Grub Crawl - Disney Springs: Wolfgang Puck's Bar & Grill and The Daily Poutine

I tried these two places on Wednesday at lunch.

Wolfgang Puck's Bar & Grill -  It is across from the Guy Fieri chicken place near Planet Hollywood. It opened in November. I tried the chicken schnitzel at $28. It wasn't worth half that. The chicken had a spongy texture. Like a tenderloin. It wasn't pounded thin enough. And I don't like panko. The "deconstructed" accoutrements like tomato and arugula weren't exactingly fresh and the cucumber salad  was just along for the ride. The rest of the lunch menu included some salads and sandwiches and pizzas and pastas and a few mains. The dinner menu substituted a few more pricy mains for the sandwiches. Pricing between the two menus was almost comparable. They discount a dollar or two or something like the dinner sea bass went from "whole" to lord knows what at lunch (probably a half). The pizzas looked good, but, I think a personal started at over $15. As did the sandwiches. The pastas were all mid-twenties. The mains were mostly thirty to fifty. My meal ran to $40 with tax and tip. And I just had a $3.50 (non refilled) soda with my entrée.

The place is divided into three rooms. Each has some exposed cooking area in it. To the left (where they seated me) is the pizza oven area. In the middle is the main kitchen (in the rear). To the right is the dessert station that has an open window to the street and sells gelato. The ceilings must be three stories high. The color scheme is white with black embellishments. Lots of photos of Wolfy and food. Mostly never together. They are trying for California farm house, I think. Wait service was a bit intermittent. I was expecting an overpriced, reductive experience and that's what it was. His schtick was powerful when I was an impressionable kid new to Los Angeles and there wasn't a celebrity chef minted every ten seconds. I even supported his first few attempts to branch out of Beverly Hills. But, he lost me when he lent his name to frozen pizza. He's one of those "name" chefs that license their reputation to anything and everything. I'll bet that is what is happening here. I doubt he even knows it exists. I don't blame him. It probably provides him with a comfortable living. But, it is too much for me. I wouldn't have tried this if it weren't for this blog. I don't try his other "chain" type restaurants or packaged food. He's kind of a punch line for me. Maybe not a punch line, but, I know he's too far removed from his projects to really be relevant to them. As such, I really resent paying designer prices for a off the rack clothing created by subordinates. I'm no label whore! Or am I the "john" since I'm paying? I'd advise you to save your "splurge" money for something more dynamic. Even Art Smith's place at Disney Springs seems a degree closer to the namesake than this.

The Daily Poutine - I had a classic poutine for $10. Fries and gravy and cheese curds. Not bad. The fries were actually crispy. Lots of squeaky curds. Ok gravy. Nice sized portion. It is on the right side if you descend the escalators from the green parking lot. They have two or three other poutines.

*Jaleo doesn't look close to being ready.

La Boucherie, Sand Lake Road Area - Closed

I think it has happened once before. A place that made such a bad first impression that I left before ordering. A place that needs a wake up call. A review that can be written without regard to the food. A place that starts the at bat with three strikes. I should have listened to the Universe. I was distracted on my way in and veered off the Sand Lake exit into the Volcano Bay area and then had to get back on I4 on go to Sea World to get back to Sand Lake. I should have kept going and never turned back. BTW who is the idiot that put no off ramps between Sand Lake and the Beach Line? *This all transpired yesterday at lunch.

The offending behavior(s) is not egregious in retrospect. It's an example that betrays a ethos. The behavior(s) in this case were a visually unappealing host (head to toe tats and a parolee/junky vibe), a petulant Puerto Rican reform school looking waiter and some amusing big timing. Now, I'm not sure if the host meant to give me the worst seat in a nearly unattended restaurant or if he was just a poorly trained numbskull, but, that is what he did. Apparently, my reaction to this insult/stupidity must have displeased the bus boy (err waiter) and his attitude towards me was provoking. Throw in the risk of food retribution from the kitchen and a few more critiques I will expand on and I just had to get out of there or challenge someone to a duel.

The place is a chain. The French "Applebee's'. Plastic menus (with pictures) and all. Sticky, grimy, worn menus. I think they have been open less than six months! The selection is also odd and pricy. The rest of staff is equally "greasy" looking. I didn't see one female employee. It just screamed (insert any of the many ethnic groups this applies to) latently homosexual bohunkery. There were two tables seated at prime lunch hour. A waspy couple and a table of three French men. Hopefully, they were there to report on the franchise and understood what transpired. Then again, they are French and probably found it laudable behavior and acceptable business conduct. And why was Latin music being blasted in a French restaurant?

The place is in an inconvenient strip mall that seems to swallow up enterprises. The traffic alone in the area makes it undesirable. To go here you really have to have a reason. The ambiance surely is not one. They can't act like this. In French "fermez la bouche" means "shut up" or less colloquially "close your mouth". I can only hope the Universe will listen to me when I request that they "fermez la boucherie".

*On top of this, my plan b (Chronic Tacos) was far from ready. I had to go to Disney (as the Universe was leading me) as you will read about shortly.

Coco Thai Cuisine, International Drive

I tried this Thai restaurant over a week ago in the afternoon for take out. It is aside some new hotel construction where Wet N Wild used to be. If I remember correctly, it has been open for around a year and is helmed by a chef from Northern Thailand whom has roamed around the planet in search of his perfect kitchen. So, it's not just Tom Yums, Satays and Curried Chickens and rice. His staff is also a bit representative. I remember some talk of Khmer (Cambodian) employees. I ordered some apps because I want to be more aware of Thai cuisine, but, they (other Thai restaurants) usually offer such a limited and redundant selection that I rarely see anything new. I had a chicken larb (I believe I had that at the Laotian place on 50), nam sod pork and curry puffs. All $6. The larb was minced chicken (also in beef) mixed with ground rice and scallions, cilantro, mint, chili powder and served on raw cabbage leaves. It was good. I love ground meats of any kind. The portion is enough for most people for a meal. The nam sod portion was even bigger. This preparation involved minced pork (also in chicken) with ginger, peanuts (whole), onion, scallions, cilantro, chili powder on raw lettuce leaves. It came with a side sauce. I can't remember if I liked it better than the larb. The curry puffs (5 or 6) were little, fried, empanada looking vessels filled with chicken, sweet potato, curry, cilantro and pepper. I'm pretty sure I've never seen that on a Thai menu. They were easily wolfed down. The rest of the menu has a lot you've seen before. I'll point out a few of the specialties instead. Basil Duck. Three Flavored Fish. Basil Mixed Seafood. Volcano Shrimp. Kung Makham (Tamarind Shrimp). Red Duck Curry. Ginger Striped Bass. These all run in the mid twenties. Most of the rest of the entrees are in line (low teens). The place is one big, white, glass, square room with a bar in the rear and open kitchen on the left. It's a new build out. Hard to say how popular it is. I was there at 2pm and it was predictably empty. It was more than I expected it to be. It's worth a second look. Lots of parking.

H Steakhouse, Dr. Phillips Area

I tried this Turkish steakhouse today at lunch. It's more than a steakhouse and more than Turkish. It is one of the most satisfying encounters I've had (anywhere) in a while. It's definitely going to be on the favorites list and is instantly in my top ten in CF (I haven't had the time to be precise yet). I had two appetizers because they don't really chase a lunch crowd (no lunch menu/pricing) and four of the appetizers seemed so scrumptious. I had the steak tartare with marrow bone (planned on having that) and the sweetbread with tagliatelle flamed in a parmesan cheese wheel. I chose the latter to try the pasta that is offered in two forms as an entrée. They make there own. The tartare cost $18. The quality of the meat was evident. If it was adulterated at all, it had olive oil in it. The real accoutrement was the marrow bone. Split in half and char-grilled, it was the best preparation of marrow I've ever experienced. Gone was the phlegmy (when roasted) like consistency and flavor. In place was unctuousness and umami. It created an interesting flavor profile when added to the raw beef. The hot/cold of the marriage was also interesting (if not symbolic). It came with some thin wafers (not sure if that is their lavash) whose exterior was a bit too gummy to be paired with the gummy tartare. An article I read said they were served sourdough bread with their tartare. I received that with the sweetbread. I'm not sure if they changed the elements or messed up or gave the first party the wrong accompaniment. I'm not sure sour dough would have worked. It did work with the "sauce" left over from the tagliatelle. That surprised me. The one criticism I could make is that maybe they over salted the marrow bone. But, it was good salt. The course was served on a beautifully rustic wood board. Which reminds me. They started me off with another beautiful wood board with grilled bread, Turkish olive oil, home made butter and a diced tomato and cucumber "salsa". All were fresh and tasty. They also do their own breads. The sweetbread was cleaned perfectly. Cooked perfectly as well. It was inventively incorporated into the aforementioned pasta dish. The portion size would be enough for most people as a main. I didn't get the table side cheese wheel flame show, but, I saw it done at an adjacent table a few minutes earlier. The rest of the menu blends steakhouse exuberance with recipes from central Italy and beyond. Apps had grilled octopus and a special kind of shrimp as stand outs. The mains included duck, veal, lamb and seafood with all of the choice cuts of beef (ie Tomahawk). The beef is aged in their own Himalayan salt aging room (visible behind glass). They call out their brand of grill. I haven't heard of  (and can't remember) it. I guess it is top of the line. The wine selection isn't "me too". Around 3X retail. The liquor is select. A little pricey (ie a Reserve Glenfiddich I just bought on sale for $32 at Winn Dixie was $30 a "pour" - granted my "Glen" wasn't the "reserve"). A soda was $3.50. They refilled.

The design is charming. A lot of wood. Darkish hues. Beautiful green fabric on the benches. Open floor plan. Exposed kitchen (in the rear). Small bar area in the left rear corner. Some outside seating. Seats around eighty inside and a dozen outside. The flatware and china were unique and stylish. I would try and hide a few eyesores a bit more, but, it is a well conceived dining area. The bathroom was basic and one person, but, nice..The place has been open for seven months. It is where the old Stephano's Trattoria was (near the Publix at the marketplace on Dr. Phillips off Sand Lake). It's named after the common last initial of the three owners. There were only two other diners and one waiter while I was there. That seems to indicate that lunch hasn't been too successful. I hope that isn't the case overall. They have spent a lot of money and put a lot of thought into this endeavor. Even the cooks have natty uniforms. They have hired talent and the menu is ambitious without being impudent. In a perfect world they would drop the prices across the board a bit (at least for lunch) and for some items in particular (duck and osso bucco). However, I'm willing to live in an imperfect world if it allows me surprises like this. I just suggest a price trim to make sure they don't wallow in obscurity. They don't need to set a price point to denote excellence. They are excellent and as such the can only help their brand by having as many people experience it as possible. The only thing they lack is a stunning locale. If they had that, then maybe they could support their current pricing. That said, I strenuously (like Demi Moore in A Few Good Men) recommend them and Valentine's Day is closing in and they are doing a special service in celebration. I didn't see the menu and hopefully it isn't a disappointment. If so, then shoe horn in some other justification for making a visit. You will say "what the H!"

*I tried a good Thai place (Coco) on I Drive on the way home. You will have to wait until I get back from Tahoe for that review. Also, saw that a Chronic Tacos (awesome San Diego beach area icon) opened on Sand Lake. Hope it's the same people.

Grub Crawl - Lake Mary: Currito and Nothing Bundt Cakes

I went to these two new businesses on International Parkway today at lunch. They are in that new strip mall that I have been reporting on lately.

Currito - I had a regular (that is the largest) classic burrito with chicken for $9. I think Chipotle is overpriced and they toss in a soda at this price. Other places toss in chips. It was a lousy burrito at that. 90% rice. The hot sauce was creamy and I believe it was the source of the off putting dish water flavor. I think there is more chicken in a $1 Taco Bell chicken burrito. It was thigh meat too. The soda ($2) cup was a half sizer. They also do bowls, salads and smoothies. All the things women throw their money away on. I would wager that that is their demographic. 90% of the customers were female (or could have identified as such) or people they seemingly dragged there. I can hardly call this a Mexican place since they serve tikka, buffalo, teriyaki, etc burritos. It's a 21st century trash up. The place is modern and clean. White washed. They have opened just recently. A chain from Ohio. I would never go back. Then again, I doubt they'd want me back. I have a Y chromosome. Now that my currit-osity is satisfied, I find it not be a curr-all. Oh-curr! BTW isn't that what Madea (I've never seen a movie) says? Why does that Mini Minaj a Twat get the credit? Not that there should be any.

Nothing Bundt Cakes - I used a coupon (my revenge for stuffing my mail box with junk mail) on a free cake. Praline pecan. It was fine. Too much icing. I think I already reviewed another location a while ago. They sell individual bundt cakes. They deliver what they promise. I'm sure all the "vegans" calorie counting at Currito will make a pilgrimage over here on their way back to work and then claim "I just look at food and I gain weight!"

*3/4/19 - I went back to Currito with a two for one burrito coupon they sent me and made my own concoction. Both helped the cause. I'll pop in every time they send another "feeler". That makes the transaction less onerous.

Grub Crawl - Thornton Park: Big Time Street Food Co (Closed) and Greenery Creamery

I tried these places on Friday night. The first is next to Burton's on East Washington. The second is below a condo apartment building on East Church. They were described to me as being downtown. They are really in Thornton Park.

Big Time Street Food Co - A nocturnal snack food spot. I grabbed a Holy Fried Chicken Sandwich because I wasn't hungry and the menu was nothing I haven't seen before. The sandwich was very large. Twice as large a Chick Fila. It was made of thigh meat. Some like it better than breast meat. Not I. It always has a weird top layer that you can't bite through. This was a good sandwich though. Nice crust. Pickles and a gochu (spicy) mayo sauce. It cost $8. They have three burgers (from $6-$8). A cheese steak ($10). Cubano ($9). Hot dog ($6). Four wraps ($9-$10). 2 fries ($9-$10). 5 snacks ($7-$10). As you can see, I chose the most fairly priced item. A small bottle of Coke was $3. It's a small place. Some seats at the window. Two man crew. Nothing new going on here. They have been open for seven months. Open from 4 pm until midnight during the week. 2am on Friday. Noon until 2am on Saturday. Noon until 10pm on Sunday. Parking is scarce.

Greenery Creamery - Half the ice cream is vegan (coconut water). Half normal. I had the vanilla with olive oil solo for $4.25. Didn't taste the oil. The ice cream melted into milk. I'm not sure if that is a sign of quality or not. Around twenty flavors. Nothing noteworthy here. Parking is less than scarce. I think they opened this past summer.

*Walking around it seems like the place at the train depot closed. A few places opened across from the courthouse. A coffee place opened at that large building on East Washington near Lake Eola.. A "bar" on the same street on the corner by the band shell. I passed an axe throwing place on Robinson. I think it was called Epic Axe Throwing. It was packed.

Grub/Pub Crawl - College Park and Baldwin Park: Blended Cafe Bar, Digress and Tactical Brewing Company

I tried these places last Saturday Night. The first two are on Edgewater Dr. The last is near the Publix in the heart of that community.

Blended Café Bar - I had a crispy chicken banh mi for $7 because I wasn't very hungry or interested in the finger foods they offer. It was really good. The bun was great. Crisp. The chicken was crisp as well. It came with the usual carrot and radish and cilantro toppings. They also serve teas, bao, rice bowls, egg rolls, noodle bowls and samosas they call "pockets". A few specials as well. They are across from the main condo building off of Princeton. The inside is a big empty, white space with a bar on one side and some seats on the other. A few people were at the bar playing Stratego. Feel free to channel your inner Terry Crews while you are there. That's a movie reference. I think they have been open for six months.

Digress - They are down the street in the old Cavanaugh's space. They were supposed to serve food starting in the Spring. Then the Fall. It seems like that will never transpire. What there will be is the current food truck partnership. And even that is intermittent. They weren't on that night (a Saturday). It's mostly a wine bar. The owner was nice and talkative. He seemed sincerely interested in wine. They are a bit pricy. I believe they have been open for about a year.

Tactical Brewing Company - They have been in a "soft" opening for two months. Still only open on the weekends. I tried an IPA and an Oyster Shell Black Lager. Both were good. They seem to be run by ex-military. Marines I think. It is a smallish square room. It was pretty packed. Mixed crowd. Bartenders were pleasant. Dogs were welcome. Nice scene. They even have some good looking merch.