I tried these spots on Tuesday at lunch. The first is on Church St. The second is Lake Ave and East Church St near the Publix at Lake Eola. The third is on 50 across from Fluffy Fluffy. The last is aside Fluffy Fluffy. I also saw that they intend on opening Blu Wave Sushi to the left of the first one and Birria 1983 to the right (seems very close). Near the second place, I also saw Draught House, Earthy Picks ($13+ Vegan things) and Bynx (drinks and some food). Mochibae will open next to the last place.
The Bao Spot - I had a $6 fried shrimp bao. It was ok. The shrimp (one whole one) was quite large. Fine fry. The let down was the Japanese guac (the cheap kind of avocado) and the bun (mass produced). The grilled onions were ok. They have around six baos. Terrible looking $9 burgers (paper thin) and $4 worse looking fries. Two $13+ bowls. Some other things. Order at a counter. Seats around thirty. Full. Looks like a submarine inside. Open for two weeks. Too expensive. You can pass.
Great Harvest - A chain. Bakery plus dining. Baked goods were very expensive. I think a loaf of bread was $14. I settled on a $3 biscuit. It was very good. Moist. Oniony. Breakfast all day. $7+. Ten $10+ sandwiches and salads. Large footprint. High ceilings.
Zaru - Sanuki Style Udon from Kagawa Prefecture by Bento Group. Near the Mills corner. I had the Kake Udon to go because there was a wait for a table and it was the cheapest option. It was good. Cost $12 with a $2 Onsen egg added. Thick Udon. Made there. There is a machine. They said they make the broth too. Probable. They had quite a few cooks and they were acting obsessive over their charge(s). The dish came with some scallions and tempura bits and something that looked like nori and maybe umebushi along with it. They offer four cold noodle dishes ($12-$20) and five hot ones ($12-$36). Eighteen add ons like tempuras, roe, waygu and vegetables. Six Zensai (apps) from $5-$11. Things like gyosa and chicken chasu. Two mizumono (desserts). Seats around thirty. L shaped room. Looks out on 50. Earth tones. Chic. Open Kitchen. Open for two months. You can find parking for now at the Dunkin Donuts lot. It may be on the Favorites even though it is a ramen place.
Bakery 1908 - This WILL be on the Favorites List! It may be the BEST upgrade of venue. From that shitty crawfish (King Crab Shack) place to this excellent, no hassle Chinese restaurant. They do have a bakery. But, the hot food is what sets it apart. A total surprise to me. I had $10 wonton soup and $10 har gow. Either was enough on its own. The wonton broth was light and unsalty. Very healthy. Fresh bok choy. Six tasty dumplings. Huge bowl. Has to be one of the best in town. The har gow could have been steamed more properly. The edges were hard and dry. The middle was sticky and fragile. The shrimp, however, were top notch. No paste. Just pieces of real shrimp. Nice flavor. Five in number. Came in a wood box. Red vinegar dipping sauce. They offer about a dozen hot items (dim sum) like Shanghai Dumplings, Shiu Mai, Hong Kong Sticky Rice. Steamed and fried dumplings. The bakery area (on left) had sweet and savory options. Many things that were quasi-sandwiches. The servers were a little undertrained/confused. Efficient order counter. They bring you the dishes. Large room. Two levels. Full. White with accents. Seats 50? Lots of parking. Open for two weeks. Not a chain. I can't get back quick enough. Find this!
Happy Lemon - A chain. Across from Bakery 1908. I had a $6 bubble waffle. It was good. Crepe-y. They sell mostly drinks. Large. Modern. White and yellow. Was a Goncha. Open since May? Pretty empty.
*I also tried to try Sushi Saint near Brew Theory. It isn't open on Tuesday. Finally sorted out where Eola Lounge is. It looks good. A Thai/Sushi place is on the corner. Named Neveyah. I have to check if I have been there before. Did something real similar if not. Oudom. Didn't come across any other newbies. Oh. I have to laugh at the signs for the Bumby Arcade. I thought The Bao Spot was in there. Nope. Still nowhere near opening.
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