Tortilleria La Mexicana #2, Orlando

I had lunch at this Mexican restaurant on W. Oakridge Rd in between OBT and John Young on Tuesday. I had the Platillo a la Mexicano so I could report back on as many things as possible. It cost $10. It consisted of a quesadilla, tamale, two enchilladas and two flautas. I asked for the flautas to be chicken and got beef. They correctly served the enchilladas as one of each and the rest as beef. I was hoping for shredded beef, but, it was pieces. They were tender in the enchilladas, but, overcooked in the others. I suspect they use the same pile of meat for all and the dishes that required extra cooking/frying ruined the meat. The chicken was very tasty (a little dry). I think the used coriander. The enchilladas were not enchillada-ed (rubbed with chilis). They also did not come with a red sauce. They and the flautas and tamale were smothered in a crema that was very thick (over kill). I must have ingested 5000 calories. The quesadilla tortilla was fried and looked like a taco. The tamale was dense and they filled it with a cheese that had a different color than the quesadilla cheese. Everything was loaded with queso fresco. They also had amazing chips (thick) and salsa (green). I ate way too many because I was starving because I wiffed on two other places on my list before I landed here. Soda came in a bottle, The place and area may leave something to be desired. I forget how I found out about this place. When I first rolled up, I thought it was closed down. It's behind opaque black windows with no entrance sign. It's also attached to a market. They try and gussy the place up with flags and streamers, but, it just makes it look messier. Like someone didn't take down party decorations. They have these crazy heavy wood tables with wood seats that have grapes, horses and a guy making out with a cactus on them. This place is full on Mexico Mexican. I was the only gringo there.  I think it's central Mexican (huaraches, chilaquiles) cooking, but, I think the waitress was just agreeing with whatever I said. I think it might scare some of you and it is difficult to get to (no exit to Oakridge from I-4). The food is authentic and the portions are generous (I forgot that they also served beans and rice) to a fault. However, that may not be what you want. It will really add to your waistline to eat here. Yet, you are probably all getting from your car to your seat via motorized Hover-round, so warp your way into becoming those people in Wall-E. They end the restaurants title with #2. I wonder if there is another?

Sea Dog Brewing Co., Disney

I ate at this seafood restaurant on Monday night. It's down off the Downtown Disney exit (535)  in the area that has a Hooter's and Kitty O'Shea's (Palm Parkway). It replace the Crab Shack. I was expecting a working brewery, but, it's just a restaurant that serves their beer. The place has potential that it is not reaching. I blame management. It's a loosely run ship. There was no host at the door to begin with. I had to chase down a waiter who chased down someone else. The place seemed rudderless. The entree (chipotle shrimp and grits) was ridiculously over salted and sloppily plated. There is no Gordon Ramsey tasting this stuff before it goes out. It was a weird concoction to begin with. It cost $15. They slathered barbeque sauce (salty) on grits (salty and dense) and topped it with some avocado salsa and bacon topping (salty). It would be over kill (and odd) even if executed properly. I only ordered it because I was apprehensive of how they would treat a lobster or the other sea creatures. The swordfish dish I saw going to another table seemed small and drab. It may have been wiser to stick with an less challenging recipe even if it was twice as expensive. I also ordered some shrimp to try out the raw bar/freshness. They sell them separately at $1. They and the ones in the entree were adequately sized and not overcooked. I think I'd still rather pay around $7 for a half pound of peel and eat. I learned you tell fresh by whether they still have the front feelers attached. They didn't, but, I wasn't expecting non-frozen.  I also tried a flight (4) of their beers for $7. They were all good. A pint runs $5.50. I lucked out with my waiter. He was patient and knowledgeable and even talked his manager into a ten percent discount (food only) because of multiple complaints (not just mine) about the grits salt flats. The experience was different from what I imagined because I imagined this place was a lone building that served as a working brewery and had some snacks. It's really just a large chain restaurant. However, I think that there needs to be more control if they want to be more than a Chili's/Olive Garden. They have really good, branded beer. They have fresh sea food. They have a nice atmosphere. They have talented servers. They just need a guy or girl in charge who will conduct this orchestra. I'd start with the kitchen. Better than I expected, but, I expected a tasting room. They had a place in Winter Park that failed. I don't recall them having seafood. Maybe they should try again with this strategy?

Yum-mi, Mills Ave

I went to this Banh Mi (mostly) restaurant on Mills last Wednesday. It's across from that gay bar (St Matthew's) I wote about a few weeks ago. I had an original Bahn Mi and ate it on Thursday. It had a small amount of pate, pork roll, head cheese and sliced roasted pork. It was fine. I didn't love the baquette. It was more of a hero roll. They overdid the cilantro. The veggies were fresh. It cost $4. They have around twenty Banh Mi's. They range from $4 to $8. They also have spring rolls, noodle salads, soup, sno (ice creamish), fruit freezers (smoothies), boba and coffee. There was another less professional bahn mi place here a few years ago. They replaced them and redid the inside and outside and expanded the menu a few years ago. I just always forget they are there. It's not the best or cheapest bahn mi place in town (that may be a small place on 50 that I forget the name of - near a travel agency), but, they are acceptable.

That One Spot, Ocoee

I went to this specialty burger place on Wednesday night. It's on Maguire Road and 50 in a strip mall. I had a BBQ Burger for $7.50 so I could report back on as many components as possible. I was kind of disappointed. They are supposed to be experts in the field. I found the burger patty itself to be the weak spot. They brag that it is composed of brisket, rib and chuck and made every week. Every week doesn't impress me and the blend was bland. It's also pressed like McDonald's patty. I don't like house burgers, but, how about something formed by hand? I think it's also around a quarter pound of meat. They don't say, so, I'd guess it's something they'd rather you not concentrate on. The temperature wasn't where I asked for it. Although, on a patty that thin it is usually doesn't make a difference to the texture. They seem to want you to concentrate on the toppings. That's a warning sign to me. My burger had cheddar cheese on it. It got lost and was otherwise unremarkable. The fried onion rings were perfect. The bacon was excellent. The bun was gourmet with a nice gloss (fresh and large too). The spiced pickle slices were good even if they were mass produced. The barbeque sauce tasted familiar (as in mass produced). They added some brisket to it as a gift, but, it wasn't what they think it is. It was tough. So, the sad part is that main component (and the next top meat) drags down the experience. They also have turkey, salmon, veggie and chicken burgers. Maybe these are better. Maybe it's secretly run by Hindus or the Chick Fil-a cows. It's an order at the counter place. It's clean and hip. It seats around thirty. I wouldn't seek it out if you have a competitor in this category in your town.

Hagan O'Reilly's, Winter Garden

I went to this pub/bar way off the beaten path near some development called Stoneybrook on Wednesday. I tried some places around here a few years ago. They were all still there and there was a new strip mall across from this one that had a Cajun place. I went because it keeps showing up on "best of" lists. I just had a reasonably priced beer, so, I can't speak for the food. As a bar play, it just seems like another stupid Irish theme bar whose outside bar is probably unusable half the year. The most memorable thing that happened to me there that night was that I got some 'tude from an old guy next to me when I tried to ask him a question. I'll never understand why surly people go to a bar if they want to be alone. If you don't like people why do you surround yourself with them? You realize that the liquor is more expensive here, right? Please don't tell me that you think he thought he had a shot with the bartender or any other ladies. I think I'd have to live close by or be promised guaranteed sexual gratification (and a designated driver) to go back.

Grub Crawl - Antiques District: Elliott's (Closed) and Backhaus

I ate at these places in an area also known as Ivanhoe Village on Wednesday. They have both replaced other establishments pretty recently.

Elliott's Public House - I just had the two eggs any style because it was $5 less than the Country Fried Chicken and Eggs (and I was underwhelmed by the options). It came with sausage, so, you basically pay that much more for a cluck. It cost $6.50. It came with a basic circular patty, mushy home fries and toast. It was fine. The real disappointment was the menu. It's rather limited in the entree area and not exactly unique. There are already two or three restaurants of this type just in that tiny area. I don't think another was necessary. Especially one that would probably be rated below those places. They serve mostly breakfast fare and some burgers and a few sandwiches during the day. All are over or near $10. They shoe horn in their dinner "tapas" stuff at the same price levels. They have six entrees that are all derivative and over $14. There is alot of pressure on the chef to deliver on this menu. There will be no points garnered for originality. The place is in what I think was a greasy spoon called Brian's. They tried to gussy it up (and did an ok job), but, the layout is poor and there is no flow. The center room is really a transition area between the door and the bathrooms/kitchen. The real dining room is to the right of it. It feels hidden (no view). It's small. I just don't see this place finding a niche. It's too flawed to cater to the high end customer and too expensive and pretentious for the middle to low end. They alienated themselves from the whole market by trying to thread a very thin needle. They need a draw if they want to stick to this strategy. It's tough to find one nowadays, but, that is challenge. You don't have too rush out and find this place unless you start hearing that the chef is a magician. I forgot to add that they gave me a glass of water that tasted like poison.

Backhaus - They replaced someplace called something like Yalaha Bakery. It serves a similar niche. They serve German baked goods and other eatables. I had a Cherry Streusel for $4. It was good. They have a larger selection than their predecessors. It's a block towards downtown from Elliott's. The staff was pleasant.

El Gran Palacio, Lake Mary - Closed

I went to this Latin/Asian buffet today for lunch. It replaces a buffet in the Target complex on Lake Mary Blvd that I believe was called Golden Buffet or something or other. It's an improvement. I don't know if this (Latin for Asian) is officially a trend yet, but, I hope it is. You get another type of food. You don't have to worry about the penny pinching games and ignorance of hygiene that the Asians are guilty of. It's cheaper. The waitresses look like they were born after Vietnam not like they fought in it. This place is now run by Dominicanos. The price is only $6.69. They even allow coupons ($1 off) at that price. If you are going to overload my mailbox with them then I am going to use them against you. They have acceptable sushi (actual fish slices) and the best part is that the Latin customer base doesn't seem to like it. They have all the "gross" latin stuff. I've never seen a more authentic spread. I had pork tripe, beef tripe, goat, chicken gizzards, pig feet, pernil and some tasty desserts I have never seen before. They had soups, rice, beans and chicken if you are one. The Asian side had a cooked salmon and the usual Chinese gruel. It's amazing how unhealthy that stuff looks like when you compare it to the "unhealthy" Latin stuff. The Latin stuff looks low-cal in comparison. It looks like it was made in a kitchen. The Asian stuff looks like it was made in a lab. They also have a hibachi area and ice cream. They have pizza and some "American" items. A soda was $2. The place looks exactly the same inside. I can't wait for every buffet to be in Latin hands. They are way more clean, generous and personable. They aren't out to squeeze their customer. They are there to make them happy. A odd concept/priority now that we have so many "efficiently" run businesses.

* I went back on 9/29/2014 and it seemed like they were pulling back already. There was an Asian lady running the room. Let's hope they didn't hire her to run it the "Asian" way.

* I went back on 11/25/14. They ditched the dragon lady and everything was back to normal.

Camp House, Sanford

I ate lunch at this remake in the Scruffy Duffer's spot on 46 on Saturday. They also do not list their liquor/beer prices. It's definitely not because they are so proud of them. I had a Lodge Cheeseburger for $9. It's nice that they actually include the cheese in the price. It's not nice that they charge $9 for something that BurgerFi does better at half the price. They; burned the top, over cooked the rest, seasoned it with some crap spice mix, salted it, served it on a stale pretzel bun, topped it with limp vegetables and paired it off with under cooked fries. And that was and probably will always be the problem with this place. They think they know what they are doing. I wager they do not. It's fixable. But, it doubt they realize something is off. They are like one of those places that argue with Gordon Ramsey as he is critiquing their failing business. My guess is that they just don't know what good is. I would bet your life that it is run by a bunch of forty-something, white hillbillies (we need a similar word for people who live in the swamps) who have wanted to own their own place since they traded their futures for a steady paycheck. The place smells of a Home Depot commercial. The color they chose (some kind of grey) for the majority of the walls is all dude. No woman would ever have chosen this color let alone matched it with the stain the have on the wainscoting or tables (both different). Then again this is CF, so, maybe I can't say that about no woman. They have decorated the place with taxidermist overstock. They use picnic tables for seating. They have alot of flatscreens. It's all dude inspired. However, what makes it really depressing is that it reminds you of your buddy with a kid's first house (that he tried to do the work on). It was kind of crappy to begin with and he just hamfisted the renovations because it was the first time his dad wasn't there to do it for him. There's crap and clutter all over. Things that should be put away aren't. Things that should be hung properly, aren't. This place is just an ugly "dudes" hideaway with food that is about as good as the decor. It's sad because you can see they want to get in on this whole gastro pub trend (even if it's ten years too late). They know about it. They know things can be better than what is around them. They just don't have the vocabulary down yet and they are speaking. Look it's basically the same as it was before. Maybe it will turn out to be an improvement. I can't go back for a reason that has nothing to do with what I've written about so far. I can't go back because they let a bunch of meth heads smoke at the patio bar. The problem - it's connected (via a common opening) to the inside bar and all the smoke blows into the restaurant from outside. That right there would be enough to disqualify you from any social climbing aspirations. Cigarettes = poor white trash. If you don't believe me, do a quick informal poll the next time you go out. The smoker will at least one of those things.

Grub Crawl - Sanford: Celery City and Scoops and Spokes

I ate at these places on Thursday. One is on Palmetto and one is on Sanford.

Celery City - I was prepared to overlook the fact that they are among the growing faction of thieves that refuse to list the prices of their wares (especially craft beer narcissists) when I looked at my bill and saw a charge for using my credit card. That's two cases of anti-transparency and that's two too many. Congratulations. You just lost what would have been a detailed and positive review of your business (and a repeat customer) by acting like a group that you probably stereotype and lampoon. They said all beers are around $5. How (or why) should we trust you? You are cheap enough to collect a credit card charge and sinister enough not to inform the customer about it. I was your only customer. It wasn't an oversight. I had a roast beef and cheddar sandwich with grilled onions and horseradish for $5. It was surprisingly good. But, now I don't want you to succeed and won't come back. Customers want to be in partnership with those whom they choose to do business with. That's more important than the good or service offered. Don't treat them as disposable or they will be.

Scoops and Spokes - Say that five times fast. It's a bike rental and ice cream shop on Sanford. They said they have been open for two months. I had a banana split cone for $1.25. That's around half or a third of what most place charge, right? It's a simple business that addresses two needs. I think the bike rental prices were very reasonable too. They didn't have change so the real price became $1. I'll remember that. In exactly the opposite way I remember Celery.

I have to say that something I had at one of these places made me feel woozy.

Grub Crawl - Sanford: Rabbitfoot Records, Moon's Subs and Donuts 2 Go

I went to these places on Tuesday afternoon. The first is on the main street through town. The second is a block and a half up after you turn right. The last is near the hospital on 46 on the way out of town. None of these were on the original agenda.

Rabbitfoot Records - I had an iced tea for under $2. It was fine. They mainly serve liquid refreshment and some pastries. They sell records. At least they were open. They branched out here from Titusville.

Moon's Subs - I ordered a two piece (breast/wing) fried chicken platter to go from this decrepit deli. It cost $6.59. It took a while to cook. That is either good if you don't want warmed up chicken that has been sitting in a 85 degree store all day or bad if you don't want to sit in a 85 degree store all day. It was overcooked. Judging by the look of the place, I was glad that they killed off as much bacteria as possible. Also glad it didn't taste like fish (they have it on the menu and sometimes people don't segregate the fryers). It came with fries. They were about half crisp and half underdone. They also tossed in some lettuce and tomato and white bread for some reason. I guess their customers make sandwiches. The place is familiar to anyone who has lived in a major city. A Korean grocery store cum greasy spoon. The owners here have suffered in this neighborhood for 22 years (place has existed for 32). They (couple) serve up fried items and burgers and sandwiches to the lowest rung of society. I'm sure it's a thankless ordeal that makes one wonder how bad their circumstances were before they arrived here. They have to have a sign that says "no food stamps". I would have normally told you to avoid this place. It's not a place that you recommend. However, I feel sorry for this couple and the food wasn't awful. And once again, at least they were open when most of the competition was not. I have passed by here numerous times and couldn't do it to myself. The new street improvements made it a tad less scary. And did I mention that almost everything else was closed?

Donuts 2 Go - I had a square, glazed donut and a maple bacon "log shaped" donut. Both were under $1. They were both excellent. The square one was huge. Both were fresh. They also serve breakfast and lunch items at reasonable prices. They have tables. It's in a strip mall. They have been open for three years. I may have been here before. I'll go back again.

Grub Crawl - West Colonial: Taipei Kitchen and Brazilian Village Pizza

I had lunch at these two restaurants on West Colonial in Chinatown on Monday.

Taipei Kitchen - I had to ask for the Taiwan menu. They handed me a generic Chinese lunch special flyer. I had Spiced Dried Bean Curd for $6 and Mustard Greens and Pork Noodle Soup for $8. The curd was a first and was a square of dried soy cut into thin slices. It came in some kind of mirin/soy dressing. Of course the soy had no flavor, but, it wasn't a huge miss either. The soup was good. The noodles were very buttery. The pork was not gristly. The place was clean. I believe the just opened a month or so ago. The have a fort on the left that seems to be where they keep the daily special stuff. It seats about forty. It was almost full. I was the only non-Asian. I think there were a few actual Taiwanese there. It's getting harder to tell with every generation that passes. Definitely Chinese if not Taiwanese. It may have fewer Taiwanese dishes than Taipei 101, but, they may just have more specials or I can't remember accurately. Communication was a slight barrier so service became a little timid/evasive. They didn't know if the take AMEX or not (it's only one of three). I also suggest you order a soda by the can ($1) or they will take liberties and give you the twice as expensive fountain and not refill. Still it's in the top three for this genre (only three in Orlando).

Brazilian Village Pizza - This place is a few doors down. I had one slice for $2. If this is a Brazilian style pizza place, then Brazilian pizza is foccaccia like. The dough seemed to have butter in it. The slice was about twice as thick as you want it to be. It also had a lot of air pockets (didn't pound out the CO2 after it rose) and was over floured (maybe when stretching). The sauce was spicy. The cheese was gluey. They have 44 styles of pizza. They have subs, past and wraps. The prices are low. I just read the menu and they say they serve NY Style. That must be the bad NY Style and not the good. It was better when I thought it was a Brazilian quirk.

Grub Crawl - DeLand: Shady Oak and Fresh Off The Hook

I had dinner at these two restaurants (that are technically in DeLand, but, are almost in Lake County) on Sunday on my way home from The Carolinas. You have to drive out on 46 (4-5 miles) until you hit the St John's River. They are on either side of the bridge on the eastern side. There is a sign that you can see for Fresh Off The Hook. I'd take 1-4 to 44 if I was coming from Orlando.

Shady Oak - I found out about this place from an expose they did in the Sentinel a month ago. They called it a Fish Camp. It's a tiny shack on the river with an exposed patio. I tried to eat out there and the mosquitoes became intolerable once the sun went down. I had a fish called Ponga grilled with what supposed to be one side of potato salad, but, became french fries, cole slaw and hush puppies. It cost $7. The fish seemed more sauteed than grilled. It was tasty nevertheless. I googled the fish and it seems to be an acceptable breed. The fries were coated in a batter. It was thin enough not be an issue. The fries were crisp. The hush puppies were fresh and good. The cole slaw was sweet. The place seats about forty. Service (1) was fine. It's the sort of crowd where women wear ball caps and jeans and tube tops. I think that is called the nineties. The guy at the table next to me took OFF his shirt to try and frustrate the mosquitoes. There is a great view of the river from there. Better than the the Hook's. It's not a bad way to enjoy an early evening watching the boats pass by.

Fresh Off The Hook - This place is pricier than Shady. It has a greater variety of plate options. I had some fried clams ($8) because of the price inflation and the fact that they ran out of catfish fillets (still had whole ones). They were fine. It was dark when I went there (closes at 9 pm) so I'm not sure exactly what the view is like. It's in a marina and maybe the less attractive side of the bridge, so, I speculate that the view is worse. I could be way wrong. It seats around fifty in a wood enclosure. It's a little larger and more enclosed than the competition. Service was good. There were less people here than at Shady.

There was also a place before these two called CJ's (I think) Lobster Pot.

Red Roof Cafe, Orange City

I had lunch at this restaurant inside the Heritage Inn on 17-92 on Tuesday. I had chicken fried steak with two sides (potato salad and mac and cheese) for $9.  It was good. The steak was well fried and tender. It came with a white gravy. The potato salad was good. The mac and cheese was a little bland (needed more cheese). The service was good. The place seats about forty. There were around ten people there at lunch. The place is a little drab. They have historically relevant photos and prints on the wall that depict the changes that have occurred locally and to the structure in particular. It's a nice change of pace. It's a bit of a learning experience mixed in with a meal. They have alot of daily changes and specials. The inn has a bar and a museum and rents rooms. They even have a website - www.1876heritageinn.com if you want to scout it out before hand.