“Welcome to Gulfport
Rand McNally
Best of the Road
for Food 2011 Finalist”
The sign in front of the Gulfport Casino read. The Florida Gulf Coast community is one of six in the running for the culinary title.
Rand McNally and USA Today are hosting a contest called Best of the Road. They have teams road tripping throughout the U.S. this summer visiting destination to determine the best in various categories including friendliest, patriotic and food. Although my visit to Gulfport was brief, from the signage throughout the community, I could tell they are mighty proud of this delicious achievement.
Vowing I would not eat dinner during my brief visit to this Florida town, my tummy disobeyed my brain and before I knew it, I was sitting at Peg’s Cantina on Beach Boulevard munching on a delightful burrito.“Mom, I’m home!” I wanted to call out while walking through the front door.
It was as though I was walking into someone’s home. The restaurant looks as though it was a residence at one point and a residential home sits to the left. Outdoor seating is available but this Florida during the summer so I headed inside to avoid the humidity and rain and sat at blue and white tiled table. Next to me was a square table which had a weathered Corona ad as its tabletop.
My entree of choice was a sweet bean burrito with sweet potatoes, black beans, corn, tomatoes, guacamole, and red salsa. The dish was a lovely medley of flavors with a spicy heat and crisp, fresh flavor that popped in my mouth. It was served with a mixed green salad. Total bill: $13.91 (Entree only, I drank water.) I made a good choice but it was a tough call when considering the fish tacos and crab meat quesadilla. It was a little pricey for Mexican fare but still tasty.
When it came time to pay the bill, my check was presented in a wooden hinged box with the Virgin Mary on the cover. Nice and unique presentation from this cash-only establishment.
I sat down around 6:15 p.m. along with a handful of other diners and when I left at 6:50 p.m., just about every seat inside was occupied. It’s definitely happening at Peg’s Cantina!
Related post: Loving Pelican Kitsch in Gulfport, Florida
Peg’s Cantina
3038 Beach Blvd.
Gulfport, Fla.
Tel: (727) 328-2720
www.pegscantina.com
Open:
Sunday: Noon to 9 p.m.
Wednesday through Friday: 5 p.m. ’til close
Saturday: Noon ’til close
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays in July and August
