Best Shrimp, Fritters at Dixie Crossroads

I was overjoyed to be able to go back to Dixie Crossroads in Titusville, Fla., for a second visit the other day. I had been craving the restaurant's Royal Red Shrimp, a delicacy caught off the East Coast of Florida that many people are not familiar with, since the last time I dined there. Once you have tried the delicate, flavorful shrimp, all other shrimp just seems second-rate.

Of course, it's the way that Dixie Crossroads prepares the shrimp as well. You can get it prepared several ways, and we like the broiled, scampi-style preparation best so far. The shrimp was cooked perfectly, so it was tender and juicy and paired perfectly with the scampi sauce. The garlic butter sauce is great too!

The other dish I was most looking forward to was the light, fluffy corn fritters topped with powdered sugar that are served complimentary to each table. I am used to dense corn hush puppies, so I really love this recipe that makes fritters light, airy and sweet. It is the perfect bite of fried goodness. I also really liked the soup of the day: a Caribbean tomato-based seafood soup. It was very flavorful and hearty.

There were a couple of things I was disappointed with, though. While the crab cake appetizer was delicious, I don't believe it should be priced at $9.99 for a small cake. The Royal Red Shrimp is pricey too - nearly $15 for a dozen - but I expect that for a delicacy that not many restaurants serve. Another complaint on prices: the restaurant's Signature Cocktails are $12, and I don't see cheaper alternatives on the menu if I don't want a drink that comes in a take-home Dixie Crossroads glass.

I was so looking forward to the Apple Walnut Cobbler, but it was not as good as I remembered. I don't like the soft pastry at the bottom, nor do I like the flavor of the topping. 

Still, I will always love Dixie Crossroads' seafood and fritters, and will be back...again and again. Let me know your favorite dishes on the menu in the Comments section below!

Where: 1475 Garden St., Titusville, Fla.

More Than Great Steak at Shula’s 347 Grill

I have been anxious to try Shula’s 347 Grill at the Westin hotel in Lake Mary ever since it opened a few years ago. I guess I was waiting for a special occasion, which presented itself on New Year’s Day, when family was in town.

All of Coach Don Shula’s restaurants – including Shula’s America’s Steakhouse, Shula’s Bar and Grill, and Shula’s on the Beach – are known for their tasty, high quality steaks. That is no different at 347 Grill, which also serves a variety of burgers and sandwiches as well as chicken and seafood entrees.

Of course, we had to try the steak. We ordered the 8-ounce Filet Mignon with potatoes and vegetables ($33). First, we noticed that the price is much more reasonable than Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, and tastes just as good. The Filet was so tender, we could cut it with a fork. Unfortunately, we asked for the steak cooked medium and it

came out rare. We also ordered the 16-ounce Cowboy Steak or T-bone ($34). This steak was cooked perfectly and also was very tender. It wasn’t the best steak we have ever had, but we give it four stars out of five.

We also ordered the Fresh Fish Sandwich ($13), which was served on a toasted Brioche bun. The bun was so delicious! The fish was also cooked perfectly, and I liked the seasoning on it. For an appetizer, we enjoyed the Calamari Fries ($12), which were lightly breaded and very tasty and served with a delicious tomato coulis dipping sauce.

After dinner, we enjoyed two of the restaurant’s desserts: Crème Brulee and Apple Cobbler. The brulee was one of the lightest and most flavorful brulees I have had, and 347 Grill got the crispy top just right. The cobbler – which was served warm with vanilla ice cream – was also very delicious. I would give it four stars out of five.

All in all, I would highly recommend visiting 347 Grill in Lake Mary. It has such a nice atmosphere for a special occasion or business lunch. If you want to enjoy the upscale environment but save money, go for the sandwiches or burgers, which feature high quality Black Angus beef and start at $11 each. I thought the appetizers were pricey – some cost more than the sandwiches – but you can stick to soup or salad for less expensive options.

Where: 2974 International Parkway, Lake Mary, 32746.