Back from warmth

With the rest of the eastern seaboard being ravaged by subzero temps, I was lucky enough to head south for a few days in Florida. As usual, I was told they were ready for me and it should be an overnight thing. WRONG! Ended up staying there all week. My destination was Bartow where orange groves still exist. They do seem to be nearing extinction, but are still sporadically thrown in between subdivisions and strip malls. I was hoping to get a few things done in the evenings around Bartow that I love to catch up on. A must have for dining in the area is a local place called Harry's Old Place. This small unadvertised restaurant has the best seafood in the area in my opinion. Whenever we go, there is always a line and is full of retirees that live right there in Winter Haven. They have nightly specials that are written feverishly before the dinner crowd on a chalkboard in the dining area. I always get the same entree unless it is sold out, which happens alot in my experience. My favorite is the Grouper Special where a generous portion of grouper is topped with scallops, shrimp, and crap which has all been what I believe to be sauteed with Old Bay seasoning. The scallops are always large and the shrimp is sweet and perfectly cooked. Throw in some potatoes or whatever veggie of the day and you'll be throwing in the towel and loosening your belt.

The ambiance in Harry's is a very laid back which I love. The restaurant is set on one of the many lakes throughout Winter Haven and peeks out between two sets of woods. A small sign identifies the place, but the cars parked anywhere they can is the key to knowing this is a must stop. The staff seems to stay consistent. I have been dining here for upwards of three years and see the same woman seating us and who I think is Harry shuffling hot plates of out the kitchen to his patrons tables. This visit, we had to wait (no surprise there) and stood by the bar. The bartender had stepped away before I walked up which left me waiting. A woman sitting at the bar asked my what I wanted, hopped out, and got my drink without question. This left me ackward since I had not paid. Ten minutes went by and back was the bartender who was passed my drink order. The young woman was his wife and she always liked to help. Not many places have the spouses helping out just to make sure the patrons are satisfied.

Heading west over the bay to St. Petersburg houses a little guilty pleasure of mine, The Salvador Dali Museum. This trip did not allow me to go, but I keep my options open each time I fly in thru Tampa. It's been a while since I have visited so the paintings being displayed I am sure have changed which makes me want to see it more. This museum is set right on the water and houses a huge collection of Salvador Dali works. Just one guy hanging on these walls. They do have pieces that come thru on loan from other collections and they even loaned out pieces to the airport which was nice. I got to view a few selections just hanging out before heading over to security. But I need to make time for Dali next time since we have not seen each other and I miss him.