Shannon Bites SWFL

10/08/2026

— Downtown Kava, Punta Gorda

Two cars. Two weeks. $2,000. At this point, I needed a comfy chair and a delicious drink before I needed another mechanic.

Yesterday, after having my SECOND car towed with a seized engine, I stopped into Downtown Kava to decompress—and it was exactly the little escape I needed.
I picked something pumpkin off their fall menu. Could I tell you the exact name? Nope. Can I tell you it was delicious? Absolutely! Crystall was behind the bar, super friendly and welcoming. Every time I’ve been in, the people have been so kind.
I grabbed my favorite Colleen Hoover book, settled into a really comfy chair, and just sipped, read, and took in the atmosphere. Sometimes you need a little time where nobody needs anything from you and your only responsibility is turning the page.
What I love about this spot is the mix of people. Folks in their 20s through their 60s, all walks of life, enjoying teas, coffees, little bakery treats, and a place to hang out. It feels easy to walk in and get comfortable.
And that cool, moody atmosphere? I don’t think that’s just Halloween decorating—I’m pretty sure that’s their everyday vibe, and I am HERE for it. 🖤
Bring a friend, or bring a book and enjoy your own company. Downtown Kava is a little Punta Gorda gem worth checking out, whether you’re local to Port Charlotte or anywhere around Charlotte County.
My cars might be a “nah,” but this stop? FORK YEA. Good vibes, a delicious drink, and a little breathing room. Good for the soul.

10/07/2026

Lunch today at Riviera Bar and Grill in Punta Gorda, and I finally broke up with my usual order… temporarily. I always get the hog wings, but there’s so much on their menu that today I went with the prime rib taco special.
Oh. My. God. These were SO good. And swipe to see underneath those veggies because they were generous with that prime rib!
I usually like horseradish with prime rib, so they recommended a sauce whose name I’ve already forgotten—but I definitely remember how good it was! I was dipping the onion straws in it too. The lime crema that came with the tacos wasn’t really my thing, so I was happy to have that other option. I sat at the bar and Barb was super friendly and knowledgeable.
I believe the special was around $19, and with a soda my bill came to about $23.
I love the atmosphere here. Sitting by the water, watching a speedboat pull right up to the dock, friendly people, and that relaxed, very Punta Gorda feel. If you’ve got a boat, you can pull up for lunch. Now that’s a lunch entrance.
And for transparency, I do have family who work here. You’re still getting my honest opinion on what I ate, and today’s lunch was absolutely worth sharing.
If you haven’t been, check them out. And if you always order the same thing like me, this might be your sign to try something new!

🍴 A big FORK YEA from Shannon Bites!

10/03/2026

Join us next Thursday, October 8th, for Tip A Cop at Longhorn Steakhouse in Port Charlotte! Tip A Cop is an opportunity for you to enjoy a delicious meal as members of our sworn staff serve as your waiters and waitresses! The best part is all tips received by our deputies for serving guests will be donated to the Florida Special Olympics. We look forward to meeting you and supporting this great cause with our community!

09/30/2026

Aaron and I have been doing little Friday lunch dates, and last week we tried Blue Heron Pizza Pub. As soon as we walked in, it felt comfortable and familiar—like a cozy New England-style pub. Finding out the owners are originally from Massachusetts made this Boston girl feel right at home!
They bring popcorn to the bar , and honestly, there’s nothing better than having something to snack on while you look over the menu.
Of course, I had to try the crab rangoons. Were they my all-time favorite? No—but they were definitely better than any others I’ve tried since moving to Florida.

But let’s talk about those steak tips! HUGE FORK YEA! 🍴They were incredibly tender—you could practically cut them with a butter knife. They absolutely didn’t need anything extra, but do yourself a favor and ask for the horseradish sauce—or “horsey sauce,” as I call it. It took those steak tips to a whole other level!
Great food, great people and an all-around wonderful experience. I didn’t try the pizza this time, but that’s next on my list. Until then, I could happily go back again and again just for those steak tips!
Thank you, Blue Heron Pizza. We’ll definitely be back!

Final verdict: A huge FORK YEA! 🍴💙

09/23/2026

Wacky Wednesday with Chat GPT
Give Chat this Prompt:
Give my personality a mascot using what you know about me and the uploaded photos for my appearance, invent a funny cartoon mascot that represents my personality. Feature a glamorous cartoon version of me posing beside the mascot as if we are an iconic duo. The mascot can be an animal, creature, object, or completely imaginary character. Give it one small accessory or detail that connects it to me. Add its name and one short tagline explaining its energy. Keep everything else minimal. White background, clean composition, polished colorful cartoon artwork. Do not ask me what the mascot should be. You decide.

09/23/2026