2019 Favorites List and Travel Notes Index

This list looks like my music download folder for the year. A small collection of "reaches". It is utterly confounding how we live in an era with access to anything and time for everything and it all devolves into the utterly banal.. And that is sugar coating it. Where are the true artists and thinkers of our time?

$$$$ - H Steakhouse, Itta Bena

$$$ - Local Pearl Oyster House (New Smyrna Beach), Tori Tori, Mia's Italian Kitchen, The Old Jailhouse (Sanford)

$$ - Prima Pizza Cucina (New Smyrna Beach), Saporito (Ocoee), F&D Italian Kitchen

$ - Art's Sandwich Shop, Burger Barn, Earth Fare, BTW (Tavares), Boulay, Midici

Travel Notes Index

April 3 - NM

April 8 - MN

May 17 - Korea/Taiwan/Japan

June 20 - England

August 12 - England/France/Spain

August 28 - Macedonia/Serbia/NYC

September 27 - Greece/Romania/Cyprus

October 23 - WI/OH/IN/MN

November 21 - Italy/Switzerland/Malta

December 20 - Canary Islands

Broken Spoon, Lake Mary - Closed

I ate at this new (one month) restaurant in the Winn Dixie shopping center off Lake Mary Blvd at lunch on Monday. It replaces the failed Rossellini's. They seem to be in for the same fate. First off, the menu is all over the place and priced too high for the experience. Secondly, the food took too long to deliver and I believe they used a microwave for at least a portion of its preparation. Thirdly, they did nothing to the décor. Fourthly, they are doing no marketing. Fifthly, they are hidden in the rear of an unpopular shopping center. Sixthly, they don't seem to sweat the small stuff. I'll expound. The owner is Loatian. A corporate caterer. First restaurant. He tosses in a few Loatian dishes like larb (and Chinese bao) onto a mostly American motif. While I embrace the chance to "explore", I am not middle America. This will confuse most John's and Joan's and make them question the cooks ability to make good on the hometown cuisine. Plus the dishes (these plus all of the rest) are too expensive. Sticky Rice (and it is way more hip than this place) has larb at under $5. Baos should cost a buck or two. Everything on this menu is in double digits. Even the lunch specials are in the teens. And you can't even get a soda with them. Only iced tea. A lot of entrée level meals are around twenty bucks (or higher). They also mis-price some usually pricy dishes like osso buco on the low side. Osso buco? You say. Yeah! This menu is all over the place. They have things like burgers ($15 ouch), chicken and waffles ($18), sandwiches, salads, soup and I think steak. It's like a café or diner ensemble. I had a sausage and sliced steak sandwich for $13. It came with french fries. While I found the sandwich tasty, there were a few issues. The tips of the sausage were dry and hard spongy. That usually indicates some nuclear interference. And the bun was chewy and flaking apart. More microwave (and age) evidence. Maybe they just did it to warm it or melt the cheese on top. However, that leads me to the timing issue. I believe they aren't ready for prime time and I was waiting on the oil to heat up to cook the fries. If that wasn't the case, then god help them because there was only one other diner there competing for their attention and she ordered a salad. And back to the bread. It was cheap shit in a plastic bag, sold by the dozen like hot dog buns from a mass producer kind of way. You know how I know. It had those little balls on the bottom that only the worst machine made baked goods have. I mean, come on. At least source what the supermarkets make. Daily! There is a Winn Dixie next door. I'm not asking for artisan crafted bs. Back to the meal. The sandwich came with grilled peppers and grilled onions and provolone. It was tasty. The beef was pretty tender. The sausage was ok (probably mass produced). The fries were a bit above average. They seemed to have a garlic element to them. Almost too starchy. Plating was basic. Napkins were cloth. That's the priority? I'd rethink that bit of style over substance.

As I said, the décor is the same. Drab. Old. It isn't making the impression you want to justify the pricing. The view of the golf course is good, but, not Instagram worthy. Let me give you a history lesson. Tthis place was only considered higher end when there was no competition in town and even then the people who went there didn't really know what high end was anyway. People from lower middle class neighborhoods outside of northern manufacturing centers who got transferred down here by corporations chasing cheap land, labor and taxes. For them, the spot was as good or better than any pre-foody steak house or mafia style Americanized Northern Italian trattoria was number one in their community. Plus this place was within sniffing distance of a country club. The kind they were prohibited from joining back home. But, I'm talking thirty years ago. The choices have exploded. Expectations have risen. And this spot really hasn't been upgraded since. I'll even bet they did nothing to the useless ac system. Just wait until the summer sun comes through those bay windows. The few changes they made seem to be focused on the tables. They added high tops that are set in between the low tops. This gives the space some variation. I believe the tables are different too. Not quite as cheap as their predecessors. The two waitresses were sweet and attentive. They were also a bit more of what you would expect at a diner or café. Another mismatch. I'm not saying I had any issue with it. But, many people judge on appearances. And that leads me back to my prediction.

 I believe this place is run on a shoestring. And while that can limit your losses, it also can limit your prospects and why I'm not in the restaurant business. I'm all for word of mouth or guerilla marketing, but, what is the hook? Price? No. Performance? No. Difference? No. Style? No. Location? No. Speed? No. There is nothing for word of mouth to mouth. It's just an overpriced, mish mosh of mediocrely prepared, poorly sourced, garden variety food items served in a hard to find, drab, empty, failed location. I hate to be a wet blanket, but, I strongly suggest you abandon any pretention of earning a Michelin star and halve the pricing, send out some two for one mailers and take on Bob Evan's. Either that or open up your wallet and start over. The people before you tried to ignite the Luigino's "magic" (price points) with seafood and Italian (not sure if there were more). They couldn't and I'll tell you why.

There are already too many places in that high price/high quality (if they ever really had that level of quality) quadrant. It started with Stonewood across the street. They became the "fancy" place. Decades ago. That is the comp. Make a visit and compare yourself. You aren't at that level (which isn't that outstanding anyway). And no one wants to be in the high price/low quality quadrant. Which is where people might put you now. The only quadrant you could conceivably survive in would be the low price/high quality quadrant. This is the least desirable from a providers point of you, but, the market you chose and the location you chose has sealed your fate. It's this or nothing. You can't do low quality/low price because many franchises and global chains dominate that quadrant and would out market you. Now do you have the sense to accept it. And for god's sake, post your god damn hours on the door and change out the Rossellini's sign on the shopping center marquee and hire some jack ass to wander around the parking lot pretending they just ate at your place and tell people how great it was. I'll be back to try some of the odd ball items, but, I wouldn't count on me to balance the books. Good luck.

St John's River Steakhouse and Seafood, Sanford *Canary Islands Travel Notes

I had lunch at this four year old restaurant (that has seen many masters) on Lake Monroe (on that island in town) on Tuesday. I've been here many times before and I swear I've even eaten here before. But thanks to the terrible search capabilities of this Google owned blogging application, I can't find any evidence of a review. Thankfully, the experience wasn't bad (if it was a redo). I had a soft shell crab sandwich for $12. Fries were a buck more. This was around the median price range. It was way better than I anticipated. The crab was a bit fishy tasting. I was expecting frozen anyway. However, the excellent corn meal crust and proper cooking time made up for that. The glossy bun was also a bit more than ordinary. The veg weren't terribly unfresh. The spicy remoulade wasn't exactly original. but, it always adds something. The fries were real show stoppers. I think they call them (not on the menu description) "curls" or "scoops". They were like a section of a curly fry. But big like a wedge. Something this thick is usually miscooked. These were not. And even had some crunch to the exterior. I ordered this because I was getting a vibe (from the ram shackle interior and magic markered out items on the menu) that this wasn't a serious dining establishment. I think I was wrong. I think you can venture out into the more expensive parts of the menu. They have things like shrimp and grits, fish and chips, burgers, steak, seafood, etc. Platters and sandwiches. The interior is mostly wood. They have the screened in patio (like all the others had). Most tables have lake views (for one half of the table). They have a bar. I know they have live music sometimes at night. Service was very attentive and personable. Demands were anticipated. It's a taste of Florida type joint with better food. Tourists (especially) should like the experience. Soda was near the danger zone. $2.90.

*I noticed that a new food hall is going up on 1st St (I think that is the main one into town). It was called Henry's Depot, I believe. A bar in back had opened a week ago (night) and four of five stalls were being built. A Mexican, Some Guy's Sandwiches, Pizza Oven and some other things. And the F&D Italian sign was down and no F&D visible. I wonder if they chickened out. Hollerbach's extension is complete. An old age home is going up next to St John's River restaurant. I thought it was a hotel. They are building some more buildings around Fuel. I used the roll they gave me for a smoked chicken order the next day on my tuna fish sandwich. The smoke it absorbed worked well with the tuna fish. I also add hot sauce to my tuna. That may be a necessary element for the smoke to work. I'm not sure if I've seen smoked bread out there.

**Travel Notes - Canary Islands (and Spain since they own it): BK has a double cheeseburger with three slices of cheese and a cheese dipping sauce. Why don't all places have a cheese dipping sauce? I'll trade you Sweet and Sour. McD's had little fried chicken balls called McBites. Way cheaper than nuggets. 20 were 2E. And an Alfredo Truffle Sauced Burger. A place called Ballshakes had a mason jar milkshake that they crowned with a jelly or cream donut (straw through the hole). I had a pork cheek muffin. It was a crown/base of fried phyllo with pulled pork cheek and jam in side. Made me thing of many savory things we could start putting in a real muffin. I also saw a salmon and almond sandwich in the airport in Barcelona. It was in a wrapper, so, I'm not sure how they did it.

Grub Crawl - International Drive: Hi-5 Poke, Spicy Girl and The Mexican Camel

I tried these places in a strip mall at Kirkman and International Drive two Thursdays ago. I ordered these items to go. The first two are in the same location. The third is next door.

Hi-5 Poke and Sushi - They had a larger menu, but, they told me they are just doing poke ($12) going forward. I had tuna nachos for $8. The tuna was surprisingly fresh. I forget how long they have been operating. I think under a year. The place is Hawaiian themed. Looks sloppy. Partly because they are running a Szechaun restaurant out of here as well. I hope I'm not outing them by telling you about it. You would think that violates their franchise agreement or lease.

Spicy Girl - This would be the draw (if there is one). They have all kinds of crazy dishes here. Lungs, lips, claws, feet, jaw, chin, gizzard, neck, ear, stomach, liver, intestines, wings, etc. I was taking a flight the next day, so I wussed out and ordered spicy beef noodles. They were good. The beef was very tender. And I'm not sure how to describe the noodles. They were very overcooked. I think that might have been partially my fault leaving them in the "sauce" all day. They were very spicy and a bit oily. I only ate around a quarter of them. Not sure if they or the next place's meal gave me the intestinal discomfort that I luckily got rid of in a unfortunate bath room stall before the longer leg of my plane journey. I may go back to try some of those oddities. They had some normal stuff as well. Their English wasn't great.

Mexican Camel - This was a disappointment. And it is a shame because the manager was very generous. He gave me free baklava and a drink (homemade lemonade with some flavoring I forget). The baklava tasted like olive oil. Hopefully, that is not why it was free. The place is just a "Subway" that does Med and Mex. Not an interesting fusion. You can "cross pollinate" your dish, but, that isn't very inventive. You chose the container (bowl, pita, tortilla) and the main (lamb, chicken, etc) and then add sauces and toppings. I had lamb in a pita. The lamb was just meatballs off a skewer. They were poorly made and crumbled. I screwed up the toppings with harissa (very hot) and tahini (bland) and pickled onions and turnips and tomato and pickles. It was too bitter and something gave me record setting gas. I mean it reminded me of the throw up scene with Lard Ass in Stand By Me or the one in Team America. Except this was air (oddly odorless) and it came out of the out door not the in door. And not just a single tuba solo.. The last time I had these symptoms was when I ate at that Med place on 436 (Gyro something). So, I think it's something wit that kind of food. Pickling? Root veg? This is a one off that looks like a chain. I think they are six months old. This is case where one plus one doesn't equal three. Or even two. If you want Mex go to a place that does that. if you want Med, same advice.

Burger Barn, Sea World Area

I tried this burger joint in a strip mall south of the Central Florida Parkway on International Dr today at lunch. It is near a La Quinta close to Westwood. I had the Southwest burger for $8. While this and a soda and tax ran over $11, it was a good burger. Thin. Nice crust. Well cooked. Good beef. Bibb lettuce leaf, raw white onion, tomato, artisan-ish pickle chips, spicy Thai mustard, pepper jack, guacamole, bacon and sweet bun. The mustard isn't with keeping the theme, but, it was good. I also learned a new fact. Guac on pickle chips is kind of good. The bacon was a bit tough. Crisp. Probably sitting out longer than is good for it. They also are not retards. Placing every condiment and topping on the top of the patty. They put some underneath. Shockingly, the toppings slide around less. Take note very other burger moron in history who has never observed this burger fail. They have six or so specialty burgers (ie mac and cheese cheeseburger) at this price point. I think a basic hamburger was $5.50 and a cheese was a buck more. They also had wings and fries. Fries were around $3.50. Maybe ice cream and chicken sandwiches? They also had cheese fries. Not a big menu. They have been open for 10 months. From Jacksonville. In a mall. Only this location and that. The place is painted black and some kind of red that I think I heard once was called burnt umber. Two decorative barn type doors on one wall. Glass on the front and side. Longish floor plan. Very basic and open. Not much spent on construction. Still looks unfinished. A fence from the entrance to the counter. Serve yourself. Seats around seventy. Around ten people there at 12pm. Not stupendous enough for a destination drive, but, good if you are staying near Sea World or in the area. Much better than 5 Guys. Why the want their one tv to be on a political channel is beyond me.

Grub Crawl - New Smyrna Beach: Jason's Corner, The Local Pearl Oyster Shoppe (Closed) and Prima Pizza Cucina

I tried all these places on Friday during the day. First one right off. Then the beach. Then back for lunch. They are all in the "town" near the corner of Sams Ave and Canal St. Almost by the "ruins". I should mention that this is a great time to visit. No rain. Good temps.

Jason's Corner - They told me this place was a soda jerk (is that what they called it in the 50's?). It's been this place for twelve years. They serve all three meals. I was there for breakfast. I had a two egg plate with sausage and hash browns and toast for $7. It was well prepared. Perfect over easy eggs. Non oily hash browns. Dry (as requested) rye toast. Decent links. Service was fine. The place is nicer looking than the last breakfast place I tried. Big ceilings. Patio. Booths and tables. Period posters of California piers. It seats around seventy all together. It was popular, but, I didn't have to wait. The breakfast and lunch menu is what you'd expect. Good pricing. Almost everything a single digit expense. The dinner menu was surprising. They had some higher end stuff like filet mignon in the low twenties. They also had an ok wine menu that seemed to only be 2X retail and topped out at twenty a bottle. It's right on the corner. It was better than I expected. Good value. The also had a takeout window on Sams Ave.

The Local Pearl Oyster Shoppe - This is why I came back so quickly. I saw it last week and it intrigued me. I wasn't misled. This (and the next place) is as good or better than anything we have in the magic kingdom. It's small. Two tables outside. A six person counter. And a few tables inside. It's only open for lunch (11-3) on Friday and Saturday and a brunch on Sunday. Dinner the rest of the time (minus off days - if there are any). The place is mostly white tile. A big, weathered mirror behind the raw bar. Very authentic, clean and vibrant. Their oyster selection (mostly locale) was well sourced. I usually only get giddy over cold weather oysters, but, they made me reassess my beliefs. I tried 5 (I don't feel like listing them all) Florida grown and one Virginian. Their whole selection. All were fresh and beautiful and tasty. They have a three oyster minimum, but, they let me try one of all five (I doubled up the Iroc) . And at under two bucks a piece, it was a steal. The grand total was $12. I also tried their Ahi nachos to see if they skrimped on the tuna. Nope. Good quality. Fresh. Decent allotment. Also came with chips, a little guac and a mayo sauce that could benefit from a smaller nozzle on the dispensing bottle. That cost $9. They also sell (this is from the to do menu and it seems different from the menu I saw - maybe a lunch dinner thing): tater tots and caviar, anchovies, ceviche, cooked oysters, mussels, clams, lobster hush puppies, calamari, grits, ahi burger, po boy, fish tacos, lobster roll, linguini and clams and other things. Things like the calamari had a twist - Ritz cracker coating. Brunch had some cool things like shrimp and grits. They said they try and get whatever is in season. They also sell wine and beer. I think cocktails too. I believe they said the owner is the guy behind the old Spanish River whatever it was called. It was a renowned place, so, I'm not surprised this place is great. Open less than six months. Service was great. Especially the skilled shucker.

Prima Pizza Cucina - I didn't even see this place last week. It is on Sams Ave (side of Jason's). The owner said he was from South Florida and this was NY style pizza (parents home). I'm from NY and this is not NY pizza. It's way better. Artisan all the way. Thin. Huge. Small crust. No air bubbles. Unreal coverage. Great ingredients. Interesting combinations. Charred bottom. And it looked like they did all this in a regular pizza oven. No coal or wood fire. I had the large Bee Line for $19. It seemed a little pricey until I saw the coverage. Wall to wall soppressata and chiles. A neutral garlic tomato sauce. Decent cheese. Calabrian chiles. Hot honey. Basil. I did it mostly to try the honey. There were so many hot elements that I couldn't really pick out the hot honey on its own. It came off as sweet. And that was better (believe it or not) when the pizza was cold. Same with the soppressata. It was firmer when eaten cold. I had a few heated slices on Friday night and the rest (cold) on Saturday for dinner as Auburn dispatched Alabama (Goal Wide). Delish with a nice Malbec. And (wonder of wonders) it didn't clog up my bowels for a week. They have eighteen pie suggestions. A small (still big) Margherita costs $15. A $21 large white clam pie was the most expensive. You can create your own small pie for $10. They also sell be the slice until 3pm. Didn't get the cost. Calzone is $12. Stromboli is $15. Sausage roll is $14. They also do nine small plates (garlic knots to baked sausage rigatoni), six salads and six sandwiches (Italian beef to meatball parm). Thirteen was the ceiling on all of those. Single digits for some. A customer at the counter gave me a garlic knot. It was good too. The ladies to my right had the meatball app and an arugula and prosciutto pizza. Both looked great. A garden of arugula. The place looks cool. Monochrome. Kind of small and rectangular. Most seats are down the "hall" at the counter. Two tables up front. Two patio tables. Kitchen on other side of the counter. One waitress. One cook. Place seems small enough to be handled by them. I didn't wait long. A really pleasant surprise. Open for one year.

*There was a place down the street called something like Rickey's Canteen. It was a poke place. It closed. There is also a NSB Brewery on Canal and a Thai place that never seems to be open. On US 1 I passed a new taco and chicken place. Down Business 44 I spied another breakfast spot (Auntie something) and a Gator's. A surfy place I tried just across the drawbridge (towards the beach area) closed. A pizza place and bagel place opened on the main bridge road near that Garlic restaurant. Not sure if I'm heading back this way for a while. This update will have to sustain you.

Manny's Original Chophouse, Altamonte Springs - Closed

I tried this chophouse near the intersection of 434 and 436 at dinner (no lunch service) eight days ago. It has a chain feel, yet, I believe there was only on other down in the tourist district that has recently closed. I'm not sure how long this one has been here. I had a 9 ounce center cut for $16. It came with rolls, salad and a side (baked potato). It has been a while (and I haven't returned to any of those establishments) since I've eaten at a Longhorn's or Texas Roadhouse level restaurant, so, I'm not sure if this is any better or worse. I made the mistake of ordering the beef medium rare. It took thirty plus (I counted - many times) chews to make the bite swallowable. The top "skin" also seemed crumbly. This was the one section that was "cooked". It was disturbingly crumbly though. Maybe over marinated or just bad quality. The steak didn't appear odd. They claimed to age it. Maybe that is code for "field aged". I'm not sure how these inexpensive cuts are sourced. Milk cows? Old cows? Not cows? I would just recommend you order the meat well done. I didn't try the rolls. The salad came in a big bowl (two portions worth) and they tossed it at the table. The potato was good. I'm at a loss on how to rate this place. The steak wasn't good, but, it was cheap. and they cooked it as requested. The sides were fine. Some value here. Service was good. The place looks like a 50's themed place. Fake road signs, street signs, license plates, etc. Lights made out of mufflers. Everything a reproduction (like the steak). They offer a variety of foods (even fajitas and nachos). For people on a budget, this may be a fun night out. The crowd seemed to confirm that. I thought it would be a higher end place (like Vito's) since they only do dinner. I was wrong. It probably seats around ninety. High ceilings. Not claustrophobic. East parking.

Grub Crawl - New Smyrna Beach: Donnie's Donuts, Ruthy's Kozy Kitchen and Cork Screw

I tried these places last Saturday. The first two are on West Canal ST (44 Business) and the last is in town on Canal St. You get to 44 Business by making a left after the Burger King. Before the bridge.

Donnie's Donuts - This place was a fried chicken place only a year ago. Now they (different people) sell home made donuts and beverages. They have a Food Network sign up front. They said the owner was a judge on a food truck show. I bought an apple cider cinnamon and a chocolate cinnamon. They cost just under $2 each. They were fine. Apple better than chocolate. I don't love these old fashioned, cake-y donuts. I like the airier kind better. They have this level of donut and a kicked up level (ie toppings). They are open Wednesday through Sunday.

Ruthy's Kozy Kitchen - They are a bit closer to town (the train tracks). They have been there for thirteen years. I only noticed them two years ago when they updated their signage. I had the Greek eggs benedict for $9. It was fine. Feta crumbles over too much Hollandaise and eggs on Canadian Bacon and tomato and spinach. No muffin. Home fries. Everything here is under two digits. I believe they close at 2pm. They had a really cheap early morning breakfast at under $2. It was full. They had breakfast and lunch items and special. It seats about eighty. The color scheme was teal, white and gray. Red table tops. Service was good. They take cards. A fine diner type spot.

Cork Screw Bar and Grille- This is about half way in town. It was a post office. It's been this for five years. American cuisine. Lots of red brick. A brick half wall separates the main room into a bar area and a main area. Lots of patio tables. Seats around fifty inside and forty outside. Lots of bric a brac inside. Long bar. sports on the tv. It was full at 2pm. Open for dinner too. I had a gator and sausage po boy for $14. It was very good. Too good. I think they subbed in pork shoulder for gator. If not, it was really seasoned well and tender. The sausage was good as well. Lots of both meats. The bun was glossy and appropriate for a po boy. Fresh too. The lettuce and tomato were also fresh. I usually find po boys more fun to order than to eat. They usually are just bad heros. This was what a po boy is meant to be. The menu was pretty large. Some surprises. I wish I could remember some of them. They had they usual subjects like burgers and fish too. This place seemed to be the most hoighty of the dining options. It was more accessible than I anticipated. Not bad at all. I'd go back. In fact, the only thing preventing it may be the multiplicity of options I've been discovering in town. I'll tell you about three more in two posts from now (I went to them today).

*I read an article on a Turkish chili pepper called Urfa.  It's smoke-y and raisin-y and all the rage.

Bungalow Retreat, Lake Mary - Closed *IT/SWI/Malta

I tried this eclectic spot in the strip mall on International Parkway closest to the Verizon offices on Wednesday at lunch. It has been open for eleven months. I had Ropa Vieja tacos (3) for $13. The meat wasn't like any ropa vieja I have ever been served. That dish is usually stringy. This was more like bits of meat. The flavoring was off too. And it is kind of a stretch to shoe horn this recipe into a taco. They tried to play up the Cuban element by adding little servings of yellow rice and beans. But, the beans were Mexican style and they also submitted to the taco demands by serving sour cream with it. It was all pretty savory (one note). They tried to mix it up with some mild salsa. It needed something hotter. Especially if you added the sour cream. The tacos could be flour or corn. And as I've regurgitated before, Mexicans only eat corn tortillas with their tacos. Which is a long way to tell you, I chose corn. They were coaster sized. They serve these tacos in an "accordion" mold. Not much finesse in the plating. Tacos take up a quarter of the lunch menu. They also serve five versions of mac and cheese (as a main), ten or so burgers and some soups and salads. Not too ambitious. Or cheap. The cheapest burger was $13. Up to near $20. Tacos were all double digits. Even the macs were double digits. The dinner menu added a few expensive offerings like steak and fish and a lot of common Italian dishes. Like I said, it's a hodge podge. It seats about 40 inside and ten on the patio. A hodge podge here too/ I saw a patio table inside. The decoration is also from the shabby chic thrift store collection. The bar area feels more "usual". But, that makes it feel out of place in this context. And the tvs showing sports adds to the disconnect. The crowd represented the incongruity of the décor. Most of the table sitters were female (a large table of what must be Lake Mary's version of ladies who lunch) and a bar of guys who looked like they just played eighteen. The wait staff of one was obviously not enough for what was a full house. The owner was helping a little, but, they could have used an extra set of hands. However, my service wasn't effected (except for no refill on a soda that was half ice cubes).. The food came out as fast as a scoop of meat tossed into a shell should. It wasn't an unpleasant experience, but, it wasn't memorable either. The capacity crowd begged to differ. It seems to be in harmony with the tastes of the area. And staying in business is a precept that many restauranteurs seems to forget. I didn't check if they had TP for their Bung-holi-low.

*Travel Notes - Italy/Switzerland/Malta:

Italy: Turin - shrimp tartare (only saw this on a menu), salsiccia di bra (a raw veal sausage), cacao e pepe inside a fried pastry shell, Penguin (a chocolate covered vanilla ice cream pop), grilled eggplant and brie sandwich.

Milan - Cheese flowing over the pizza crust like icing, bread dough laced up with string so when it baked it looked like a pumpkin or other gourd, scamorza cheese, scamorza and zucchini pizza (served by the gram). I had focaccia too, but, you've heard of that. That and panini and pizza and cured meats get tiresome sooner than you'd expect.

Naples - Il cuoppo (a paper cone that they fill with almost anything to go), fried pizza, sfogliatalab (thin strings of pastry wound around an object (usually ricotta in the past but now anything goes) and fried.

Rome - Deer salami (in a great sandwich with caciottina cheese, pecorino cheese and fresh raw mushrooms served at Lost Food Factory near the Pantheon for 6E), Toma Maccagno cheese.

Switzerland: Lausanne - Pato soleil bread, Tomme de Savoie cheese (Fr), Gruyere, steak tartare at the Coop supermarket (and it was better than 95% of the ones I've had), mango and paprika potato chips, pretzel shaped donut, Cannibis Iced Tea, Camembert Bites at BK.

Malta: Black ink arancini, pesto flavored potato chips (actually English brand), rabbit liver (and rabbit in general) with tagliatelle, black ink ravioli, chicken and cous cous wrap with sweet chili sauce.

I also loved a clothing store (big one near il duomo called Mooseknuckles. In English. And yes they were racing semi trucks like we race pick ups at some Nascar events. Wild.

And I know some loyal readers are juicing my page views whenever I bitch about them. Thanks. I will suspend disbelief.

Grub Crawl - International Drive: Garden Bistro and Sodie Doces

I tried these places Wednesday at lunch. If we break down I Drive into thirds with the middle being between Universal Blvd and Sand Lake Blvd, the first place is on South I Drive after the Ferris wheel near Mia's and the second is in the strip mall at North I Drive on Universal.

Garden Bistro at Castle Hotel - This was to be a review of their Antler Lodge. It isn't open at lunch. They said the menu is the same as the Bistro's. Plus it was just a tiny, unimpressive bar/lounge area anyway. So, I ate here. The bistro was by the pool. It was a hotel restaurant. Pricy and boring. I had a bacon cheese burger because I was told (on my way in) it had won awards and nothing else beckoned me. It was actually pretty good. One point of confusion was the cheddar cheese. The just laid a slice of it (raw) over the bacon. I'm not sure if that was their intent or a miscue. The burger was pretty large and cooked to my absent minded request of medium. The bacon was thick, but, seemed kind of chewy. Like it had been laying around. The lettuce and tomato were fairly fresh. The Russian dressing was ok. The bun was large. Brioche. I didn't love the butter/grease treatment they gave it. A bit rancid tasting. It came on a bread board. With a basket of fries. They were plentiful and fried well. Warm too. They also served the burger with tiny bottles of ketchup, mayo and mustard. It almost justified the $17 price tag. The waiter was also a maniac on the refills. So, that evened out the value proposition ($3 soda). The rest of the menu was close to $30 for things like pasta or $9 minestrone. I saw both and was not impressed. I believe this ownership (Marriott) of the hotel began three years ago. I can't tell you to seek this out, but, if you are staying here then this is an option. They do their breakfast service here too. Unclear if it is open for dinner.

Sodie Doces - Not sure what it means, but, they have 300 cake shop locations (largest) in Brazil. This one just opened a month ago. It's in the rear corner of that strip mall. Next to where that nightclub was. Kind of hidden. It has a clean look. The cake cases greet you as you enter. Two dozen chocolate varieties and sixteen or so vanilla and seven sugar free and four "homemade" and four "American favorites". Plus a host of little pastries. You buy the cakes whole or by the gram. I had two milk chocolate  walnut bom boms at $3 a piece. They were terrific. Like walnut marzipan. I thought it would be éclair like. This was way better.

And that is all I have to say about that because only four of you read the last post. And you will have to wait to read about all the strange things I tried on my latest trip for the same reason. And I saw semi-truck (Nascar like) racing. Wild.

Nic & Luc Scratch Kitchen, Longwood

I tried this brunchy type place in a perpetually under tenanted strip mall near the intersection of 17-92 and 434 (across from an Indian Spice store) yesterday at breakfast. I'm on European time. I had a mushroom and provolone omelet for $9. It came with two strips of sourdough, a portion of their home made jam and a teeny salad/ It was fine. They used two colors of carrot in the salad. The jam was good. The omelet wasn't life changing. I had higher hopes. It didn't help that I entered in on a conversation about cooking at the James Beard house. I was expecting magic.

They had a limited breakfast selection. Maybe ten things. Nothing out of the ordinary. some egg combos and toasts for example. I was more interested in the lunch menu (shrimp or chicken salad), but, they won't serve that before 11am. That lunch menu is also limited to around ten things. There was nothing wrong with the experience and the owner was seemed to have high end experience, but. I'm not sure how or why it rated one of the review slots for the Orlando Weekly. They did, however, pop in and give it a thumbs up a few months ago. The place opened in August.

The owner was at the register. One cook. No wait staff. They close at 2pm. I think the Weekly article said they were closed on the weekends. The owner spoke as if that is not the case now or never was. The place has around seven tables of four. Modern. White and light blue color scheme. Open kitchen. Big window in front. Lots of light. Lots of elbow room. You order at the counter. I was the only customer. The owner is from New Orleans via Miami. He seemed to be a vet as I mentioned. Luc and Nic are his kids. They just moved here. Parking is no problem. Give it a shot. You won't have to wait in line. I'll go back soon and try the lunch menu. And their jars of jam are a unique feature.

Grub Crawl - Downtown: Kaizen, Jam-Eng, Loading Zone and Olives

I tried these places downtown today at lunch time. I've been waiting for the wather to improve and to save enough change for the meter.

Kaizen - I tried this izakaya that replaced (but I think is still associated with) Amura on Church St at the parking lot exit near the tracks at lunch. It is basically Amura with some trendy non-Japanese apps. I had the gyoza for $6 and the lunch sushi assortment for $12. The "new" items were mostly ho-hum and overpriced. I decided to cut my loses. The gyoza seemed to be the ones you can be pre-made at an Asian supermarket. Nothing like Tori Tori's. They actually are doing what this place proposes to do. I ordered these with the intent of comparing them with Tori Tori. The sushi was Amura-like. The rice wasn't properly crafted (sticky and mealy). The fish was ok. They served a sea bream called madai (possibly on the menu as nadai) and what they said was in the yellowtail family and called sumaji. It wasn't listed on the menu, so, I duckduckgo-ed it (because google shadow bans this site and spies on you) and couldn't find a result based on my pigeon English spelling of the fish. I did see that Florida State is considering it for a basketball scholarship however. The dish was a piece of the two discussed fish plus a salmon and a yellowtail and a tuna. The yt and tuna were actually very fresh. As were the first two. The California roll was supermarket bland. Like I said, the menu is now "expanded" to have Korean (why not call it Japanese?) Fried Chicken, an elote corn rip off, pork bao, fried rice an some other" traditional" Japanese izakaya fare. They have a 11 or 12 piece sushi offering at $35. Just go for the $60 sham (or the +$150) like they do at Kabooki at Turkey Lake or Kadence if you are going to try at "up scale" it. They also do ramen, katsu, donburi, teriyaki and some other traditional hot dishes. Some are on the lunch menu. At $12+ for a meal. I'm not sure if they redid the interior. It has been a while since I have been there. If they did, they should be embarrassed. It's dark, dingy and uninspired. Abused. There are wires protruding from the wall. A computer terminal looked like a baby was allowed to suck on the screen. And I saw that from across the room. No natural light. Little artificial light. The floors are tacky (not in a lack of sophistication kind of way but in a sticky and coated kind of way). Service was a bit out of sync. Up your ass when you wanted time and nowhere to be found when you wanted to be. No soda refill. So $3 for a half a glass of ice and four fingers of sugar water. I felt it was going to be ham fisted attempt at being au courant and it was.

Jam-Eng - Here is another place I haven't really been excited to try. I just did because I had to do as much as possible to justify a trip downtown. It's a six month old Jamaican and English mash up on the corner of Orange and Washington (I think). Diagonal from Elixir in an old bar spot. The front is take out. The interior is sit down. They have the usually Jamaican stuff (jerks, patties, ackee, etc) and some English stuff like Ploughman's sandwich and  maybe Shepard's Pie. The wife is British. I went with a jerk chicken sandwich for $8. It was pieces of drumstick on a sweet roll with lettuce, tomato, shredded cheese, French dressing and a bit of hot sauce. It was remedial. Tough chicken with icky bits still attached. Bland veg. Needless to say, I haven't been impressed by Caribbean fare - ever. At best some meats can be interestingly spiced. But something else usually ruins the experience. Or maybe it's because I forgo the "doochee" before I eat (or ever)? That is a what I think it is, right? They sell some packaged goods that looked interesting (ie Soursop beverage or Kipling's pastries). Mostly a pass though.

Loading Zone Philly Steaks - They replaced Beth's Burger Bar a few weeks ago. It's around the corner from Jam-Eng if you forgot. Cheese steaks and cold sandwiches. I did a regular whiz at $7. It was more of a "cheap-steak". Not much beef. Onion. Whiz. Way too much whiz. Geni's near Lyman high school is better. They are open until 2am. I can't recall how Beth's was set up. The brick walls seemed familiar.

Olives - They are a Greek/Med place below the movie theater. Open for three months. I was intrigued by a baklava cheese cake for $5 passing by. They were out. Took a $3 baklava to go so I could write about them. I will go back in a few months to try a gyro or bowl. The baklava was stale. Stale walnuts. Probably not made in house.

*I saw that a Thai place replaced Artisan's Table (that moved to Church St) on Pine. Name of Muy Thai. A new market is opening near Morgan and Morgan. The California burrito place near Kaizen has failed and is being replaced by Cucina. There is an infamous bar in Palm Beach named that. Some very unscrupulous people have been known to take their shirts off there. It was once Au Bar and was where that Kennedy cousin and Uncle Ted were before the cousin allegedly raped that girl in the Ninties. I wonder if they have started a chain of fast casual places. It had West Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens outposts listed below it. The real place is also pretty good Italian restaurant. I wonder if it will be that kind of food. I'll venture down again once all these delights are open If I have enough change. Those meters must really piss off the homeless. I guess the city leaders that installed them (the meters not the homeless) hate the unfortunate.

**I was perusing the Orlando Weekly (two editions actually) while I was at Kaizen. The first was a typically mendacious (this time politically charged) bleat by the Arab guy. How the place he ate at's owner supported Trump and how he overcame the (his own) bigotry (err I mean oppression/shame) and ate there anyway yet still wants protection from any intolerant liberal backlash/criticism so he has to give us his excuse. Stand by your convictions or take the heat for abandoning them. Are we really making food a political issue now, man? Isn't baseball a bridge too far? The second review (actually the issue from the week before) was a very funny take on a vegetarian place. I was like - wow this guy is finally getting it. Nope. It was another reviewer. A female girl. Kudos to you whomever you are. I vote for more of you. I hope you are one of six followers.

Selam, Orlando

I tried this Ethiopian/Eritrean spot on the corner of s strip mall with a Publix on Central Florida Parkway (between John Young and I Drive) at lunch on Wednesday. I guess they eat a little later than us, as I was the only one there at noon. However three other tables were seated as I ate. Let's start with an admission. I know next to nothing about this cuisine and the "next to" is comprised of one meal at Nile around ten years ago. Oddly, I was watching a show that explained the tension between the two bordering countries (once one) just as I read about this place a few months ago in the Weekly. My interest was piqued back then, but, the location pushed it down the list. I can never remember where CFP is. Anyway, onto the food. I ordered Gored Gored beef because it looked the fanciest and not because I'm a Nebraska fan. It was comprised of medium rare cubes of beef (shoulder?) in a brown sauce on a "injera". An injera is a large, purple pancake made out of some glutton free substance that I forget the name of. An article on the window (Sentinel I think) said it should be served warm. This was cold. Now how a little American white girl knows the proper temperature for an injera is a question we all should ponder (I'm guessing a search engine was involved), it does seem probable. I say this because the meat and sauce was served to me cold. And it wasn't appetizing and I hope it isn't customary. I asked if it was supposed to be this way and I didn't really understand the explanation. I posited that maybe Ethiopia is hot and they serve this cool as a result. That hypothesis was shot down, so I dropped the subject. As a result, they did bring out (unsolicited) a small bowl of a chicken dish I considered (they wrote it down as doro tibs but I think it is the next thing I am going to mention) and a bowl of sticky beef bits they wrote down as beef key wet). As I said, I think that's inverted and I don't use search engines (if you couldn't tell), so, it may be a misstatement. The chicken was little cubes in a light, sour sauce with onions and some other veg. It was nice. The beef was little, well done bits of beef in a thick, black, sweetish sauce. It was good too. The problem was that I didn't want to seem rude and leave the "gifts", but, they filled me up. So, I had to ask to get the remainder of my "real" meal to go. It was actually serendipitous. Nuking it for a minute at dinner warmed the sauce and took the sliminess from the beef. It was much better hot and closer to medium rare than rare. The portion was large. It cost $15. The place looks like a bad Mexican place looks. Dingy. Dark. Cheap furniture. Plastic table cloths. They have some decent murals, but, it needs a lot more. It seats about eighty. The layout is also not great. The spacing is out of whack. They have been open for a year. They said six months, but, I saw a Scott Joseph article on them on the window from last October. The Orlando Weekly has also reviewed them. Like they wrote, how often are you going to run across cuisine like this? That's their calling card. I'd try it just as a bucket list item. I'm not sure if I'd go through the bother a second time though. The cuisine was not that "different". Probably if I lived down there though.You eat with your hands. They have vegetarian options. The menu has beef, chicken and lamb. Around twenty dishes. I'm reminded of a bit I heard on sports radio last week. The question was whether you would rather eat soup for every meal or have to eat every meal with your hands. I guess that isn't a conundrum for some. Just remember what they do with their right hand if you are sharing. I meant to ask if the name is a spelling of "salaam". I heard one of the customers greet the owner that way. I guess a search engine could provide closure. I'll leave some mystery to life.

Tori Tori, Mills Ave

I tried this new (one month) Japanese bar/eatery (izakaya-esque) near the corner of 50 and Mills on Tuesday night? I decree that it is the new hot spot in town. It was even full at 9pm on a Tuesday. You order through the bartenders and they give you a number on a stick and the food is delivered to you. You can sit at the central (almost all encompassing) bar or one of the tables or booths on the periphery. I sat at the bar. Service was quick and attentive  The bar side seemed to tilt towards cocktail inanity, but, they had a good selection of whiskey (Japanese et al). The menu is in between snack food and a real menu. I had a salmon "handie" roll for $6, garlic fried rice with blue crab for $8 and pork belly fried gyoza for $6. The roll was ok/ The salmon wasn't clean. It still had sinews attached to the flesh. The owner has tinkered with the roll methodology and places a piece of baking paper in the roll to keep the rice from softening the nori wrapper. I wasn't clear on if this is something he invented on his own or if it is the proper way to do it per the Japanese. I've seem a lot of shows and been to Japan. It's the first I've heard of it. But, who doesn't love a gimmick or this kind of obsessiveness? And the price is on par with most places. They didn't give you soy sauce with it. Whatever sauce they did put on it was imperceptible. As such, it was bland tasting. And his little experiment left you tasting mostly nori. And dry nori ain't so good. Taste wise or texturally. The garlic rice was ok. The rice itself was overcooked, overworked and very garlic-y. It was oily as well. I saw some pieces of real looking crab. It's very dark in there, so, I can't say for certain if they chintz or not. Who knew chintz would pass spellcheck? It was a big portion that they give you a wooden spoon to eat with. The gyoza were the best. And I can't remember having better. Anywhere. The substitution of belly for that ground pork meat you usually get makes all the difference. Plus they were well fried. A bit oily. The bottoms were soft. I think they give you six. They place them on a mayo-y sauce that once again it was too dark to identify. And the price here is also in line with even medium grade Japanese places. The soda I had was a bit weak. They may need to test the tap if it's not a weirdo bitch cola knock off. The rest of the menu (as I recall poorly) was uni and crab and scallop handies (although they were already out of scallop and that can't happen if you only offer four item), some other fried rices, a lot of cool yakitori (like chicken hearts and cartilage) and I just can't recall the rest. Sorry. I just got of a plane after being on the road for two weeks and it was dark and the print on the menu is tiny. The interior reminded me of the bar next to Black Rooster. It's modern. Very square. One level. The outside is painted white. It's very LA. I can't remember the color scheme inside. I remember wood. The ceiling looks like they ran out of money and is exposed framing. The kitchen is open and in the rear. They have a fairly big parking area. The crowd wasn't all Rollins-y. Most of the people looked like they just got off work from other kitchens. It's from the guy who runs Domu, etc. I've been waiting for it for over a year and it met expectations. It will be on the Favorite's List just because it's open until 2am (when most places close at 9pm) and it's cool and they don't gouge you to make you think you are styling. If they tighten up the food execution, it will be a real triumph. Now, if the just did lunch too. Double check the 2am thing. Maybe that was just weekends? However, I think it is till open until midnight at least on weekdays. Not sure what days they close.

Dali's, Sanford *WI/OH/IN/MN Travel Notes

I tried this Laotian/Thai "café" on Rinehart Rd (in the former Chinese takeout spot in the strip mall with 5th Element and across from the Mercedes dealership) over two weeks ago at dinner. I had a pork stew special (that I have in my notes as Kam Loh or Leh, but, I remember that I was unsure when I wrote that down). Anyway, it cost $14. It was a little pricey for a similar Filipino stew I've had for $9 with sides. This one had five or six chunks of tender pork (probably shoulder) and three hard boiled eggs. The sauce is brown. Soy-centric. I don't think it came with anything. Maybe rice. The place looks like they just opened, but, they claim they have been open for 5 months and that many bloggers and the Orlando Sentinel reviewed them already. The menu seemed more tilted to Thai. My dish was Lao. Or so they told me. They have a medium sized menu. The lunch specials seemed to be around $10. The décor is even more minimalistic than it was before. If that is possible. They add a credit card fee. I'll probably try some other dishes in the future.

*Travel Notes - Wisconsin/Ohio/Indiana/Minnesota: Brat Coins (fried slices of brat) at Great Lakes Distillery in Milwaukee. Kassler Rippchen at Mader's in Milwaukee, Nopales (fried cinnamon dough in cactus shape) and Budin (dense bread pudding) at Mama Ines in Lafayette. Cheeseburger with tartar sauce and bbq sauce at Swensons in Akron. Pig tails, pig ears, pork skins with onion dip and smoked wings at Michael Symon's Mabel's BBQ in Cleveland. I also saw a milk shake machine in a gas station in Kenosha. You take a shake in a cup and put it under an automated mixing device and then you have a shake. I forget the name of the company that provided it. I have had other local specialties (ie beef on weck in Buffalo) and went to other places that have been on tv, but, these are the things that were new to me.

Grub Crawl - West and East Colonial: Mama Lau & Oc and Paris Banh Mi Cafe Bakery

I tried these two Vietnamese newcomers today at lunch. The first is in "Chinatown" on West Colonial. The second is near Mills on East Colonial. They both opened around five months ago.

Mama Lau & Oc - I already forgot what Lau means, but oc means snails (or that's what they said even though both of my different dishes were called oc). Shelled creatures are their specialty. I had the Oc Huang Canada Nuong Tien (Grilled Canada Escargots with Garlic and Peppercorns) for $12 and Oc Mong Tay Canada Xao Me (Stir Fried Razor Clams with Tamarind) for $12. They have Canadian and "other" (American I guess) options. The Canadians are bigger. I'm not sure that made them better. The snails came in the shell. I'd wager they are sea snails kept in a tank (so probably fresh and not really escargot - land snails). The shells were more "grilled" than the meat. It kind of boiled in its own liquid. They were ok. 5 or 6 large suckers. There was not a a lot of surface area for the tamarind to make a difference/attach itself to. The razor clam (singular) was a joke. One clam for $12! It was also tough and had a gritty taste in the middle (maybe its stomach). It also had a fishy taste. Probably frozen at some point. The sauce was ok. They also had clams and fish and I saw another patron with a bowl of red crustacean legs. He said they were a big shrimp. I think he meant spiny lobster or langoustine. I didn't see it on the menu. The menu also had phos and clear broth soups (and other items). I ordered a pho with all their beef options (eye of round steak, well done flank, well done brisket, soft tendon/sinew and meatballs) because the waiter said the broth was made with no additives and flavored by the marrow of the beef bones. I believe his mother is "Mama". It was ok. To be honest, I couldn't really sense much of a difference from all the others I've had. Not salty. The meats were of a good quality and not as well done as advertised. Big bowl. Lots of noodles. It was more reasonable at $11. I usually don't get seafood at Asian places because it just never seems to be fresh enough or cooked properly enough. And all the other options are usually a third of the price. I can't say that this visit did anything to rebalance the weight of evidence. Which is a shame because that is why you will probably be seeking them out. But, give them a try and maybe you will have a different experience or perhaps you won't know how seafood should be prepared so you won't notice anything is amiss. They took over a place that was a pho place and a Chinese place before that. Right against the main road to the left of the big red gate. I don't think they did much to the interior. Maybe they did the murals, but if the last place was a pho place, they could have inherited them. I can't recall. Service was great. The waiter turned me on to the next place. I'll always be grateful for that alone. I was hoping to work in a Mamalooshin (something that Howard Stern used to say and I don't remember what it means but I think it was something people in the sticks used to say) reference. That's not possible mow.

Paris Banh Mu Café Bakery - I thought another older place down the road was the banh mi place we were talking about at Mama Lau, but, this is a brand new store front one block west of Mills. It has a whole, serve yourself bakery area, packaged goods, a fancier pastry area, drinks, banh mi and daily specials (like curry and stew).. I had the special banh mi (the traditional pate, pork roll and pork) for $5 and a taro slushie for $3.50. Both were good. They bake their own baguettes here. It was a thinner sandwich. Not overstuffed. I didn't really see any evidence of a dressing (ie vinegar). So, it didn't get all over my shorts (as usual) as I drove down the road with my big Vietnamese cigar hanging out of my mouth. Boy that's a vivid image. I'd get into the food more if I wasn't so fascinated by these jello cakes and pastries they have. They look like those resin replicas of food at Japanese restaurants. Clear gelatin with fake flowers (eatable and hand created) inside and on top of cakes, etc. So cool. The small ones only cost around $7 too. The big birthday type cakes were $40. I'm getting one on my next visit and may just stare at it until it goes rotten. I've never seen their like. The place is big. Lots of room to sit and eat. Modern. Brand spanking new. The packaged goods also looked really interesting. Things that looked like nuts and corn nuts, but, were obviously something else. And not mass produced. The packaging looked semi-professional/small batch. I say I'm going back because they told me Tori Tori finally opened a week ago. I'm definitely doing that asap and stopping here for sweets after. Just need to find the time and get additional info on Tori. So funny how things work out. This was not on the agenda and cost $36 less and was the better experience.

Byblos, Lake Mary

I tried this Paramount replacement in the shopping center with the Amstar theater yesterday at lunch. I was assured by the owner (as I left) that the food would be excellent. I guess that warranty didn't include food poisoning. Which is a shame because it tasted pretty good. However, I'm not about to give them credit for furthering what is becoming a birthday tradition. At least this time I was at home when the excitement ensued and not walking back from Octoberfest. I had three apps to try and sample as much as possible. The hummus with beef shwarma ($8), the hummus with lamb (bel lahme) ($10) and the chicken livers at ($7). I'm not sure what is to blame. I ate the shwarma for lunch and didn't feel any discomfort. Which is odd because it was the first carving of the day and who knows how they store the meat. Maybe it was a delayed fuse. The other two I nuked for dinner after being in the fridge. The nuking should have killed any microbes and the fridge kept it fresh. Anyhow, I'm not sure how much additional information I should proffer for a place that ruined my birthday and caused me much pain. They have been open for six months. It looks exactly the same (down to the broken video menu). The prices seemed the same. The menu is almost the same. Now Lebanese. The main difference seems to be a carefree attitude towards germs. I won't be going back.

*The Cozee place next door is closed too.

Mia's Italian Kitchen, IInternational Drive *GRE/ROM/CYP Travel Notes

I tried this Italian Kitchen on I Drive aside Boston Lobster Feast on Tuesday at lunch. I would like to give it the time it deserves, but, frankly I'm getting a little pissed off at the low levels of interest out there. I was skeptical when I pulled into the parking lot and it seemed like a chain experience. And although the owner owns Café Tu Tu Tango, it felt like a one off (which it is). They have struck a balance between intimacy and spectacle. It's a large space with two story ceilings. There is a bar in front of you as you enter (pizza oven too). To the first left is a seating area. To the right the bathrooms. The second left (after the hostess desk and before the bar) leads to a lounge area and then another seating area that flows around to the rear. The second right follows the bar. The interior design is unique. Too varied to explain. It works though. Not tacky. Not dull. The walls are festooned (I think that's the word I'm looking for) with art. The ceilings are Michaelangelo'd. Once again. it is busy, but, I found it exciting. Which is good because it was almost empty. Kind of like my viewership. I needed something to entertain me. They assured me that it is doing well and I'm sure it's a scene when packed. It must seat over ninety. I'd go into the colors and fabrics, but, that too is all over the map. They used their people from their restaurant empire in Arlington on the design. It has a fresh look.

I had the Sunday Gravy and took a Margherita Pizza to go. The Sunday Gravy was a stew of "leftovers". Chicken thigh (they said thighs), sweet Italian sausage, meatball (they said balls), bracciole and rigatoni in a tomato "gravy". The owner said his grandmother served this every Saturday (no Sunday - just seeing if you are paying attention). The sauce was a little bland. It just tasted of tomato to me (though they said the added other vegetables and stewed the meats in there). Not bad. Just unadulterated. Healthy. Some might be expecting a little more zing. (I checked and it was supposed to have grana padano in it. It either had very little or they forgot. I would have improved the flavor). The rigatoni was described as "al dente". It was a little over and under that. I'm not sure how that is accomplished, but, I've been thinking it over and I think they pre-boil to under al dente and then "refresh" it. With a thick pasta like this, it just reboiled the outside and left the center dry and the outside pasty. The rigatoni was also collapsed in on itself. Another sign of age. What ever was wrong with the sauce and pasta was more than made up for by the meats. The beef was falling apart and moist. Same with the chicken. The meatball was tender. The sausage too. The portion was huge too. It cost $21. The rest of the "specialties" run from $18 to $39 for a Bisteca alla Fiorentina. They have "common" fare like chicken parm for $19 and Branzino for $27. One everyday item for every ambitious item. That's hard to find. Usually it is one or the other. They also have sandwiches ($14-$16). I was intrigued by a wild mushroom hoagie. They have seven types of pasta and salad. A meat board in which they have two items they even make in house. A cheese board. Well chosen. 10 starters. I was curious about the egg yolk ravioli. Desserts. 10 pizzas. And it is pan pizza from a brick oven. Speaking of which, mine cost $6.50 and was four index card squares large with tons of little mozzarella "gumballs" on top. Nice bottom crust. Not  burnt. Not oily. There were so many enticements on the menu I can't get into them all. Let's just say that they don't lack creativity. When others would use canned button mushrooms, the use black trumpet.

Service was also good. The "wares" were hip. Everything is new and clean. Open nine months. Cloth napkins. Parking was a non-issue. They have tvs tuned to sports. The wine list was chosen well and not "me-too". ALOT of Italian choices. And one of there greatest accomplishments is the menu itself. It describes everything well and unpretentiously. It has a map explaining where everything is coming from. It's rare to find an accessible place (they have lunch cards) that has class and panache. They really should be giving classes in how to run a restaurant. I can't think of anyone who would feel uncomfortable here. I take that back. They world has never had as many a-holes. But, you get the point. I was really surprised and I may just do the unthinkable and haul my ass all the way down here again for an encore. It'll be on the Favorites list for sure. Mamma Mia that's a spicy meatball!

*Travel Notes - Greece/Romania/Cyprus: Corn pitas (Cyprus). They also had a waffle fry design. Speaking of waffles - bubble waffle cones (Crete). They also covered the cone with sprinkles. They also would dunk your gelato in chocolate sauce whenever you wanted. Macaron in gelato (Bucharest). Also hazelnut flavor. They put French fries in most of the gyros/shwarmas. In Cyprus they cut the potatoes into sections and then cut a notch on the skin side so they looked like lips. Cream Bougatta in Cyprus. Vanilla cream dessert. Fried haloumi (Cyprus). Haloumi is their specialty. Crispy Bagel (Brasov Romania). The crispy part was just chicken fingers , but, the bagel was like the lightest Kaiser roll you can ever imagine. Covri Dog (Brasov). A hot dog baked into a roll. Walnuts in honey (Corfu). They put this and kumquats on yogurt. There were tons of other dishes, but, these are things I had first hand. Sicily had a lot of fried fish.

Coco Cucina, Thornton Park

I tried this Mexican restaurant next to Oudom (same owner) at lunch over two weeks ago. It was ok. It offers more than just burritos and tacos. Things like: ceviche, elote, fried tequila pickles, fundido, paella, fire stones, meatballs and pozole. I had the ceviche rojo (Hamachi) for $14 and one of the $9 lunch specials (Mexican burger) for $9. The ceviche was fairly good. A lot of fish. It didn't seem too prepared in advance. They used citrus in the marinade. Not too astringent. Lots of avocado. A meal unto itself. The waiter/bartender sold me on the burger. It was ok. A mix of beef and chorizo. A bit tough because of the extra time needed to cook the pork. A lot of stuff with/on it. I think even fried onions. Fries too, I think. I was the only one seated at 1pm and the food took a little long to arrive. Maybe that meant the ceviche was fresh? Maybe they were cooking their lunch first? They have $5 happy hour items and a taco Tuesday. The menu has seafood and meat dishes. The room has been redecorated to appear Mexican. It has a modern feel. I can't remember what the last place was. French? I was expecting to hate it (because they just closed a failed Mexican place across the street and you would think they could take a hint), but, it was more ambitious than I expected. Given that I was the only patron, I hope this wasn't another case of my reviewing a restaurant in a death roll. Small tip - you may be able to park in one of their reserved spots in the condo behind them. Actually the Oudom spots. Otherwise parking is a problem. I had to park by Lake Eola. Oh yeah, this place is on South Eola. Open for nine months. You could do worse.

Todo Sushi, Maitland - Closed *MAC/SERB/NYC Travel Notes

I tried this Japanese restaurant in the old Zona Fresh location on 17-92 near Lee Rd yesterday at lunch. They have been open for five months. I did the "all you can eat" sushi option at $17. I was a little perturbed that I could have done the same at Koy Won for half the price if I didn't feel the need to waste my time and money as a food adventurer. However, I will say the quality is better here. Let's start with the rice. It is pretty good. Short grain. The second round of sushi rice was even warm. Not dry. Not over vinegar-ed. A tad over cooked. Not to bad. They even said they wash/polish the rice five times. I think three times is the most the best places do it. Not sure if you can over wash. They have a host of things from the appetizer section on the list of possibilities. I did steamed gyoza, edamame and shrimp tempura. The gyoza wasn't to mushy. Pork filled. The tempura was not greasy and well fried and fresh. The edamame was a little under steamed. They also had things like fried chicken, grilled chicken, miso soup, udon, soba, crab Rangoon, fried rice, etc available. On the sushi side they had a variety of rolls (hand and rolled). Even six of seven of their "special" rolls. Plus tuna, salmon, shrimp, egg, baby scallop and a few more. I had the aforementioned minus the tamago (egg). Twenty pieces in all. The salmon was good. The second batch of tuna was better. The baby scallops can be really sweet if fresh. These weren't. They tried to help them along with some sweet mayonnaise. Nice to see them try to provide a delicacy though. I also had a spicy albacore roll and a Philly Roll. The albacore was probably just spicy tuna. The best part was that the rice to fish ratio was "normal". Not the "over-ricing" you usually see at an all you can eat place. The stuff was made to order and although there was only one guy and four competing tables, it came out fast. Service was also good. That helped the efficiency. The place is big. It seats about eighty. Some booths. Some tables. Lots of space between tables. High ceilings. They could "pretty it up" a bit. I can't put my finger on it, but, it seemed a little too "lived in" to be five months old. You can order by the piece or separate meals, but, they add up to around the all you can eat price. They had a more extensive all you can eat option. I think  it was $23. They also have an all you can drink (sake or beer) option for $13. A beer on its own was $7. I'll probably rotate this with my Koy Wan visits.

*Travel Notes - Macedonia/Serbia/NYC:

Balkans - Ajvar or Alvar (I can't read my own handwriting) from Macedonia. A pepper and eggplant spread. Paprika Babura and Paprika Silja in Serbia. White looking peppers. Also Volcanos. A chocolate shell the looked like a crown filled with more chocolate or ganache. Many colors and all the chocolate varieties. KFC there also did a McDonald's like (mustard and ketchup and pickle) burger, but, with chicken. There was a Mexican chain in Belgrade called Burrito Madre. They had a machine that took in masa and kicked out a tortilla right on the grill in front of you. Our chains need to get on that. I'd bypass the goat cheese and field greens they use though.

NYC - I went to Flushing (last stop on 7 train past Citi Field) and ate at these Chinese spots. Stall 13 (Jia Xiang Wei) in the New York Food Court. I had pork cheeks and cucumber in a salad for $9. Served cold. Some hot sauce. A ton of food. I also had duck buns at Corner 28 for $1.25 a piece. Then across the street for a $4 soup bun (Xiao long bao) at Shanghai You Garden. Then on to the New World Mall and Old Luoyang (Stall 4) for a $7 plate of Henanese (a guy told me they make all the I Phones here) cold skin sweet potato noodles with bean sprouts. Actually good once you add the hot, vinegar, garlic and peanut sauces. But why do all noodles have zero flavor? I thought these suckers would be sweet. They were blue. I got these names from a Air BnB Mag article about eating around Queens. That idiot did four or five areas in a day. Where did he or she put it?

I also did up some things in Brooklyn. Red Hook - Hometown BBQ. Worlds slowest line. Average brisket. Dry. Over peppered. Good pulled pork. But, they dunked it in juice. Cheating. Both were $12 a half pound. Korean Sticky ribs were good. Bensonhurst (I think) - L&B Spumoni Gardens. OK pizza in round or square shapes. More of a scene. I also had a rainbow spumoni. Like ice cream. $3 or $4 for the slices. I also went to the Brooklyn Beer Brewery in Williamsburg. Free tours.

Manhattan - Ivan Ramen on Clinton and Houston. I mentioned I had seen him on TV a few posts back. Good shio ramen bowl for $16. Fresh noodles and pork belly. Fuku on Front St and Pine.- fast fried chicken by David Chang. Actually really good. $8 for a half. I also did a another chicken place (Sticky's Finger Joint on Maiden near Broadway) with good sauce combos (like mac and cheese). $5 for 10 large firecracker pieces or two fingers (half a breast size each). 8 locations in NYC. Across the street was an Indian fast food place (Koti Roll Co) that did tikka (etc) in naan. I mention it because I said I wanted to see this happen.and I guess it has. Now it just needs to happen here.

I also went to the Bronx to some place called City Island. Ate at a place called City Island Lobster House. OK. Hard to believe this is that close to the urban jungle.

Latest "in" things are the Hudson Yards and The Vessel. Moulin Rouge is going to be on Broadway.

Le House, Downtown

I was reticent to post the last two reviews because my European discoveries in the post before them would be pushed below these reviews and be ignored. So read them.

I tried this Vietnamese restaurant on Church St (in between the Amway and the soccer stadium) today. I popped in at lunch time and grabbed a few apps to go for dinner. I always figured there would be no chance at finding a parking spot during the day, but, there were a few (and unmetered) and they said a lot on the opposite corner is always open. I had tried to come here on a Saturday night a few weeks ago. It was closed. I thought there was some emergency or something, but, they said they aren't open on Saturday. No business 'business". I selected three apps because one can only have so much pho or rice dishes. I like to try and expand my vocabulary, but, it hard to find a Vietnamese place that plays more than the greatest hits. I had spring roll (2) in case I hated the two "experiments". It cost $3 and was poor. A bit over fried and the contents didn't have much taste. It was like it was filled with vermicelli rice noodles. I also had Nem Chua. That was three fermented pork paste flat patties steamed in banana leaves. They were sooo hot. Like ghost chili hot. And they paired them with a hot sauce or a vinegar sauce. They jam a big hunk of raw garlic in it too and give you more raw garlic hunks on the side. Odd. I almost tossed them out. They cost $5. I tried another pork app and it was better. It was like a summer roll (2). A strip of sweet salty sausage with "banh mi toppings" inside rice paper. And a fried cracker crisp. It came with a goopy orange sauce that was very salty and another cup of the hot sauce. It was cold when I took it out of the container and I didn't see if it was warm to begin with. Therefore I didn't know how it should be served. I split the difference and warmed it in the nuker for 15 seconds. That didn't kill the veggies. It was ok. I thought the vinegar sauce was better here. I also popped in the remaining spicy patties and they worked better here. It's like the two pork items should be switched. The veggies tempered the heat. It was called Nem Nurong Cuon. It also cost $5. The place looks new and clean and cute. Some might consider it hip. They opened in November. The name is from their last name. The "Le" is pronounced "lay" and it's their "house". I suspect that the rest of the menu is treated with care. I saw a to go vegetarian chicken dish being inspected by the purchaser and it looked finely prepared.

Due Amici, College Park (Closed)

I tried this new (two weeks) Italian restaurant in the old Kingfish location on Edgewater and the street that leads to I-4 (not sure if that is Princeton going that way) today at lunch. It's somewhere between an average Italian place and a good Americanized one. They said they have a location in Tampa. This is number two. I had a lasagna for $10 and a personal pizza to go for $8. The lasagna was a bit bland and I didn't like the sauce. They added carrots and celery to the tomato sauce. I don't want a V8 in my sauce. Especially not chunks. Celery has a disagreeable flavor if it has any at all. And carrot can as well. At best it gives a sweetness that this sauce already had too much of. It made me think of all those kids whose mothers sneak veggies into their brownies, etc. The horror. The pasta was also dried out on the edges (reheating) and seemed under boiled in general. The cheeses seemed low quality. It was a big square though. It came with a garlic knot that was tough and dry in the center and top. The bottom was a bit more moist. The pizzas I saw on the other tables looked a bit prettier than my plain cheese one. I'm not sure how they cooked it. It had no char, so, I'm thinking conveyer belt. It was a bit nicer than those though. On the positive side, it had good cheese coverage, was thin and the crust was tiny. On the negative side, the cheese was cheap (salty and rubbery and congealed quickly) and they doused it with garlic olive oil that had raw chucks of garlic in it. I thought it was more "chunky soup" sauce, but, I think it was the oil. Not much sauce now that we are speaking about it. They are serving a soft opening menu of the pizzas, three burgers, the pizzas and two more pasta dishes. I just saw a show that says the bigger the menu the greater the chance of frozen items being used. Hopefully this menu precludes that. I would ask them to ask themselves whether they want to be a two star or three star place. They need better execution in the kitchen and better ingredients in the larder for that to happen. As of now it is probably no better (or worse) than the other American Italian places already in business on Edgewater. The place is basic inside. It seats about thirty. Tables of two or four. Bar in the rear. Brick backdrop. 40 and 50's music (think Sinatra) over the speakers. Faux marble counter tops on plywood tables. You can see the underside. I hope they aspire to more than mediocrity. If they tweak things a bit, that should be possible.

Grub Crawl - Maitland: Houndstooth Kitchen & Eatery and 407 Gelato (Closed) *England/France/SpainTravel Notes

I tried this Kitchen & Eatery and this Gelato spot in the back of the newish apartments (not  the ones adjacent to the Publix) on 17-92 at lunch on Thursday.

Houndstooth - They used to have a sauce outlet in the East End Market. I had a roast beef and cheddar melt for $10 (all sandwiches cost this much) and a bbq brisket taco for $3.50. They "house roast" their beef. It was ok. A little gray and not too much flavor. They add a dijonaise (their wording) dressing and serve it on sourdough. They give you an unnecessary additional cup of the dressing. If you add a side the cost of the meal now climbs to $13. Two sides and it is $14. They have 10 sandwiches and six sides. Rueben, Cuban, Turkey, etc. A pimento is as crazy as it gets. Sides are slaw, potato salad, orzo, chips, pickle and quinoa. The taco was the better value. A big helping of brisket. Served on a metal "accordion". Pretty good. Heavily sauced. Flour tortilla. I just saw an episode of that Pati lady who looks like a parrot and she said that no real Mexican would use a flour tortilla for a taco. I think they might if they thought up this combination. They also offer a sloppy mo and mojo pork. They have three soups. $6 a bowl. 4 salads and 3 "lettuce boats". 3 kid-centric sandwiches (ie fluffernutter). They also make food for dogs. It's a small place. It seats six or eight inside and the same on the patio. It has been open for two months. Just below "put in the effort to try it" status. Good if you live close by though.

407 Gelato - They opened a few months ago and I swear I've been to one of their locations (past or present). They have one in Oviedo and one elsewhere. This one is solely for gelato. I had a piccolo chocolate for $5. It was ok. They have around fourteen flavors. It's a white walled ice cream shop. Nothing to write home about.

*Travel Notes - England/France/Spain: And now to strange things I came across in England, France and Spain.

Chocolate DIPPED croissants (the whole thing). I think this was done in Spain.
Fried lasagna (London)
Fried egg flavored potato chips (this was made by Vincent Vidal Co in Navarra and someone should import it. It tasted exactly like what it is trying to taste like and it wasn't disgusting. Plus chips is Spain are just fried better. Actually in each of those countries. They must use some unhealthy oil.

Blackberry juice. They offered up a lot of fruit flavors in the Bocqueria in Barcelona. This one stood out.
Taquitos of Jamon de Cebo - In Barcelona they give you a paper cone and fill it with bits of Iberico pork for 5E. I think it's the leftovers, but, it's a good, cheap way to get your ham on.
Pas de Pessic Coco - a Spanish chocolate pastry
Flautas - In Spain, this is what they called sandwiches on thin baguettes. Same in France. Except it was in French. I just saw bread called this in France. No sandwiches.
Bottled Asparagus - France. And disgusting and mushy. They also canned cassoulet and foies and other terrines and things. Cheap.
Bonne Maman Tartlettes - That French company that makes jam makes tartes with the jam and sells them nine in box. I had lemon and strawberry. Lemon was better. These need to be imported if they aren't already.
Very Pamp Rose - I think I'm late to the game on this one, but, rose mixed with fruit juice (in this case grapefruit) is all the rage in France.
Ciambotta - A hollowed out bun filled with stuff (ie meat ragu). I had this at a stall in Camden Market in London. They said it is a thing in Puglia. A great concept for a franchise. At least it is different. I also ate a cereal place there. Cereal Killers. And though that is being done in the US, they had a few options I haven't seen used often. They did a fried chicken with frosted flakes. I had a Lucky Charms ice cream/milk. They didn't do cereal flavored milk though.
Duck Banh Mi - Paris.
Battenberg Cake - Canterbury
Cheese -Brie de Meaux, Saint Marcelin, Saint Nectair. They are all French. The last was the best. Similar to a cheese I had as a kid and could never find again. Some cheese guy brought it in to our French class in middle school. He called it Salzburg. I have never been able to track it down.

I also ate a place (Monsoon) on Brick Lane in London (Indian food). It turned out to be Bandgladeshi. D'oh. However, that explained some of the peculiarities on the menu. Like: Chot poti, kebab roll, tikka in a skillet, balti, and the following curries - bhuna, patha, dupiyaza, saag, Ceylon, dansak. There were a lot more, but that is what I can remember. I had the first three. The chot poti was just tamarind stewed chick peas with boiled egg slices. I thought the egg was going to be more scrambled like. The kebab roll was ground meat in naan. I've never seen a kebab like item in an Indian place. Probably because it wasn't Indian. I'd like to see more naan sandwiches. The tikka was like a fajita plate. I really liked this presentation. I had it with lamb and chicken. Really expressed the lamb well. The balti (many types) was some type of sourish "national" dish. It sounded interesting, but, not enough to win out.

That's what I can recall. If I remember anything else I will put it in a future post. They had a very large vending machine in Barcelona called Yoo Shop. Like a school bus. I also found Belon oysters in a market in Lorient, but, the guy couldn't open them for me. Crepes and waffles are big in Brittany.

Baan Chan, UCF Area

I tried this Thai place on 50 near 419 on Wednesday for dinner. It's in a decrepit strop mall near Gyroville (recently reviewed) They have been open for a few months. I had two apps and a soup. Thai Heaven Beef for $4.50. Soft Shell Crab for $$6.50. Tom Zab Pork Soup for $4. The beef was ok/ A little more thick and fried than I recall Thai Beef being. Jerky like. The crab was misrepresented as a serving of 2. Since when is one thing cut in two equal to two? The crab also didn't taste very fresh. I blame the 3D episode I just watched (a spot in Cape something - I'm still brain dead from my last trip - near Kitty Hawk NC) for making me hunger for soft shell crab. The soup was ok. The pork (rib meat) was tender. You had to spit out bones, etc or swallow them though. I'm a spitter. The broth was a little bland. It contains garlic, galangala (I just learned this is weaker tasting but similar to ginger), kaffir lime leaves, coriander, lemon grass, tamarind and rice powder. I ordered this because I just saw a show on Cambodian cooking and these ingredients were basically in all dishes (in Thailand too) and I wanted a reason to talk about them. I also learned that fish sauce is often the only protein they get. Shrimp paste is similarly necessary. I also learned that they use turmeric and it is an orange root similar to ginger. We just see the powder. The rest of the menu consists of five more soups, nine more apps and ten mains. The place looks old. Like they did zero with what they inherited. It seats about forty. They said that Bann Chan in Thai means "little house" or something like that. Weird that Korean and Thai have the same word with totally different meanings. It's ok, but, I wouldn't go out of my way for it. Closed on Monday.

*In the next post I will recant all the oddities I experienced in Europe over the last three weeks. I'm too pressed to do it now..

The Old Jailhouse, Sanford

I tried this American restaurant on South Palmetto Ave tonight. I thought they were kind of new, but, they opened in February. I had Low Country Shrimp and Sausage for $23. It came with collard greens and cheese grits in a sausage gravy. Aside from the price (a shrimp and grits - which this basically is - usually goes for $15), it was very good. The shrimp (5) were medium sized and seemed to be a cut above frozen bag shrimp. The sausage (4 thin slices) was fine. Didn't seem to have too much provenance. The greens were plentiful. A little salty. Stewed in a vegetable or chicken stock. The gravy was thin. Pleasant. The grits were the best component. I was going to order a $24 bouillabaise, but, it only came with a crostini. Those two sides would have added around $10 dollars to the bill if taken as sides. The plating was fine. White dish. Grits in the middle. Boy - Girl Boy - Girl on the sausage and shrimp. Greens at the top of the plate. Gravy moat. The apps were all around $10 and basic. Wings, cheese fries, soup, pork belly, Caesar salad, etc. The mains were all over $20. Sans a burger ($15). Two chicken dishes, steak, fish special, etc. They serve beer, wine, hooch. It seats fifty in the middle room. Twenty on the patio. Maybe more in another enclosed side patio. Eight or so in three different private areas. It is purported to be the site of the old jailhouse, They built on that reputation. It looks Western. Which is cool because I always feel Sanford had a ghost town type charm and should play that up. The interior is white washed, red brick. Black ceilings. Metal fixtures. Gray tile floor. Natural wood tables. Black plethora chairs. Old time photos. A few tvs. Service was ok. They had six or so waitresses/floaters, so, each table had their own server. Mine seemed to get lost more than she should have. The food also wasn't exactly streaming out of the kitchen. They don't do lunch and are closed on Sundays. Seems like an odd schedule for the area. I found it charming and the food was good enough. It will be on the Favorite's List. A slight trim on the pricing or more creativity on the menu would be welcome but not required. It was about a quarter full at 6pm. There didn't seem to be a dress code. Nice addition that I wish I had learned of earlier.

*Sanford has had some turn over. Shannon's is back in a new location up the street. Another place opened in her old location. Seemed different from the last replacement. Zocalo (a new one or a resurrection) is next door. It remember another place with that name on the main street. A bar (Throwbacks) is a few doors down. I forget what it replaces. The "fish" bar is a cigar bar. A Buddha something place is next door. I think it was food. These are all on that street one down from Palmetto (I forget the name). A F&D Italian is opening on the main street into town (also forgot that name).

**Saw a recipe on Cook's County for North Carolina Lemon Pie. It looked cool. Like Key Lime Pie, but, a saltine crust!

***The news said that the I-4 project is almost 260 days behind schedule and has two years left. They tried to say that it will be done by 2012. Late 2021! As in 2022!

Cherish this post because you (all five of you - thanks Google shadow banners) aren't getting a new one for a while.

Proper & Wild, Winter Park - Closed

I grabbed a salad to go at this vegan spot in one of the "locations of death" on Morse (diagonal from Bosphorous) on Wednesday. I believe it was a vegan place two iterations ago. So they either don't think much of history (or past management) or didn't do enough research or really think tastes have changed in a short period of time. The lunch menu is boring. Apps, flatbreads, sandwiches, "burgers" and salad bowls. The dinner "mains" (same menu as lunch with mains in for sandwiches) are more creative. That means they have a pasta and a curry dish and one more burger. I had a Medina bowl for $14. I'm not sure if it was a good thing (because it was so bad) or a bad thing that it was a very small portion. Hardly a half a cup of the star element (pearl couscous). Maybe a fourth. Some rubbery carrots. Charred cauliflower. Acrid taste. The arugula was the best element. It came with a weird tahini like dressing. Every element was bitter. They even added teeth busting coriander seed to the mix. A side shot cup of a harissa hummus (if I'm correct). The designer of this dish is the taste bud equivalent to tone deaf. And I'm judging it as a vegan place. That means it is below soul food in the pantheon of flavor/complexity. They are a branch of another vegan place downtown - Sanctum Café. I can't remember what grade I gave them. In any event, I didn't expect to like this much and ended up liking less than that. It's a shame because it looks cute. Very white, clean and modern. They had some customers. All women and one dude just there to flirt with the girl at the front bar. I'd like to say I won't be back, but, knowing the location's track record, I will. Just under different management. Maybe those who haven't had real food in an eon will find the food more pleasing. Although, I think my dish would disappoint even them and was one of their weaker efforts. Opened recently.

Eola General, Downtown

I tried this market/deli on Amelia near some cross street like Cathcartt (or something like that) for lunch on Wednesday. Near the middle of Lake Eola in between it and 50. They have only been open for four months and already have swapped out the food supplier. So much for the Weekly's review. Why a guy with a week to compose a column is visiting these little establishments lately is confusing. Now (for two weeks) you can get some sandwiches (six or so) on a bagels via Swan City Bagels. I had the Waldorf chicken salad at $9.50. I don't like bagels as a sandwich bread. It really makes no sense when you cut chicken breast into large pieces. You'd have to be a boa constrictor or a Tri Delt to get that thing in your mouth. Even if you split in in halves, the salad spills out all over the place. The salad was also bland. Too healthy. I think they use Greek yogurt in lieu of mayo. And not a lot of it. The bagel was good. Sadly, I could taste it through the salad. Another indication of the total lack of flavor. It came with a side. I tried the potato salad. It was basically three (too large) pieces of red potato with onion and a bushel full of parsley. It was frigid. The potatoes were rubbery. Bland again. I also tried a gimmick they have called a garlic-y pickled egg. It's two pickled hard boiled eggs on a skewer with pickle slices and pearl onions dusted with Everything bagel seasoning. It was nothing to write home about. Sour and salty isn't my thing. Plus old, cold hard boiled eggs aren't either. Maybe a softer yolk would help. It cost $3. They really don't sell much else at the store. Beverages.and some produce. Very underwhelming. I would only go for a bagel with cream cheese. And only if I lived nearby. I am also assuming the cream cheese isn't girly-fied via Greek yogurt or the like. They also have a coffee provider (outsourced). Coffee means nothing to me, so, I didn't commit it to memory.

Bocadillos Cafe, Winter Springs

After the disastrous trip to UCF (read below), I at least had a little luck on my way home. I stopped at this Puerto Rican restaurant on 434 in between Winter Springs and 17-92 and grabbed a steak sandwich to go. It cost $8. It was a pressed sandwich with potato strings, Swiss cheese and mayo. The steak on it's own tasted a bit gamey and grainy. However, the texture and flavor worked when joined by its buddies. I can't guess the cut of meat or the method of preparation. I'm guessing - boiled? It was like tough meatloaf. The serve pork, beef, chicken, shrimp on sandwiches and with mofungo and with platters. They have a special plantain "bun" sandwich. They have a singular fish special. They have wine and beer. Open for lunch and dinner. Seats about thirty. Family run. It's in a mostly (since time immemorial) vacant strip mall behind Vittorio's. Very hard to see from the road. It was a café the last time I checked. They painted it a burnt orange and black. Some painted flourishes on the wall (like the PR flag and their name). They have survived for two years. I believe the name (as I've previously stated) translates to "little bites".

Grub Crawl - UCF Area: Gyroville (Closed) and Omelet Bar

I went to these places at lunch today. The first is on 50 in between 417 and Alafaya Trail in a strip mall. The second is in the shopping area across from UCF (University) near the McDonald's.

Gyroville - I had a traditional gyro for $7. It was junk. This is a fast food chain from South Florida. It's as if someone took the gyro off the Miami Sub's menu and opened a chain that only sells that. The meat is bought formed into a slab. They don't even freshly shave the meat. It's some kind of blend. Spam. Gyram. The other option is chicken. Wings, Greek salad, veggie soup and falafel burger. And that is it. I'm not joking. They also monkey with the sauces. IE Honey Mustard Tzatziki. Ugh. Open since March.

Omelet Bar - I'll review the meal first and then tell you about some concerns. I had a lobster eggs benedict for $12. It came with house potatoes. It was bad. One yolk was already spilled out on the plate. The English muffin wasn't toasted enough. The lobster was not lobster (sharimi blend). It didn't taste good. The potatoes seemed like they had been left out since the morning rush. The rest of the menu is uneventful. Waffles, pancakes, eggs, burgers and sandwiches. Now let's get to my concerns. The first is the "lobster". I had a chat with the manager and he proffered that it is a 60-40 blend that they buy frozen in bulk. This is more than puffery. It is mis-labeling and fraud. They at least need to put quotation marks around the word lobster on the menu or have an asterisk with explanation. He said he suggested this to the owner and was told to zip it. That brings me to me next concern. An owner with that kind of mentality is not one to reward with your patronage. The place's look (water stained ceiling tiles, clutter, etc) also denote a lack of pride. One last concern. The hostess may have meddled with my soda ($2.50 un-refilled). I may have been a bit snippy (to a snowflake) about being asked to sit at the counter and she looked too happy when she came back with my drink. Let's hope it was just spit and she doesn't have mono. As I said, the look is bit messy. Booths. Two sided room. I would submit that almost every other chain (Keke's, First Watch, Broken Egg, etc) is better. They have been open for two years. They close at 2pm. Too bad it's not for good. Surprisingly not a chain.

Juicy Pot, West Colonial *England Travel Notes

I tried this hot pot restaurant in Chinatown at lunch on Wednesday. It opened under a month ago. It looks nice, but, the food is nothing to write home about. I tried a simple hot pot even though I really didn't want it. I chose a veggie broth ($4) and udon noodles ($1) and bok choy ($1). The noodles were gross. Already mushy. Defrosted. The bok choy was fresh enough. They have inset hot plates that they place the broth pot on and you add the rest. I also had a pound of blue crab for $11. Three crabs cut in half. They were boiled. I prefer steamed. They seemed frozen. They didn't give you a tiny fork to pick out claw meat. I also tried a half pound of crawfish. They also tasted frozen. That cost $6. A soda can was $2.50. They also sell all the hot pot add ins and lobster and abalone and some other seafood. I just wish the food was as good as the décor. It's white and modern. Fifteen, four pot booths and a "bar" of single seats that runs down one side of the booths. Four tvs. Some wall murals. Another annoyance was the local r & b and rap station they had on. I'm not a big fan of one imbecilic lyrical line repeated for three minutes. "Let me rub you down". Hard to say which is more annoying - mumble rap or 80's r & b. I also would like them to have held back one of the items instead of bringing everything out at once. Soup was over cooked. Seafood got cold. There were four others eating while I was there. You don't have to rush to sample this place.

*Travel Notes - England: I saw a weird drink at a boba place in Manchester England. Cheese in the boba. I guess it must be powdered cheese? Not much else to mention. Yorkshire pudding wraps in Leeds and York. Black olives on a cc and lox bagel. Some kind of empanada/pasty called a Bridey in Carlisle. I also had a mackerel sandwich in Leeds at Mr Mackerel. They said they are big in Istanbul. So, if you go there try and find them.

F&D Italian Kitchen, Hourglass District

I tried this Italian restaurant on Curry Ford Road (opposite Claddagh's) on Tuesday for dinner. It has been open for seven months. It replaced another Italian spot (Peppino's?) that I evidently wasted my time on just before it closed. I guess this from the F&D people in Lake Mary. Therefore, I'm not surprised that I liked it. I changed a chicken parm or rigatoni Bolognese order to a due carni pizza (sausage and pepperoni) at the last second. I'm not sure what fate would have held if I hadn't, but, the pizza was great. The sole criticism could have been some bubbles (unpounded dough) in the crust. However, it was one of the better pies I can remember having in town. Nice char. Toothy dough with some richness (olive oil). Not tough. No residual flour. Nice and plentiful pepperoni and sausage (hot fennel seed). Thin. Nice cheese. Nice sauce. Not too much. Nice coverage. Some rosemary (maybe in the oil). Bigger than the usual personal size. 10"?. And freshly made. It cost $15. They have a Wednesday special where they sell a margherita for $7 or $8. They sell around ten styles of pizza. An arugula prosciutto pie next to me looked good. Stacked with fresh arugula. They had lasagna and spaghetti and meatballs and mussels served on a flat iron skillet (special price on Monday). Maybe ten more dishes. They serve beer and wine. I think they list the sodas at $2.50, but, my bill shows $3. Maybe they refill. They didn't. *I don't know if I have enough personal evidence/experience to expose a trend, but, this wouldn't be the first time a F&D restaurant billed me for an item higher than the menu price.  They didn't do much to the place. Maybe some paneling and some murals/stencils. I think the old place had their wood burning oven in the same place. It seats thirty (tightly) in the front room and the same on the enclosed patio. Both rooms were full at 6:30pm. They have five or so wait staff, but, they seemed overwhelmed for some reason. All in all, I was very pleased. I will make it a point to come back. F'in delicious.

*I gave one last drive by Never Never Naan. It was closed as usual. That will be my last attempt until some other new place requires my presence in the neighborhood.