Legislators on the menu at Andrew's

News

Staff Writer

The Aronberg. The Galvano. The Jeb.

One’s a Florida State Senator, one’s a Florida State Representative and one’s the former governor of Florida. But they all have one thing in common: they’re all on the menu at Andrew’s Capital Grill & Bar.

Located within eyesight of the Capitol, Andrew’s is one of the lunchtime hotspots during the legislative session and has become known for its lunch menu named after some of Tallahassee’s best-known lawmakers.

“It’s always been a fun thing to do,” said Andrew Reiss, owner of Andrew’s and the more upscale Andrew’s 228. “I remember as a kid in the theater district, some of the foods were named after actors and famous people.”

While some of the menu items have become fixtures on the menu, Reiss likes to change up the names on an annual basis. Some people have taken exception to being replaced on the menu, while others analyze the menu, breaking it down by party affiliation and other criteria.

“Some people actually do take it pretty serious,” he said. “They look at how many Republicans there are compared to Democrats, how many people are from each area. It really is just for fun.”

The restaurant is celebrating its 37th session in business and Reiss said the establishment is arguably the best known restaurant in the area. Over the years, Reiss has gotten to know many of the legislators who have frequented the restaurant, including one Duval Delegation member who had a fish sandwich named after him at one point.

“Jim King was a very good customer,” said Reiss, remembering the state senator who passed away last year. “He came in often and was always a pleasure to be around. He was larger than life.”

Like many downtown Tallahassee venues, the session is the busy season for Andrew’s, which doubles to more than 15 servers. Wading through the sea of suits and finding a table can be a chore for those who don’t get there early. While Reiss and staff try to accompany everyone, the boom is a blessing. In addition to the sit-down restaurant, Reiss provides much of the catering to the different legislative functions around the city.

“Our commerce is (during) Florida Legislature,” he said.

A taste of political fare

Here’s a sampling of some of the politically inspired cuisine on Andrew’s Capital Grill & Bar menu.

“Rivera’s” Cuban Sandwich (State Rep. David Rivera, District 112)

“Hasner’s” Tuscan Veggie (State Rep. Adam Hasner, District 87)

“Galvano” Tuscano Eggplant Supreme (State Rep. Bill Galvano, District 68)

“Aronberg”-er Spicy Black Bean Burger (State Sen. Dave Aronberg, District 27)

Al Lawson’s “Too-tall” Triple-decker Turkey Club (State Sen. Al Lawson, District 6)

Alan Williams “Willy Philly” Beef Cheesesteak (State Rep. Alan Williams, District 8)

Alex Buffa-Lobos “Villalobos” Chicken Sandwich (State Sen. Alex Villalobos, District 38)

“Pat Patterson” Patty Melt (State Rep. Pat Patterson, District 20)

“Gra-HAM” Burger (former Florida Gov. Bob Graham)