Andy's Frozen Custard, Sanford

I went to this frozen custard franchise (appears to have started in Misery emm Missouri) last night because I hoped they served food. Nope. I grabbed a small old fashioned soda for $4.39. It starts as soda water and vanilla ice cream (pardon me - custard) and you add a syrup. I chose chocolate. Is that an egg cream?  It was good. The custard was soft serve. Tasted like most others. The chocolate syrup was great. It tasted familiar. Hershey's? I think custard is ice cream with egg added to it. They also serve "concretes', sundaes, splits, floats, cones, cups, malts, etc. It looks like a Fifties McDonald's. They have a drive thru. They opened six weeks ago. It was popular. They are behind the Red Robin off Rinehart by the Wal-Mart. I stopped at PDQ after and the custard and the fried chicken sandwich weren't the worst combo.

*A few dishes I encountered in the Rocky Mountain states: chicken and quinoa burrito (Denver, CO) eggs benedict on quinoa cakes (Fort Collins, CO), powder (Fort Collins, CO), runza (a ground beef and cabbage stuffed roll) and frings (french fry and onion ring combo) (McCook NE) and wheel cheese (round grilled cheese sandwich) (Oakley, KS).

Four Guys Pho, Casselberry - Closed

I tried this new (one week) Vietnamese restaurant on 436 yesterday at lunch. It used to be a Greek place. I grabbed a 1 item (sliced beef eye round) pho for $8.75 and an order of summer rolls (2) for $3.75 to go. They are offering a limited time 15% grand opening discount, so, they were less. The rolls were fine. I've never had a shrimp with any flavor in one of those. Still haven't. The peanut dipping sauce was very dark and thick. The beef in the pho was medium rare as advertised. Alot and of a good quality. Very lean. The noodles were plentiful. A little over cooked and spongy. Not freshly cooked. Cold. The veg was fresh. I didn't add the jalapenos or basil or black sauce (is that duck sauce or tamarind or neither?). The beef broth was light and sweet. I discovered a way to eat this thing. You take a slice of meat in your mouth and chew and then take a spoon of broth and repeat until the meat is chewed up enough to swallow. I have found it hard to eat this dish as a whole. It's always - let's chopstick some meat or noodles or veg - now let's put those down and pick up the spoon and sip some broth. It's really difficult to get those solids to not flip off the spoon. I left the noodles out and ate them with the left over (diluted with water) peanut dip later in the day. They also have brisket, tendon, meat balls and tripe as add ins to the pho. Plus a lemongrass beef soup, wonton soup, chicken noodle soup and "Vietnamese" chicken noodle and egg (Mi) noodle soup that you can add pork, shrimp, wontons or squid to. The menu is standard. Some Asian cross over. Rice vermicelli bowls, spring rolls, rice platters, etc. A surprise was clay pot dishes. Pricing is in line. The place looks like I remembered it. They painted and added some decoration (Vietnamese field hats, posters, paintings). It was clean. It seats about forty. There were three tables seated (all women) while I was there. Service was lickity split. Would you believe my home town had an ice cream place named that? Not pho-nomenal, but, not pho-geddaboutit. Better than average. I'd go back. They seem to be trying to impress.

Southern Spice, Sand Lake Road Area - Closed

I wasn't exactly pleased when I learned I would have to haul my buns back here just to try another Indian restaurant (was Chutneys). The fact that they serve a Southern Indian menu didn't really make it anymore enticing. But, at least it isn't a totally duplication. They are in that strip mall with the gym (Gold/World's?) right around where Turkey Lake and Sand Lake meet. Incidentally, I'm going to have to do it again because the Graffiti Junction closed and is being replaced with what I assume is a French place. I went here for lunch last week. They were doing a $10 buffet, so, I just went with it. It's a shame because the large menu has some interesting items on it. I had a few mini samosas. I'm not sure if you can buy these by the hundred in Indian markets. I'd guess that was their provenance. Not bad in any case. I also had some chicken biyrani. butter chicken, tandoori chicken and one other that I think was in curry. They keep the bones in. All sections. I got a neck. They were in line with how they are supposed to taste. The butter chicken seemed a tad sweeter. I didn't love all the extra pods and leaves left in the dishes. I also had some white basmati rice, paneer/cheese (Makhani style I think), aloo/potatoes (possibly Telengana style), naan and a rice pudding with short noodles. I liked the potatoes very much. Paneer was good as well. I prefer rice to short noodles (in my desserts) it appears. The naan was a little burnt. I can't prove it, but, I think they give the "mistakes" to the white customers. That was pretty much the selection. Some salad greens and veggie entrees. I can't remember if they offered a soup. I would have done more damage but I had a plane ride ahead of me and I had already awoke with a huge case of flatulence. Just air. No smell. Bizarre. Carbonation/? Speaking of which, they charge $3 for a soda. Boo. The normal menu is large. Maybe 70 things. Some look interesting. They offer shrimp, chicken, mutton, fish, lamb and plants. Some descriptions seemed posh. $15-$24. I'd give them a go if I lived down there. Not going back for the buffet though. My town alone has four places that offer much the same. They did a little tinkering around the edges with the interior. Still familiar. Utilitarian. It was a buffet so service wasn't really on display. Give it a go if you live nearby. They had some Indian customers and some local business people there for the buffet. I think they opened in April or May.

Papa Sabz, Casselberry

Today I survived a gauntlet of aggravation that started on the Eye-Sore and ended with this lucky encounter. Let me start by saying that we have a special species of imbecile running the I-4 "improvement" project. Either that or a special kind of grifter. It is unbelievable how slow this is going. And today I encountered a new piece of imbecility. I won't dwell on the crash that caused a traffic jam that most certainly was the fault of the "improvement". I will talk about the traffic light they placed/hid around a curve (under an overpass) on the West Bound lanes at the Maitland on ramp. Not only does it take forever to cycle, it is hidden from drivers entering the highway. Drivers have to jam on the brakes just as they are accelerating to merge onto the highway. This is a multi car pile up waiting to happen every minute of every day. And they could easily push back the light or place a warning sign. Back to the day of frustration. Chela in downtown closed before I got there. I arrived at 2:45pm. They say they are open until 2:30pm. I think they started closing early. All the chairs were stacked on the tables in fifteen minutes? So, my first choice was out. And a wasted gauntlet. I tried to make the effort worth while by walking past Lake Eola in the heat to see if that ramen place near the 7-11 in Thornton Park had opened. That would be a "no". Back to the car and off to Bem Bom in Audubon Park. Still not open. The guys in the parking lot said two to three weeks. Waiting on permits. Are we at two years yet? Then to 436 in Casselberry to see if 4 Guys Pho was open yet. Nope. The sign says June 19. That's tomorrow. Lucky me. I threw in the towel and started home. Then I saw this sign where Holly and Dolly's used to be.

It's now a mostly Mediterranean place run by an Iranian couple who own the building. I had a 1/2 chicken with two side for $8. This is funny because I just scoffed at a whole chicken at Winn Dixie yesterday because it was $7. That aside, this chicken was very good. A great herb coating. Cooked in a rotisserie. On the rare side. Not pink. How the professional chefs say chicken should be served. The skin was crisp. Hard combo to pull off. I tried their hummus and roasted potatoes. The hummus was especially good. Thick. A little olive oil on top. No flavorings. Great, toasted, thick pita triangles. The potatoes had a lemon flavor. I was impressed. Sodas were only $1.75. I refilled three times. Parched from that lake walking. They also serve gyros, pastrami, cheese steaks, turkey, grilled chicken breast, Caesar salad, Greek salad, and desserts. Around $7. They redid the place with metal wainscoting, nude wood shaded table tops and black metal chairs. It seats around sixty. You order at the counter. There were people there (and they were open) at 4pm. A mixed crowd. They have been open for seven weeks. Not a destination, but, a real value. It also probably saved me from slashing my wrists, but, don't hold that against them. And at least they stay open all day.

Rossellini's, Lake Mary - Closed

I had lunch at this new (three weeks) Italian restaurant in the Winn Dixie shopping area off I-4 on Thursday. It was previously Luigino's. Sign on Lake Mary Blvd still says that. It doesn't appear that they did much re-decorating. I could be wrong, but, it seemed the like the same stuff. A little scary because I think they had been closed for a while. The windows looked like it. Still covered in grime. The table was also a mess. Visible streaks from a dirty wash cloth. Same with the oil and vinegar bottles. Crumbs on my chair. It isn't a surprise. All the help quit after a poor opening. Could be the fact that it is in a remote corner and they haven't done enough (any?) or the right advertising. When I took in my surroundings and the lack of staff (one) and the empty restaurant and the lack of AC penetration to the tables by the windows (the hottest area and their prime real estate). I was really apprehensive. Luigino's was pretty mediocre by the end (maybe always). Was this more of the same? I set my fate on a lay up. A Chicken Florentine sandwich. Hard to screw up. I wasn't rolling the dice on a potentially rock hard meatball sandwich or a $18 Chicken Park from the dinner menu. This $10 sandwich was the limit of my faith. They surprised me. The sandwich was good. A little small, but, fresh. Fresh (unsalty) mozzarella. Fresh, thick meated tomatoes. Reasonably fresh (a little freezer burn taste on part) chicken. A great, crispy baguette. A nice pesto sauce. Even a little tarragon leaf decoration. And the steak fries were fried perfectly. I was really worried that the fryer was going to be cool or they were going to have other issues that "empty" or new places have early in the day (or existence). They were ready for business. The one flaw was bloody chicken. They didn't let it rest and it released its juice. Hey, at least it still had some. I didn't like the $3 soda. They need to include that in the lunch price. Terra Mia sells most lunches at $10 and they include the soda. The meal is doable at $10. Remember we have to tip. At $13 it becomes a discussion. That $10 is now $16 or $17 with drink and tax and tip. That's double what most take away lunches go for. And that's the competition. Dinner prices are even more out of line. Either they offer a full experience (clean environment, working AC, mood music, excellent food) or you reduce the prices by 50% until you do. You can't expect full remuneration when you aren't executing to your fullest. It's self-serving. A micro crime. It drives me crazy when businesses do this. They never excuse the buyer from full compliance. And I'm not sure there is a need for a high priced, rustic Italian restaurant. A new one is opening near City Hall in a few weeks. But, if you don't blink at a $30 steak (or seafood pasta) or apps in the mid teens are pastas (second courses) near $20, then this place is for you. I don't see myself returning for that. Luigino's used to be an expense account type of place. But, that was when the town had few options. It also attracted alot of the real estate agents. But, that didn't seem to save them. *Actually it could have closed for non-economic reasons. In any event, I wish them luck. The owners name is Paulo. He runs a similarly named place in Daytona Beach. He seems to care about ingredients. His one helper was on the ball. Two others came in at lunch (and some looky-loos). They have some Green Sea (or something) Salmon (with green peas) that sounded interesting. Food quality seems to be Job 1. It isn't perfect, but, it can't be written of yet. They are really reliant on the quality of the food at this point. Should it drop off, the restaurant won't survive for long. Here's hoping the solve the other issues.

Grub Crawl - Casselberry and Altamonte Springs: Chalten, Wildflower and Sugar Sow (Closed)

I went to these places at lunch on Friday. The first two are near the 17-92 and 436 interchange. The third is in a Citgo gas station at the train tracks on 436.near the light rail station in Altamonte.

Chalten - They were supposed to open a pizza place in Ivanhoe last year. Some how they ended up at 124 Live Oaks Blvd in a cul de sac behind an Asian buffet (northeast side of the interchange). I'm not sure how they will get enough foot traffic to make this work. Maybe catering? They sell a small menu of Argentinean influenced sandwiches and salads. Some bowls and breakfast. Put it this way - lemonades are a fifth of the menu. I had a chicken salad sandwich for $7. It was a very healthy looking attempt. They say there was mayo in there. Just a dab. On the bun. The chicken tasted of oil and vinegar. They also say - cream cheese. I don't recall that. I recall brown, ground chicken and carrots. The flat herb "roll" was the must intriguing element. It became mushy in places. It was served warm. No side. They have been open for two months. It's small. One or two tables. No service. The name is from a town in Patagonia. The owner was nice. And cute. Closed Sunday. Open until 3pm.

Wildflower Vegan - This place did little to change my mind about veganism. A scam to overcharge needy people for lousy food. I had a fried chicken sandwich because it was the cheapest thing at $12. I think it was $12 because they didn't offer paper receipts. Needed for some of the entrees I guess. The fake chicken was cut into "fries". They weren't bad tasting and fried properly, but, the bun and veg were disappointing. Bad "bbq" sauce. It is probably twice as expensive as it should be. It's funny how this type of value exchange isn't considered impermissible by the type of perpetually aggrieved person who usually traffics in this kind of opiate. The price of the chicken wasn't as bad as the "shrymp" sandwich. I think it was $16. Why is the letter y always part of non-conformity? It came with "mac and cheese". A small side of mac with a dusting of some cheese chemical. The menu is smallish. So is the place. They seat around twenty. It's very hard to find. In a strip mall on the north east side of 17-92 and 436. In the back. Small sign within the strip mall sign. Look for a barber shop. Service was good. Talking with me while I waited, as it were. They have been open for two months.

Sugar Sow - Finally here after a four month set back. They were a cart and are now a nook. Open for two weeks. Still a work in progress. They specialize in pork. I had a Drunken Swine sandwich for $10. It came with a side. I chose mac and cheese. The sandwich was shredded ham. Not pork. Ham! I had to try it. I've never even seen it. It was bad. I don't love ham and this was just soft, over sweet ham. Nice creativity though. Huge portion. I separated the meal into two sandwiches/meals. The mac was very creamy. More roux than cheese. Some grated cheese mixed in. Shells. Bacon on top. Not bad. I prefer more cheese. Bacon was good. They also sell some apps (3), hot dogs (5), platters (5), desserts (4) and four other sandwiches. The people seemed engaged and engaging. I'll go back.

Grub Crawl - Winter Park: Brownerierie (Closed), Buttermilk Bakery and Foxtail Farmhouse

I tried these places for breakfast on Friday. The first is across the street at a diagnol from Trader Joe's on S. Orlando/17-92. Not on S. Orlando, but, around the side. Easy to miss. The next two are on Orange Ave (the road that Einstein's sits at the corner of).

Brownierie Cafe - This is the only CF location of a Brazilian chain. They specialize in brownies (a few other things are available). I had a Banana Brownie for $3.30. It was very good. Moist. Rich. Chocolate-y. Dense. The banana wasn't baked in. Just an "icing" of fresh banana paste. Good though. They do around 28 types. They have been open for 18 months. It's a small, clean, new space. Glad it came up when I searched to see if the new crepe place had opened yet.

Buttermilk Bakery - I couldn't remember if (still can't) if I had tried them. This location seems to chew up little cafe places. I can't keep track. I think I hadn't. Strange to think I've passed by for two years (how long they said they have been open) and just thought it was "in the books". I'm glad I forced a visit. I had two croissants and both were very good. I had a turkey and provolone and an everything. I should mention that I just got back from France and Belgium (ate horse there) and my stomach couldn't wait for lunch time. The croissant was baked around the turkey and provolone. It survived a reheat. A little dry (extra flakey). They tossed in some pepitas in there. Not bad. I just saw a cooking show where they made an "everything" croissant based on the bagel. I don't like the bagel. Too salty and bitter and messy. Oddly, the croissant is a better vehicle for this "rub". I think both were $4. No printed receipts. They serve alot of good looking baked goods. They had a deviled egg tartine and a sandwich for lunch (won't serve before then). Too pricey to my mind. $12 for a tomato and mozzarella sandwich? In fact all the "meals" were too high. Stick to the bakery rack. They redesigned the space. They put the seats by the window up front. I can't remember if the old tenants had a patio. They do. You can also dine by the front door. Parking in back. I'd go back.

Foxtail Farmhouse - They expanded the location to the right. They put a cold drip coffee bar in there. I can't decide whether it is the most pretentious thing in CF or pretty cool. I wish I liked coffee more. At least I'm a little buzzed when I seek this type of experience with wine or beer or spirits. I guess if I maintained "consistency (of opinion) discipline", coffee is no more or less ridiculous to obsess over. And they certainly had their share of obsessives there. Packed house. I didn't partake. Maybe some other time.

*Foxtail in Hourglass District still not done.

Los Generales, Curry Ford Rd

I had dinner at this Mexican restaurant in the Hourglass district on Thursday. It was ok. They do things Yucatan (Mayan) style. They do pozole (on weekends), vaporcitos (tamales), huarache, sopes, gorditas, pambazo and the rest of the usual fare. I had tacos de cochinita for $8 and a lengua taco for $2.50. I didn't need the extra taco. The cochinita (3) were piled with pulled pork and red colored pickled onions. Soft tacos. The pork was steeped in a broth. I don't like that technique. I prefer the meat to be basted in its own oil. This pork was a little bland. The tortillas were also a little dry. I'm not sure if they tossed the platter into the oven because the plate and the food was scorching hot. I think that would account for the dry tortillas. I really hope they didn't use the nuker. The lengua was a little bland too. I saw some bumps on the skin too. That means they didn't peel it off. There was alot of meat here too. And some raw white onions. Same dry tortilla and hot plate. I saw the cook and she seemed like a home cook. That's about the level of this place. There is a big menu. It's not as derivative as a chain, but, it isn't high end or totally authentic. Right in the middle. It does the job. More value than quality. The place used to be another Mexican place (La Fiesta?). Never got there before it closed. Their sign gave me the impression that it would be more of a hipster taco place. It's not. The decor is basic. A little old. Probably the stuff from the last place. They have wooden booths on the left side and pleather booths on the right. A bar counter towards the back. They had some framed photos of guys in weird outfits. I guess one is Zapata. I guess that is why they are called "generales". TVs tuned to Mexican programs. Service was good. The chips and salsa (slightly hot with a little garlic) were fresh. They were offering pozole on a Thursday although the menu said Sat and Sun only. That means it was old or the regular pozole is old by Sat. Pricing was in line. Not a must see. Generally average.

The Frog and the Monkey, Mount Dora

I ate lunch at this pub (English?) about ten days ago. It has a basement location in one of the three story buildings on the main street downtown. Nothing really appealed to me (burgers and sandwiches and a few English dishes), so, I settled on a turkey and brie panini. It was better than I expected. Whole grain bread. Apple. Thick sliced turkey. Acceptable brie. I goofed by sub-ing out honey mustard for spicy. Generous portion. The real kicker was the side of potato salad. A sweet mayo (Duke's). Celery, carrots, raw onion. I usually don't like Duke's and I have never had celery or carrots in my PS, but, it worked. I think there was a pickle too. It cost $11. The current occupants have been there for over ten years. I think they said the place has been a pub since the Eighties. It's a little worn. It's a little small. Six or seven customers. It looks like a pub. Monkey decorations. They seem to have a corner for a dj or minstrel. Service was good. I tried for bangers, but, they were out. They had a venison burger and some pork dish as specials. Nothing out of the teens. It's ok for this sort of place.