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Hungry for the real Treasure Coast? We sit down with Melisa from Treasure Coast Culinary Tours to trace the counties that define the region, swap stories about Vero Beach’s small-town heart, and spotlight the hidden kitchens that keep locals coming back. From a tiny husband-and-wife seafood market to a beloved legacy like Ocean Grill, we explore why some restaurants endure for decades while others fade after a season.

What stands out isn’t just the menu variety—vegan, Italian, Jamaican, classic American, and fresh-caught seafood—but the way hospitality shapes memory. Melisa makes a strong case that service is strategy: guests return to places that notice them, own mistakes, and make them feel welcome. We unpack the hard truths of running a restaurant here, from underestimating operations to the grind of training, margins, and consistency. And we celebrate the places that get it right, proving that a warm greeting can tip the scale more than a fancy garnish.

Between bites, we talk about what makes this coast easy to love: quiet neighborhoods, the McKee Botanical Garden’s seasonal beauty, and beaches that stay accessible without costly parking. If you’re visiting or newly local, Melisa shares how to start your food adventure with curated tours that connect you to owners, stories, and surprising flavors across Indian River, St. Lucie, and Martin counties. If you’re a restaurateur, there’s a clear invite to partner up and get your spot on the map.

Come for the flavor, stay for the community, and leave with a shortlist of places you’ll want to revisit. If you enjoyed this conversation, tap subscribe, share it with a friend who loves coastal eats, and leave us a quick review—it helps more neighbors find the show.

Presented by Killer Bee Marketing
Helping local businesses in Vero Beach connect with their neighbors.

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