The first week of May has slowly crept upon us and commerce beginning to open back up, including restaurants and businesses, with limited capacity. I’ve struggled with needing to go to a few nationally owned chains or businesses, but then I reminded myself I’m still supporting my neighbors that work for those national companies. As much as I want to support small and locally owned businesses, I’m not going to beat myself up for needing to go to big box stores or chain restaurants.

This week I supported the following businesses in my community….

I visited Moreno Bakery, in Brandon, on Monday for my husband’s birthday treats. While I find it to be on the expensive side for the size of their bakery items (I have noticed the chocolate horn has been getting smaller and smaller the past 15 years), it’s the only Cuban/ Italian family-owned bakery in the Brandon area. So I find myself to be a captive audience. Don’t get me wrong I enjoy it I just wish there were more bakeries to choose from, locally.

I am a content home cook, but every once in a while, I also need a break. Eating somebody else’s cooking is always a treat for me. And since I’m pretty good at cooking almost any dish I find a recipe for, I am extremely picky when I do go to a restaurant or order takeout. My family and I love Pizza Haven in Brandon. We always get the “Gator Special” and opt for the garlic knots but this week we tried their wings. They weren’t as crispy as we’d like but that garlic parmesan butter made up for it and flavor. The special we always order includes 2 large one-topping pizzas, garlic knots or 8 wings and a 2 L of soda.

I was off yesterday so my 14 year old son and I got out of the house for a lunch date. We knew our chances of dining inside a restaurant would be slim since they were only able to seat at 25% capacity. And we didn’t really have a plan or anything in particular we wanted to eat so we just started driving west on Highway 60. We finally settled on Portillo’s and it ended up being a good choice. I got a burger and onion rings, my son had the chicken tenders and fries. We shared a large vanilla milkshake and by share, I mean I got about four sips! I brought home some shakes and lunch for my older two sons that stayed home to finish their video game. All in all, it was a decent lunch, definitely not the best burger I ever had but it was nice getting out and seeing different scenery. I like the 1930s Chicago mobster interior of portillo’s it’s unique and very eye-catching.

This morning I went out to Felton’s Meat Market, in Plant City, to purchase a beef rib roast to make prime rib for Mother’s Day. The market smelled a little bit cleaner than usual but it was also a little busier for 9 a.m then I recall it being during my past visits. But that’s probably because of the alleged “meat shortage” on the news. I will say I am very disappointed in Felton’s for two reasons. #1- the butcher had to cut a prime rib the size I needed and after he handed it to me, he turned back to get my attention again and tell me that the product of Mexico sticker was an error. The beef I was purchasing was actually USDA. It’s my experience that if it is USDA beef, it would be stated on the label and as you’ll see- it isn’t. I don’t really like being fibbed to or taken advantage of as a consumer. #2- I also had an incident with the cashier who didn’t like me using a covering on my hand (a plastic bag I had over the shopping cart handle) with the keypad. She immediately got defensive and said that she sanitizes her register area several times a day. If that was true then she would have wiped it down after I used it but instead, immediately rang up the next customer behind me. This may have been my last visit to Felton’s. We will see how my prime rib tastes tomorrow!

Before heading home from Plant City, I decided to drive through downtown and finally try a locally-owned coffee shop called Krazy Kup. It’s located in the parking lot across the street from Snellgroves. It has an adorable alleyway that is very reminiscent of Harry Potter. There were several wrought iron tables and chairs lining the alleyway with a takeout window for minimal contact ordering and receiving of your beverage & breakfast treats. A very pleasant woman, who I imagine was the owner, took my order. After browsing the drink menu, I decided on the London fog which is a milky Earl Grey beverage and a muffin. They have a few signs advising of their homemade pastry and muffins, how could I not try something?! She rattled off which muffins they had for today and I decided on the cappuccino chip, which was still warm when I got it, tender and absolutely perfect! I am kicking myself for waiting so long to finally try Krazy Kup and I will definitely be back!

Every other Saturday I go to Lone Oak Baptist Church in Plant City to pick up my produce co-op. Our co-op coordinator purchases all of the fresh vegetables and fruit on our behalf from CF Produce. This is some of the freshest produce I have had since living in the area, I am never disappointed!

And to round out my Saturday, I had a delivery of a dozen Mother’s Day cupcakes that I had ordered from the Suburban Baker. I follow her on Instagram, she’s located in Riverview and offered free delivery for the holiday weekend. I ordered a dozen- which consisted of six vanilla and six chocolate artfully decorated cupcakes! I can’t wait to try it tomorrow!

So there you go folks… a detailed list of how my family supported our local businesses and neighbors. Even if you’re socially distancing yourself still, please get out there and order from these restaurants and businesses!

Stay safe!

Rachel