In town for the sales and looking for someplace new and different to eat, shop or visit? Let the TDN help! Following up on our popular Best Bets on the Jersey Shore series during Breeders' Cup week, TDN subscribers now regularly recommend dining and shopping options to our out-of-town readers.

PRIMARY OVEN (Ocala, FL - Dining)

306 SW Broadway St. Ocala, FL. 34471
Phone: (352) 390-6881
Type: An excellent place for lunch, serving a variety of foods in a historic atmosphere

One of Ocala's best kept secrets is Primary Oven located downtown (yes, we do have one) on Pine Street just off Broadway. It is primarily a lunch spot, but recently began serving dinner on Saturday nights, reservations only. They do not have a liquor license, but charge no corkage if you bring your own wine. The building itself is one of Ocala's oldest and it was originally the county jail--among other things--and is built from local limerock. They will seat you upstairs in an intimate setting surrounded by local art. The kitchen and ovens are downstairs. Owned and operated by Kelly Welsh and Darren Parker, the atmosphere is relaxed and cordial and the food is as good as you will find locally. The chef is the talented and versatile Kelly, whose baking skills are only a small part of her formidable repertoire. Lunch, whether eaten there or taken to go, is always excellent with fresh baked breads, tarts, quiches, soups, salads and deserts. The Saturday dinners should be experienced by any discerning gastronome who is looking for a change from the predictability of Ocala's endless chain restaurants.

-- JUVENILE CONSIGNOR NICK DE MERIC

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