Club Crawl - Disney/Downtown : Kobe, Attic, Red Dragon

Friday 3/23/21012

10-11pm: Kobe - I had a beer, some sake and quail's egg sushi and grouper sashimi at this branch on Palm Parkway across from Amici. The place has its new design (bar upfront and dining rooms in back) which is tasteful and modern. I'm not sure why they serve grouper as an everyday item. It is tough and flavorless. It was sculpted into a beautiful rose design though. Great presentation. The service was prompt, accommodating and friendly. It was still full in the dining area. The bar was empty and doesn't seem like anything more than a holding area.

11pm-2am: Attic - I decided to park myself in one place for the night. It was dead until 12:30am. The place always reminds me of certain clubs in Jewish rich areas of the country/world. You see alot more Semitic looking people here than other areas of CF. Not that that is a bad thing in any way. It's just stranger to have that here instead of the aforementioned places. And if you are asking how I can tell, try and spot a 60 year old man dancing a hora at another club. He must be a relative of the owners. The base of this club is definitely their friends and family. The rest are probably locals and friends of friends of the core group. The best offshoot of such ownership is the staff. They always hire the hottest "shiksas" available. Political correctness hasn't affected their consciousness. Try and spot the unbelievable blond in black tights. Although her fake cans cheapen the effect, she is still worth the price of admission even it is free. The DJ was very good.

2am: Red Dragon Chinese Express - I stopped in at this place to take a piss, but felt I should compensate them for the inconvenience. I had Sezchuan (I know I have misspelled this) beef with white rice to go for $5. It was really good for express food. Spicy and flavorful. The beef was tender. This was my second meal here. I had a very good Chicken Curry when they first opened a month ago (it's next to Gringos on Washington in a space that used to be a Japanese place). They have tried to make the place hip. It's not great looking, but, the effort is noted. They still have an unfortunate warming area up front that cheapens the look. The owner said he was going to do away with it and cook to order. I guess that is still in committee. The place is always empty (late night) and I still question if Americans want Chinese to chase their alcohol buzz, but, I suggest you give it a whirl if that sounds appealing. The food is good and cheap. All meals are nick named for Asian characters (ie Sumo, Ninja, etc). The owner said he worked at some of the better hotel kitchens in the theme park district. I haven't had a meal there that would make me think he wasted his opportunity to perfect his cooking skills. It's open until 3am. It's also open during the day if that wasn't clear.

Amici, Disney

I had dinner at this Italian restaurant on Palm Parkway (two streets off I4) on Friday. I had the Pork Chops Marsala for $16. It was dry and burnt. The cook must have been cooking on high. You do realize the temperature is adjustable? The pork chops (2) themselves were of a good quality. Thick with little fat. The marsala sauce was a total departure from the thick one I just had at Marco Dino's. What hadn't evaporated was thin. The mushrooms in it were burnt. It might have been a proper sauce if it wasn't ruined. It came with a side of quartered red potatoes seasoned with something (I forget). They weren't burned quite as much. They also offered a loaf of crouton. I say crouton because it was hard and dry. I'm not sure how many times they reheated and reserved this bread. The problem with this place seems to be management. The staff was indolent and hard to summon. I saw one couple try to walk out. You have to blame the manager when the staff isn't doing their jobs or doing them poorly. It seems that purchasing/ownership is trying to bring in quality ingredients. I could see Gordon Ramsey going ape shit over this place. The place looks like it is used for events. It's a huge, (they say seats 500) boring, dank square with low ceilings and bad embellishments. The crowd (30) was all herded into the middle of the room (which is by far the ugliest). I don't see what purpose this served except limiting the area they would have to clean up after service. Everyone was dressed as if they had just come straight from the park. The person in front of me had on so much baby powder that I almost became nauseous. I know certain ethnicities have odor problems, but, it never ceases to amaze me that they think that smelling like an undiapered baby is an improvement. I would suggest that you avoid this place. Its only purpose is to serve bad food to unwitting tourists. This wouldn't be all bad if they didn't compound the problem by marketing themselves as an upscale restaurant. They may fool people who have a limited understanding about the finer things in life, but, I'll assume that doesn't include you. And if it doesn't, then I have given you the guidance you need.

Falcon's Fire, Disney

I played 18 on this golf course on 192 on Friday. It was my third time. It's fine. Not much water. It shows some wear and doesn't have any dramatic vistas. I'm not sure if it belongs in a guide like this, but, I guess people "do" golf so I should include it.

Cookes of Dublin, Disney

I bought a "Doh Bar" at this attached cousin of Raglan Road at Downtown Disney on Friday. It was $3.50. It is a Snickers bar covered in batter and deep fried. Surprisingly, I have never had the pleasure. It was great. The place serves an Irish menu. It seats about 20, but, is kind of geared towards takeout. Alot of the Queen's loyal subjects were ordering here. And they make fun of us for ordering hamburgers while on vacation. The menu tops out at $12. It has meat pies, fried seafood items, chips (fries), burgers, salads, etc. It was spotless. Very white. You can also eat on the outside tables at Raglan Road. Not bad for theme park chic. Amusing to me, I originally thought it read "Cookies of Dublin".

Earl of Sandwich, Disney

I had breakfast at the sandwich place in Downtown Disney on Friday. I had a ham and egg and cheese sandwich for $4. It was fine. A little better than a Dunkin Donuts representative. They serve sandwiches at around $6. They seemed ok. The place seats about 60. It's Disney so of course it is clean and new. I expected to be ripped off more because it is in Disney. The prices were pretty reasonable. I would recommend it for families in the area. It is decored like the library of some fictitious Earl of England. It's mostly kitchen behind a tray line. I always laugh when I see people enamored with British (any) royalty. If they only knew how most of these guys attained their titles.

Billy's Cafe, Winter Springs - Closed

I ordered two items to go at this cafe in the Villagio shopping complex on 434 in between Longwood and Winter Springs on Thursday. I had a turkey sandwich on white toast for $5.50 and Swedish pancakes for $5. The sandwich was fine. Like any other turkey sandwich you would get at a diner. It came with lettuce and tomato and maybe a touch too much mayonnaise. The Swedish pancakes (3) were fine. I little more like crepes than Swedish pancakes. They serve alot of breakfast items. It's just lunch and breakfast. And it is more like an IHOP than a cafe, but, I don't know how to describe that. It seats about 70. The service (1) was polite and fast. It's fine for what they do.

Senor Tequila, Winter Springs

I had lunch at this Mexican restaurant in between Longwood and Winter Springs on 434 on Thursday. I had the three item combo for $8 ($7.50 on the takeout menu) so I could sample the most items for you good people. I had a chicken tostada, a chicken burrito and a beef enchilada. It's pretty much those two options or cheese. The tostada was huge (toppings wise). The shredded chicken was good. A little salty. It also had cheese, lettuce and tomatoes on it. Fresh. The burrito was made from the same chicken (so same story). It was covered with melted cheese and looked (and was wrapped) like the enchilada. It had no other filling. The beef in the enchilada was ground beef. It was very salty. The worst of the three. It came with rice, steamed vegetables and pureed beans. The veggies may have been a component of the rice. It was all jammed together on the plate so it was hard to tell. All were satisfactory. They also served chips and salsa. Not bad. It was a huge platter. Too much for a normal person. I had to go "Man Versus Food" on it. They have a pretty large selection. They try to go beyond the basics. Prices top out at $18. Most things are around $10 at dinner. Lots of lunch items around $7. The place is huge. It must seat 100 in two sections. There is also a bar area. It was an upscale Chinese restaurant before. The decor is modern and understated. The most glaring weakness was the service. I had the distinct feeling that the mostly Hispanic staff had disdain for the customers. The waitress didn't even feel it was necessary to bring me back the change due on the bill. She just rounded it up to the nearest dollar. Of course that just made me take it out of her tip so I don't get the angle. The waitresses also disappeared from the dining area when not employed with a task. The food came out really fast, but, you will be at their mercy the rest of the meal. I can recommend it as a place to get a chain style (it may be one) Mexican food with a touch of authenticity. I'm not sure it's good enough to go too far out of your for. It did attract a fair number of people. Then again there isn't much choice in the area.

Pub Crawl - Lake Mary : Stonewood Grill, Tilted Kilt

Saint Patrick's Day

8-9pm: Stonewood Grill - I popped in to grab an app and some drinks. When I saw that the apps were as much or more than the burger ($12), I had to be sensible. The burger was thick. The toppings were fresh. The Parmesan wedges were good. The main flaw was that the burger was well done. I asked for medium. I've been here many times (but never reviewed it) and I don't want to expound on it in a pub crawl timeline. It's a "fine dining" spot for the middle class. They don't do anything out of the box so it appeals to the guy who thinks Tommy Bahama is couture. It's fine if all you know is chain food. I just find the whole concept of these places dull. It's not bad if the cook on duty is paying attention and not a retard. But, it's like hearing a cover band. There were no singles here except the staff. I really only went because they sent me a sweet discount that was about to expire and it was on the way to my ultimate destination.

9pm-11pm: Tilted Kilt - I went here with the hope that it would be better than the Promenade celebration. I seem to always forget to show up early on this night. If timing is the issue then showing up early at this place was not the solution. It was mainly old crows. It seemed like more people were here to have dinner than to Get Green. It never became better. Maybe it picked up by the time I left, but, I doubt it. The first to leave were the desirable. Maybe they went to the the Promenade? Serves me right for trying to avoid downtown and a DUI in the first place?

Magnolia Square Market, Sanford

I bought some food products and a sandwich to go (Liverwurst) from this offshoot from the people at Hollerbach's on Saturday. It's near the theater. It brought back the smile I lost at lunch. It is the best thing that has happened to Sanford - ever! It deals mostly in German items, but, they have things like a whole home brewing section too. It's like a good Whole Foods (like they have in SoHo) opened up in Sanford. If Whole Foods only sold German things. In addition to the supermarket like items, they have a whole deli. They were making corned beef to go for people on St Patrick's Day. They have a bunch of sandwich options. I went with the wurst because my mother used to eat it when I was a kid and I thought it was foul. But, that fat bastard Andrew Zimmern has me trying all kinds of disgusting things nowadays. It wasn't bad. I can say it's added to the rotation. It was under $5. They have wine and beer from Germany. Lots of cheeses. Music. Apparel. Just go try it. It's brand new and looks modern (except for the wall menu handwriting) and spotless. They seemed to have a loyal following. I believe it has been open for a year, so, I whiffed on bringing you a scoop.

Marco Dino's, Sanford - Closed

I had lunch at this latest adaptation of Stone's Throw Bistro (now Italian) on Saturday and I'm conflicted about what to tell you about it. On one hand, my experience is that the hullabaloo over this chef and his contributions are a little exaggerated. On the other hand, I'm not sure I've received his best punch. On one hand, I'm irritated that I had to go re-review this location for the third time. On the other hand, I can see why he had to abandon the old plan. On one hand, I'm happy that he has returned to his roots. On the other hand, I'm pissed because wild game was the only thing that made the last place interesting and the last thing I want is another over priced Italian comfort food place reliant on some untrained grandma's idea of gastronomy. It's like some underground local rock favorite (who you never thought much of, but, appreciated that they stood for something internal) started playing Pop (or in this case Sinatra). It's just displeasing. Onto the food.

I had Chicken Siciliana for $10. It was a pounded chicken patty (or two) breaded (pan fried) and covered with fried eggplant, prosciutto, mozzarella and a Marsala sauce. The chicken was well cooked (tender). The eggplant shed it's coating too easily (poorly coated or wet chicken or the pan wasn't hot enough) and somehow transmogrified into something tasting like cornmeal (though I was assured it could in no way be cornmeal). The prosciutto and mozzarella were lost in the dish. The Marsala sauce was too thick and too abundant. The meal came with a Tomato Basil soup that was spicy enough to be called Dry Italian Pepper soup. I didn't mind it, but, I wasn't expecting it and softer palettes may be overwhelmed by it. It also came with spaghetti with what supposed to be some extra special red sauce basted with meatballs, ribs and sausage. I didn't get any of that. It tasted like sour tomatoes. And yes I know the difference between fresh tasting sauce and sauce from a can. I'm not saying it was a bad sour just the sour you get when you don't do anything to it but warm it up. So, well cooked chicken is what you are left with when you rate this wunderkind of the kitchen. I can only tell you what he was serving up at that time of day on that particular day. Don't blame me. I really was hoping to like it/him. It's the one area you aren't expecting a mess up if you are going to see (re-see) a "headliner". The place itself looks much the same even though they are touting "significant" changes to local media. (*search for my review of Stone's Throw for more detail). It is still below par for a gourmet restaurant. The chairs are all notched and scarred. The windows are dirty. They have weird outlets exposed everywhere. There was a speaker by the hostess stand. They say there is a new bar, but, it didn't register. And trust me there were more pressing needs (unless you have changed direction in the clientele and reputation you are fishing for). Additionally, there are little flaws like the backs of the wall banquets being too high. The service (1) was fine. I was the only one there throughout the meal. They mentioned something about having to be there anyway to prep, so, they might as well serve lunch. They also didn't have anyone at the hostess desk and wouldn't display their lunch menu. I saw many customers look at the dinner prices and blanche. Maybe that is the problem. They don't really want you to be there at lunch. I would avoid it at that time. Then again I would avoid it at dinner because; the prices jump, it's another Italian offering that I don't want or need, I haven't seen a virtuoso performance from the chef in two tries and since I was the only one there and gave it a review like this I will definitely have my food spit in (if I wasn't recognized and that didn't happen already).

Grub Crawl - Longwood : Romansa (Closed), Papa Bees (Moved), Papa Tony's (Closed), Frank-O's

Romansa - It's across from Gateway To India on 434 close to 17-92. They refer to themselves as a restaurant, wine bar and cafe. I had lunch there on Tuesday. It's a place that serves alot of things you would see on American and Italian menus and a few Yugoslavian dishes. The owner's are Serb and Croatian. The restaurant means "Romance" in Serb (and for some reason a dialect of the Philippines) if you believe Google. I had two of the "regional" offerings. I had Cevapi for $7. It was a sandwich of five little link sausage looking pieces of what they call meat. I'm not sure if I can be more precise. I was going with beef until I looked at how they describe it on the menu. I had a taste there, but, had to wrap it up because the next dish filled me up. The Cevapi was predictably dull. There was nothing added. It came with a bland red pepper puree and some raw onions. We are talking the rudiments of gastronomy. The bread was a mix between focaccia and pita. It was good. The main course was a similar dish called Pljeskavica. It was one large log that they list as ground beef (tasted like the Cevapi) stuffed with bacon and cheese. It cost $12. It came with the same accoutrements and tasted about the same as the Cevapi. I couldn't really taste the bacon. Perhaps it was subsumed by the char on the log. Not to say it was overcooked. It was semi-moist inside. The cheese seemed like a form of string cheese and I believe I saw more on top than inside. It came with some well cooked shoe string french fries, a basic salad and garlic bread. They also have : weiner schnitzel, goulash, Raznjici (skewers), Punjena Paprika (stuffed peppers), Sarma (stuffed cabbage rolls) and Pork Medallions. I'm not saying that these are the tastiest dishes from the most renowned culinary region on the planet. I'm saying it's a change from the ordinary. The space is similarly, aesthetically, dull. A little gauche. It's a step down from Jersey Shore Italian. It's that horrible confluence of Arabic and Mediterranean tastes. Think of the people who brought you the velvet track suit and shaved head look and you'll get the picture of what you are in for. It's a rougher Goomba aesthetic. These guys haven't created something as bad as some of things I've seen out of the immigrants from former Soviet Republic, but, it is still a notch below tasteful. I'm not blaming Communism. These tastes have been passed on for generations. The sad thing is this will come as a big surprise to the owners and the patrons. I believe that they believe it is a triumph. Back to the room. It seats about 50. It has two booths in the window and the rest are fours. It takes up half of the space. The other side is a dance floor and bar. The bar looks ok. The dance floor is an eye sore and cheapens the presentation. They have a ghetto patio outside in the parking lot that seats about forty. They probably need it to seat the smokers. There were about a dozen people there. All seemed Slavic. The service (1) was polite. They could probably use a second set of hands. I recommend this place as place to pick up Eastern European women and food. If you have no interest in either then this is a "me too" restaurant in a remote location. You can probably don't need to venture this far for the usual food and women. They have been open for over a year.

*They moved to the old Fiesta location on 434 and 17-92. Now closed.

Papa Bees - This place is next to Romansa. They said they have been there for twenty years. It's a coffee shop that claims to have the best wings in town. Because I ate them the next day, I will not confirm or deny that. But, if I had to bet, I would bet against. Even when microwaved, they weren't crisp. I'm not sure if they steamed in the bag or lost crispness in the fridge. They weren't bad. Just ordinary. The place is lack luster. It has some sports inspired decorations and a claw machine. They had a sign that said they now serve beer and wine at $2. The wings cost $8 for 10. I'm sure it's fine for an everyday pick me up, but, it is not a destination.

*They moved to Ronald Reagan Blvd near Hourglass Brewery.

Papa Tony''s - This place moved to 17-92 from their place in a gas station on 434. I think it used to be a Bavarian place. I looked at my review of their last locale and I ripped them. Hopefully, the new location will mean better food. The pizza I had was good. It was under $2. It was thin with a non sweet tomato sauce. They didn't change much inside.

Frank-O's - I'd like to say more about this little deli on 17-92 near the old Range Rover dealership, but, the sandwich I had was average at best and the inside is very minimalist. I had a NY Slammer for $7. It was corned beef and pastrami on marbled rye. The quality of the meats were like the stuff you get in those pouches for 89 cents. I'd say it tasted like a latex glove, but, then you will say how do you know what a latex glove tastes like and then I will have to tell you something you don't want to know about your mother. I'm sure they will say it is Boarshead, but, Boarshead quality isn't what it used to be and isn't good enough for these two delicacy meats. That said, it was better than the corned beef I had at Firehouse on Monday, so maybe most yokels won't know the difference. Then again would anybody but a devotee order these meats. The people inside were nice. There is a Frank O. He is from Crook-Land. They serve breakfast, smoothies, soups, sandwiches, salads and even latin food on special order. The place seats about forty on sterile plastic benches like I think you see in the hospital. I haven't been to a hospital in a while (maybe after these reviews), but, that is all that comes to mind. I can't recall any decoration. I wouldn't make an effort to find it, but, if you are close it is an option. They have been open for nine months.

Lakeside Cafe, Lake Mary

I had lunch today at this cafe inside the AAA building. It is there to serve the people in the building, but, it is open to anyone. Parking is not a problem. The draw isn't food. I had a cheeseburger deluxe for $4 and a small salad bar salad for under $2. The burger was fine for $4. It tasted like meatloaf and was probably partially cooked in advance, but, it filled me up and the toppings were fresh. The salad bar was like any fast food or supermarket salad bar. The draw is the space (a large atrium on the golf course) and the prices. It's huge room with plenty of seating. The menu includes food stations that do the aforementioned plus sandwiches, desserts, drinks, etc. All the prices seem designed to give the office workers a reason to stay in and eat. The opposite of what most businesses do to a captive audience. The atmosphere was "flirty". I suggest you add this to your weekly rotation if you live around here. It's a better proposition and crowd than fast food. Plus you can pick up some theme park tickets and a travel guide while you are there.

Grub Crawl - Winter Park/Casselberry : Cafe de France, Gokudo Food Truck, Ravalia's (Closed)

Cafe de France - This is one of the first restaurants I ate at down here. But, it was pre-blog the last time I ate there so I wanted to make sure they were included in the annals with the virgins. I had lunch there on Wednesday. It is across from the 7-11 near Fairbanks on Park Ave. I had a Sandwich au Gigot d' Agneau (Leg of Lamb) with Pomme Frites (FF) for $9. It was a cute little thing. I wish I had time to watch it grow up. I think they realized this and tried to compensate with a half plate full of fries. The lamb was a little overdone and as is the case with lamb -certain pieces are tougher and more rancid than others. This was a fifty/fifty split. You pulled out whole pieces of carcass with every bite. It came on slices of a baguette that were soaked in oil (I don't want to presume butter). The sauteed onions were similarly molested. The mound of potato stick thin fries made it a three way of grease. The healthiest component may have been the Brie cheese. It came with a side of lamb jus that gave the item some complexity. You can eat it crunchy (as is) or dip it into jus to soften the bread and ratchet up the savory component. Two different textures in one selection. Nice. The place seats about ten outside and forty inside. Most tables or two's that can be put together for larger parties. The outside was full. There were six others inside. The place isn't fussy. It has a pretty forgettable profile. There is not much that tells you it is a French restaurant. The lunch menu has eleven appetizers from $6 to $10 and eight entrees from $9 to $16. The dinner menu has the same apps and nine entrees running from $22 to $32. It's a fine choice. It's more romantic/casual than "event" dining. Don't be discouraged by what seems like a negative review. It was tasty. Just very fattening and a little penurious. Don't take my word for it. They have been in business since 1982. I believe that the current owners aren't the original owners, but, I don't know when the change occured if at all. The current owner's are surnamed Gutierrez and the chef''s is Russell. That doesn't connote authenticity, but, at least the wife and the chef are faking a French first name (maybe not faking). So, that may sooth the bigoted Francophiles out there.

Gokudo Food Truck - This is a new food truck in the parking lot near Tom and Jerry's on 17-92 near Lee Rd. They serve Asian food (five appetizers and four entrees). I had two apps. I had the Taiwanese Glazed Sausage for $3. It's a garlicky, pork sausage cut in slices and covered with a sweet, ginger, lemon grass glaze. It was fine. I'm not that hot on sweet and savory. The second app was a Malaysian Roti for $3. It is a buttery, croissant/pie crust dough that is made into a circle and cooked on the grill. It is covered with a mellow curry sauce. It's very greasy and probably very fattening. The curry was a little to liberally applied. If you give it just a thin schmear it (the taste of the curry) won't become so overpowering. This was probably a case where trying to be to generous/accommodating resulted in a lesser outcome. A topping might help balance the ratio too. They sell one with chicken or pork or tofu or steak as an entree (OG) for $9. Most entrees are $7 and up. The guys who run the truck are friendly and generous (they gave me a free ice tea - $2 value). They just moved their truck here for Kissimmee so let's show them some love. One of the partners is at least part Malayasian (not sure about the other's ethnicity). Where else are you going to find some one around here who can make any claim to having any legitimacy/ability in this type of cuisine? The rest of the menu has a Japanese vibe (so maybe the partner is Japanese). Plus the options are dwindling at this food truck outpost so you may not have a choice.

Ravalia's Pasta Bar and Rotisserie - I bought a Rotisserie Cooked Pork Grinder at this place across from the old strip club (Diamond's?) on 17-92 near 436 in Casselberry/Fern Creek. I had it to go. When I returned home, I tried a bite and continued to eat the whole thing right there and then. The pork is delicious cooked this way. It had hints of fennel seed that made it taste like sausage. And this way you aren't eating lips and dicks! Most of the pieces were fat free. They said they use pork butt which is actually shoulder. They also cook chicken and sausage (I think together) in the rotisserie. The owner's husband is Italian and they are trying to emulate the Italian way. The grinder was a little short at about eight inches. It was loaded pretty well. The bread was fine. Not the greatest roll and not the worst. They had a misprint on the menu so I'm not sure if it was supposed to come with tomato sauce and provolone. There was a hint of provolone but no sauce. I didn't care I just wanted the taste of the pork in all it's porcine glory. It did come with a jus. It was fine with it or with out it. I think what they have done is create something that brings the sausage hero guys from NY together with the shaved meat guys from Chicago and the BBQ/Grill guys from the South and the roast pork guys out West (depending on how you dress it). It came with fresh made and cut pasta that I haven't tried yet. I know I ruined it by waiting, but, I was too full. Have you been reading this article? It cost $9. So that's me. Back to them. The have six types of homemade pasta for $5. They have six kinds of sauce. They have five grinders and three deli sandwiches. They have soups, salads, desserts, meals to go, and the aforementioned rotisserie items. The place seats about fifty. It is pretty basic. The people were friendly. From the Syracuse area. I recommend you find it for this one of a kind rotisserie opportunity. Then go shoot some guns at Shoot Straight or see a dog race. *This branch closed, but, they are still open in Lake Mary.

* 11/9/14 - The last two times I went to the Lake Mary location I had bad spaghetti (way overcooked) and chicken on greens. The cooking area is a sty. They make fresh pasta and I witnessed portions of it soaking in warm water for at least a whole serving. The cook was slopping things together. He would our three quarters of a pan of sauce on one plate and a quarter on the next. No consistency or pride/concern. My salad was wilted and the chicken was obviously cooked long before hand. It's packed, but, it isn't because the food is superior anymore.

Grub Crawl - Sand Lake Rd : Cariera's (Closed), Flame Kebab, Dragon China

I sampled three restaurants for lunch around Sand Lake on Friday. I also tried to find a food truck on I Drive. I never found it. I believe it was supposed to be around Fun Spot. It wasn't. They did have a sign that said they were hosting a food truck event after 5pm (FYI).

Cariera's Cucina Italiana - I'm not sure how I let this one fall under the radar for so long. They say they have been operating in the complex that WOB, Mortons, etc for 16 years. I ate there (in another life) when it was Enzo's. The inside was largely the same. They said the take out area was new. It is obviously a little more "seasoned" than the last time I ate there. They have also decorated the walls with hundreds of framed photos of customers. Cheesey or endearing according to your outlook. I had the 10" pizza for $7 not because it was the cheapest thing on the lunch menu, but, because the menu said it was award winning. It was good and more than enough for one. However, I wouldn't give it an award. Many places (Armando's, Enzo's, etc) serve a better pie. This had too much crust and not enough char. It could have used a little more time in the oven. The cheese was also pedestrian. It solidified quickly (fresh cheese has more water content and doesn't congeal in minutes). The service was pleasant and mostly efficient. They dropped the ball at a crucial stage - food delivery. I saw it sit on the counter for over seven minutes before another server noticed and came to the rescue. The place is big. It must seat 100+. It was pretty full. Most of the patrons seemed like volume shoppers. The dress was very informal. This is a working mans place. They have all your usual, over-priced Italian favorites. The meatball sub looked good. Dinner pastas start at $16 and go to $21. Dinner entrees start at $18 and go to $28. Appetizers hover around $9. I still say it is too much for this level of complexity, but, I'm obviously the only one who does. There doesn't seem to be a more popular dining proposition in the CF area for most of you (if we are to judge by the amount of these places doing business). I don't think Italians eat this much Italian food. I wish you were being charged a little less for this level of quality or expertise. But, it's your money you are throwing away and then complaining that taxes are too high. At least this place isn't a chain.

Flame Kebab - I visited this spot (same complex as Cariera's) when it was Indian. Now it's Middle Eastern. I believe the owner's are Lebanese. I had a Shish Tawook (wrap of marinated chicken cubes, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, peppers and garlic sauce) for $6. It was good. It had some good Middle Eastern spices in it. It came with fries and a soda. The fries were horribly undercooked. The place seats about 50 in tables of four. It was empty. They added a wall facade that creates some Middle Eastern mystique. The wall art consists of French provincial landscapes (from the place that provide motels with art) that the artist has labeled with Italian names. I would guess he has never been to either place. I'm not sure how they help the Middle Eastern theme. The place seems acceptable. I'm not sure why it was empty. The people were nice. Most entrees are $15-$22. They have a pretty traditional menu.

Dragon China - This place is another I have obviously walked right past for years. It's in the complex that has Season's 52, Timpano). They said they have been there for ten years. I just recognized it when I went to that Crawfish place a few weeks ago. It's "slightly above average" for take out and "average" for sit in. They also serve sushi. I had the Moo Goo Gai Pan lunch special for $5. It was fine. It came with fried rice. I have to say that I think it is time for us all to say no to fried rice. Not because it is bad for us, but, because it seems it has become common practice to prepare mountains of this stuff in advance and let it sit until it is done. This can't be healthy. I seem to get "after effects" every time I eat Chinese takeout and I think I can pinpoint this as the culprit. I know it's risky to try and decide what in Chinese takeout is potentially poisonous, but, I am zeroing in on that mountain of pre-prepared fat. It can't be poor storage, spoiled meat and dirty hands in all these places. The place seats about 60 in a wood paneled room. It could be a little cleaner/unencumbered.