Carl and Jewell Allen truly set an interesting table. I've fished and hunted all over Florida, and walked many a mile for a taste of some of the tablefare served at Allen's Historical Cafe. I've smelled swamp cabbage cooking in the campsites of Gulf Hammock, I've shared roast armadillo in the camps of Florida hunters.

I've cooked catfish, shellcracker and speckled perch on the edge of many a sand lake, and eaten Fried Rattlesnake from the Ocala woods. I've cleaned and eaten the delicate, tender, soft shell turtle from the Hillsborough River, and fried frog legs from the Peace River. . . .

But folks, never have I been able to sit down at one table and order any one of these items. The catfish are unequalled to any I've found. The swamp cabbage (which could be gone if you don't call ahead) was so good I ate three helpings.

Carl and Jewell Allen, of Allen's Historical Cafe. Carl was proclaimed "Florida's No.1 Cracker". Serves the best catfish In all of Florida.

Carl also has all the other things any good restaurant has, such as bay scallops, flounder, clams, fried oysters, oyster stew, ham, mullet (fried or smoked), and even the ever faithful hamburger.

Iced tea and water are served in Mason jars to round out the antique setting. The three dining rooms contain artifacts which would allow the title of museum. There is a fantastic rock collection, a grizzly bear trap, a real Texas Ranger star, a spiked wolf collar (to keep the Florida wolves from killing the stock dogs), an old town bell, secretary's spitoon, a carved Spanish stirrup and hundreds of items too numerous to mention short of a book.

Honestly, this is a place you must experience for its unusual authentic decor, and if you love to eat, Florida style. How to get there: Take 1-4 to Lakeland, turn east on 92 and head toward Auburndale and look for a sign on the right side of the road that says:

CAFE - CATFISH - TURTLE

You're there.