Carmen's Restaurant and Catering 2280 Harris Ave NE Palm Bay, FL 32905…read more 4 Stars After what appeared to be a mistake in my last Jamaican joint review (whoa, that has a few connotations), I thought I was being punished by immediately being sent to another one by my random name generator. After smacking it on the side a few times and shaking it, I found it to be working correctly, so I proceeded to Carmen's Restaurant and Catering in Palm Bay, FL. What a world of difference! Carmen is the proprietor and a one-woman show and boyo, let me tell ya, she sure shines. I found Carmen's menu to be a joy to behold, as eclectic as my vinyl collection. As such, I decided to go in a different direction today and steered away from the traditional Jamaican fare such as Jerk Chicken and Curried Goat and went with an order of Carmen's Fried Chicken with sides of rice, beans and potato salad along with an order of her Bang Bang Fried Shrimp Tacos (the same name as the drek at the horrid Bonefish Grill) with fries. As Carmen got to work on my eats, I took in the interior. I found it to be open, welcoming, bright, and cheery, not unlike the owner! Carmen was out in no time with my foodstuffs. Taking a few before pictures, I got to work. I turned my attention and palate to the Fried Chicken. The first thing I noticed was the crunch of the coating. If you look at the picture I've attached, you can see what I mean. That coating was slathered on without care for conservation. It wasn't too much, it was just enough. The chicken, blanketed in a tender, juicy, succulent coating, tasted superb. The rice and beans were well-cooked and seasoned with love. The potato salad, like everything else, I assume was made by Carmen and if your Grandmother makes a better potato salad, I will eat these words! I can't speak for you, but when I hear or read the words, Bang Bang, I immediately think of three things. First, playing cops and robbers as a child and "shooting" the bad guy with my finger gun while shouting, "Bang! Bang!" The second is the Bollywood bad remake of a worse film, "Bang Bang!" The third thing I think of is Chinese Street Chicken. None of this has anything to do with Carmen's Bang Bang Fried Shrimp Tacos, other than the Bang Bang sauce is loosely based on the Chinese Street Chicken tossing sauce. Carmen's Bang Bang sauce was a mixture of mayo, spicy stuff and it was mahvalous, dahling! The shrimp were coated with the same love and care as the chicken and were just as tender and juicy. Got Dayum! Carmen knows her way around a kitchen. I can only assume these are her recipes as well. She should open a restaurant and share this with...oh, wait. Never mind. With this meal and the success of the Fried Chicken at Cajun Soul, my hopes have been raised considerably. The Big Boy says, "If you want good eats served with love and a friendly smile, visit Carmen. Tell her the Big Boy sent ya (it's safe this time)!"

This place just opened in May 2024. Their Jerk Chicken was fantastic. My mouth was on fire with the…read moreheat and flavors of the jerk seasoning. If you have ever been to Jamaica, then you would love the food here. I even got their beef patties with sauce. I could make a meal with those alone. They are so good. Well packed with meat and flavor, the sauce just adds to it and takes it over the top.When we finished, I had a very happy tummy. There is more I want to try, so I will definitely be going back. They have signs that they do a Sunday brunch and will have to give that a try. If you use credit or debit cards they do add a 4% fee. Have noticed a lot of places are doing that now. Just another reason to carry some cash. But even if you don't 4% really isn't that back as their food is worth it. Stop in give they a try.

Always a nice treat to get Pataya or Acai from here The portions are very generous and the guy…read morewho runs the truck is super nice and friendly.

If you haven't visited the Acai Shack on Wickham Road, you are really missing the boat! What a…read moresweet, delicious and healthy treat on this hot summer day! I've had others, but they cannot hold a candle to this one. Everything is so fresh. The service is great and friendly! So, next time you are at the vegetable market getting your veggies for the week, stroll over and order an Acai Bowl! Or, when you are just driving, turn in and get one. You will wonder why you hadn't tried one sooner!!! I should have taken a picture but I just dug in!

The bubble tea here is the best. Better than anything I've had in NYC, and I am a NY'er; whenever I…read moream in FL, I MUST stop in. Ambiance is great, such an amazing little shop. Service is the best.

This place was very welcoming and cute inside. The boba was very good and just enough sugar. They…read morehave a good selection of choices of popping boba and tapioca. Definitely would recommend! Not too pricey either!

Over the last three years or so, the Melbourne/Palm Bay area has opened up more and more…read morealternative health stores. However, the first one that I know of is Paradise Health & Nutrition on Malabar Rd. (NOTE: I Reviewed that location too) in the Publix Shopping Center. However, there is another Paradise location in this area and it is located near the intersection of Minton Rd. and Palm Bay Rd. It is also the location I consider to be the better of the two for many reasons which I will explain. First and foremost, Paradise near Palm Bay Rd. (I will just shorthand this location to "Paradise" for ease or writing and reading purposes) is a much bigger location than the one near Publix. It is like three times the size. With such a space, there can also be more options besides that of an alternative over-the-counter drug store. To me, this Paradise is a shopping center as they sell other things like alternative health books, essential oils, organic fruits and veggies, gluten-free pre-made foods, and much more. The staff was very friendly too. One of the workers helped me find alternative oral hygiene products. Now my teeth no longer hurt! He also helped me pick out the rignt essential oils, one used for headache and sleep. It also helps that the restrooms were clean despite them being private Overall, I give this place an easy perfect score. Until something really pushes it down like a higher price, than this is my go-to when Iam buying more than one item. Sorrry but since I do live closer to the one at the Publix, I will go there for any quick run purchases. Otherwise, this location it is.

Prices are abnormally high on some products but sale prices are great. Decent selection of organic…read morefood and the produce is the best around.

In my opinion the BEST healthy organic smoothies and coffee in town!! I would highly recommend…read morestopping by to try their smoothies and gourmet coffees. The customer service is outstanding too. They always have big smiles on their faces ready to greet and serve you.

Great spot to chill after work or after a nice meal at Amici's or Chef's Table .. or any of the…read morelocal restaurants. Jillian knows her wines and can recommend something you will love if you can't decide. Very nice assortment of finger foods to choose from as well.

One word, Jillian! She's the most amazing sommelier with a vast knowledge of wine. Super friendly,…read morealways greats her customers with a smile. She makes everyone feels social and she clearly loves what she does. Arguably the best somm in central FL.

**INITIAL REVIEW**…read more As of this review, there are three kava bars located in south Brevard county, specifically in Palm Bay, FL: Kraken Kava Bar, Nocturne Teas, and Kalea Kava Bar. To further expand my kava horizons, I decided to go north and check out the other kava bars in my county. Simply because this kava bar is also owned by the same people who own Kraken Kava, I wanted to check out Pau Hana first. I will say their kava is a little better than the average, especially compared to certain locales in Historic Downtown Melbourne, but what I love the most is the ambiance and the fact I made some new kava community friends here, too. Though an address is provided, Pau Hana is located in Metro West, the strip mall that also home to the iconic card, board, and tabletop game store, Get Your Fun On, and the best sushi restaurant in all of Brevard County, Umami. Pau Hana is along the eastside of the strip mall just south of the gym. Just like most kava bars I have been to, it is a small-ish space, but what stood out first was the ambiance. Since kava originates from Pacific island nations, especially its believed origin of Vanuatu, many kava bars seem to opt for a stereotypical pacific islander vibe. Pau Hana, though the name is Hawaiian for "Finished Word," the interior seems more like a secret garden. The interior has flora arrangements, flowered vines, and a color scheme that matches the aforementioned secret garden theme, but it is not overly stereotypical of Pacific Island nations. There are also swinging chairs hanging from the ceiling, which I am unsure require a weight limit notice. I assume anyone can sit, but if you weigh more than 350 pounds, you may want to reconsider any thoughts on sitting in those said chairs. There is also a pool table in the back for those who would enjoy a game of 8-Ball, 9-Ball, One Pocket, or Cutthroat. I loved the drink menu they provided here, especially the kava mocktails. The two I had during my visits were the Horchata Kava and the Dirty Chai. The former is a kava mocktail that consists with your choice kava, oatmilk, cinnamon, vanilla and a garnish of a vanilla stick. The latter is your choice of kava, chai tea, vanilla, and your choice of creamer. I had it once with Irish cream and another time with hazelnut. Both were good. And speaking of kava mocktails, I have to give my regards to Eloise as she's been the kavatender every time I been to Pau Hana. Does an excellent job making my cocktails, but doesn't really have time to converse as every time I am there, the bar is somewhat packed. Ultimately, I am going to give Pau Hana a four-out-of-five star rating for its ambiance, its menu, and the fact my circile of kava community friends grew there. If the bar continues to be consistent in their service, environment, and menu, I will grant them their fifth star in an updated review.

Stopped by Pau Hana and had such a great experience! Upon arrival, I noticed there was live music…read moreperforming on a small stage in the corner, which added the perfect vibe. There's also a pool table and some fun swinging chairs near the entrance that make the place super inviting. Eloise was my Kava tender and she was the absolute sweetest--super welcoming and kind. I tried 2x Original Kava Shells and 1x Kava Chai, and everything was smooth, balanced, and relaxing. Eloise made the whole experience even better with her friendly energy and helpful recommendations. Definitely a great spot to unwind--I'll be back!

Such a beautiful Kava Bar. The Kava tenders are always friendly and knowledgeable. They have a…read moregreat selection and variety. The atmosphere is friendly and fun! I highly recommend Noble Tea.. Bula!