Shortly after Jacob Inde, Warren Oakes and Geoff Humphreys opened Boca Fiesta in 2009, the Mexican restaurant became a staple of downtown Gainesville.

Since then, they have helped run Palamino Pool Hall, Boca Fiesta’s backyard neighbor, but is the recent debut of their new diner-style restaurant that proves the trio and their crew are on the way to becoming Gainesville’s grub icons. By Jennifer Coleman photo: Olga Brahollari

What’s in a Name? Since B.F.D. opened in the Sun Center on June 1 (exactly two years after Boca Fiesta), the most frequently asked question is the meaning of the name. Warren says the acronym is open to interpretation and, therefore, he won’t reveal any of his favorite guesses. It is this experimental spirit that epitomizes the philosophy of this Boca Fiesta diner. There are no rules in this big freakin’ deal of a hideaway. “What we imagine we want to make, we make,” Jacob says.

Before pioneering delicious recipes for B.F.D. and overseeing the Boca Fiesta menu, head chef Sharif Ball spent nine months working on at a Oregon cheese farm where he learned to make 16 different cheeses. Sharif changed his perspective on restaurant food after working at five-star restaurants that prioritize local ingredients and homemade recipes on the West Coast. The experience made him obsessed with the idea of making meals 100 percent from scratch. “If we can make it, we make it,” Sharif says. He guesses that about 95 percent of the B.F.D. menu is made in-house from scratch, including the condiments and beverages.

The Meat of Matter: B.F.D. offers the moutherwatering tastes of traditional, Southern diners. Jacob says their version of one of the most famous diner foods, chicken and waffles with gravy ($5), is “the awesomist thing ever,” and their most popular special. However, you know you are not in a typical Southern eatery when you munch on a combination of Blue Moon Beer bread (aka Drunken Cap’ n Crunch Bread) and crispy latkes ($2), a wonderful mix of regular and sweet potatoes.

The breakfast pizza, crafted with homemade dough, two fried eggs, hollandaise sauce, mushrooms and herbs ($6) accompanied with fresh-squeezed orange juice ($3) is much tastier than any leftover cold pizza we have had for breakfast. And it goes without saying that their daily batch of homemade Pop Tarts, like the dulce de leche and chocolate frosting Pop Tart ($3.50), beats any processed pastry. Even more, the egg, cheese and grilled veggie English muffin sandwich ($5) is a delectable twist to the traditional breakfast favorite.

For those the more conventional B.F.D. offers meaty chicken nuggets (10 for $5), which includes fresh pickled onion and either ponzu, orange mustard or ranch sauce Meat and veggie sandwiches are also available, including a delicious veggie stack sandwich with grilled portabella mushrooms, grilled eggplant and a fried green tomato. With a large array of toppings, each sandwich can be catered to your tastes (the mac-n-cheese hot dog, for example).

Sunday Funday: In July, the B.F.D. crew began hosting Sunday night themed dinners, including a Cambodian dinner and a five-course southern Italian feast ($20). The group plans to host more themed nights, including a murder mystery soiree and a McDonald’s night, where they will cook “what McDonald’s meals are supposed to look like.” Whether you visit for a hearty breakfast or lunch, or a fun, themed dinner, come join in the excitement of B.F.D. For a satisfied belly and an innovative experience.

Fast Facts

Phone: 352-378-2777

Address: 101 SE 2nd PL, suite 114/115 (inside the Sun Center East Mall)

Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Parking: Available in the Sun Center parking lot. Free downtown parking available on the evenings and weekends.

Hours: 8-3pm, Mon-Fri., additional special dinners Sunday 6-9pm

Signature dish: Chicken and waffles ($5) Price range: $-$$ (out of $$$$)

Dress code: Casual. Weekly specials: Mon-International; Tues-Chicken and waffles; Wed-Pizza (Breakfast/lunch); Thurs-Farm Fresh; Fri-Pancakes; themed dinner Sun 6-9pm.