The city of Tallahassee has seen a massive revitalization effort, in the last few years in particular, to transcend into more than just the glorious college town status it has already achieved. In order to maximize the city’s potential, and bolster its claim as the rightful home to the state’s capital in the process, a number of businessmen, investors, policy makers, movers and shakers have heeded the call. And the call is simply thus -- create. Individuals within the community have worked vigorously to create new and exciting additions to make Tallahassee a desired destination for travelers from around the world. Perhaps the paradigm for this revival initiative is the newly opened restaurant located in the heart of Cascades Park, The Edison.

Before even getting into the food, strictly from a location standpoint, the place just can’t be touched. Close your eyes, imagine a place where can you sit outside on a cool autumn eve and see a waterfall, a fountain show (designed by the same crew that did the Bellagio fountains in Las Vegas -- pretty sweet), a view of the capital building, and the sunset all in the same horizon. That place is the outside terrace of The Edison. It’s also in prime positioning to soak in the jams flowing from the amphitheatre directly in front of you. Seriously, it’s so close. Acts like The Avett Brothers, Sublime, and Charlie Wilson have already made their way to the stage recently.

Now, onto the part you probably care about the most -- the food.The menu boasts an array of internationally inspired cuisine developed with an unwavering attention to detail and genuine care. Executive Chef John Mikhail Minas (former personal chef of Florida's own Governor Rick Scott) and his staff have infused a wealth of culinary knowledge with a number of personal family recipes to create a menu that is innovative, without sacrificing that sense of love and personality that permeates throughout each dish. I'd describe the menu in all its glory, but I don't want to steal the thunder from that first moment you walk in and gaze upon it for yourself (but the hangar steak frites, though -- just do it).

The cocktails are concocted in similar fashion, with an acute sense of elegance and creativity. From charring applewood chips on a plank so that the smoke can envelope the glass, transforming a typical Old Fashioned into the Smoke Signal, to the handmade = mixture of Rosewater Pink Lemonade, you can taste the difference. Maybe you'd fancy yourself a Pepper Blossom (titos, St. Germain Elderflower, lemon, grapefruit and basil). Whether you're a fan of local craft beers, hand-crafted cocktails, or enough wine to fill up an entire cellar in the basement, The Edison can provide you with liquid courage of whatever sort you prefer.

So, let's raise a glass to the creators, to the innovators, and to all those that help in elevating this city to a higher echelon. And on that note, cheers!