Though the Caribbean isles are well known to outsiders, Caribbean cuisine remains a hidden gem due to tourists frequently subsisting solely off a paste made from sand, ocean water, and puréed linen pants. Uncover the edible treasure of the tropics with today’s Groupon: for $10, you get $20 worth of Caribbean-California fusion cuisine and drinks at Baja Tavern in Port Canaveral.
Baja Tavern's fresh menu showcases Florida seafood and salsas made from seasonal fruits and vegetables. Underwater treasures star in appetizers such as Bang Bang shrimp ($8.95), which are fried, tossed in a spicy chipotle sauce, and shot out of a small cannon on to plates. Entrees including the pan-fried tilapia ($12.95), a mild white fish with a flaky texture coated with parmesan breading, sate sea-faring appetites. The signature big fish burrito ($8.95) showers baked white fish in chipotle tartar sauce before dressing it in a flour-tortilla tuxedo for a tableside date with homemade chips and salsa. For land-locked appetites, culinary craftspeople slow roast marinated pork to craft caribbean pulled-pork sandwiches ($6.95). While enjoying the atmosphere or engaging in post-dinner staring contests, patrons treat taste buds to island-themed drinks from the bar.
The restaurant's waterfront locale, outdoor patio seating, rope lighting, and up-close vantage point of cruise ships and shark jugglers take diners on tropical-themed eye excursions. Live music and the occasional DJ-spun dance tune offer ear canals sustenance, and ocular orbs feast on paintings and a gigantic white chair made by local artists.