Just past the eastern side of the Navarre Beach Bridge, Florida meets California in the form of cuisine. The Cactus Flower Café, which features California-style Mexican dishes, recently expanded from its Pensacola locations on N. 12th Avenue and Gulf Beach Highway to Ortega Park Drive in Navarre.

"I love it," said Anny Shepard, lead server, who has worked at the Cactus Flower Café on and off since it opened in Pensacola eight years ago. "The clientele has been very welcoming. I live in Pensacola, so I have to drive 40 minutes to work every day. But, I find it is worth it."

John and Shari Spofford moved from Austin, Texas, this fall to bring the restaurant to Navarre. Shari's sister, Joni DeRome, and her partner, Lee Kafeety, began the Cactus Flower Café eight years ago. Since then, Shari and Joni's brother, Bobby DeRome, has also opened a branch of the restaurant in Raleigh, NC.

After the Spoffords and their two sons, Michael and Christian, had spent many years visiting with family at the restaurants in Pensacola on vacation, they decided that if the opportunity became available, they, too, would like to be a part of the Cactus Flower Café business. This fall, they got their chance in Navarre.

"For two people who have never been in the restaurant business before, it's so fun watching people eat the food and enjoy it," said John, who previously worked in sales in Texas.

In a soothing California coastal ambiance, the Cactus Flower Café makes all of the food, salsas and sauces fresh twice a day. In consideration of vegetarians, no animal fat is added to the beans, and sautéed foods are made with extra virgin olive oil. As an appetizer, diners can order the queso bites, mini chimichangas stuffed with melted cheese and jalapenos and accompanied with a creamy, yet spicy, dipping sauce. The lime tortilla soup is another favorite among customers with its refreshing blend of lime and soft tortilla pieces. Main dish items include Mahi tacos, Mexican salad, pork tenderloin grilled wrap and a burrito so overstuffed with rice, beans or a choice of meat that it might as well come with a take-home container. For dessert, The Cactus Flower Café offers in-house specialties such as flan and Mexican wedding cake, as well as Cottage Café's chocolate gooey buttercake and banana gooey buttercake. Even the margaritas have a "homemade" twist with its blend of California Pinot Grigio and fresh limejuice.

The restaurant accepts take-out orders and catering requests.

"We're here for Navarre," continued John. "We moved to Navarre. For as long as people will keep coming to eat from us is how long we'll stay."