Dickens Coffee & Tea Room, Lake Mary - Closed

I had lunch at this Tea Room in the corner of the strip mall on Lake Mary Blvd and Rinehart Rd today. I had a Chicken Pesto sandwich and a pot of Dickens Black tea. It cost $7 ($3 for the tea). It was fine. Some cold chicken on bread. Not exactly a demanding request. The place looks like a working class tea room. There are dainty affectations (commemorative plates, china, British food containers, tea caddies). The furniture seemed more Danish country than English. I think they wouldn't have a problem with it being described as working class. Dickens (champion of the working class) is the namesake. Americans might not even recognize the distinction. I think the owner is Black Irish (maybe Welsh). The place seats about thirty. I was the only male. It was half full! With only two hands on deck, I would expect to spend a little more time here than you anticipate. They served me fast because I think they thought I stumbled into the wrong place and wasn't into the fantasy. They were probably right. Or maybe I was ruining the fantasy. The table next to me was given a pot of tea and then abandoned until I was about to leave. Same with two tables that came right after me. It's never a good sign when they tell you straight away that this is a slow paced place so you should adjust your internal clock. The waitress wouldn't (actually said couldn't - though that is not factually accurate) take my meal order with my tea order. Oddly, she came back a minute later and then could. I think the two women do it all - hence the leisurely pace (marketed as purposeful). Like vegan food, this is (and I wasn't expecting it to be) isn't my bailiwick (I'm sure they feel similarly). It's more for book club women dreaming of meeting Mr. Darcy or Rochester. Or maybe a little girl's birthday party (that was going on today). They serve sandwiches, desserts, soups, salads and platters of finger sandwiches and petit-fours. My sandwich was at the low range. It was listed at $10, but, that was with a side salad. There was some confusion in ordering and it was presumed that I didn't want one. I didn't care either way. I just note it because maybe $10 isn't the low mark. Maybe it is the $7 they charged me. The full tea service (probably for 2-4) was around $20. I say check it out if you are in the mood for a change of scenery. I went to another tea place on 434 a few years ago (not sure if it still exists) and I think there may be another near Oviedo, but, this is the only one I've seen in this area.

Darmani's, Sanford - Previously Salt n' Sugar Pizza - Closed

I had a pizza to go at this pizza/crepe/wing place on 46 on Saturday. It was a small (8 inch), cheese for $6. It was fine. A little undercooked and they use too much oregano. I went by on Wednesday, but, they weren't open yet. They were, however, in the place and offered me a slice of a "fancier" pie (with cream in it). That slice was unsurprisingly better. Although, the crust was a little tough (maybe kneaded for too long). It's a small place. It might seat 25. The decorations are minimal. They are going for a hip vibe. They have two guys from Nice to make the pies and crepes. Not sure if that makes them any more capable, but, it a point of differentiation. They are in the strip mall that houses Beard Papa's. There was already Gio's in the neighborhood, but, maybe there is room for two. It's a tough price point. Terra Mia has a really good (the pizza and the price) pizza special (drink and salad) for under $10. I'll go back because the people seemed nice and variety is the spice of life.

Ichiban, Lake Mary - Closed

I had lunch at this Hibachi Buffet on 46a on Friday. It was $8.50. I mostly had sushi. Chinese food is greasy and salt ridden. And that's the good stuff. The sushi was passable. It was mostly rolls, but, they had the tuna, salmon and a white fish trio. The white fish used to be snapper, but, now I think talapia is often substituted. Alas, I remember when tuna was actually tuna (blue fin) and not a large mackerel (yellow fin). The pieces were small. That's fine with me. I hate it when they try and load you up on rice. They did a fairly good job at restocking the supply. They definitely don't waste any part of the fish (or they suck at trimming fish). You get all sorts of crunchy bits mixed in with the flesh. I did try the salt baked crab. It was overcooked. Think warm paste. I never understood why the Chinese flavor shells. How about we take the crab out of the shell and then season? Or use soft shell crabs. I also tried the Har Kow (Shrimp dumplings). They were also overcooked. Pasty and the shrimp were tarred and feathered with some sort of sarimi slurry. Gross. And finally, I had a clam dish. Not bad. The place is big. They took two office spaces to the right of the coffee place and added it to the restaurant space (some Asian fusion place most recently). The buffet is in the office space area. There are about one hundred seats in front and to the left of the entrance. The sushi counter is on the right in the back. They left the restaurant room as it was. The place is decorated basic plus. It's pretty bare except for some modern Japanese decorations. It's not meticulously appointed, but, it's not a dump. It's like a cut rate Koy Won. And that's where I put it. Slightly below Koy Wan and maybe on par with East-West Buffet. It is a little more expensive than EW. I'm going to go often, but, I love "almost free" sushi. I think that has to be your attitude too if you come. Quantity. Not quality. They took Amex and they are giving a 10% discount. They just opened two weeks ago. A soda was $1.75.

Ethos Vegan Kitchen, Winter Park

I had a Hippie Wrap (hummus, sprouts, cucumbers, tomatoes, banana peppers, and lettuce in a spinach tortilla to go at this vegan kitchen on Fairbanks on Thursday. It cost $7. It was fine, but, possibly the only thing on the menu that is palatable (did you know the palette is the roof of your mouth) to me. It is all that fake meat and vegetable nonsense. I think I've discovered why this (really) appeals to a certain segment of society. The people that eat this way are sickly. They obsess about their health because it has always been suspect. As such, the answer to the "what do all the "emo's" and neurotics do when they grow older" question is - they work at Ethos. The place is nice. A step up from their old location on N. Orange Ave (now closed). I think I went their pre-blog. I mean I know I went there, but, it was pre-blog. It must seat 100+. It has that unfinished, industrial look (exposed everything) with farmy knick knacks. They have a long bar on the back wall. I saw a turn table, so, I guess they do douchey "events" at night. The crowd was surprisingly mixed. There were some suits in there with the co-eds and pierced chubby guys in camo shorts and black t-shirts with a wool berets. Look, it's not my kind of place, but, it seems to be run well. I've had my share of girlfriends who tried to stay skinny...err...I mean "healthy" going to places like this so I am familiar with the lifestyle. I guess I should be grateful they serve pizza. I've been left with fewer options. Try it or don't try it. I'm too weak from lack of meat to care. 

La Chiva, Winter Park - Closed

I had lunch at this self-described Latin (mostly Colombian) restaurant on Thursday. I had the special of the day for what came out to be $10 with a can of soda. I think it was called Chicken Ajiacco. It was a stew. It had a thigh and few pieces of the outside part of the breast plus potatoes and onion and a quarter ear of corn. It was served with white rice and a third of an avocado. It was fine. Very rustic. Maybe not the most balanced dish (two starches and a raw vegetable thrown in). The menu has arepas, sandwiches, Colombian dogs and burgers, meat dishes and daily specials. Prices can reach $20. It's on 436 in a strip mall between the road that goes to Maitland and the one that goes to Winter Park. It was a Puerto Rican (Sazon) and an Ecuadorian place before. It's has been open under these owners for eight months. The place is cute. They have all the proper decorations. It looks like a souvenir shop. They use cut up coffee bags to carpet the ceiling. There are two rooms. The front room houses the kitchen and looks like a takeout/bar area. They have a side room ( with wooden tables) that is the main dining area. It seats about 25. It also has a bar counter. There were two others there when I visited (Colombians). The service was good. The food came out promptly. Communication was a slight problem. The place has a casual vibe. You can tell from their cartoon logo that they don't take themselves too seriously. If I have it right, a "Chiva" is a loud food truck that people assemble around to eat and drink and dance. It's not gourmet. And it's not seedy. It's a nice family restaurant (you can tell by the highchairs) that happens to serve food you probably don't think much about. If you are curious, I suggest you try this place. It has a nice variety of dishes. Some dishes for the adventurous and some dishes that are universally recognizable.

New York Diner, Orlando - Closed

I had lunch at this diner on 436 near the airport on Wednesday. I had a corned beef on marble rye for $9. It came with fries, slaw and a pickle. I didn't like the corned beef. It had a sweetness that I associate with ham. They also sliced it too thin. It reminded me of the deli meat they sell in individual servings in the supermarket for 79 cents. It was almost devoid of fat. They say they trim and slice it in house. I say try a different setting on the slicer and leave some fat. It was served hot. The rye was cut thick and it was the highlight. The slaw was way to sweet too. The fries had that horrible batter on them. The pickle was mediocre. The main problem I see here is that it is not run by Jews. Maybe the non-deli items fare better, but, authentic this place is not. It is a shame because they seem to be making an effort to be authentic. They import alot of items from the NYC area (ie Junior's cheesecake). They just don't have it in their blood. Even Too Jay's is better. The menu is large and diverse. They have alot of desserts and coffees and even beer and wine. They even have matzoh brie (if you don't know what I am talking about - investigate). It is "diner overpriced". The place seats about 120+. The majority of the seating is booths, but, they have a counter, some group tables and a take out counter. Parking is no problem. The space is painted a yellow and a weird shade of blue. The kitchen is not visible. They have some similarly colored tiles behind the counter. The walls have print murals of NY landmarks. It is bit cheery for a diner. Think Miami diner. The service was great. They have enough staff. I wouldn't make a special trip here, but, if you need a "nosh" on your way out of town give it a whirl. You might not know the difference.

*Now an IHOP.

Laspadas, Sanford

I had lunch at this Delaware County, PA-style grill on 46 (in the old Quizno's) across for the 46 food and bar village. I had a bacon cheeseburger for $5 and some cheese fries for $2.25. A drink was $1.70. The burger was fine. They even gave the appearance of being concerned with what temperature it came out at (not a guarantee at some places). The meat was a little "loafy", but, it survived that impediment. The bacon helped. It was a big patty. The fries were great. Well done and loaded with Whiz. Love the stuff. Both were served in paper containers/plastic baskets. No pretensions here. The place looks like a joint. It's not the cleanest and not the nattiest, but, it passes code. It's decorated with Philly team logos on the wall. There is one TV on the wall. It was showing football. They have a few tables (8) on the window side of the structure and the counter and grill are positioned to the back. Their specialty is cheesesteak sandwiches. I found them a little expensive at $9 for a ten inch. That is the medium size. Maybe the quality is that superior, but, I wasn't going to risk it before I had some additional evidence. The last thing my hungover stomach wanted was a bad cheesesteak rotting inside of it and clogging the exit door. They said they had/have a decades old following up north and some other locations around here (at least one on Lee Rd). The staff was gregarious and polite. It's a fine little dive for this type of cuisine. I wouldn't go out of my way for it, but, if you crave a taste of your hometown (should it be Philadelphia) or have been indoctrinated into the hysteria by someone for whom it is and you don't have the power of teleportation, this may be a must do for you.

Breezeway, Sanford

I had lunch at this American restaurant on the main street. It is the latest in a series of efforts (lastly Two Blonds and a Shrimp). I had come to the area in hopes of finding a food truck event, but, I searched far and wide and never found it. It is home to one of the lamest farmer's market in the country (10 stalls? - most not selling food). So it has that going for it. I really wasn't expecting much from the place. The menu seemed unoriginal and overpriced. I was originally going to cut my loses and just order a salad, but, I overheard the owner telling another table about how meticulously he prepares his specialty pork sandwich. It sounded interesting and since it came with a salad for $9, I bit. Fortunate for me. It was a huge, pounded (cubed twice), cutlet (I forget which part) covered with panko and expertly fried. It was light. Good thing because it was massive (six times the size of the roll). It came on a roll that was a step above the usual hamburger roll. It was a little stale though. The lettuce, tomato and onion were superfluous and were of medium quality and freshness. The sauce (mayo, sour cream, hot sauce and horseradish) was excellent and necessary to counteract the dryness of the cutlet. I suggest that they challenge Hollerbach's to a Schnitzel-off. I chose a Caesar salad as an accompaniment. It was properly made. The place looks like it always did. It has that bar to the left and some tables (5 or 6) on the right. It is a narrow, rectangular shape. Most seats are outside (60). There are TV's both inside and out. The crowd is disparate. It seemed like most people were just passersby who said "how bad can it be?". I do think it's odd that they choose a sport fish as a mascot. The menu had more turf than surf. I think they are just trying to evoke some "fun in the sun" sensibility because we are in Florida. Maybe they are trying to differentiate themselves. The service (3) was ok. My waitress seemed the least engaged. It wasn't as if there was a lunch rush going on. All in all, it's a slightly overpriced, me too American version of pub with a really good fried pork sandwich. I'm not sure that's enough for me to tell you to waste the gas getting here. However, if you are in Sanford and don't want to be a cliche (by going to Hollerbach's) you have another option. Although, to be honest, I would go to the aforementioned's market before doing that. Marco Dino's or Cafe Rouge may also be potentially more gratifying, but, they are inconsistent.

Texas de Brazil, I Drive

I had lunch at this Brazilian Steakhouse last Friday. It's near Fun Spot. The buffet costs $27. It is only open for lunch on Fri-Sun and Friday is the cheapest day. It was fine. Actually better than I expected. They said the "cold" buffet had sixty items, but, really only a few were worth sampling. I had shrimp in a tasty pesto sauce, some smoked salmon, some manchego cheese and some salami. I was most surprised that the majority of the shrimp were not mushy and had a little snap. I think I tried one piece of all the things they bring to you on a sword. I remember filet mignon, bacon wrapped filet, pork sausage, chicken sausage, parmesan pork, chicken, sliced pork and I'm sure there was more. The meat could have been of better quality. Parmesan does not work with pork. I don't know who eats the limp, half cooked bacon. I know they use it for lean cuts of meat, but, can't you toss it before you serve it? The service was fine. I still don't know why I need a waiter when either I'm getting my food or someone else is bringing it to me. They did try and hose me with a service area adjacent seating assignment. I kind of understand because most seating was for four and up, but, I still have to bitch. Who's to say the guy in flip flops isn't a mover and shaker. I must take time out to remind everybody that only poor people (social climbers) dress to impress. Those with means (for at least more than one generation) do not care what you think of them. They also do not carry their life savings in the wallet. Back to the review. The place is huge. It must seat 200+. The place has a bar area, a private room and a dining room that is intersected by the cold buffet. The decor is mix of iron (chandeliers) and backlight marble. The wine "cellar" and the kitchen are enclosed in glass an visible to the diners. The wine selection was substantial. It's a fine place. We used to go to other outposts on the company dime back in the day. It's that sort of place. It attracts the convention set. And fat people. Saw a lot of fat people. Or are they just called "people" now. Has everyone given up? I don't have anything bad to say about this place. It's fine. It may be a little pricey if you aren't fomented with gluttony. I don't think I would struggle to go back, but, it's off the list - finally.

Piada & Piada, Lake Mary - Closed

I went to this tiny, Italian cafe in the strip mall on Rinehart and Lake Mary Blvd last Wednesday. It's near the Blockbuster (which I think is becoming a Burger Fi) in the spot that was a diner then a Peruvian then a burger/dog place. I had a Piada (thick crepe like circle) Classic for $7. It was filled with a Livornese soft, cow's milk cheese that I can't remember the name of and had never heard of before (it started with a sfz I think) and arugula and prosciutto de parma. It was good. About the size of a large quesadilla. They said they serve this style of "bread" so that the ingredients stick out. I would say that is accurate and the ingredients were of a good enough quality to make that a sound business decision. Probably good for calorie counters too. They have six versions of this sandwich. The rest of the majority of the menu is made up of something they call Piadizza. I believe it is the same piada base served open faced with pizza toppings. There are eight versions of this all priced at $7. They also serve a couple of soups, desserts, coffee, wine and a pasta or risotto of the day (only $5). They have authentic (hard to get) Italian brands of the aforementioned items and some others items are only sold as retail. The coffee machine is the real deal. They did a nice job renovating. This spot has never looked so good. It's hip and comfortable. They put six booths against the wall and are the first to do outdoor seating (about 30 seats). They have a glass counter that separates the dining area from the kitchen. It sits on a layered stone base. The serve yourself soda machine (the really unauthentic thing here) a dessert refrigerator, a wine refrigerator and the retail goods are the only things on our side. The art work was mainly pithy, Italian sales art (posters from suppliers). I understood that the menu is inspired by Livorno, Italia (think 3/4 up the front side of the boot). I believe that is where the cook/owner said he was from. It's always a good sign that the boss man is in the kitchen. I have to say that this place is right up my alley. It serves something unique to the area and something most people have probably never had. That's two reasons to go. They also seem to be cognisant of quality without being pedantic about it. I trust this guy to always do right by his customers (even if it bankrupts the place in the process). I don't see quality being an issue - ever. He seemed to be very concerned with it (the correct way to make an espresso in this case) while I was there. They had only been open for six days when I went there. There were three other people there. One looked like a foodie and the other two were talking about how they had read about the place. It may already be on everyone's radar, but, I think it's the best thing to happen to Lake Mary this year. It's affordable and transporting. It's simple luxury. I am reticent to impugn all the heavy, working class dishes that most people associate with Italian cooking (it's fine in it's obvious sort of way), but, this type of Italian I find superior. It is more refined. It's a single red rose instead of a bouquet of wild flowers. I suggest you give it a try (should my new catch phrase be "do" or "don't do"?). It's one of a kind (at least to my recollection or experience) in Orlando.       

Dixie Crossroads, Titusville

I had lunch at this Seafood restaurant at Exit 220 last Friday. I was on my way to Miami (some great dishes at the Taste of Miami food court in Marlins Park) to see the final baseball stadium I hadn't been to. I had something called red shrimp (12 for $16). It seems they live amongst the other shrimp and are a little sweeter. It was hard to tell. The cook didn't know what to do with them. He even managed to over steam them. I think they steamed (more likely boiled) in some sort of salt bath. They were unforgivably salty and limp. I was glad I could try something new though. I did taste some residual sweetness underneath the brine. It came with a baked potato (fine). They also serve everyone corn fritters topped with powdered sugar. They were light and tasty and freshly made. They do get a little more heavy as they cool. I was also informed that they are 90 calories a piece. The waitress also let me sample some rock shrimp (2) on the house. I've seen them on menus (usually fried) but never in the shell. It's a hard shell (similar to a spiny lobster). They also comped me a dessert of my choice. I chose a Key Lime Pie made by a baker in town. It was excellent. I stopped here because I always see the sign when I am on I-95 and I never made it to the location on I-Drive when it was open. I'm glad I made the effort. You have already read how generous they can be and they have an interesting selection of seafood. It's on the right side of the street before you get to A1A. They have been in business for over thirty years. The prices are in line or lower than most seafood place's mark-ups (teens to twenties). Side note: I saw a special this summer that said lobstermen were getting $3 a pound from wholesalers this summer. Think of that the next time you have a $20+ lobster roll. The place looks like what chain seafood restaurants copy to seem authentic. It's mostly wood inside. It has four separate rooms. It must seat 150+. The room I was in was almost full. I would guess most of the diners were regulars (older). The place is run and supplied by family. One of the brood actually catches some of the shellfish for them and their seafood market. I suggest you try it if you are nearby or have to check out what red or rock shrimp are all about. If you live in North Orlando you can take 46 to the coast and be there in 45 minutes. Maybe you can take in an airboat ride or do some fishing while you are at it or hit up the Space Center.

Thai Thani, Lake Mary - Closed

*This was originally a review for Blue Elephant. There is now a sign that says they are partnering with Thai Thani (the name on the plate now). I am assuming that what I said for BE is about what can be said for TT. But, I don't care to verify it.

**7/30/13 - I wish I had listened to myself. I went back today for lunch before a movie. I had chicken with baby corn and mushrooms. About one hour into Wolverine the rumblings started. Barely made it home before my ass threw up. It was just the exclamation point for an atrocious meal. The Thai Thani folks have destoyed whatever good will the old place had. The chicken quality was like you get at a to go Chinese restaurant. The rice was thoroughly overcooked. Even the Coke tasted funny. Avoid. The ownership change has had a very negative impact.

I had lunch at this Thai restaurant in the strip mall across from the Westin last Wednesday. I had chicken in a lemongrass and pepper sauce for $9. There was a mistake in the menu regarding what vegetables are served with the dish, but, the flavor was good even if the vegetables (peppers) were not to my taste. The rice may have been a tad overcooked. The plating was nice. It came out fast. The menu has most of the things you have come to expect from a Thai restaurant ex patria. They sprinkle in some other Asian dishes. There is a lunch menu and a dinner menu. A fair representation of options. Most things hover around $10 and a few dishes grow to a max of $25. It is very reasonably priced. The thing that separates them from other Thai options is the ambiance. It's a huge space tastefully furnished. They have appropriate art, fountains, and a stonework bar. Some serious money was invested for your bemusement. Not that it may matter. Several high end endeavors have failed at this location. Some even appeared to be doing well. It sounded like the owner (from Tampa) is fairly new to this type of enterprise, so hopefully he will have the patience to see it through. It's a competitive marketplace and I saw a sign that promised a Grafitti Junction at the old Metro Burger location. The place seats 100+. I believe that there were around thirty people there for lunch. There is: a bar area, a dining area, a patio and a large party area. The dining area is where it always is and the layout is more like the high end Latin restaurant it was before the Carlos and Charlie's redesign. It means that they separate the room into length wise halves. Two rows of tables (some booths) facing each other per side and an unseparated area at the back wall. The large group area is to the right of the entrance (where the dance floor was at C&C). The bar is in the same place it has always been. The patio to the left of the entrance is the lone portion of available outside space to be made accessible. I really liked my lunch here. My waitress (3) was very polite and attentive. The manager was very engaged. I even was able to submit a coupon I found in a circular for a gift card in the amount of meal. I guess that ensures I will be back. I would have anyway. That just made me happier about it. I like everything about the place. The layout, the decor, the service, the food, the generosity and the attitude more than meet you half way. I'm not sure it's a destination restaurant in terms of experiencing something gastronomically idiosyncratic, but, it is if you are looking for a holistic dining experience. It's a great example of how you can still find a fine dining experience without feeling fleeced. I recommend that you put it in your rotation if you live anywhere near Lake Mary and seek it from farther away if a value proposition appeals to you more than a singular experience.