evening, the store is offering wines by the glass for $3 while you shop. What a deal!

Another great part of shopping at Eat More Produce is that I get to stop by LuLu's Ice Cream Shop next door to grab a pint of their locally-made ice creams and sorbets. Truly, they make the best ice creams and sorbets I have had. Perhaps it is because they use fresh, local ingredients. Must try flavors include Salted Caramel and Strawberry Basil. They are always offering new flavors and specials, and the ice cream is really a great price. 

You can definitely make a fun afternoon out of visiting these two shops all while supporting local businesses and growers.

Where 1111 S. Orlando Ave., Winter Park. Fla.

Best Local Ice Cream & Sorbet: LuLu's

Now that I have discovered it, I keep going back to Lu Lu's Ice Cream Shop in Winter Park. The quality of ice cream and sorbet there, along with the variety of flavors and helpful staff, is just outstanding. 

It doesn't hurt that this walk-up ice cream stand is next to Krispy Kreme Winter Park. When the light is on, you can pair a fresh, out-of-the-oven warm doughnut with ice cream. What can be better than that? 

The other day, I tried Lu Lu's Salted Caramel Ice Cream, which had an amazing flavor. I also brought home the Strawberry Basil Sorbet and the Pineapple Sorbet. I was a little wary of the pairing of strawberry and basil, but it was truly delicious. Both flavors were present in the sorbet. The pineapple was outstanding as well. What I am most impressed by is how LuLu's quality Orlando ice cream supplier achieves such a creamy texture to its sorbets. You would swear you were eating ice cream.

Lu Lu's is also known for its delicous milkshakes and banana splits. Don't miss the shop's "Light up Lu Lu" event on November 29, which features fire spinners, Christmas lights, and Lu Lu's new winter flavors.


Where: 1111 S. Orlando Ave., Winter Park, Fla.