With the end of the semester quickly approaching, graduation weekend is looming closer and closer. And with grad weekend comes a bevy of parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts and uncles all rolling into town to see you strut your way across the stage. But once all of the pomp and circumstance is done, the real fun begins. The eating.
While some of us may be culinary wizzes in the kitchen and plan to whip up a multicourse meal for our families (kudos to you!), the rest of us must resort to dining out for our last meal in Gainesville. So, the question arises: Where to go? Whether it’s Friday night dinner or Sunday morning brunch, we’ve got you covered with tasty, group-friendly eateries.
Leonardo’s 706 $$, Italian/Seafood
Good for dinner or Sunday brunch, Leonardo’s 706 serves up a range of eats that could please most any taste buds. Great for groups, 706 offers two private dining room options, with one which seats up to 45 and the other up to 75—just in case you have a small army coming to watch you graduate. Dinner options include pesto pizza ($10.95), agave pasta ($10.95), and mussels ($8.95), followed up by homemade desserts such as the 706 Cheesecake, honey apple pie and 7 Layer Black Mountain Cake, all $5.95. If you graduate on Sunday, try 706’s Sunday morning brunch. You can either order from the buffet ($16.95) or choose from the brunch menu, which includes four variations of eggs benedict, a Cajun omelette and organic blueberry pancakes. Drink options include mimosas, bloody marys and espresso martinis.
Emiliano’s Café $$, Latin Fusion
A good option for brunch, lunch or dinner, Emiliano’s is perfect for those craving some authentic Latin cuisine. The lunch and dinner menu highlights include a variety of tapas ($7 —$12), paella ($21), arroz con pollo ($14), ropa vieja (pulled brisket-$16) and the black bean cakes ($15). Emiliano’s also serves up brunch on Saturday and Sunday. While sipping endless mimosas ($11) or sangria, you can dine on, among other things, juevos rancheros ($9), stuffed French toast ($9) or breakfast burritos ($8.50 —$9.50).
101 Downtown $$, New American
Pushing out of your mind the idea of dining in the same place you attended Techno Tuesday, 101 Downtown is perfect for group dining with a private back room that seats even the largest party. 101 serves up trendy dinner dishes, which range from stuffed dates ($5.50) and mussels Diablo ($11) to a spicy cilantro sirloin ($18). With an expansive Sunday brunch menu, 101 is also a good option for Sunday grads. Brunch items include bagels and lox ($7.50), shrimp and lobster crepes ($10) and Hawaiian French toast dipped in Grand Marnier liqueur batter ($9). But don’t worry if your family’s taste buds aren’t this adventurous—the brunch menu also includes pancakes, waffles, and eggs benedict. If it’s drinks you’re after, half of the brunch menu is devoted to their pitchers ($20), bellinis ($5 — $6), and mimosas ($5 —$7).
Mildred’s Big City Food $$$, American/Seafood
If your party is in search of a more high-end, intimate dining experience, Mildred’s is the place to go. While pricier than other options, Mildred’s offers up quality food and good service, making a grad dinner favorite. Arranged in courses, the menu divides its dishes into “first,” “second,” and “third.” Starters include potato gnocchi ($9), braised escargot ($8), and lump crab cakes ($10). Next up are dishes that include the duck confit salad ($8), seared escolar ($9), and the salmon tartar ($9). Main courses include NY strip steak ($24), sea scallops ($24), duck breast ($20), and rack of lamb ($36). They also feature a small, but carefully selected wine list. Mildred’s desserts are also highly touted, with favorites including tiramisu, chocolate strawberry mousse cheesecake and chocolate peanut butter cheesecake.
Embers Wood Grill $$$, Steakhouse
If your family falls more into the “meat and potatoes” category, Embers Wood Grill will be right up your alley. Great for dinner, Embers’ entrée higlights include bison steak ($39), duck breast ($23), and Chilean sea bass ($34). And being a steakhouse, an entire section of the menu is dedicated to steaks, which include the strip, filet and ribeye. Sides and appetizers include blackened filet mignon and colossal blue crab cocktail ($14), spicy prosciutto and cheddar grits, lobster mashed potatoes, and mac and four cheese with truffle oil (swoon!). Desserts include chocolate mousse bombe ($9), crème brulee ($8) and their famous chocolate chip cookies ($6). Embers also offers up private dining room that seats up to 35 and an outdoor courtyard with a seating capacity of up to 70.
Mexico Lindo Mexican Restaurant $, Mexican
Now this may seem like a wild card, but if you’re graduating on Sunday, your grad meal falls on Cinco de Mayo! If your family is feeling in a festive mood, check out Mexico Lindo for an inexpensive, fun option. The vast menu includes dishes such as chimichangas ($8.25), enchiladas (four for $8), fish tacos (three for $6.25), burritos (two for $7) and fajitas ($10.50). And you can’t leave with getting a few margaritas to celebrate in style.
Photos courtesy of (top to bottom): Foodspotting, Anna Edwards, Google+, LocalEats, Prost Photography and KristinaEats.wordpress.com
