You know the food at a restaurant is worth eating when the waitlist is two years long. Regina’s Farm in Florida is one such place where the food is delicious, and the ambiance soothing but the reservation is very hard to get. Nestled in a quiet neighborhood, the place is owned by its namesake Regina Rodrigues who brings the flavors of her Brazilian home to the Sunshine State.
The Restaurant
Regina and her husband started hosting informal dinners in their quaint backyard in 2006 for their church. The fare included mouthwatering gluten-free soups and Pao de Quijano amongst other delicacies. The space slowly blossomed to include rows of picnic tables, an outdoor kitchen, as well as a wood stove to make soups in the backyard. With such a lively and popular atmosphere, the local and Brazilian media soon caught notice of this tiny place in Florida. Regina’s Farm achieved non-profit status in 2013. The Rodrigues estimate that they have raised more than $60,000 to date for their church.
The Vibe
Today, the welcoming vibe of Regina’s Farm is drawing people from all over. The place can hold up to 140 guests and is equipped with bubble machines for kids, a fire pit to roast marshmallows, picnic tables, and colorful banners. For $55 for adults and $25 for children, the buffet provides seven types of Brazilian soups, chicken wings, yucca, oxtail, and around 15 kinds of desserts. Regina has around 11 people helping her put up this grand affair which is open for reservation on Saturdays and some Sundays.
Reservation
So how do you reserve if you’re ever in Florida? It’s pretty simple. You can contact Regina’s son Matthew via text message or through the Facebook page of Regina’s Farm. Even though the place is actually booked up till July 2024, Regina says that it’s always possible for groups to cancel so if you’re on the waiting list, you might just get called earlier.