About Citrus Notes Co.
Rooted in Florida. Inspired by Heritage.
Welcome to Citrus Notes Co., a collection of recipes, stories, and seasonal inspiration rooted in the rich cultural history and coastal traditions of old Florida. As a sixth-generation Floridian with four generations of family who worked in the cigar factories of Ybor City, this space is deeply inspired by the stories, flavors, and communities that shaped life along Florida’s Gulf Coast during the height of Tampa’s cigar industry.
Here, you’ll find coastal comfort cuisine inspired by Old Florida, the Gulf Coast, neighborhood bakeries, and the immigrant communities that helped shape Florida’s rich culinary history. Many recipes are inspired by the traditions of Cuban, Spanish, Italian, Greek, Southern, and Caribbean cooking that blended together over generations to create something uniquely Floridian and a food culture unlike anywhere else in the country.
This space is a celebration of the meals and moments that bring people together around the table. From fresh seafood dinners and cast-iron favorites to citrus desserts, café drinks, and nostalgic family recipes, each dish is created to feel approachable, comforting, and full of flavor.
At Citrus Notes Co., food is more than just a quick recipe to get something on the table; it’s memories, heritage, storytelling, and the simple joy of slowing down and cooking something special. If you love seasonal flavors, southern comforts, and the timeless charm of Old Florida living, you’re in just the right place. Welcome to Citrus Notes Co., where every meal is a moment to savor.
Florida's Southern Coastal Comfort Cuisine
If you're not familiar with Florida's Southern Coastal Comfort Cuisine, let me introduce you! This is a style of cooking shaped by the coastal South and the immigrant communities that helped define Florida's culinary identity. Along Florida’s Gulf Coast, especially in places like Tampa, St. Augustine, Key West, and Tarpon Springs, Cuban, Spanish, Italian, Greek, Caribbean, and Southern influences blended together over generations to create a style of cooking that feels both deeply comforting and uniquely Floridian.
It highlights high-quality proteins and seafood, seasonal produce, rustic baked goods, cast-iron cooking, and recipes meant to be shared around the table. The flavors are fresh and vibrant yet comforting. Think slow-roasted meats, fresh herbs, olive oil, café favorites, warm breads, seafood suppers, and simple dishes made with care and hospitality.
Florida's Southern Coastal Comfort Cuisine isn't just about the food— it’s about a way of living. It reflects the relaxed rhythm of coastal life, Southern hospitality, immigrant traditions, and the beauty of gathering family and friends together over a good meal. It’s comforting without feeling heavy, nostalgic while still fresh, and rooted in recipes that tell stories of Florida’s past and present.
Florida's Southern Coastal Comfort Cuisine Characteristics:
- Comfort-first cooking: Cozy, satisfying recipes inspired by both Southern kitchens and immigrant family traditions.
- Fresh, seasonal influence: Seafood, fresh proteins, citrus, herbs, garden vegetables, olive oil, and locally inspired ingredients that reflect Florida’s coastal climate.
- Cultural blend of flavors: Cuban, Spanish, Italian, Greek, Caribbean, and Southern influences woven together into recipes unique to Florida’s Gulf Coast.
- Approachable techniques: Cast-iron cooking, oven-baked meals, stovetop classics, bakery-inspired recipes, and slow-cooked dishes that are practical, timeless, and beginner-friendly.
- Relaxed, welcoming atmosphere: Food that feels warm, nostalgic, and inviting, that's perfect for slow mornings, shared tables, and comforting moments at home.
About Tiffany
Hi, I’m Tiffany — the recipe developer, photographer, and storyteller behind Citrus Notes Co. I’m a sixth-generation Floridian with deep family roots connected to Tampa and Ybor City. For generations, members of my family worked in Ybor’s cigar factories during the height of Tampa’s cigar industry, and many of the stories, recipes, and traditions shared throughout my childhood continue to inspire the work I create today.
Looking back, it was a joy to grow up in Florida. The hot weather and bugs didn't seem to bother us much. Instead, I have many wonderful memories visiting various Florida springs and boating down the Hillsborough River. At some point in the day, we would always stop at an old riverside restaurant or food shack to enjoy steamed oysters, deviled crabs, or a fried grouper sandwich. Perhaps this is where my love of coastal comfort cuisine started.
Later on, while attending college at USF, I lived with my grandparents for a few years, where I listened to countless stories about old Tampa and Ybor City while dining at many of their favorite longtime restaurants and bakeries throughout West Tampa. Over time, those experiences grew into a passion for preserving and celebrating Florida’s culinary charm through food, photography, and storytelling.
Today, I spend my time recreating nostalgic recipes, researching Florida food history, photographing seasonal dishes, and sharing recipes inspired by the coastal comfort and simple beauty of everyday Florida life.
The Florida landscape is quickly changing as development expands and the agriculture industry declines throughout the state. My hope here is to preserve and share Florida's history, old charm, and the stories that make this state special. My goal is to make Citrus Notes Co. feel like pulling up a chair at the table — a place filled with warm food, good stories, cast-iron skillets, and the kind of recipes that become part of family traditions for years to come.
MY COOKING PHILOSOPHY
I’ve always believed that food doesn’t have to be complicated to be wonderful. My kitchen philosophy is simple: use what’s in season, don’t overthink it, and cook from the heart.
Let's Connect
Thank you so much for being here. It truly means so much to me! Take a look around, explore the recipes, connect on instagram and join my email list for weekly inspiration straight from my kitchen to yours. Let’s bring a little more charm, sunshine, and homemade goodness into your everyday life.