The Avenue | Food - The Independent Florida Alligator

The artichoke barigoule rose, presnted on "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives," sits on a counter at Uppercrust Bakery.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

We might be in Gainesville, but Guy Fieri took this bakery to Flavortown

By Corey Fiske | Apr. 16

But the email was real, and on April 18, Uppercrust Bakery will be featured on a new episode of the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” a TV show exploring America’s best local and lesser known eateries. Uppercrust’s episode will highlight the artichoke barigoule rose, a croissant topped with Gruyère and white wine braised artichokes; and reine de saba, a French chocolate almond cake.

Customers enjoy the newly opened Dutch Bros Coffee on Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Everyone and their (Dutch) bros are visiting this new coffee shop

By Corey Fiske | Apr. 10

The Oregon-based coffee chain opened its new location at 3315 SW Williston Road, drawing in large crowds since its grand opening on March 24.

Michael and Michiyo Johnson prepare the beignet dough at Working Food on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

A local food truck finds its niche in serving classic New Orleans beignets

By Corey Fiske | Mar. 27

The pair opened Le Petite Beignet in June out of a small trailer attached to their silver Jeep Wrangler. Not even a year later, the Johnsons sold their 10,000th beignet this spring.

A cookie from Karma Cream on Sunday, March 9, 2025.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Inside the Gainesville chocolate chip cookie scene

By Corey Fiske | Mar. 13

Here’s five Gainesville stores offering chocolate chip cookies, judged by their size, thickness, taste, texture and price.

Ryan Champiny’s garden box at the Compost Cooperative and Gardens on Saturday, March 1, 2025.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

How a local initiative showcases composting on a small scale

By Corey Fiske | Mar. 6

Wilkie started the Compost Cooperative and Gardens, an education and outreach program to promote sustainability at UF’s Energy Research and Education Park. It gives students and the Gainesville community the freedom to compost their food waste and learn about its environmental impacts.

Heather and Travis Boyd stand amongst the bright red strawberries that grow from the many rows of plants at The Bryer Patch on Feb. 21, 2025.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Strawberry farmers face challenges, but The Bryer Patch perseveres amid setbacks

By Corey Fiske | Feb. 27

Going to a U-Pick strawberry farm can be a wholesome experience, but it takes a lot of work to get the berries ready for picking.

New Ideal Nutrition storefront in Butler Center on Wednesday, February 12th, 2025.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Prepared meals store comes to Gainesville

By Corey Fiske | Feb. 19

Husband and wife duo Miguel Sosa and Gwen Toro own a new location of the Ideal Nutrition franchise, which sells prepared meals and had its soft opening Jan. 26.

Valentines Day themed drink specials at Opus Coffee on Wednesday, February 12th, 2025.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Five sweet deals to secure this Valentine’s season

Feb. 15

As people get into the spirit of love during the month of February, flowers are selling out and chocolates are leaving the shelves. For those who have an appetite for a sweet deal, assorted candy boxes may not be enough. Here’s five food options for the valentine who’s looking for something special.

Shake up your next get-together with these exciting dinner party ideas!

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Five dinner party theme ideas for the would-be host

By Rachel Mish | Feb. 13

With Valentine’s Day looming, people are scrambling to make dinner plans. For those looking to go beyond one-on-one date nights, dinner parties are a popular way to get loved ones together for a good meal and great company. Here’s five dinner party themes to make sure every party eats, regardless of the guest list.

Cody Sheppard and Kichelle Sheppard pose in their store, Charlie’s Snow Shack, on Feb. 3, 2025.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Local solutions to Gainesville’s sweet treat shortage

By Rachel Mish | Feb. 7

After Sweet Dreams Ice Cream closed in 2023, Gainesville experienced a lack of sweet treats within walking distance of UF campus, and Alachua County residents have suffered.

Customers order at the window of Luke’s New York Bagels’ new location at City Food Hall on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Luke’s New York Bagels opens new City Food Hall location

By Juliana DeFilippo | Feb. 5

Luke’s New York Bagels City Food Hall location is open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Five must-try restaurants for the Gainesville locals

By Rachel Mish | Jan. 31

After a long day, slaving over a home-cooked meal is the last box a person wants to check. However, it can be difficult to satisfy the taste buds without cooking or breaking the bank. To those looking to dine on a budget, here’s a list of the top five meals under $20 in Gainesville ranked from least to most expensive for when cooking at home just isn’t in the cards.

How can you make cooking easier and more enjoyable?

THE AVENUE | FOOD

‘Food Network is lying to you’: How to turn cooking into a more enjoyable experience

By Rachel Mish | Nov. 22

Cooking at home can provide an inexpensive and creative experience. Here are five quick tips for the less-than-Michelin chef.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Gobble down in Gainesville: Five Thanksgiving events to celebrate the holiday season

By Noor Sukkar | Nov. 20

Look no further than these five events throughout the rest of November.

Gainesville residents celebrate fall with a range of pumpkin-flavored food and drinks.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Ave Roundtable: Gainesville’s guide to cafes with fall flavors

By Avenue Staff | Oct. 28

Juliana DeFilippo

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Mochiry offers desserts and Korean cuisine to Gainesville residents

By Juliana DeFilippo | Oct. 7

Mochiry offers a Korean-inspired menu with mochi donuts, ice cream, boba tea, Korean hot dogs and coffee drinks.

Bite Club Founder Jack Warman poses next to a Bite Club poster outside Marston Library on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. Courtesy of Jack Warman.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

What to know about a new student meal plan alternative

By Rachel Mish | Sep. 18

Bite Club Meal Plan, the newest entrant in Gainesville’s culinary market, allows students to eat at off-campus restaurants with meal credits. The plan is not affiliated with UF or Santa Fe College but intends to feed those students, hoping to attract attention for its unique policy — meal credits that roll over until graduation.

Gator Bodega, which markets food, groceries and more, stands where burger chain “Relish” once stood in Gainesville, Florida on September 8, 2024.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Relish at Midtown closes unexpectedly, leaving patrons shocked and confused

By Rachel Mish | Sep. 9

Relish’s Midtown location — located at 1702 W. University Ave. — has permanently closed its doors. The closure came with no public announcement.

CEO of City Food Hall Paul Rounce cuts the ribbon during the grand opening on Aug. 29, 2024.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

City Food Hall celebrates grand opening for first location in Gainesville

By Rachel Mish and Noor Sukkar | Sep. 3

Located underneath The Standard at Gainesville, Gainesville City Food Hall serves as a public eatery, offering visitors unique cuisine from 10 local restaurants and small businesses.

University of Florida students grab lunch and explore the new developments at The Eatery @ Broward Hall on Friday, Aug. 23, 2024.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

First look: The Eatery @ Broward Hall re-opens, and it’s almost twice the size

By Rachel Mish | Aug. 29

The Eatery @ Broward Hall reopened its doors to students and Gainesville residents Aug. 22, almost doubling the hall’s original size and modifying its entire menu after an eight-month expansion project.