Food + Friends

The holidays are a special time for me. It typically means coming home, uncomfortably running into classmates that were sucked into the vortex that is New Smyrna Beach with no hope of ever leaving, and eating enough Bagel World to pack on 5 pounds every morning that I’m there. After enough arguments with my mom and stories of how much fun my friends are having back in Orlando, I’m usually out of there well before I’m due back to the cozy confines of my own apartment.

Lately, however, things have been different. Thanks to the miraculous thing known as Facebook, I’ve been able to reconnect with pretty much all of my friends that I’ve grown up with that are still worth talking to. This Thanksgiving I made it a point to make dates with my two good friends Andrea and Kayla. Breakfast was in order, so we unanimously decided on the obvious choice Bagel World.

Bagel World is an NSB institution. I remember classmates sneaking off campus after 3rd period to make their BW run, and hearing their stories of trying to sneak back on to campus while they ate their prize during 4th. I’ve been eating the same combination for the past 8 or so years- bacon horseradish cream cheese on an everything bagel. You should get their before noon or there won’t be any left, and you need to get there before 2p because they’ll be closed.
The other place that we had to hit up was Mon Delice for a pastry and more coffee. Orlando weekenders have known this place for years, and I was definitely one of the high school students who completed the right of passage of serving them subs on their way to the beach and napoleons for their ride home.

After catching up on great memories, flipping through the old photos I brought of us at Homecoming sophomore year, and loading up on coffee and carbs we went for a walk from Flagler Ave down to the jetty and back. After a few hours and a lot of laughs, Kayla suggested we make the trek all the way down to Bethune Beach for one of NSB’s favorite seafood joints- JB’s Fish Camp. Another place known by locals and visitors alike, JB’s is another place where many of your friends worked at. I’m always a little skeptical of the prices there, but the seafood really is quality. The calamari appetizer is well worth the price, since you get a ½ pound of amazing fried deliciousness.

While I was staying in New Smyrna I was introduced to a new place that might have to make it into my usual round of restaurants. My friend Morgan knows the owners for DJ’s Burrito Bar, which has opened up fairly recently over on Flagler Avenue. I’ve only eaten their a few times, but the food is fresh and really great. It definitely has that New Smyrna surf scene vibe, so expect to keep it low-key. Order and pay up at the bar, then grab a seat to the left. I’m still trying to remember every time I go there! Oh, and order your burrito following the columns on the menu. Tony will appreciate that  Normally I never stray from Mi Mexico (or as I like to call it New Smyrna Beach Soul Food), but this place is a good alternative to cheesy enchiladas.