If you find yourself sightseeing in St. Augustine around the beautiful plaza that is flanked by Flagler College, the Lightner Museum, and Casa Monica, seek out this small storefront gem of a Southern bakery and cafe that serves breakfast, lunch, and baked goods. Though the cafe does feature some breakfast and lunch fare (such as wraps and paninis) that would be at home anywhere in the U.S (http://www.tastestaugustine.com/Menus/US1_South/Luvin_Oven.htm), the real delights for a St. Augustine visitor are the specials and bakery items with a decidedly Southern flare.
The day I stopped in, they were serving up a delicious special of chorizo sausage gravy over biscuits -- a spicy sausage-based sauce topping one of the flakiest, fluffiest biscuits I've ever encountered. Red velvet cupcakes with chocolate mousse centers are a tasty Southern pleasure as well.
While there, check out the local datil pepper products: Datil B. Good brand pepper sauces in "Second Degree Burn," "Third Degree Burn," etc. varieties, and even chocolate-dipped datil peppers. Judging from the nonstop phone orders I overheard, this cafe must be a hit with locals as well as hungry tourists.
"The luscious red velvet cupcake features a rich chocolate frosting and a surprise chocolate mousse filling at its center."
Susanne Hupfer
"You can just make out some of the chocolate mousse filling that is found in the center of the red velvet cupcakes."
Susanne Hupfer
"Those biscuits are sturdy enough to stand up to the chorizo sausage sauce, and can be used to mop up every last drop."
Susanne Hupfer
"The datil pepper sauces are a local specialty of St. Augustine. You can buy according to heat preference (2nd Degree Burn, 3rd Degree Burn, etc.)"
Susanne Hupfer
"This is a small storefront in a prime area -- good for a stop while sightseeing. "
Susanne Hupfer
