Episode Summary

Julie and Jamie celebrate 10 years of marriage by cracking open old wedding cards, revisiting honeymoon memories, and debating whether all 10 years were actually great. Spoiler: they are still married, so that counts.

From Weight Watchers wins to restaurant wars, they break down the real tension behind Florida dining — where to go, what to order, and why sharing a meal almost never works out. Spoiler alert: Mark at the Outback might just be the best waiter in all of Florida.

🍽 Restaurant Highlights

Longhorn Steakhouse – West Palm Beach The seventh busiest Longhorn in the US, but it left them underwhelmed. The Outback comparison did not help.

Outback Steakhouse – Royal Palm Beach The gold standard. Great food, great service, and home to Mark, possibly the most patient server on the planet. Big shoutout to Mark for handling Julie's mom Rosie with total grace. Employee of the Year, no question.

Sushi Yama – Wellington, Florida All you can eat sushi near the Wellington Mall for around $35. The lo mein stole the show.

Olive Garden – West Palm Beach Area Julie's solo mission. Grilled chicken parmesan with broccoli and a salad. Solid, diet friendly, and better than expected.

Mario the Baker – Royal Palm Beach Great pizza, great sauce, great owners. A must visit for any pizza lover in Palm Beach County.

Papa Chulos – Royal Palm Beach The surprise star of the episode. The coconut shrimp soft shell taco is a must order. Chips, queso, and guac that are out of this world. Happy hour almost every day. Julie has been four times in the last month alone. Do not sleep on this place.

Rocco's Tacos – Florida A longtime favorite now facing serious competition from Papa Chulos.

Flakowitz – South Florida Solid deli, great for a casual meal with mom. Julie ordered a Ruben by mistake. She does not like corned beef. She is still not over it.

Lucille's BBQ – Florida Great barbecue spot. The brisket nachos are tender, slightly sweet, and absolutely worth ordering.

Dada – Delray Beach Already a favorite for the cheeseburger alone. A deeper review is coming soon.

True Food Kitchen – Florida A solid healthy option. Verdict: okay.

🇬🇷 On the Hunt

Julie is looking for the best Greek restaurant in the West Palm Beach or Palm Beach County area. If you have a recommendation, reach out. They want to visit.

🎉 Milestones

Ten years of marriage. Charting on Apple Podcasts in the Food category. Florida Living Life is growing and TikTok is next.

📣 We Want to Hear From You

What restaurants should they visit? What topics should they debate next? Are you a restaurant that wants a visit and a review? Join the Florida Living Life experience and help shape the show.

🎧 Also Check Out

Stay On Course Podcast — Charting in Entrepreneurship on Apple Podcasts. Visit stayoncourse.studio or stayoncourse.io

Julie's Stack List — Search Stacklist Julie Riga for all her top recommendations.

WAYS TO WORK WITH US

• Brand sponsorships and content placement
• Featured guest podcast interviews
• Scenes From the Table live recordings
• Food and lifestyle brand features
• Virtual and on location options available

📞 Call or Text: 973-281-6896 📧 julie@julieriga.com

#FloridaLivingLife #SouthFloridaEats #FloridaFood #FoodPodcast #PalmBeachCounty #LonghornSteakhouse #OutbackSteakhouse #SushiYama #OliveGarden #MarioTheBaker #PapaChulos #RoccosTacos #Flakowitz #LucillesBBQ #Dada #TrueFoodKitchen

Episode Summary

In this lively and unfiltered episode, Julie and Jamie dive into one of the most debated topics in households everywhere: What is for dinner?

From growing up with home cooked meals to living in a world of takeout and restaurant reviews, they unpack the real tension behind food choices, eating out, and the age old dynamic between men and women when it comes to dinner decisions.

Spoiler alert: meal planning might just save the marriage.

Along the way, they recap their recent Florida food adventures, including a standout Valentine’s dinner and a legendary Chicken Caesar wrap story that might just land on a future podcast episode.

🍽 Restaurant Highlights

💙 The Blue Door – West Palm Beach

Valentine’s dinner delivered.

• Butter chicken taken off the bone and paired with crispy fries
• Burrata appetizer with tomato and toasted bread
• Burger that tasted surprisingly nostalgic
• Great service and welcoming atmosphere

A rare moment with zero complaints. High praise for a restaurant that impressed from appetizers to soda. Bold statement made: possibly one of the best restaurants in Palm Beach.

🌯 Vinny’s Café (VC Café) – Boca Raton

A local icon with a story.

• Home of the famous Chicken Caesar wrap
• Met founder Vinny Carbone
• Fresh wraps and authentic neighborhood vibe

Stay tuned. There may be a deeper dive into the origin story of the Chicken Caesar wrap on an upcoming episode.

🍝 Italian Food in Florida?

Pizza wins. Italian entrées still under review.

Julie claims the best Italian food in Florida might actually be in Riga’s kitchen. Homemade meatballs, sauce, and chicken parmesan might be making a comeback very soon.

💬 The Real Conversation: What’s for Dinner?

This episode explores:

• The difference between how they were raised around food
• The convenience culture of takeout
• The cost of eating out versus cooking at home
• Weight gain realities after moving to Florida
• The never ending dinner negotiation

The conclusion: compromise matters. So does planning. And sometimes, happy spouse equals peaceful house.

🎉 Personal Milestones

• Celebrating the 10 year anniversary of Julie’s father’s passing
• Reflecting on the journey of the Stay On Course podcast
• Stay On Course currently charting on Apple in Entrepreneurship

A meaningful week of remembrance and growth.

📣 We Want to Hear From You

This podcast is new and evolving. Julie and Jamie want your input.

• What restaurants should they visit?
• What Florida festivals or flea markets should they explore?
• What topics do you want them to debate next?
• Are you a restaurant that wants a visit and review?

Join the Florida Living Life experience and help shape the direction of the show.

🎧 Also Check Out

Stay On Course Podcast

Currently charting in Entrepreneurship on Apple. Leadership, legacy, and powerful conversations inspired by Julie’s father and the impact of purpose driven living.

WAYS TO WORK WITH US

All opportunities are custom designed around your goals and marketing budget. We collaborate with you to create the right mix of storytelling, visibility, and content that fits your brand.

• Brand sponsorships and content placement

• Featured guest podcast interviews

• Scenes From the Table live recordings

• Food and lifestyle brand features

• Virtual and on location options available

📞 Call or Text: 973-281-6896

📧 julie@julieriga.com

In this Florida Living Life podcast episode we compare New Jersey weather vs Florida weather and talk about everyday life in West Palm Beach Florida and South Florida living. We cover weekend events in West Palm Beach including the Florida Fair Florida fair food Florida fair rides and things to do in Florida. The conversation turns to marriage and relationships including marriage compromise marriage humor real marriage conversations and food debates in marriage especially fair food versus going out to dinner. We wrap up with Florida dining culture favorite chain steakhouses in Florida and an honest take on Outback Steakhouse while sharing real life Florida lifestyle stories.

Welcome to the Florida Living Life Podcast where we talk about real life real marriage and real Florida living.

In this episode we start with a light conversation about the weather and quickly realize how different life feels when you compare New Jersey weather to Florida weather especially West Palm Beach Florida.

We talk about the contrast between cold weather living in New Jersey and warm sunny Florida living including humidity winter temperatures and why Florida weather changes your lifestyle mindset and daily routines.

We then shift into what is happening this weekend in West Palm Beach Florida including the Florida Fair. We cover Florida fair events Florida fair food Florida fair rides weekend activities in West Palm Beach and things to do in South Florida.

This episode also dives into marriage and relationships with a very real and relatable conversation about compromise in marriage. Specifically the ongoing debate between eating fair food at the Florida fair versus going out to dinner afterward.

We talk about relationship communication marriage challenges marriage humor and why making compromises in marriage can be one of the hardest but most important parts of a healthy relationship.

You will hear an honest and funny discussion about food preferences marriage expectations and why fair food in Florida feels like a full experience not just a snack.

We wrap up the episode by talking about favorite chain steakhouses in Florida including Outback Steakhouse. We share opinions on casual dining in Florida steakhouse chains in Florida and why Outback Steakhouse continues to be part of the Florida dining conversation.

This episode is perfect for anyone interested in Florida lifestyle podcasts Florida living couples podcasts marriage conversations real life marriage stories West Palm Beach lifestyle content and people considering moving from New Jersey to Florida.

If you love conversations about Florida weather Florida food Florida fairs marriage compromise and everyday life in the Sunshine State this episode is for you.

WAYS TO WORK WITH US

All opportunities are custom designed around your goals and marketing budget. We collaborate with you to create the right mix of storytelling, visibility, and content that fits your brand.

• Brand sponsorships and content placement

• Featured guest podcast interviews

• Scenes From the Table live recordings

• Food and lifestyle brand features

• Virtual and on location options available

Contact us for collabortations or guest appearences.

https://www.floridalivinglife.com/

This episode of Florida Living Life explores the New Jersey vs Florida lifestyle through food weather traffic and everyday living in West Palm Beach. Julie reflects on the life and legacy of Chef Ennio Riga author of Stay On Course while comparing New Jersey food New York food and Florida restaurants. The conversation covers Florida traffic road rage driving culture and the reality of relocating to Florida. Favorite food spots include McCabes Bagels Italia pizza Mario the Baker and standout gluten free pizza options in Florida. The episode blends family legacy Florida living dining out culture and honest lifestyle humor.

In this candid and humorous episode of Florida Living Life, Julie and her husband dive into the real experience of relocating from New Jersey to Florida. From unpredictable weather and nonstop sunshine to some of the worst traffic imaginable this conversation is equal parts laughter reality and lifestyle reflection.

The episode opens with personal storytelling including reflections on Julie’s late father Chef Ennio Riga whose legacy inspired her book Stay On Course The Life and Legacy of an Oregon Chef of the Stars. His influence on food standards flavor and connection is a recurring theme especially when comparing New Jersey food to Florida restaurants.

Listeners are taken on a foodie tour through West Palm Beach with honest reviews of pizza bagels and gluten free options. From McCabes Bagels that feel like a bite of New Jersey to standout pizza spots like Italia and Mario the Baker the verdict might surprise lifelong Northerners. Florida food holds its own even if the water does not help the bagels.

The conversation also touches on modern social media realities including TikTok versus Instagram followings road rage culture Florida driving habits and the mysterious disappearance of blinkers statewide. Add in frequent dining out confessions marriage humor and lifestyle observations and this episode feels like sitting at the table with friends who tell the truth and order dessert anyway.

The episode wraps with gratitude laughter and a promise to continue exploring Florida living one restaurant one story and one traffic jam at a time.

Topics and Keywords Covered

Florida living

New Jersey vs Florida lifestyle

West Palm Beach food scene

Best bagels in Florida

McCabes Bagels West Palm Beach

Florida pizza spots

Gluten free pizza Florida

Italia pizza

Mario the Baker

New Jersey food comparison

Florida traffic and road rage

Relocating to Florida

Food culture comparison

Chef Ennio Riga

Stay On Course book

Life and legacy storytelling

Florida lifestyle podcast

Dining out in Florida

Family legacy and food

WAYS TO WORK WITH US

All opportunities are custom designed around your goals and marketing budget. We collaborate with you to create the right mix of storytelling, visibility, and content that fits your brand.

• Brand sponsorships and content placement

• Featured guest podcast interviews

• Scenes From the Table live recordings

• Food and lifestyle brand features

• Virtual and on location options available

📞 Call or Text: 973.281.6896

📧 julie@julieriga.com

Episode Show Notes: Palm Beach Food Spots Reality TV Vibes and Living the Florida Lifestyle

In this episode of Florida Living Life we dive into what it is really like living in Florida through the lens of Palm Beach food culture Florida lifestyle experiences and a little reality TV curiosity. From Italian food standards shaped by a chef father to Meatball Monday specials hidden gems on Dixie Highway and Clematis Street favorites we explore Florida living one bite at a time. We talk Palm Beach lifestyle social scenes Florida restaurants local favorites foodie opinions Florida mindset and why watching life in Florida on TV hits different when you actually live here. If you are thinking about moving to Florida relocating to Florida or just curious about life in Florida this episode gives you a real unscripted look at Florida lifestyle food Florida community and everyday experiences in West Palm Beach Palm Beach Boca Raton and Delray Beach.

🍽️ Restaurants and Locations Mentioned

Italian and Pizza

• Lenore’s on Clematis Street West Palm Beach
• Grotto Pizza West Palm Beach
• Cafe Med West Palm Beach Dixie Highway

Foodie Favorites and Local Staples

• The Hive West Palm Beach Dixie Highway
• Rocco’s Tacos Clematis Street West Palm Beach
• Rocco’s Tacos Boca Raton
• Batch Gastropub Clematis Street West Palm Beach
• Batch Gastropub Delray Beach

Other Spots and Experiences

• Tea House in Palm Beach
• Clematis Street West Palm Beach
• Dixie Highway West Palm Beach
• Pickleball venue in Palm Beach
• Local bar and DJ party location in Palm Beach

Yes The Hive still has the best burger in Palm Beach and yes we said it again because consistency matters.

🌴 Topics Covered

• Florida lifestyle podcast conversations
• Living in Florida full time
• What it is like living in Palm Beach
• Florida food scene and restaurant culture
• Italian food standards and chef family influence
• Reality TV filmed in Palm Beach Florida
• Florida mindset and lifestyle differences
• Building a life in Florida
• Florida community and social scenes
• Clematis Street vs Dixie Highway food debate
• Florida hidden gems and local favorites

WAYS TO WORK WITH US

All opportunities are custom designed around your goals and marketing budget. We collaborate with you to create the right mix of storytelling, visibility, and content that fits your brand.

• Brand sponsorships and content placement

• Featured guest podcast interviews

• Scenes From the Table live recordings

• Food and lifestyle brand features

• Virtual and on location options available

📞 Call or Text: 862 812 0711

📧 julie@julieriga.com

In this first episode hosts Julie Riga and Jamie Waugh introduce the heart of the show with a live unscripted conversation about Florida living food relationships business and community. This episode explores what it is like living in Florida full time including the Florida mindset food culture marriage communication and building a life in Florida.

If you are thinking about moving to Florida relocating to Florida or starting over in Florida this Florida lifestyle podcast gives a real look at Florida life including Florida cost of living Florida community and everyday experiences.

Julie shares her story and the legacy of her late father celebrity chef Ennio Riga while Jamie brings bold no filter energy rooted in Florida food culture and Florida restaurants. Together they talk Florida living Florida business Florida entrepreneurs and work life balance in Florida.

This Episode Covers

Living in Florida and life in Florida

Florida lifestyle and Florida mindset

Food culture and Florida restaurants

Marriage communication and real conversations

Florida community and building a life in Florida

Florida business and Florida small business

Florida Living Life is a podcast about Florida living Florida lifestyle and real conversations for anyone curious about Florida relocation best places to live in Florida and living in Florida full time.

Produced by Stay On Course Studios

For all podcast needs visit stayoncourse.studio

WAYS TO WORK WITH US

All opportunities are custom designed around your goals and marketing budget. We collaborate with you to create the right mix of storytelling, visibility, and content that fits your brand.

• Brand sponsorships and content placement

• Featured guest podcast interviews

• Scenes From the Table live recordings

• Food and lifestyle brand features

• Virtual and on location options available

📞 Call or Text: 973.281.6896

📧 julie@julieriga.com

Florida Living Life is a Florida podcast and Florida lifestyle podcast that delivers an honest look at Florida living and life in Florida through real conversations about food relationships business and community. It is for anyone curious about moving to Florida, relocating to Florida, or navigating Florida relocation, Florida cost of living, and the pros and cons of living in Florida. Each episode explores what it is like living in Florida, sharing Florida lifestyle tips, Florida life experiences, and insights on building a life in Florida or starting over in Florida. The show blends fun and exploration with things to do in Florida, Florida travel, Florida hidden gems, and everyday moments that define the Florida mindset. Florida Living Life also highlights Florida business, Florida small business, Florida entrepreneurs, Florida business owners, and real Florida success stories, making it ideal for those seeking work life balance in Florida and a true sense of Florida community.

Welcome to Florida Living Life, a Florida lifestyle podcast where nothing is off the table. Not the food. Not the stories. Not the marriage conversations that probably should stay private but never do.

In this very first episode of our Florida podcast, hosts Julie Riga and Jamie Waugh aka Mr Perfect introduce the heart of the show. This is a live unscripted conversation about living in Florida, life in Florida, food culture, relationships, and what it really looks like to build a life in the Sunshine State.

Julie shares her personal story including the legacy of her late father celebrity chef Ennio Riga, whose life story and love of food inspired her bestselling book and continues to influence how she approaches Florida living, leadership, and community. Jamie brings his bold no filter energy as a Florida foodie influencer known for pizza reviews and real talk across TikTok and YouTube.

Together they are married ten years, proudly mismatched, and fully committed to telling the truth about Florida lifestyle, marriage, food, and everyday life in Florida.

This episode covers

·      What Florida Living Life is really about

·      Why this Florida lifestyle podcast is about more than food

·      Pizza burgers desserts diners and Florida restaurants

·      Palm Beach Florida food spots including Boca Raton and West Palm Beach

·      Living in Florida full time and embracing the Florida mindset

·      Marriage communication and relationships from two very different perspectives

·      Florida community connections and getting recognized around town

·      Why nothing is off the table in 2026 and beyond

You will hear conversations about pizza debates gluten guilt dessert temptation menopause jokes and why menus might be more interesting than books. You will also hear real reflections on relationships communication and how couples navigate life together while building something new.

Florida Living Life is a podcast about

·      Florida living and life in Florida

·      What it is like living in Florida full time

·      Starting over in Florida

·      Building a life in Florida through food fun and connection

·      Florida life experiences and Florida community

·      Florida lifestyle tips and real conversations

This show is for anyone curious about

·      Moving to Florida

·      Relocating to Florida

·      Florida relocation and Florida cost of living

·      Best places to live in Florida and best cities in Florida

·      Florida neighborhoods and the Florida housing market

·      Retiring in Florida or creating a second chapter

·      Florida lifestyle for business owners and entrepreneurs

·      Work life balance in Florida and Florida success stories

Future episodes will explore restaurants diners and hidden gems while expanding conversations around Florida business, Florida small business, Florida entrepreneurs, Florida business owners, and Florida women in business.