Grub Crawl - Sodo: The Egg & I (Closed) and Carol's Place

I had breakfast and lunch to go at these two breakfast nooks on S. Orange (near Michigan) on Thursday.

The Egg & I - I had a meal that contained two eggs, bacon and two slices of french toast for $9. The eggs and bacon were good. the french toast was a little wet (undercooked). The place is a chain from Denver. It looks a little like a cross between Panera's and a Bob Evan's. It seats about eight. Around twenty people were there at 10am. There are two rooms. The prices were a little high. I didn't find anything especially superior about the place. Try any of the other breakfast places in your neighborhood in place of them. It's a crowded field and breakfast isn't that complicated. They also serve non-breakfast fare.

Carol's Place - A "real" luncheonette. It's your typical old school breakfast/lunch place. It closes at two pm. It seats about sixty. The decor is basic. The place is oldish. The service was quick. I had a tuna sandwich to go. It cost $6. They gave me alot of tuna. It was better than I was expecting. It was, however, made with that sweet type of mayo (Miracle Whip or Duke's?) that I disdain. This is the "Sowf", so, I shouldn't have been surprised. It came with chips. I suggest this place over The Egg. It has a similar menu and is about half the price. And it is a one off.

Grub Crawl - Sanford: Tutto Bene (Closed) and China Star

I had lunch at these two restaurants near Seminole Community College (to be called state you need a star on the flag) on 17-92 (aside the Publix) on Wednesday. I was expecting little and received less. Stay away from both. I feel sorrow if those students depend on these two places for sustenance. Certainly, our 13th graders deserve better.

Tutto Bene - I had two slices for $4.50. They were doughy, thick and tough. The cheese was the worst sort of cheap, industrial, oil based Frankencheese. It was salty too. There was hardly any sauce underneath. The slice were big. The service was nice. The place is half takeout/pizza oven/storage area and half cheezy old Italian trattoria. The prices were typically higher than quality or ambiance justify.

China Star - Could have been the worst take out Chinese I've ever had and I've been given food poisoning. I had Chicken, Beef and Shrimp for $6.35. The shrimp (2) were mushy/ancient. The beef was grisly. The chicken was from parts of the chicken that shouldn't be seen. My best guess is that it was wing meat pounded flat. They say everything tastes like chicken so you never know. I'm crossing my fingers that the gross veins and tendons I hard to pick around denote it was a poultry product. The sauce was awful. It may have been the saltiest thing I've every had (or Monica Lewinsky ever swallowed). The meats had a decomposed character to them because of something that was sticking to them. It was almost like they took a deep fried version and then wok fried them so the coating became soft. It came with wilted broccoli that couldn't be eaten because of the nausea induced by the meats and the saturation of the florets in that salty sludge. The fried rice was grey. I can't go on and you shouldn't either. You're some kind of sicko if you've read this far. A real degenerate if you were laughing.

Blu, Winter Park

I had lunch at this seafood restaurant on Park Ave on Monday. It is from the same folks (when did people become folks) who run 310. I guess it's the "surf" in a "surf and turf" double team. I had their clam chowder for $6 and their octopus salad for $6. I chose two appetizers because the prices were lofty ($20's and $30's) and they don't deign to offer a lunch menu and the sushi specialist didn't come to work. The chowder tasted like it had some fennel or anise flavored liquor in it. The chef denied it. Either I have cancer of the tongue or the clam juice was off or the pot was dirty, but, it tasted like I said. It's a brothy chowder. Not much dairy. There's a reason New England outsells Manhattan 10-1. Needless to say, I wouldn't order this again. The portion was small. It only tasted passably when you put the oyster crackers in it. Maybe that is the design? It was also described as having Quahogs (or a similar brand name clam) and some designer pork. There was so little of either that I wouldn't order it based on that promise. The octopus was equally bad. It was soft and slimy. Either it was just pulled out of a tank (and wasn't wiped) or it sat for a while. The portion, in all cases in which the dish is unwelcome, was large. It came with an arugula side salad. It had way too much seal salt on it. I also had a diet coke that also tasted funny. It cost $2.65. I think the place occupies the old Spice spot. It has a narrow floor plan. The interior work looked rushed. There area paint splotches on the walls. The base board was covered in boot marks or dirt (flood?). Etcetera. You find Waldo. They decorate it in a base of some odd grey tone with accents of blue. Certain areas are white. The tables were dark brown wood. The hardware and decoration are straight up Pottery Barn. There is a cute waterfall behind the bar, but, they put a goofy plastic mini-fish tank in front of it. It seats over eighty. They put in a dividing wall a quarter of the way inside. It separates the bar area from another set of tables. The table side is kind of cramped. It's an unfortunate layout with little window seating. I would sit on the patio/sidewalk. The service was the best component. They seem to have enough polite and competent people. The prices are about one third too high. It really isn't "perfect" enough too demand more. They have Park Avenue aspirations, but, Upper West Side sensibilities. It's about as good a seafood place (actually less good) as 310 is at what they do. If you think that competes (with even) the other restaurants on Park Ave, then give it a go. If not, then I suggest you consider an alternative or encourage the management to pick it up a notch. I think they said it has been open since January.

Toasted, Winter Park

I picked up a grilled cheese with arugula to go at this grilled cheese and burger spot on Tuesday. It cost $6. It was what I expected - a very buttered fat bomb. I forget the nickname they gave this offering or what cheese they used (a mix). It could have used some more arugula. However, it was a good and new combination for me. The place replaces a crepe restaurant in the strip mall on Aloma that houses a Whole Foods. It seats about 40 people inside on two seaters (two two seat hightops) and three outside tables. It's cramped. The left wall has a rubbery button facade in yellow. The right wall has a periodic table of cheese. I forget the exact color scheme, but, I think there was orange and blue and black too. The place is brand new. It looked like it was being run as a family affair. It was so "perfect" that it may be a chain. The burgers looked better than the grilled cheeses. There are about six of each. Not as much creativity as I was expecting. This is a specialty place. Like PB&J's, Cereal's and other nostalgic inspired themes, it focuses on a niche. It's fun. Who knows, maybe it will survive the curiosity faze. It was packed when I was there (all spectrums of society) at two. Lots of take out business too.

Bistro 436, Casselberry - Closed

I had lunch at this spot in a strip mall on 436 and Howell Branch Lane on Tuesday. I had the entree portion of Chicken Parmigiana for $10. It was more than I expected (didn't expect much to be honest). The chicken portion was huge. It wasn't over fried or greasy. It came on a bed of ziti (choose your pasta). They weren't overcooked. Both were covered in a well crafted tomato sauce. The cheese they used was of a good quality. They sprinkled some parmesan on for good effect. It also came with three garlic knots. They were a little over baked, but, I'm quibbling. I was stuffed like a pig by the end. The place looks thoroughly underwhelming from the outside and only improves slightly upon entering. It's pretty bare inside and the furniture clashes with the paint. The paint (four different, unnatural pastel tones in four different areas) is a little funky for the demur wood furniture. But, you aren't coming here for the ambiance. You are coming here for the food and the value. Nothing is over $12 (and that is a seafood entree). Sodas were $1.50 (take that Big Italy). They had a beer special for the same. The menu has: wings, shrimp, salads, subs, wraps, burgers, quesadillas, gyros, strombolis, calzones, pasta, scampi, chicken dishes, desserts and pizza. I was told the place started out as more of a trattoria, but, evolved into a bistro (still think people are being too liberal with this designation) to attract more customers. You can figure out which items are new. The place is only a few months old so no one can say that management isn't responsive to market trends. I asked a few of the few diners that were there with me when I ate there if they liked their meals (sandwichs mostly) and they did. The waitress said the pizza is excellent too (and they do serve slices). Given the quality of the tomato sauce and cheese on my meal, I would believe the advice. This may not be a destination spot, but, it should be a go to location for anyone in the neighborhood. They have most everybody's favorites, the place is clean and the prices hit the sweet spot. The place seats about 90. There are nine booths and ten tables. One table seats eight and the rest are four seaters. The bar seats about eight. They have a TV aside it. There were four others there at lunch. The service (1) was great. I believe the management is really trying to win your loyalty (specials, menu rework, low prices, big portions). They do not seem to have lowered standards in the struggle to gain traction. I would warn the local populace not to forsake these dependable establishments. It's the last man standing (Mickey D's and Subway do not count) in your little strip mall. And if you don't watch out, you may lose them too. There are two condo communities across the street, so, there is a marketplace. I reluctantly came here after I saw it on my way to the airport (another party crasher to my list of wanna sees). I left glad that I turned at the right time and spotted it in its seclusion.

*Now a Diginos

Pub Crawl - Antique and Audubon Garden Districts: Imperial, Redlight Redlight, Taps From Scratch

I had drinks at the following places on Friday.

8-8:20pm: Imperial Wine Bar & Beer Garden - I was early for dinner so I had a glass of wine at the spot on N. Orange and New Hampshire. It's a converted furniture store (can still buy pieces on display). They do have a small patio (beer garden). There were about twenty people there. It attracts a beer and wine crowd (no vodka red bullers). Too early to judge.

9:30-10pm: Redlight Redlight - They moved to Corrine Drive (near Sushi Lola). The place in warehouse chic. It was pretty full. It reminded my of any place in Colorado ski country. There were few girls with makeup and few shaved men. I was feeling tired and run down anyway, but, I left because of the reverse bigotry of one of the bartenders. The kind that thinks tolerance is a one way street. A one way street that leads to you accepting his idiosyncrasies but not to his accepting yours. This smug, ginger haired cherub big timed a poor guy (who was a fish out of water) who didn't know it wasn't "acceptable" to still be asking for Budweiser. This pubic hair faced, hay seed who attended public school and whose parents never earned more than the $18,000 a year he is now pulling in, kept feigning ignorance when this poor guy kept asking for a Bud. Do you really think the pretension of rejecting mass market goods makes you special? Maybe in your own special world. But, step out of it and you will be squashed like the self important bug you are. You haven't earned the right to be a snob. You are just a working class douche in a dead end town. That aside, it was a pretty cool place.

10-10:05pm: Taps From Scratch - I ran out of gas at this "tap room" across from Stardust (E. Winter Park Rd). It's basically a house with (beer) taps in each room. There is also an art gallery vibe. I didn't stay to see what you need to do to get served. I suppose you pay the guy up front for a cup. It was exactly like showing up a tepid high school party in which you don't know anybody (because they are not popular). Wouldn't do it then. Couldn't do it now.

Windy City, Winter Park - Closed

I had dinner 2 at this former location of Coco Loco Cantina (same owners) on Fairbanks on Friday. I had a small thin crust pizza (that was somehow over "14) for $7. It was ok. They cut it into inch square pieces which was weird. The cheese was a little questionable, but, it wasn't frozen pizza bad. The crust wasn't cracker thin. I was the only person eating there at 9pm. They had already brought in the DJ. It was a little uncomfortable eating alone in the dark with house music pumping along. There were two other people drinking, but, I think they were friends. The owner said it is busier during the week. He also is thinking of bringing back some of the Coco Loco vibe. They still offer big portions and seem to still be trying to win your business. They redid the interior with faux wood and brick. It looks more sumptuous. The menu has a Chicago theme. They still have the wings plus stuffed pizza, Chicago dogs, Italian beef and regular American fare. They even have some super sized items. It's still a good value. It's next to Spatz. They serve alcohol.

Hawkers, Mills

I had dinner at this Asian restaurant on Friday. I'm sad to say I was disappointed. It had a good reputation and I'm sure devotees will come out of the woodwork to disagree, but, I found the food to be worse than a PF Changs'. I had a fried pork belly for $5. It was hard as stone. I had a five spice fried calamari for $6.50. It had no flavor. It was tough. It came in really tiny slivers. Not sure if that is a good or bad thing in and of itself, but, it could explain why it was overcooked. I also had five spice fish tacos (2) for $6. Again no flavor. And the salsa was chewy and cold (refrigerated). I stopped the bleeding at this point. The place was packed, so, I may be an outlier (but not an out liar). It's in an old Chinese restaurant on Mills. The parking was limited. They did minimal renovation. It's very bare now. It looks aged. The high point was the service. Everything came out quickly. The attitude was friendly. They serve alot of small plates. The most expensive dish is under $8. It's alot of sound and fury signifying nothing. At least gastronomically. Maybe the quality is better at slower periods.

Currency Conversion Tutorial

I chose to convert some Euros after my bank would not deposit them and this is what I discovered.

Bank of America and BB&T will middle the exchange for you if you have an account with them. I don't so I didn't proceed to ask about the rates. I expect that they are no better than elsewhere. Even if they don't take a cut, they are just matching you with a currency trader that you can deal with directly. It is kind of funny that these nickel and dime artists wouldn't want another revenue source (non-customers) or wouldn't want a chance to audition for new non-customers. That's another issue.

Airport - The worst. I think they offered 20 cents less than the going rate on every euro. I'm still not sure I heard the woman correctly. I think they charged $25 processing too. I think the rates were worse the more you tried to exchange.

CXI - In the Florida mall. I just wrote down that they offered bad rates. I don't remember how bad, but, they didn't measure up.

US Foreign Currency Exchange - On 4200 Conroy. There rates were about two cents worse than the winner. I don't believe they gave a better rate if you exchanged a greater amount. That may have been the deciding difference. They had a $10 flat fee too.

Money Exchange Bureau - At 8000 I Drive (intersection of Sand Lake and I Drive). The best. Offered a low of 9 cents off the going rate and will lower the spread if you exchange larger quantities. Charged a $10 flat fee too. I read about this place (all the place) on blogs and all of them said he was the most generous. I can also add that he was conscientious, polite and reputable. I took his bills and paid some of my own with them and the person I gave them to ran them under a lamp and they all were accepted (so I guess they weren't counterfeit).

It's ridiculous that you can't deposit extra travel cash with your bank and have them convert it, but until they do, I suggest this guy until I don't.

Grub Crawl - I Drive: Big Italy (Closed) & Jaber (Closed)

I tried these places on the north portion of I Drive Wednesday afternoon.

Big Italy - I liked everything about the place in between the beginning and the very end, so, I will start with those. The first thing I would change is the logo. It is very franchise-y/cartoon-y. I was expecting a conveyor belt pizza place. It's more high end than that and the signage should mirror that. The final faux pas was the soda price. It's almost three bucks. It just isn't necessary to mark up that much. It's a little thing, but, it leaves a bad taste in your mouth. A customer is basically getting a half glass to begin with (ice) and we learned in business school that the syrup cost for a glass is a couple of cents. Aside from those fixable peeves, I was impressed. The inside is very well designed. It is large, open and bathing in light. The outside is homely (an old strip mall) and it is in the older part of I Drive, so, it probably scares away drivers by. However, those who do not judge a book by it's cover will probably be surprised by the: round, central bar, the open kitchen with pizza oven, the private room, the booths and the table seating. The color scheme is tan and black. The materials are cotton, metal and stained wood. It's non-freaky modern. It seats about 100+. The booths line the exterior. The tables are well spaced between the booths and bar. There was a party using the private room and one half of the booths were occupied at lunch. They had three waiters for the main room. They were well dressed, fairly efficient and polite. I had a Margherita pizza for $8. They boast of 100 types, so, my choice was pretty well made up for me. It was very good. Nice cheese. Fresh basil. Thin, but not cracker like. Slightly chewy. Bigger than expected (maybe 12"). They also served a nice, warm half loaf of bread. I certainly seemed baked in house. The pizza selection was entertaining. They have a hot dog and french fry pizza and a pizza with pear (to illustrate). They also have all the toppings you would expect to see to create 100 combinations. Some interesting ingredients were speck, salmon and some brazilian cheese that I forget the name of. The menu also had a decent selection of pastas and meats. The pasta selection also veers from the ordinary. They have some rare shapes and sizes. I think you should make an effort to try this place. The quality is good and the opportunities for a new sensation are abundant. It's in that first strip mall at the intersection of Kirkman and I Drive.

Jaber - I had two Safihas to go from this Middle Eastern restaurant one strip mall down from Big Italy. It is a popular chain in Brazil. A safiha is a baked dough container. It can be open or closed. I had one of each. The first, an Aberta de Zatar (I think thats in Portugese), was opened faced and covered with Middle Eastern seasonings. I noticed sesame seeds and some bitter herbs. Sorry I can't be more specific. It was a little bitter for me. The next, a Fechada de Palmito was a closed pie stuffed with hearts of palm. It was bland with a creamy consistency betwixt the palm pieces. It tasted better when I put some of the seasoning from object one onto object two. They both cost $2.50. The place seems run by one family. The place seats about 50 in a rectangular space. It doesn't effuse much style. You do sense that you are in an Arabic setting. The back (bar) is a little sloppy. There are some glass cases showing pastries and it's a tad cluttered with junk. They serve a variety of Beruits (sandwiches) and cold and hot plates. Most things cost in the teens and up. I would try it for real at some point, but I'm not rushing to do that.

*Bob's Rosti Potatos - I was going to try something from this place diagonally from Jaber, but, the cheapest thing was $13. And that thing was a potato. Needless to say, the place was empty. I'm sure the gussy up the potato with some sort of fancy topping and maybe even fry it into a rosti, but, I'm never paying that much for a potato. I just had a bbq pork covered loaded potato (2 pieced together) at Marlowe's in Memphis and it didn't cost that much. And that place is famous. I expect them to be out of business soon anyway so it would be a waste of a critiquing opportunity. Just letting you know it exists.