Grub Crawl - UCF Area: Cooper's Hawk and Maroush *Istanbul Travel Notes

I tried these spots in the Waterford Lakes shopping area off Alafaya Trail today at lunch. I was trying to try Gen Korean. It is nowhere near opening. I settled on the first one because it was on the corner and I had always meant to try the one on I Drive. The second is in the way back. I also saw a golf bar named Pop Shack and a chain dumpling place (Yum?) near it that is being built out. Everything else is the same. Oh. Portillos finally opened. Or has hung their shingle.

Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurant - I was going to possibly Fav it until I found out their wine tasting area just offers up their own house brands. That cut its appeal in half. It's a chain from Illinois. 50 locations. Trying to be a Fleming's or such. I had the Lunch Sized (they ain't making it bigger) portion of the Cooper's Hawk Chicken Giardeniera for $19. They charged $20. Fav status now out the window. It was good. Small. Parmesan breaded. Scallopini thin. Breast size. Came with that terrible pickled veg concoction. Mashed potatoes. The savior was the free pretzel bread. All their apps are at main price levels. Things like ahi, meatballs, calamari, egg rolls. Categories are: pasta and risotto, surf and turf, steak and chops, seafood, chicken, soup and app salads, burgers and sandwiches, combos, chopped salads, life balance, vegetarian and desserts. High water mark is $41. Place seats over two hundred just in the main room. Alot of booths. Muted tones. Some rock and wood. Separate wine tasting and bar area and patio. Attired staff. Service was good. Food came out quick. It's pretty good overall. Not white tablecloth, 5 star good. Chain trying to replicate that good. It's no challenge/adventure going to a place like this. But, I'll bet you know plenty of people who would feel real comfortable here.

Maroush Shwarma and Grill - Syrian. Still in a soft opening (when did this bs become a thing?) two months in. Say their Grand Opening will be November 24. Still a little discombobulated for two months in. Six guys in the cooking area and one lady by a brick oven. I think three of the kitchen staff were just management. Also a guy making drinks in a blender and one at the counter. Order at a counter. Around forty tables inside and ten outside. A bit ratty for just being open. Yellow, gray, orange tones. Looks fast food-ish. Not much decoration. I had the chicken kufta for $19. The meat on the spits didn't look that reliable and I can't just keep ordering wraps to try. This is two skewers of ground chicken with rice or fries and two salads. The chicken kebabs are a little thin. Tasted fine though. Both salads were fresh and tasty. Baba Ghanoush and Hummus. Rice had a saffron color. Not dry. Fair portions of those. Pita seemed fresh. Coated with something red. Red Pepper? I wonder if it was baked in that clay oven? All in all, not bad. I have basically just sampled all of it so far. They do breakfasts too. Most of what you'd expect. Some things are called something different in Syrian. Like pide. I didn't take notes, so, I can't give examples. Two Syrians in month after none ever. What a city! I think you should try it if you are in the area. Hopefully, they tidy up and get things humming. Prices are in line. Like $10 and under for shwarmas.

*Travel Notes - Istanbul: I flew here (the new IST airport) on Aegean (late both ways) from Athens for $192. Turkey just waived the Visa requirement on January 1. I had only been to the old airport on my way to Bulgaria before. It was good. Let me start with a geography lesson because I was a bit disoriented it turned out. There are three main areas. Two on the European side. I call them north and south. They are separated by the Golden Horn. It is a river looking carve in from the Bosphorous. The Asian side is across from the Bosphorous. Imagine a right arm. The Sea of Marmara (to Greece) is the part below the elbow. The Black Sea is above the finger tips. The Golden Horn is the thumb. Above the thumb (north) is where I stayed. It has Taksim Square and Galata Port/Tower/Bridge. Below the thumb is a bit older. It has Hagia Sophia/Blue Mosque. The distances between aren't that great. Between north and south you can walk the bridges. You don't need the ferries. You need the ferry to go to Asia (Uskadur and Kadikoy). Most of the stuff you want to see is on the European side. It's hilly. The airport is very far away on the Black Sea (1 hr+). They have underpasses on most streets. *Most of the stuff you can read online was wrong/dated or contradictory. Rely on me. Exchange rate was 35TL to a USD. Every tourist site was ridiculously priced. All the Chinese, Iranians and Russians are here.

The first night I arrived after dark. The airport had long walks. Customs line was a bit long. No bank atms in the airport. Just exchange ones. They had bus kiosks in baggage claim. I think a trip was around 250TL. Taxis were expensive. I had researched the new M11 train, so, I walked out of the exit and in the middle of the lower level was a route (a bit far) to that. No one was there to help. Just two types of machines. You had to figure it out on your own. I took the bigger machine (cheaper). That was a mistake. That card (40TL) only worked on the M11. You have to top it up. I did 30TL (Mastercard). That may have been (internet said 17TL) the price of one ride (I couldn't see the read out when I swiped it) and when I tried to use it on the return it said it didn't have enough. The M11 ends at a stop called Gayrettepe. You get off and walk a long way (underground tunnel) to the M2. There there was a person to ask. She said I had to use the machine for the Istanbulunkart. It cost 130TL and I topped it with 50TL. You understand that the first charge is just for the card? Right? Mastercard again. Both machines had English option. Trip cost 20TL. I thought M2 ended in Taksim Square. When I saw it went further, I showed a local (most spoke some English) a pic I snapped of the map that showed my hotel. He said I should get off one stop farther. Sishane. This was partially right. I could have gone one more to Halic in the middle of the bridge (Golden Horn) in front of my hotel. I just walked down a hill to the waterfront. I stayed at the Golden City Hotel (Booking 8.1) for five nights at $75 a night. Mistake. I got two things wrong. The area around Galata Port/Bridge is nicer and this hotel looked like it was nicer than the one rejected. This area still has alot of machine shops and the like. It is one street off the water. It is still in the gentrification process. Plus you hear all the subway noise as it crosses the bridge. I walked around to find a bank. Some a few blocks north at Galata Bridge. Most were outside ATMs. I grabbed two (I was starving) chicken durum (their wraps) for 140TL a piece at Pilavci. One of the few (carry out) options. FYI - there are barely any mid range or supermarkets anywhere. Just some silly bodegas with no price tags. Then I went to bed.

The next day was mosque day. I crossed over the Golden Horn Bridge and hung a left to the Eminonu Ferry area. I was told I had to take ferries everywhere and you couldn't walk the bridges (wrong). Up to Galata Bridge. I thought that named bridge was that super huge bridge you see in pictures. That bridge is way north and you never have to deal with it. There are many things around this bridge that I will get back to. I went under it and saw some signs to the Hagia Sophia and Sultan Ahmet/Blue Mosques. I crossed the street and asked in a tourist office (also got a map) on the left (where it turned out Sirkechi Train Terminal is) where to go. He said follow the tram tracks. So, I ignored him and took the road to the right of it with a sign pointing to the Blue Mosque. It is more direct, but, leaves you a little right of the sites. So, I took a left at the top and it left me between the two mosques. I walked down what was a Roman Hippodrome and around the Blue Mosque (I think this was free, but, I had on shorts and I really only care about the outsides anyway). You see two Roman columns, a Serpent column, the Hagia Sophia Museum (these made me think I was walking around that to begin with) and the German Fountain. I then walked over to Hagia Sophia. Past a harem and a fountain. Around the right side to the Fountain of Ahmet III. Then into Topkapi Palace. I believe it cost 1200TL to go past this area. I just took pics of the Hagia Eirene and Imperial Mint. Out the same way. Then right and left and back past Yerebatan Sarnici Basilica Cisterns (900 TL - as in Inferno by Dan Brown) to the middle ground between the two mosques. Right past Firuz Aga Mosque to McD's. Good wings and add an item deal. Then past that to some other mosques (there are so many) and a right to Nurusomaniye Mosque and Constantine Column and down and to the left for the Grand Bazaar (James Bond Skyfall motorcycle roof chase). Then out the same way and back to the road I walked up and down to the river. Across Galata Bridge to the ferry area and back to hotel. I then walked up to the Galata Tower where I found a Migros and bought some wine and food.

The next day was Taksim day. I walked up to Galata Tower again and on up (this area is called Beyoglu) to Istiklal Avenue. It is the main shopping/eating street. Ends up at Taksim Square. Lots of side streets. Embassies, St Antonio Church, Turkish Bath, Museum, etc. In Taksim (at the street behind the BK) I had my first Islak (wet) burger (50TL) and a great 150TL doner et durum (shaved steak with ff wrap) at Bambi's Cafe. They don't add any dips or sauces. Real beef. Allowed to crisp. So much better than any expat shit you find here or in Europe. Great wrap too. The wet burger turned out to have been dipped in some tomato sauce. Then I walked around the Mosque at Taksim to Tarlabasi St (closer to Beyoglu) and down towards the river. Eventually back towards Istiklal and down to Galata Port. Past the Peninsula Hotel there is some shopping area where you pass through a metal detector to get back on the esplanade. There I saw some cool statues, Modern Art Museum, etc. It is posh and brand spanking new. Obviously good views. You take this route to get to the Besiktas area (seemed business-y). There I saw the Dolmabhce Mosque and Palace (1000TL), Tupras Stadium, pier, etc. If I wasn't so tired, I would have tried to walk to the big bridge (15 July Martyrs). Got some shots of it from the pier/ferry terminal. Then back the same way. Up to the Galata Tower (via Comondo Stairs) and wine and walnuts (90TL for 150g), etc.

The next day was ferry day. I went to the Karakoy station and topped up my Istanbulunkart for 100TL in cash. You press top up. It says place your card on the reader. There it tells you how much you have left. You put the money in or tap. Then I took the ferry to Uskudar via Eminonu for around 30TL. They are all around this much. The reader tells you how much and how much is left. The ferry ride alone is like a day tour. You see all there is to see. I must have taken 10 videos. Not much to Uskudar. Asian side. Down the esplanade past a mosque to the Maiden's Tower. You should turn back here. I followed it (a few km) all the way to the next area (Kadakoy). Past a working port, some kind of military building, near this big (Comica) Tower, hospitals, a uni, an old customs house, mosque, some ruins, etc. To their port. I was so bushed that I just got on the ferry back to Eminonu. Saved a ferry charge though. Then I walked back to Galata Port and had a durum balik (mackerel wrap) for 150TL at Boneless Kilciksiz Balik. Then up to Istiklal for wine and food at Macro Center and a not as good doner et durum at Keskin Kebap and Doner. 

The next day was leftovers and seconds day. It rained all morning. Iffy the rest of the day. I crossed the bridge and went to the Egyptian Spice Market. I should mention this and the day before were the weekend and there were a hell of lot more people out. Then back up (this time the tram tracks) to the mosques and down the other side to the Little Hagia Sophia and that area. Back to the mosques and down to the Gulhane Park. If the weather wasn't threatening, I would have spent the rest of the day here. Instead it was back to Galata Port and a Kiymali (meat,cheese,mushroom,spinach,potato) Gozleme at some place that I'm unsure the name of. 180TL. They had a coffee guy in front that said Kolde. Great. Like a crepe. Then I bought (closer to the hotel) another durum balik at Murat the Fisherman for 160TL for dinner. They had been begging me as I passed all week. It had all these photos of people that made it seem famous. Probably bs.

The final day was Taksim day again. I was going to try the Galata Tower at last. But, the 30TL entry fee was actually 30E. And they wanted it in TL! So, I told them where they could stick it. I should mention here that they charge foreigners like 10x more at all the sites. Up to Istiklal. Grabbed a simit (bagel) from a cart called Beyoglu Belediyesir Simitli for 15TL. I'll add that they also have all these roasted corn on the cob (30TL) and chestnut carts everywhere. I tried to waste time and try another regional restaurant. But they tend to eat later than us, so, I ended up at the BK at Taksim Square. It actually had a great roof deck. 175TL for the old school chicken sandwich. I went down the Taksim station. Shit hole. Homeless. And took the M2 to Gayrettepe (they pronounce it guy) and M11 back to the airport. Had to stand the whole way again. They have two xray areas there. Aegean had no kiosk. You had to wait in line for a boarding pass. They don't take TL at the airport. Only euros. Spend that leftover cash before you get there.

Istanbul was great. I spent 3000TL. The women were very pretty. It appears I love those fat faces. And I know who to blame for that. No freaks with tats and ox rings. Lots of cultures. Many Batmen. Probably foreigners. They all have their faces in their phones. Polite. Everyone smokes. Less loud than Greeks. They all walk on the wrong side of the street. The women assume you will give way. I didn't get to try the coffee, pomegranate juice, tripe, ice cream (they wanted 150-200TL for a small) or Turkish Delight. Accomplished most everything else. I assume I missed some delights. I was surprised how European side heavy it was. How walkable (and hilly) it is. Safe. They have these huge jelly fish in the Bosphorous. I wanted to see the other regions, but, it seemed like their public transport isn't that great. You really have to take planes. And that airport is just too far away. I may try ferries from Greek islands for some of them. You should put this on your to do list. I got some of these ideas from a BBC show called Travel Man (tripe) and Travels with Darley. Maybe Ricky Steves and Joey Rosendo. But I think their notes were for other cities in Turkey.

Grub Crawl - Maitland: Lim Ros, Athena and Mandola's *Greece Travel Notes

I tried these places on Thursday at lunch. The first replaced Brick & Spoon on the south corner of that condo on S Orlando across from Copper Rocket. The second is a bit north in the south corner of a strip mall that has a Lazy Days in front. The last is on the way to I-4 on Maitland Blvd (414). On the west corner of a new strip mall in a new development called Trelago.

Lim Ros - An upscale Thai offering. Open for a month or less? Unclear on the meaning. The semi-fluent waitress said it had something to do with eating. Like flavor or taste. Unsure on what region the draw from. I had the $15 lunch special. You can choose from about seven things. They include a soup and spring roll and white rice with all seven. I chose the Panang Curry with chicken and Chinese Eggplant. It was good. Not great. The soup was the best. They call it a seaweed soup. Clear broth like you used to (maybe still do) get as the "other" soup at a hibachi place. Tofu. Really clean and tasty. Cool metal spoon. The spring roll was a bit bland. Veg filling. Seemed pre-fried. Needed a dipping sauce or something. Maybe I should have dipped it into the curry. The curry was good. I had it hot. Not too hot. Jalapeno hot. There with slivers of green and red chilis. Panang is usually too sweet for me. This was more refined. The chicken was the usual. A decent amount for a lunch special. Maybe ten pieces. The tiny eggplant was cut into quarters. Basil. The rice was dry. No way around that. I wish I had this dish to go so I could repurpose all the left over curry. Served in three different color ceramic bowls/plate. Some garnish. It came out quick. The menu is a bit pricier than the "bistro/trattoria" level Thai places. They do offer some competitive offramps though (under $20). Some differentiated dishes. 3 noodle soups, 3 fried rices, Pad Ga Prow, 2 noodles and 2 curries from $18-$22. 6 apps from $8-$18. Shrimp donut, chive cake, pork skewer, satay for examples. Tom Yum and Tom Kha Gai Soup that they call Hot Pots. Larb and shredded papaya. Those are $15-$23. 7 Mains from $21-$40. Snapper, duck, NY Strip, char sui pork, pork rib and one called Goong Ob Woonsen and Kanom Jeen Nam Ya Pu that you can look up. Desserts and booze. The place is large with a high ceiling. Beige, black (ceiling) and charcoal colors. Fabric seats. Wood tables. Green leaf mural behind the bar. Windows. The layout isn't the best. Many tables (all the ones facing away from the street like mine) have a straight view to the doors into the kitchen. They have 28 tables. Different heights and occupancies. Large entry area. You enter on the side. Two servers at that time. Black unis. Good. I liked it. Only four others there. All women. Closed on Tuesday. It might squeak in as a Favorite. 

Athena Roasted Chicken - I was still hungry, so, I decided to pop in here. I had been many times when I lived in WP. Not in years though. Unreviewed. My father used to love the rotisserie chicken. I ordered a quarter dark of that ($4) because a whole was $11 or so and you can get a quite good whole one at any supermarket nowadays for $7. But, I had to remind myself if it was as good as I remembered. It was. Tiny though. Not any or much better than the supermarket ones. Two triangles of pita as well. What I really wanted was the Cypriana Chicken in a pita with melted provolone. The vegetable sauce turned out to be tomato forward. The cheese added a little texture, binding and flavor. Great (off the bone) chicken. I started with just a taste test (while it was fresh). I ended up Cookie Monstering it. The pita was fresh and fluffy/spongy. Superb. It cost $7.49. I can't muster up the energy to give you the whole menu and prices. Here are their categories as they list them: non-Greek sandwiches, taboule, hummus, tahini, halloumi, dolmades, side dishes, soup and chili, chicken platters and salads and sandwiches, special salads, desserts, beverages, pita wraps and Greek specialties (15). Highest priced thing is the whole chicken. Open since 1988. I doubt it has had a make over. Basic layout. Some Greek posters of sites. Maybe twenty tables. Packed. Order at a counter. Open for L & D every day. Catering. No animal fat usage. Hormone free. Never frozen. May be a Favorite as well.

Mandola's - The 75 year old uncle of the Carrabba's guy (he was involved in that as well). Out of Texas (Austin). A few elsewhere (ie Jacksonville). Sicilian American. A chain. Inauthentic vibe. Order at a counter. They bring it to you. I had a lasagna to go for $17 plus a $1 packaging fee. Large. 4x4x2. Meat sauce, ricotta, mozz, Romano. Traditional. Good. They also sell six other pastas ($15-$17). The most interesting was Lunette Modo Mio. The rest were usuals. Four salads ($11-$15). Six apps (7-$12). One Minestrone soup. Four Mains ($18-$22). Salmon and Parms. I saw some sliced chicken that looked like cafeteria food. Five pizzas ($15-$18). A personal was $12. It looked like shit. Thin. Plate size. A Daily Feature. All around $20. Desserts. Wine and beer. Half portions of pasta. Kids menu ($9-$10). They also have a corner area for $6 small gelatos(i) and coffees. The place is a large square. Open kitchen in the far corner. The staff looked a little suspect. Pizza oven (flames) on the right. Ordering area to the right of that. WCs and soda fountain at the rear. Maybe 28 tables? Large patio are on the left. Another dozen tables? Soccer flags hanging from the ceiling. Coffee bar posters. A Godfather poster (the kiss of death). When I see one, I know the food is going to suck. Yellow, red and white. Really faux marble table tops. About a sixteenth full. They also sell wine. Theirs and others. Open for under a month. I can't recall the one time I patronized Carrabba's (on 434 near Lake Brantley). I suspect it didn't capture my heart. This may be a bit better? 

*Travel Notes - Greece: I flew UA there (Athens) and Air Canada back (Newark and Montreal) for $613. A few days before I left, I risked a jinx and bought an Aegean (via Olympic) to Chios (Homer's birthplace) for $150 that left a few hours after I landed. I stayed at the Chios Chandros Hotel (Expedia VIP 9.0) for two nights at $92. Must be the best option available in the area. Only $20 more. I had a view of the port and a balcony. I took a cab there for 9E. Stupid. I walked it on the return and it took me 25 minutes. I tried to haggle, but, the driver said the airport charges them 4E. Could be bs. I didn't do much other than walk the town/port. Too tired. They have a castle, square and Byzantium museum. I also walked up the hills for some pics. I ate from Market On both nights. A hard feta, sheep yogurt (great), dry hummus, cod roe (don't buy this), salami, pork, etc. I just went here because the other islands cost more in airfare. 

While there, I bought a ticket on Aegean to Thessaloniki (through Athens) for $190. Stayed three nights at the Amalia Hotel (Booking 7.9) for $60 a night. It was between Palatia Dikastirian and Platia Aristotelous and three blocks from the sea on Emou. Where you want to be. I took the bus from the airport for 1.80E. It took a long time. Full! They didn't call out the stops. It was dark. They barely turn on the street lights, etc. Thank God a local showed me where and when to get off. I bought taramasalta, feta, etc at a market called Masoutis. Drank some wine (did this most every night of the trip) and walked down around the esplanade. So many girls out. Too tired though. 

The next day it was a bit cloudy. I walked back up to a Roman Agora and Agios Dimitros and Commander's Mansion and over to the west wall to get my bearings. Then down to the port (film festival going on) and a ship called HS Velos. To the White Tower and all the way down the shore (a few km). Marathon going on. Back to the Museum of Byzantine Culture and Archeological Museum (both free that day). At Palatia Aristotelous, I had strawberry gelato with chocolate at Bufala Gelato and a chicken sandwich at Crats. Wine and the leftover food from the day before. It started to rain. So no nocturnal activity.

The next day, I found some restaurants I saw this summer on some BBC travel show. Cin Cin (bar) and Vanilla Gelato. Had good vanilla, marzipan and pumpkin gelato for free because it was their last day for the season and they were dumping the inventory. On the corner was a Levantine place called Feyrouz. I had a great wine braised rooster pide with some cheese and kraut and walnuts on top. Great! Easily the best pide I've ever had. I also had a bad Salisbury steak like cheeseburger at Goody's. I then walked to Agia Sophia and over to the Convention Center. The modern art museum there was closed. I saw some huge fort/castle on the hill and tried to walk up to it. Through the University. I went one block too far to the right and ended up at some soccer stadium and then up the hill to a church and the zoo and some ampitheater. I should have probably followed a road up there that may have led to the fort. Instead, I went back the same way and over to the cemetery. There I found the proper route (along more old walls) to the Trigonion Tower and the Northern Walls. Then across to the Church of St Paul. Back down and Rotunda and the Arch of Galerius. Pre-sunset on the esplanade. KFC wings and ff (so many) and leftovers and a crazy sunset (clouds) of birds going nuts over the city. 

The next day I bought a ticket at a kiosk for the bus. The stop was right on the same street we came in on (Egnatia Odos). Half full bus. In Athens, I took the X95 bus for 5.50E to Syntagma Square. I stayed at the Abov Athens (Expedia 8.8) for $75. Mozz, prosciutto, chips from Bazaar. Wings and ff from KFC again. The next day I took the bus back to airport for Istanbul (Described in the next post).

I had two nights after Istanbul. I took the bus back to Syntagma. Stayed two nights at the Omiros Hotel (Booking 7.7) for $59 a night. The first night was a disaster. The second night they gave me a room on the roof. It was great. The first night I just bought the same things at Bazaar that I bought a few days before. Got in late. Walked the area again a bit. Ate in the room. 

The next day I walked to the hill that houses the Chapel of St George on Lykavittos Hill. Past the Facade of Hadrian's Resevoir. Just kept climbing up until I found these stairs to it. Great views! Maybe better than the Acopolis. Do this! Does burn the hammies though. There may be a funicular. Down and over to this statue called The Runner. Across to the National Gallery (closed - Tuesday). Over to the War Museum (6E). Just looked at the stuff on the outside for free. Down the street to the Byzantine Museum (closed). Back past Parliament. Had a good, cheap pepperoni pizza at Oi Meraklhdes Tyropites. Over to the National Historic Museum, Library and University and Academy of Arts. I haven't sorted out yet (all closed). Over to Palaka. This time I went right instead of left. Past Hadrian's Library and to the Agora. Reduced price from 10E to 5E after 11/1. Worth the money. You can walk around it and peek in for free (same with Hadrain's Library). The drizzle started getting stronger and I was a bit spent from the St George trek, so, over to Bazaar for the same goodies and back to the hotel. View of sunset of the Acropolis from the roof deck. Bus to airport the next day.

The exchange rate was 1.08 USD to a Euro. The weather was great (only used a thin sweater twice). Especially in the beginning. Sun didn't burn. I had never been there this late. Still ok. Seemed like less flights nationally and at a higher cost. So, you may save money flying to Athens and lose it if you travel in country. No real issues getting there. Customs was fast every time but one. Flight home was the land of the living dead. Most coughing up a lung. I have decided that if Greek women had to be depicted in a cartoon about animals, it would be a rhinoceros. Wish I could have squeezed in another island. Spent 170E aside from hotels. Check out the thin honey sesame bars. Totally worthwhile two weeks.

Grub Crawl - Maitland: Kos, Maitland Chocolate Factory and City Pho and Grill

I tried these spots a week ago on Tuesday at lunch. All things to go. The first one I had a coffee when they were across from Rollins (May 20, 2022). Now it's next to Athena Chicken. The second is aside it. The third is closer to Lee Rd where Copper Rocket is. I went there when it was I-Pho 2 (April 21, 2016). Now its renamed. I tried these spots because plan A went south.

Kos Coffee - I tried a seriously overpriced waffle for $9. It was good. Made into 6 ajoined hearts. Maple syrup. It is Norwegian. $12 sandwiches too. And overnight oats and other breakfast iteams. Some seats. Neither fish nor fowl. I don't think they take the food side seriously enough. Its like a Starbucks. Therefore, I can't recommend.

Maitland Chocolate Factory - Next to Kos. Chocolate was ok. I had a $3.25 dark chocolate bar. Thin. They have dipped stuff and gelato. No gelato there though. Open for a few years.

City Pho and Grill - I had a sad Supreme banh mi for $9. Rubbery pork sausage, dull pate, tough pork roll. Short, non-baguette roll. No fish sauce/vinegar. They have 25 starters ($4-$16). Calamari, shumai, fried pancakes. Rice platters ($14-$22). Clay pots. 17 specialties ($16-$21). Fried rice. 5 veg ($15-$16). Pork, beef, chicken, pork chop, pork and egg meatball, shrimp, shredded pork. Sake, beer, wine. Shakes. Dessert.  Happy hour. Gray/white color scheme. Large mural of Bui Viet walking street in Saigon. Around 12 tables. Open for 8 years. I'm not sure if it is the same ownership. It was acceptable.

* I told you what I passed up in the last post.

Grub Crawl - Longwood and Chinatown: Toshka, Chili Star and WaLaLa

I tried the first spot on Sunday at lunch. The next to on Monday at lunch. I am combining them because I need to get these out while there is time. The first is on 17-92 across from an Aamco (behind a smoke shop) near where the dog track used to be. Near Enzo's. The next two are in Chinatown on W50. East side of the shopping area. Next to each other. Same owner.

Toshka Syrian Street Food Truck - I had the namesake for $14. It was hard to see what they were doing. It looked like they took shaved lamb from the gyro and sandwiched between a crepe like wrapper and grilled that. But, I believe it is supposed to be ground meat. Maybe I saw the people's in front of me shwarmas, et al being made. They ordered alot. In any case, it was one piece of lamb (looked shaved) and they claim some cheese. I couldn't really see it or taste it. Still it was good. And not just because it was virgin territory. The flavors were subtle. They gave me a garlic yogurt dipping sauce that it needed. And some sweet supermarket looking slaw that it didn't. It also came to life when you place a piece of the ripe tomato or sour pickle on top. Sliced into eight triangles. It was a tad overpriced. Food truck overhead argument again. They also said (no non-QR code menu) they do a shwarma ($13) that a review said was chicken (I didn't see chicken on a gyro), falafel ($10) and a sojuk sausage ($14). The things I think are shwarma looked thin. You can make it a platter with fries (I think those caused the delay) and a soda can for an extra $3. It did take too long. Two guys. One guy left for a while (went to take a dump?). Only one group of three in front of me. FIFO. They had a couple of umbrella'd tables. A lake view. Open for five months. Open everyday from 10am-10pm. If it was 50% cheaper it would definitely be a Favorite. Now I have to give to greater thought. I also can't help wondering if these guys are innocents or Bashar al- Assad supporters or ISIS and if I should care. And if the guy who left for a while washed his hands.

Chili Star - I had the cheapest non-white person dish for $15. No side. Sliced Beef and Ox Tongue in Chili Sauce/Oil. It also had peanuts and transparent slices (ultra thin) of some hard substance. The ox tail? I don't think so. The meats I see in the dish have two textures and shapes/cuts. One had to be the ox tail. Anyway. I enjoyed this oxtail much more than the one at Chuan Fu on Lee Rd that I had earlier this year. still nothing compared to Mexican ox tongue. The beef was pleasant as well. I know they don't put spicy sauce on anything prime, but, this wasn't offal. Get it? Nice sauce. Peanuts added texture and flavor. Good spur of the moment choice. One of their "Signature" offerings. Served cold. I don't think I would have liked it hot. Big menu. 16 Signature dishes ($15-$49). Things like kidney, pickled cabbage fish, salted egg yolk prawns. 16 Sichaun and Hunan Specials ($15-$45). Things like dry pot beer duck, pork liver, clay pot beef trotters. 7 Apps ($8-$15). Things like saliva chicken and garlic smashed cucumber. 9 Beefs ($22-$28). 9 Seafoods ($20-$45). 5 Chickens ($16-$20). 4 Porks ($16-$20). 10 Vegs ($14-$22). 7 Rice/Noodle/Dumplings ($9-$16). 5 Desserts ($6-$13). Two Soups ($18). The place has a narrow north south floor plan. White and black. Some art in the rear. Seats about forty. Quick service. Not too full. I learned from the menu at the next place that the owner has worked in food prep for twenty years in China. Open for five months. Might be a Fav. I'm starting to prefer this dish to the Hor Fun (below).

WaLaLa Asian Noodle House - The definite Favorite on this list is this place. They do everything right. The place is a Swedes wet dream decked out in blue and yellow (and white). Hexagon tile marble floors. Subway tile accents. Glassed in working kitchen in the rear. Three columns of tables. Sixteen in all. Yellow drapes hanging from the ceiling. Attentive/costumed servers. Quick service. Spoke English. Almost at capacity. Open for three months? How did this slip through? I had hand shredded chicken Hor Fun (flat) Rice Noodles for $17. Very good. Plentiful. Zucchini and scallions. Not overpowering flavors. A bit bland. Decent broth. Simple and fun. I'm not sure if these qualify (as I had it to go), but, the menu said unlimited noodle refills. The menu (perfectly crafted with pictures and descriptions in large fonts in plastic) has these sections: drinks (the usual teas, et al), Lanzhou hand pulled noodles, Hunan hand pulled noodles, apps (sliced pigs ear, etc), skewers, rice, hor fun, dumplings (pan fried and steamed), buns (pan fried), ramen, tempura, wings, tea egg, veg. There is a really cool dumping dish where ten are joined together by some kind of batter. And some dishes with what the term "honey comb". It looks like it is actually that. Some of the dishes are "dry" (no broth). Pork Belly, ribs, etc), chicken, beef. I like this place because it looks fresh while being intriguing and accessible. Just no bs. I would love if it came at a cheaper cost. But, isn't that always my tired refrain. Who can argue with guys making fresh noodles while you wait and watch. And toss in some fun dishes and fruity drinks. I would eat here every week if I lived close by. I will certainly be back soon. Probably for the dumplings. A great compliment to Chili Star. I'm sure they wanted the other way around, but, I liked the lower maintenance option as usual. Seek this out. It should be a chain.

*I espied a new Indian on what I think is Ronald Reagan in Lake Mary/Longwood. Where Maya Rosa was. Near the turn to Lake Mary HS. Called Mumbai Flavors. It must have been their friends and family pre-launch. They said they open on Thursday. They gave me two tasty fried aloo (potato) on a roll. Spicy! I also drove 414 (Maitland) to I-4 today and saw that Mandola's is open. Crazy Greek too (been to the one near the court house downtown). Mondola's seems to be associated with Carraba's. Sorry probably I won't be able to be the first to bring it to you. Opened a week ago. Tried to go to the new Thai (old Brick & Spoon location) on S. Orlando. It is closed on Tuesday.

Grub Crawl - N Mills: Side Chik and Kori

I tried these newbies on North Mills on Thursday at lunch. It was to include one or two more from a growing list. But, they were all still a long way from opening. I'll list them at the end.

Side Chik - A K-Mexican companion to Chi-Kin. They share the same space. I assume the same owners. Opened two months ago. Corrugated steel paneling. It helps the original layout its "Daddy" developed. Order at a counter. Bowls, burritos, tacos and nachos. Choose a meat (in a few styles). Add toppings. I went with the bulgogi carne asada burrito. They were pushing the chicken. I always assume that is the stuff about to spoil. Though they are chicken specialists. I try not to order beef at a Korean or Mexican place because they typically don't use good cuts. These guys claimed to be using rib eye. I'm not sure if it was. But, it was excellent. Soft. No gristle. Sweet bulgogi flavor. I had black beans, no rice, queso, cheese, pickled cucumber, pickled onions, kim chi salsa verde and lettuce. They talked me into some corn salsa that I could have lived without. They put the whole burrito on the grill. Gave it a nice crust. I ate it for dinner. The first half stone cold. The second hot. I think I liked it better cold. Betwixt the good beef (shaved), interesting (unlimited) toppings and grilled tortilla, I really enjoyed the experience. So much so that I believe it may be a cheap ($) favorite. Although it wasn't that cheap at $15. I think all the meals were around that price point. Seating. Open for L and D. Guac and one other thing was extra. They had pork, chicken and beef. Maybe some others? You get two tacos if you choose that. It may get bottled up. Only one cashier and one cook. Two others there at lunch. Near The Strand. 811 Mills. Street parking.

Kori - Thankfully I walked down towards 50 and espied them. Not on the list. The one on the list (Hot As Rice) hasn't started their build out. This is a Japanese drink+ place that I don't think has anything to do with Japan. A one off. Three white girls working there. Looks great. Tan/beige color scheme. Super cool chairs. Fake trees. Long counter with display items. Kitchen area behind it. Luxe. Order at a counter. I went with a cheesy corn toast that I believe is called shokupan. Milk bread. First time I've seen it. Not great. A double thick slice of toast with some sweet corn kernels, a bit of cheese and what I think was mayo served open faced. It took a while to prepare. I ate this fresh. At least it wasn't pre-made and nuked. Air fried. The toast wasn't corn flour. I believe they do one and only one diferent kind a day. Regular toast length and width. They also have some things I haven't seen Jap'd up. Panna Cotta and fifths of latte. I have seen the snow ice, boba, tea, etc. Open for two months. Differentiated enough to give a try. Drinks were around $4.50 to $7.50. The toast was $7.20. They are the only tenants in this new, white, one floor complex. I wonder if it will get equally interesting neighbors? I think they said Kori meant snow. Internet says lump. Yuki is snow. Open for two months. Better than that other shaved ice place near Kaya (Koko Kakigori).

*I went back to Deli Desires (on 50) should the remaining places on my list all prove not open. Good thing I did. They were. The corned beef was very bad this time. Like rubber. So bad that I think that will be my last visit. Took forever too and I was the only one there. I also saw a new food truck at the Vietnamese Market on 50 next to Mochibae. Uncle Dieu. No one in the truck. So, I left. Had weird things like snails.

**A list of places on N Mills and one on 50 and one in WP that aren't close to be open: Alfie's Hi Fi at 1300, Eastwood at 1024, unnamed Mexican at 1120, Burger Jawn at 800 (it may be just a food truck open W to Sn after 5pm behind that building), Hot As Rice at 729. Mochibae on 50. Yummi Chinese on 1330 N Orange (as always). Some hadn't started or finished the demo stage. No way any of these open before next year.

Yao's, Oviedo *FL Keys Travel Notes

I tried this Chinese spot on Sunday at dinner. It's in a strip mall on the southeast side of Alafaya near Red Bug Lake. I think the guy worked for or around Disney. I had the Sweet and Sour Chicken for $15. It was ok. Donut like batter. Greasy. Semi raw batter in a few pieces. The chicken seemed a bit tough (freezer burn) in a few of the pieces. Mostly breast meat. Around ten cubes. Neon red sauce. The rice was a bit dry. Nine other large plates. Things like Katsu sandwich, XO Shrimp, Lo Mein, Orange Chicken, Fried Rice. $15-$25. Two MP dishes. Four "greens" ($6-$7). Sixteen apps. Things like egg rolls, dumplings, tuna tartare, ribs, wings, tofu tots. $8-$16. It's an unusual menu. Almost like tongue in cheek. American take out from the last century. I was expecting more. I can't get sentimental about Chinese dishes I never ordered when they weren't being done ironically. And the one I did try didn't seem elevated. I'll just go to a cheaper take out place if I lose my mind and want these dull dishes. The layout is rectangular. Bar on the right. Open kitchen in the back. Around sixteen tables. Monochrome color scheme. Slightly luxe. Around four tables seated.  Opens at 4pm. 3pm on Sunday. Open for a couple of months.

*Travel Notes - Florida Keys: This was supposed to be a Netherlands+ trip. Thanks Milton! Aer Lingus still not returning my emails. I drove my own car. I stopped in Hollywood/Ft Lauderdale (Stirling Rd to Seminole Way) to see the Hard Rock Guitar Hotel/Casino. It was really nice. On US1, they now (mis) time all the lights so it takes forever. I had a horrible Club Salad at Skipper's Dockside in Key Largo. I stayed at the Conch Key Fishing Lodge (Booking 7.2) on Conch Key for two nights at $100 per. I had bad (probably fresh water fish) grouper and ff in Layton at Florida Boy Bar & Grill. 

I had a great shrimp (red) and grits with poached eggs and yucca hash at The Lighthouse at the Hilton Faro Blanco in Marathon. I wasted $4.50 at Long Key SP. Sand like mud. Closed trails. Rotting seaweed. Left pretty quickly. Avoid. I grabbed a good chicken empanada at a food truck (Lick It BBQ & Woodfire Pizza) at some hotel at the bridge before Conch Key. I had a cb and ff at Angler & Ale on Duck Key. Part of Hawk's Cay Resort open to the public. Expensive! 

I had a large sausage, egg and cheese Cuban sandwich at LJ's Cafe in Marathon. I grabbed ahi tacos with rice and beans at Herbie's. I drove to Key West. I stopped at the Botanical Gardens on Stock Island. Waste of $10. I stayed two nights at the Alexander Palms Court (Expedia 9.2) again for $135 a night. I walked into town. Had rum flight at Hemingway Social Club at their Hemingway Rum Co Distillery and Key West Distillery (free samples). Learned Hemingway Pilar Rum is just something they blend. They don't make their own.

I had two croquettas and a terrible bagel with cc (cc in a mini cup) at The Conch & the Cuban. I swam at the southern public beach. I had an ok fried chicken sandwich (like a panko Milanese) and ff at Bagatelle on Duval. I walked into town. This time around Mallory Square and over to the docks again and up to the cemetery. It started to rain. Started reading a copy of Hillbilly Elegy (dull and unenlightening) left in the hotel room. Watched what there was of a sunset from the south side.

I had an interesting smoked salmon and egg salad on multi grain with pickled shallots and goat cheese at Matt's at The Perry Hotel on Stock Island. I had 1lb of floaters (first day of stone crab season) at Low Key Fisheries on Cudjoe Key again for $13. Had a terrible (mushy and burnt) lasagna at Frank's Grill in Marathon. Stayed at the disappointing Gulf View Waterfront Resort (Expedia 7.8) near the Dolphin Research Center for $113. I grabbed a bad pollo asado with rice and beans at El Gueguense. It was Nicaraguan food. Some interesting dishes I should have tried were: nacatamal, reprocheta and moronga con tortilla. But overpriced. "Fished" a bit through the seaweed at the hotel.

I had an ok sesame bagel with cc at Marathon Bagel. Walked the Seven Mile Bridge to Pigeon Island and back (4mi). Had a good jerk chicken salad on coconut bread with a side of some fruit and greens at Irie Island Eats. It is two food trucks inside a tropical garden with a grass thatched roof. I had 1lb of stone crabs at Fish Tales for $26. They wanted $2 to crack. I got them to drop it. They and another market in Marathon were the only places that charged for cracking. A poor pompano (I believe one of the pieces was a non-flat fish) sandwich with cole slaw and potato salad. 

I had a good Spanakopita Omlette with feta and potatoes at Reel Catch at the Amara Cay Resort on Islamorada. Small cheese slices special at newly opened Pasquini Pizza. Pretty good ahi nachos at the Sand Bar at Whale Harbor. Did some reading there. 1lb of stone crabs at Eat Florida Seafood next to Key Largo Fisheries for $25. KLF was at same price. A place around the corner (Ernies) had them for $28. I stayed at the unworthy BW (Expedia 8.2) in Florida City for $101.

I drove US1 to Key Biscayne. I think the toll is $2.50. I'll wait for the bill. Had good corvino tacos with papaya at the Rusty Pelican at Rickenbacker Marina. First left after the first bridge. Valet only. Parked illegally and got it to go. Fancier than I expected. Great view of Miami. Opens at 10am. I drove to the end (Bill Baggs SP) of the key. I thought it was $8. They only charged me $4. Just looked at the Lighthouse. Should have used the beach. Checked out the marina. Back on the Causeway. Should have walked the trails from the Nature Center at the Crandon Park to the Bear Cut Preserve. Drove up the the bridge to the Bear Cut. In between is the Bear Cut Trail. People said it was flooded plus it was a bit far away and didn't seem that special, so, I didn't hike it from here either. 

That's it. The weather started getting rainy and windy from Key West on. Screwed up any chance at scuba, etc. On most nights, I drank a bottle of wine. Used the pool at most hotels. It was cheaper and less crowded. As usual. Saturday was the only expensive night for hotels. Not sure if the Hurricane helped or hurt rates. Could have chosen cheaper hotels, but, I like to try new ones. The Halloween crowd prices starts after this week. Most restaurants were way more expensive at dinner. Try and hit them at breakfast. I knocked off some sites and restos that had been on the list for a while. Gas was under $3 down there. Traveled in and out on Sunday. Traffic picks up after lunch.

Yumfinity, Avalon Park

I tried this Vietnamese/Thai food stall in the Marketplace on Avalon Park East Blvd last night. I had the Vietnamese Eggplant with meat for $15. It was very good. My first time trying this dish. I had the traditional ground pork as my meat. Lots of it. Lots of fresh eggplant too. Probably an Asian variety. Probably the whole thing. A nice, sweet, soy based sauce. White rice. They had around eighteen dishes. This was on the low end. I will voice my displeasure at lower overhead spots like these charging the same as a fully functioning restaurant. But, it seems to be the world we live in. More Thai dishes. The usuals. Pads and curries. Some apps and soups. They make there own fresh juices. Two person operation. I'm glad I made the effort again to find it. It was farther in (right in downtown AP) than I thought. I only tried again because I was coming back to town on 95 and could exit onto 50 and hit the area again without going too far out of the way. Open for a month or so. Nice people. It might squeak onto the Favorites. Would if the price points put it in the snack ($) category. I wouldn't put as much effort in as I did, but, if you are in the area...

*This Marketplace had a Pepe's Cantina, Bowigen's, Juice Co, Satori Sushi, Argentinian (Resto?) with alot of fried breaded items (milanesas) and an Ice Cream place. Two stalls were abandoned. 

Grub/Pub Crawl - Sanford: The Sullivan Public House, Capitol Room and Slam Pizza

I tried these spots at dinner on Saturday. They are all in the center of town on 1st Street.

The Sullivan Public House - I had a terrible Bangers & Mash for $17. Maybe $3 worth of ingredients. Two mushy (most likely Cumberland) sausages and a monkey fist portion of piped (too garlic-y) potatoes. The inappropriately added garilc bread slice may have been the least bad thing. The rest of the tiny menu cost more and was as cliche. Shepards Pie etc. Open for seven years. A testament to how indiscriminate Joe and Joanna Six pack are. I think if there is one din8ng category I could wipe from human existence, it would be Irish Pub fare. Not only is it lacking in taste of finesse, it is always a terrible value. I don't even like the hardwood decor. Always a buzzkill. Open for dinner only. Late lunch on Sunday. Avoid.

Capitol Room - Just a bar. Trying to be higher end. DJ. They said tapas in December.

Slam Pizza - I think this spot has been at least four differently named places over the years doing exactly the same dull nonsense. They said the have been here for five years. Seems overstated. Same terrible pizza cooked in a mini steel oven. Cheesesteaks and other sandwiches. I had a slice for $3. Little sauce and no crust. Underbaked.

Grub Crawl - East Colonial (50): Andina and Fable Craft Coffee

I tried these spots on Tuesday at lunch. The first I saw a few months back when I went to Blue Amphora on Goldenrod (south of 50). Shoud have knocked it out then. The second was suppossed to be some new one in Waterford Lakes by Timber Creek HS called Yumfiity. I couldn't find it. Internet searches come back inconclusive as to if it is open. The last is in back towards Alafaya Trail in the strip mall that has Academy Sports. I went there a few months back for some new Chinese place. I also went to the new So Dough in a strip mall near the stadium and Alafaya Trail. I'm not including it because I reviewed the original. The quality here was worse. I also drove past Yao's near Red Bug Lake. It wasn't open. I knew it wouldn't be. Just wanted to seal it in my brain. I should have headed back towards I-4 from the first place to begin with and hit places there.

Andina Delicatessen - Opened two and a half years ago. It reads Venezuelan and Guatamalan on the window. They dropped the Guat because of lack of interest. I took two items to go because the pricing was higher than I anticipated. A $6.39 Domino Empanada and a $4.64 Andino Pastelito. Both were good. And big. The empanada was double the size or more. Fried. Thin shell. Stuffed with black beans and a white string cheese (they list mozz, yellow and Venezuelea on then menu). The two items separated into opposite corners. I wish they stayed (or ever were) mixed. The pastelito seemed baked. About half the size as the empanada. Thicker coating. Stuffed with a chopped or ground beef and maybe rice (?). Tasty. They added a thin garlic mayo dip. The menu has three signature soups (beef rib, hen and mondongo - tripe) at $17. Breakfast has another soup (Anedean) and three dishes with eggs starting at $13. There are two arepas at $13. Sandwiches (4) start at $11 to $18. Six lunches ($13 to $17). A grill at $46. 4 meats (liver, steak, pork chops) from $13 to $17. Fruit drinks ($6+). Sides. Coffee. Drinks. If I could dial it back (just saw that page of the menu), I might have tried the liver. For a new dish. It's a small space. Eight tables? Empty. Fresh of the boat (or across the border) staff. Cute. Feminine looking. Nice. I'm not sure that a delicatessen is an appropriate description. More of a sit down. Better and different than I expected. The other things on the menu better be damn good at these prices. Let me know.

Fable Craft Coffee and Pastries - Open for two months. I grabbed a Chai Latte for $5 because it was the cheapest thing and I needed something to wash down the handhelds from Andina. It was fine. They sell a limited selection of drinks like that. And only a few pastries. I almost tried a rolled cake that they said is Brazilian. The place looks like a lounge. Light gray feel. Bookish. Ok crowd. That's about it. 

Grub Crawl - Disney Area: V Pizza, Run & Run, Moge Tee and Le Caramel

I tried these spots in a strip mall near Disney on Palm Parkway (Disney Springs exit) Saturday at lunch. In addition to these and the ones I have already reviewed, there is an Irish bar, a Mexican place, a Cuban place (Havana) and a Korean (K Bop) in that mall. And a Latin place in a small strip mall across the street. You just read (last post) why I needed a plan c. I chose this because I knew there were some places in this strip mall I hadn't tried and I figured the traffic would be the least onerous in this direction. Plus I wanted to see how close the new Susuru offshoot was. Couldn't tell. The Cuban place didn't open until 2pm. The Mexican (my first choice) wasn't ready at past noon, so, I was steered towards these places and figured I had too much food to add one more dish to it. 

V Pizza - Open for a year. It seems to be a chain. They said they have locations in Jax and the Carolinas. Large space. Already looks worn. Two brick ovens. I think they were gas powered. They seem to do all the cooking in there. I tried a sausage sandwich for $14. It was good. Came with broth. Roll was ok. Buttered. They put giardiniera on it. I passed. I didn't see how the pizzas looked. They started at $18. They have apps and Italian Beef and meatball subs and other sandwiches. Pasta. You could do worse.

Run & Run Chinese - Your typical take out spot. There for 10 year. I grabbed the $9 lunch special for dinner. Moo Goo Gai Pan with fried rice and an egg roll. Not bad. Fresh carrot, bamboo shoots, onion, lettuce, snow peas, baby corn and mushrooms. The fried rice just had egg in it. The egg roll was not cooked through as always. I'm still not thrilled that these lunch specials have almost doubled in price. But, we know who to blame for that. It makes it hurt a little less when you eat it for dinner. I also remember when the fried rice would have pork and onions in it.

Moge Tee Vista - I needed a drink because I chose egg roll over soda and thought you would want to know about it. I had a medium bubble milk tea for $6. Cheapest thing. Same old. Boba makes less sense to me every day. It can't be chewed. Like gummy bears. I think I'd rather have chick peas or beans (anything not rubber) it their place. And I don't want that. Typical menu, prices, look. Not sure how long they have been there (forgot to ask) or if they are a chain. Probably. Just saw that I went to one DT.

Le Caramel - I had an avalanche (chocolate filled, "raked" looking "pop tart") for $3.50 and a mille feuille for $5. Mille was crusty. Old? Too sweet. Avalanche was great. Nice chocolate too. They also had around six brunchy things around $12. Croissants, macarons, pastries, etc. Small space. I know they have been there for at least a few years. I may have tried something at some point.

Tawa, Dr Phillips Area *VA/NC/SC/GA/FL Travel Notes

I didn't try this Modern Indo-Pak spot at the Dr Phillips Marketplace today at lunch because they didn't deserve the consideration. This is the second time I've hauled my ass down to this traffic choked cess pool and they didn't seem to be open. Were not the first time. I had to knock. Empty. They said they open at 12pm. It was 12:30pm. The door had to be opened with a pen. There seemed to be only be the owner on call. She was more concerned with her daughters (eating Chick Fila) than taking orders. I finally just got fed up when they brought over a bottle of (not free) water when I asked for that. I could see where this was going. The only thing worse than a pity fuck, is one in which the fuckee is not only not fuckable, but, not grateful. The owner said she took over (no changes to the drab space) a year ago. It replaced a Middle Eastern place (that I believe I reviewed) two years before that. The menu seemed like Northern Indian cuisine with less flavor. Not a huge menu. Maybe three dishes that weren't Indian staples. The dish I was going to order didn't come with a side. I don't think anything does. Everything over $18. I will add that the day began with another fail. At Sand Lake and John Young, another pity fuck (Nando's) was out of business. I believe Google has them listed as in business. Avoid them. I will tell you of plan c in the next post. Soon.

*Travel Notes - Virginia/North Carolina/South Carolina/Georgia/Florida: Let's call this the Hurricane Helene trip. I rented a car from Hertz for $244 for the week. I drove the first day to Roanoke Rapids NC and stayed at the Red Roof Inn for $80 (rack rate). 

I took the route to Hatteras (158) to 17N. At Chesapeake it become a toll, so, I went east a few miles on 465? (last exit before toll) to 464N and followed the signs to Norfolk. The signs said that was also a toll. But, I think it is just if you use the tunnel. I drove around downtown (Scope arena, restaurants, museums, Tides minor league ballpark) Norfolk and found the road to Ghent. In that district, I ate a great fried grouper sandwich and ff at The Green Onion. I went to this area based an article I read years ago. I followed the signs a few miles north to Old Dominion University. From there, I went right down 38th Street until I hit Granby and took that north until I hit Ocean View Ave in Ocean View. I stayed at the BW Holiday Sands (Expedia 7.8) for $129. Most places downtown charged for parking and were more expensive. I think it was a good call. It was on the beach. I swam in the Chesapeake Bay (a first), took a walk and drank some vino at sunset on the beach. I had a beer flight at Bold Mariner Brewing Company down the street and some brisket and pulled pork at Bar-q (inside the brewery). I had wanted seafood, but, there weren't alot of options around the hotel. 

The next day I took 64 north through Hampton and Newport News and Richmond to Charlottesville VA. I stayed at the Sleep Inn on 5th St (Expedia 8.0) for $101. South on 20. I had a good chicken salad with chips and a glass of Viognier at Eastwood Farm and Winery. I drove farther south to Michael Shaps Winery and had a great mixed flight there. He makes wine for alot of other places. Has a place in Burgundy. Some of the flight was from there. I couldn't find the other wineries I hadn't been to south of there (or the ones on the way back near Trump's) and some roads were already washed out, so, I went back to 64 and a bit west to 29. I had a glass of Royal Pippin at Albemarle Cider Works. Another winery near there wasn't open. Pippin Hill Farm Vineyards were a bit too precious by half (they wanted you to sit at a table and be served) to put up with. Great looking place though. I drove back towards 64 and tried a Petite Cider at Potter's Craft Cider. I grabbed a tuna poke and spam musubi from Mochiko Hawaiin BBQ across the street from the hotel. I wanted to stay an extra day, but, prices almost doubled. Good thing. The next morning a neighbor sent me a pic of half a tree laying on my roof. I had already booked two more hotel stays (the jinx) and it didn't seem to have broken through, so, I kept the party going. 

I drove 64 back to 95. I was going to stop at some of the wineries on the way, but, the signs said each was eight or miles from the exit. After driving through some crazy rain (I swear it was a tornado) and making much better time than I expected, I decided to finally quench my curiosity at Smithfield NC and see the Ava Gardner Museum. It was closed. You could see through the window though. Go past the first big intersection. I think they charged $14. I ate a bad turkey club and worse ff at The Diner across the street. I drove on to Fayetteville NC. I stayed at the grubby Days Inn (a laughable Expedia 8.2) Exit 49 for $89. I went into downtown (cute) and most everything was closed for the hurricane. Saw an US Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum, Segra Stadium (Single A), etc. Watched The Penguin. Colin Farrell is amazing. 

The next day, I drove 95 to 278 to Hilton Head SC. I discovered that 278 is far shorter than 278 Business. I bought a bottle of wine at Roller's Wine and Spirits. Cheaper than the supermarkets. I tried to eat a chicken sandwich at Reilly's Irish Pub. But, it was so tiny (McDonald's would be embarrassed) that I just got up and left. I wonder if it is still there? I did have a great Willie's Cluckin' Good Chicken Sandwich (4x the size) with ff at Sea Grass Grille on 278 Business. I checked into my hotel (had to fight about a room being ready at 3pm) at Spark by Hilton (Expedia 7.8) slightly off the Coligny Beach for $114 and $10 to park in an unpaved lot. I had stayed there recently. It was a BW then. The name change tricked me. I swam a bit and then dressed and went to try $1 oysters at Brother Schucker's next to Reilly's. Don't do that! They sucked. Must have been opened ahead of time. Some were paste. I reluctantly tried four and sent the rest back. Plus they were Virginia oysters. Plus they didn't charge half off (as listed) for the beer. I drove back to the hotel to try this new brewery and food hall that I passed on the way to BS. Side Hustle Brewery and The Bank. They were doing an Octoberfest. The prices were ridiculous and I saw my team was losing on tv, so, I left. Plus I planned to see the sunset and it was getting late. I pulled into the Coligny Plaza and passed a hot sauce place (Hot Daddy's). I have been watching Hot One's and wanted to see if they had Da Bomb. They had a sample bottle. Said I could try it for free. They also sold beer, so, having seen what it does to people I thought I might need a chaser. It wasn't that bad. I then grabbed a good cb and tots at Skillet's Cafe & Grill. It was the cheapest place in the Plaza and looks much nicer inside than out. Good value. I went back to the hotel. Ate dinner and started on the wine and watched my team come back against those pesky Badgers. Saw the sunset. Stayed past dark. Little light pollution. Watched people with flashlights looking for crabs. Came back and passed out. 

The next day (after being awakened by non-beat offable, non-mattress squeaking, oral sex noises from the adjacent room) I packed up and drove to Exit 102 in Savannah GA. Home of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force. Also closed. But, another stupid sign on 95 for something I've always said I'd stop and see did its job. I drove to Fernandina Beach FL and had a sample at First Love Brewing and a bad Florentine Benedict with potato cubes at The Patio. Took the back way out to 295. Got home and went to work on the tree.

Gas cost the same in VA. Cheaper in between. They are "closing" 95 at 7pm through alot of NC. The best fast food deal was a $6 Arby's two-fer. And BK's 8 Nuggets for $2.69. I had mostly sunny weather. Would you believe that my best memory will be finally trying Da Bomb?! I saw that the hottest sauce (Apollo) they make costs $30. Didn't try that. Not sad that I got home a day early. This was suppossed to be a trip to Boston or NYC anyway.

Grub Crawl - West Colonial (50) and Ocoee: So Gong Dong and Inspirazione

I tried these two spots on Monday at lunch. The first one is at the Lotte market on 50 and John Young. It replaced Kang's Kitchen. The second is down West 50 and a left on Maguire and the first right (after Turnpike) onto Tomyn and right on Hellers. There is a Rusteak back there too. Both should be on the Favorites List.

So Gong Dong Tofu and BBQ - I swear they were only doing dinner when they opened. I think a year ago. Why I hadn't been. I figured I could eat here and get the stuff at the next place to go and knock two out in one go. Korean. Looks the same. They opened a cafe (K Cafe) next door. Parking is limited. I had chicken bibimbop on a hot stone (a few bucks extra) because I have been seeing shows that gush over the crispy rice at the bottom. It cost $17. Good. Huge. I still don't get the selection of vegetables Koreans like to eat heated. Cucumbers? Lettuce? They also had carrot, thin bean sprouts and that white root vegetable I can never remember. I pealed most of them off and added them to the bon chon. One fried egg. Tiny. The chicken was mostly dark meat that could have been cut up more. And rice of course. And Gochujang. They also started you with six (fish cake, kim chi, salad kim chi, broccoli, cucumbers and mashed potatoes). Good. Not sure what leaf made up the salad kim chi. Dark green. A nice metal carafe for the nice tasting water. Typical large menu of stews, soups, rice, meats, seafood, apps, etc. One server. One bus girl. Half full. 26 tables of four. Most with hot plates. They said they aren't a chain. They had these articles on the wall that I didn't read that made it seem like a national concern. Not world class, but, damn good enough. And a value. 

Ispirazione Italian Sandwiches - I had to go to Ocoee to get the tigelle I missed out on in Bologna. My first. These are bigger than those. It's a circular baked good that looks like whatchamacallit...hoe cake? Ho's gotta eat too.  The internet says it is a cross between a pancake and a English Muffin. Neutral taste. The kicker is the (in my case) freshly, thinly sliced Prosciutto di Parma. Right off the leg in front of you. Take that Danny Devito. A sub above. Alot too. I picked off 2/3rds and ate it straight. Nice burrata, arugula and tomato. Fresh. Some dressing with an olive oil base and pesto. Called a Deliziosa. $8. If I lived near there, I would have one a day. The have sixteen others. From bresaola to mortadella to pistachio cream. Three salads. Four baskets (3 tigelle). No vino. Small floor plan. Square. Modern. Order at the counter. A bar. Some seats behind. The owner was from Emilia Romagna. Bologna is the capitol of the region, but, I believe the other parts value these more. This is why I eat from the grocery store on vacation. I come home and have all these wonderful spots in which to waste my money on the same experiences they offer elsewhere. And I don't have to bullshit in a foreign language. In Bologna, I saw some in bags. They called them tigellini. I also saw menus with "sandwiches". They started at 3E. But, probably had a tenth of the toppings. These are fun and good and you can get them right here. I'd make room on my calendar for them. Open for a few months.. And I like that the summer temp at The Orlando Weekly hipped me to them. He is a much better reviewer than the regular guy. Harder to please.

Burgerbach's, Sanford *Italy Travel Notes

I tried this food stall at Tuffy's on Myrtle and 2nd yesterday at lunch. They are owned by the Hollerbach people. Opened this month. You order and pay on a touch screen. Burgers, chicken sandwich, crinkle cut fries and a few fried sides. I had a double smash cheeseburger with onions and a French dressing type of sauce for $15. It came with fries. Not bad at all. Not dry. Good bun. Large flat patty. Salty. Fries were underdone. I just passed on a ($) similar burger from Shake Shack at JFK. I think that was $12 plus $4+ for the fries. I'm not sure what a normal Shake Shack charges now. I've also seen recently that Five Guys is over $10 for their cheapest. So, I guess it is ok. I was expecting that they were a sit down place. I thought they replaced Tully's. Glad both are here.

*Travel Notes - Italy: I flew to Naples (one way) on Easy Jet (one and a half day lead time) for $127. Slightly delayed. No issues with web site, pdf ticket or getting a free boarding pass at the airport. I took the 5E Alibus to Piazza Garibaldi/Train Station. It also goes on to the port. Stop was a few hundred yards up the exiting road in front of the terminal. Ticket machine was semi-broken. Wouldn't process credit cards. You needed exact change. Had to buy water to get it. Ride was short. I stayed at the Hotel Eden (Expedia 6.8) one block away for $55 a night (2). On a Friday and Saturday! It was better than a 6.8 (had a balcony) and about $100 less than anything in Switzerland would have been. Plus a train just to Zurich would have been 92CH plus 78CH to St Moritz. I got in late, so, I just found a Conad on the far side of the station and got some dinner (Rustico Scambato Salpi, break apart-able Grissini (breadsticks) and Sarah Jessica Parker wine). 

In the morning, I walked down Umberto I (the street to the port) to Antica Pizzeria da Michele. I got a Margherita for (6E). It was great. Enough for two people. It's pizza, so, the process can be mastered (by all). I've had similar quality ones in almost every civilized country. I forget how I knew about this place. It is highly rated. Had a line. My question to local purveyors who charge around $20 for the same thing. WTF? There is also another around the corner (more sit down) called Trianon that is supposed to be good. I then walked down Umberto I a bit and made a right. Up to the Duomo. Farther to (I was wandering with no map) the next big street and left to the Archeological Museum. Then left to Port d'Alba. I totally lucked into this. Had no idea where I was. Here is the first pizzeria in the world (Antica Pizzeria Port Alba). It was next on my list. I grabbed a smaller/thicker Margherita (good enough) to go from their ready made cart for 2E. Again. WTF! A pizza from the OG! In Naples Italy! 2E! WTF America! I should say that neither of these pizzas had that football shape that I thought all Naples pizza did. It was hot as shit and I didn't want to walk around with a pizza all day, so, back to the hotel. Saw Emiciclo Carolino and Piazza Dante and then several churches going down Tribunali. I cooled off and sacked up and took a street at the end of Piazza Garibaldi left to the port. That was a mistake. That port area is shit. I should have taken Umberto I (or done that while I was already down there had I known) to its end at the good port area. I walked along the water where I was, gave up, walked inland, found Umberto I and was walking home when something told me to turn around and go down Umberto I. Good thing. As I said, it ends at the cruise ship port. I found a castle (Castel Nuovo), a street food festival, port and the fortress on a hill (Castel Sant Elmo) that I had hoped to get a photo of. I have since learned there is a funicular to it. I'll come back and do that some day. It seems like the coolest spot in town. I was too worn out. Bought my ticket to Rome (52E) and crashed. I should say at this point that I had been here two times on bus tours (slept elsewhere) and have seen Vesuvius and Pompeii. Naples wasn't dangerous. Some African/Arab homelessness/squalor. The girls were hot.

In the morning, I took the fast train to Rome. BTW - almost every train except the fast ones were canceled or delayed. It was a Sunday. There always seems to be problems with travel in Italy on Sunday. The situation was worse in Rome. Poor suckers. Plus while I was there, they had a bus and taxi strike. More on that later. I stayed two nights at the Hotel Corot (Expedia 7.6) aside the station for $90 per. I walked to San Giovanni in Laterno. I had been, but, not in. I have also been led to believe since then that beyond having the old Senate doors, it houses the skulls of St Peter and Paul and was the first "Vatican". I walked from there towards the Colosseum. Passed the Basilica Quattro Coronati. Walked around the Forum. They have opened up so much of it now to be viewed from the exterior (free). Walked by Basilica di Massenzio, Foro di Nerva, Foro di Cesare and behind the VE Monument to the Piazza del Campodoglio (Michaelangelo design) to a great overlook into the meat of the Forum. Walked to the Tiber and tried to find Piazza Farnese (in the wrong direction). Got lost. No map again. A "helper" misread his Google Maps. Stumbled onto the place where they killed Julius Caesar. Always thought in was in the Forum. Nope. Burned him there. Killed at Sacra di Largo Argentina. An umbrella pine marks the spot. Walked by it multiple times. As my friend says, "Gotta love Rome"! Back to the hotel. Some Mortadella di Chinghiale from Tigre. 

The next day I grabbed lasagna at Coop in the station. I was set to take bus from Circus Maximus to Baths of Caracalla, Appian Way, etc when I learned of the strike. Then it started to pour for an hour. Got caught up in that. Soaked. It's funny now. Learned that my new Pumas dry out quickly. I was back in the Sacra area because I had searched for the proper route the night before to Piazza Farnese. Ate a ravioili di fichi (fig pastry) at Il Fornaio. Saw the nearby Galleria al Palazzo Spada and Palazzo della Cancelleria. Tried to see Hadrian's Masoleum (again) at Castel Sant Angelo. It is closed on Monday. Was getting pissed at plans a and b getting thwarted and sloshy shoes. So, I walked back on Vittorio Emmanuele to Nazionale (found some new side streets and a park near the Quirinale) to the hotel. Half a roast chicken and mortadella from Coop. Bought my ticket to Bologna (all my tickets were fast trains - Frecciarosso) for 67E. Was going to try to do Orvieto. It seemed like it would interfere with easy access to Bologna. Will do it as a day trip from Rome (1H) next time.

The next day I went to Bologna. Stayed at the sagging Hotel Palace right near the Piazza Maggiore (Expedia 7.0) for $126. Not much available. FYI - seen most of the "big" items here before. I walked past Palazzo della Communale and Piazza Maggiore. Saw this restaurant (Sfoglia Rina) with a line that I remembered from last time. Found out they had a to go window. Got tagliatelle al ragu (where they created it) with a roll. They say spaghetti is too thin to absorb the sauce. Didn't seem like this absorbed any. Plus the strands stuck together more. I prefer cream in my Bolognese. I'm sure that is a sacrilege. Onto Castiglione. Over to Palazzo di Giustizia, Piazza/Chiesa San Domenico, Piazza Galvani. Out the southeast corner to Palazzo Albergati, Giardino di Villa Caesarini and Porta Saragozza. I tried to find a route to some building on top of the hill. Couldn't. It probably has great photo op ops. I walked from the Porta to the hotel. Grabbed Burratina Fume, Burrata, Bresaoloa della Vatelli, Mortadella (it is Bologna) and two bottles of wine. Got wet in the hotel with the windows open and a sunset view. Walked the city like a poet. Watched some dancing at Piazza Maggiore.

The next day I tried to find a restaurant that was open. Bologna has fewer restaurants than one would expect. Saw most of the towers. A park near the station. Walked Independenza back to the station. Found a little shop called Mortadella and got a mortadella sandwich. Bought a ticket to Milan for 52E. Stayed at the 43 Station Hotel (Expedia 8.6) aside the station for $130. I think they lied about free breakfast. It seemed like it was going to rain and I was uncertain what my next steps were and I had been there twice before, so, I just walked around the station to where the new skyscrapers are. Came back and got on the internet. Had to eat KFC and what snacks I had left in my bag because no true supermarkets anywhere near the station. Bought a ticket to Como for 5E.

The next day I went to Como. Stayed at the great Hotel Engadina (Booking 8.0) near the stadium/lake for $125. Walked to the right side of the lake. They are repairing the middle. FYI- done this before. Walked up a hill to the main road in and out and down to the Funiculore Como Brunate. Took it up to Brunate. 6.60E RT. Best money spent (other than the pizzas) all trip. Incredible views. You can see Milan! I did f up one trail and miss the lighthouse. Too late to go for it twice. There is a fountain (Pissarotino) and church (San Andrea) and hotels and other things up there. I believe you can walk down too. I grabbed sushi, prosecco, beer, caprini soft cheese and prosciutto at a nearby Carrefour. Got wet and walked the other side of the lake in the moonlight. 

I had purchased my ticket to Zurich when I got to Como (77E). The next day I waited two+ hours for my train. A freight train overturned in Milan. Screwed up the whole system. Of course the either gave no info or lied. Hopped a random train to Basel that stopped at one town north. They kicked us off there. The train left with no passengers. Hopped on a local train to Lugano after I was warned not to wait for the Swiss one that everyone else was depending on. Waited 45 minutes there and hopped one that went to Zurich. Quite an ordeal. Lugano (SWZ) looked nice. But, I could never find a cheap enough hotel close enough to the station.

And that's all I have to say about that. I don't think I sampled any things that I didn't already mention. I would have done another day in Como with a day trip to Lugano. One more in Naples. Because it was so cheap. Exchange rate was 1.10 USD to a Euro. Had to fight hard to get reasonable hotel rates after Rome. Venice and Florence were ridiculous. How has 4 Restauranti with Alessandro Borghese not been ripped off over here? Pretty good results for an audible. 

Sizzling Korean BBQ and Hot Pot, Winter Park *Switzerland Travel Notes

I tried this Korean BBQ and Hot Pot (more of a hodge podge) spot at the intersection of Aloma/Fairbanks and 436 yesterday at lunch. Faces Friendly Confines. Open for two years. I believe it was a crab place last. Was a Denny's at one point. It looks like it could be abandoned. They need more signs (literal and figurative) that they are open. I had assumed that they were not all this time. I only found out they were open when I tried that cheese place down the road a few months ago and popped in here to see if there was anything new. FYI - my list of untried (non-pain in the ass) places is almost exhausted. I was surprised how ok it was. Since the lunch special tempura chicken over rice with bok choy, mixed veg and beans was only $9, I sampled the dumplings ($4) and the spring rolls ($3) as well. The spring rolls and dumplings were obviously the store bought ones they all buy. However, the steamed then pan fried pork dumplings (5) were prepared less sloppily than most are. Pretty damn good. Ok plating. Soy based dipping sauce. Scallions. Nice fry. Not tough or soft and watery. The spring rolls (6) were similarly cared after. Orange dipping sauce. I was full after these. The chicken (seven slices of white meat) was tender. Perfect fry of the tempura batter. No nasty oil flavors. The huge mound (took half home) of rice was mostly steamed correctly. Some hard kernels. Some mushy. Probably a night old. One fresh bok choy sliced in half. It could do without the frozen carrot, peas and corn mix. Ok black beans. I am imagining that they are included because a portion of their client base is Latino. Which brings me to the pricing. It isn't onerous. Kind of what I had grown used to before the inflation from the "opportunity economy" of the past four years. At least the non-AYCE part. That is a crazy $38. Only for dinner. It does have a mix of seafood (even frogs legs) and land animals (I saw the freezer with all the beef and chicken slices). Ramen (part of the hodge podge) started around $12. I forget the rest. The menu prices are from 2020. I was the only customer. It has a bar, a private area and a main room. That has around a dozen or so large tables with heating elements on top. The buffet area is on the back left. Not a total shambles. A bit worn. Tv at the bar. One server/host. He still wheeled out the meal on a cart for me. I'm not sure if it is ever busy or if the quality diminishes if so. Most people will be doing their own cooking I suppose, so, it doesn't matter. I expected food poisoning and I hate hot pot pricing, but, I had a decent meal at a fair price here. Obviously not a destination spot. It doesn't have to be avoided either.

*Travel Notes - Switzerland and Italy: I will break this into two sections. I'll start with Switzerland. I bugged out of there (prices) after two days and came back for the final five. I flew Delta (via JFK) to Geneva for $366. I used a $150 credit I wrangled out of them for delaying me on the same flight last year. No real issues this time. Some cargo loading delays out of MCO. Both flights were not full. The return was 3/4 empty. Exchange rate was 1.17 USD to the CH. This is getting crazy! 

I stayed the first two nights at the Hotel Geneve (Expedia 8.4) for $88 a night. By far the cheapest game in town. I had stayed there before. The hotels were playing games the whole week before. I think you get the best rates by waiting them out. It's what I do anyway because I want flexibility and control and anti-jinx mojo. 3CH train to Geneva. The ATMs were all quoting bullshit conversion rates and fees. I finally sucked it up and took the pain in town. I walked down the Rhone to a bridge by a fork in the river and walked the opposite way back to the old town and on to the lake. Saw some new territory. The next day it rained. Not enough to keep me in. I walked to Rousseau Island and into old town to Le Corbusier's L'Immeuble Clarte and John Clavin's St Pierre Cathedral. Walked down the beaches and back. Tried to eat at a restaurant on the lake, but, they were only serving drinks. It was some stupid town holiday. Most things were closed. I walked through the left side (from station) of town. It was African and Arab. Saw some real life streetwalkers near the Ibis. Haven't seen those in a while. They looked 60. I went back to the hotel and booked my way elsewhere (I only really flew here because it was the cheapest city I found). Nice and Naples were the cheapest. I decided to do my projected trip to Italy now. See next post. The plane didn't leave until 4pm, so, I walked the other side of the lake to the botanical garden and back and took a 3CH train to the airport. Didn't need to go through customs. Flight was slightly delayed.

(Italy interlude)

 

I returned to Switzerland on the Gotthard Panorama Express (it's not just the expensive route they market) from Lugano (south central) for 77E (bought in Como). A freight train overturned in Milan, so, every train was canceled or delayed. It took alot of effort to get to Lugano and on. The train route had been out of service for a while. It had just reopened. Sadly, it goes underground through much of the middle of the route. You miss the Gotthard Pass, etc. It was also raining, so, all those lake views towards the end (Arth Goldau) were obscured. Lugano looked nice. It terminated in Zurich. I found the one reasonable hotel near the station the night before. $138 at the Hotel Montana (Expedia 7.8). I was only finding capsule hotels or hostels for under $200 here or Lucerne all week. I think Zurich is a business city and rates may fall a bit during the weekends. They don't really have to when you cater to money launderers. It was cold and rainy here and I was hours late, so, I got some dinner and stayed in. Not much to see in Zurich anyway. 

I bought a ticket to Lausanne the next day (all these purchased at kiosks) for 77CH. It went through Neuchatel. Nice lake, winery views. I stayed at the Hotel Continental (Expedia 8.6) right across from the station for $162. I should point out here that the hotels here and in Italy add in a tax you (usually) must pay them in cash. I have added that in. I walked to the lakefront and back. I went to the Mudoc (cost) and Beaux Arts de Lausanne museums just to the side of the station. Up a ramp aside the Mudoc and back. Then down the curved decline around the station to the Parc de Milan. It was a good find. You can take a path up to a great overlook. 

The next day I took the train (13.50CH) to Montreux. I should say at this point that I eschewed the multiple day pass that I bought last year. I did the math and if you don't travel an extreme distance or stop at multiple towns, it isn't a savings. I stayed at the Hotel Splendid (Booking 8.2) right on the lake for $136. The room wasn't ready, so, I took a train to Gstaad and back for 56CH. I hadn't been since 2021. I spent a few Christmas and Spring Breaks there as a boy. It's a great train ride. In Montreux, I walked to the old town and around the upper part of town and back at the lake. 

The next day I took the train (13.50CH) back to Lausanne (because hotel rates in Geneva were crazy) and stayed at the great Alpha Palmiers by Fassbind (Expedia 8.4) for $142. They gave me a balcony room overlooking the lake. It is just behind the Continental. Quieter. The room wasn't ready so I grabbed some chorizo and a roll and ate it at the overlook at Parc de Milan. Then walked through the other side of it (field and botanical garden) and down to the lake. It was another damn regional holiday. I took the ferry (38CH) to Evian, France and back. Got some wine and enjoyed my last few hours on the balcony. Took a 29CH train to the airport in the morning. 

I had brie and tomme and Etivaz (near Gstaad) cheese. Pain d'Epices Brun. No other Swiss stuff. Ate at markets. McD's twice (6CH for a shrinkflated McNothin and the same for a DCB). Getting rid of currency and desperation. I had to time my return to avoid rain. Only needed my sweater towards the end. I think it was more crowded than August (last year). It seemed like a pain to get back from Italy via St Moritz. Things here still cost twice as much as everywhere else that is not Swiss-stainable. But you eco-warriors are down with that. You just have to get you Mommy to up your allowance.

Aloha, OIA Area

I tried this Hawaiian Kitchen in the strip mall on the left after Hoffner on 436 near the airport last Tuesday at lunch. I grabbed a Mochiko Chicken sandwich to go for $9. It was ok. A thigh. Not boneless. You can choose a kimchi butter or one other sauce. I had kimchi. Sweet roll. Some veg. They also sell the usual items. I also had an ok spam musubi for $3.50.  Prices leveled off in high teens. Order at a counter. Four tables. Narrow floor plan. It's a smarter choice than airport priced slop. They said they are not a chain. Open for three months.

Joint at West End, Sanford

I tried this snack bar in this bar in the afternoon on Saturday. I had tots for $6. They were ok. They also sell a few other items. Like a $9 hot dog. Not worth it. I had tried to try them twice before during the week around lunch. No one there. You order at a kiosk. Not a destination. While there, I also found two places I haven't tried - Capitol Room and The Sullivan. On the main street. Zorba's has closed.

Grub Crawl - Winter Park and Audubon Park: Graze Craze and Grazie *CO Travel Notes

I tried these spots Friday at lunch. The first is in a strip mall on South Orlando (south of Fairbanks) across from Chicken Guy. The second is next to the East End market on Corrine.

Graze Craze - As stupid, enabling and overpriced as I imagined. Charcuterie. I "escaped" (cheapest thing) with a $9 cutie cup that consisted of two thin slices of "soppressata" and salami (average quality), three blueberries, two blackberries, two cherry tomatoes, one strawberry, one thin slice of manchego and a thin slice of another cheese (cheddar?). Probably a dollar's worth of product. I asked for a keto. I'm not sure if that is what they gave me. They do boxes and boards. S/M/L. They name their options with clumsy word play (ie cutie cup - cuterie). Vegegrazian, grazey for keto, sweets and grazey, gone grazey classic. I think they started at $20. A chain from Massachusetts. No seating. Please tell me that society isn't at a point where we are willing to pay a 900% mark up to avoid slicing cheese? I guess you can't complain about taxes being too high or not being paid enough unless you are. Craze? More like Crazy! Open for a week or so.

Grazie - A modern Italian kitchen. More mediocre than modern. I can't really cite a "modern" component. It has posters of some woman and Sinatra (always a red flag) on the wall. Molto moderno. I had an AVG chicken pesto sandwich with fries for $16. They had a placard outside stating it was the best in town. I hadn't realized no other restaurants offered that dish. The chicken was sliced in half to make it look like more. The mozz was ok. Red pepper and tomato. Pesto was ok. Nice "bun". Tiny. The fries were "pringles" fries. Those machine made (probably from dried potato mix) imposters. They have apps, salads, pizza, sandwiches, pasta and secondi. The online menu was a little different than the printed. I had come in for the chicken parm sandwich. They only had it with mixed veg that I didn't want ($2 extra for pasta). The apps were things like calamari, bruschetta and meatballs. Priced near main prices. The pastas were spaghetti (and with meatballs), tagliatelle Bolognese, cacio e pepe. The most expensive category. The mains were things like chicken marsala. Around $20. Pizza (around $16) looked like ok. Didn't see the underside. Only one server/bartender. One cook (seemed Mexican). Had to wait for attention at points. Food came out pretty quick though. Parking was limited. Patio. Maybe ten tables and a bar inside. Gray and black interior. Low ceiling. Poor ac. The type of place that has a neon sign with one of those cat lady/wine mom pillow quotes on it. About ten other customers there. They run some other restaurant that I forget. Opened in the Spring, I think. Used to be dinner only. Now lunch too. I think they are struggling.

*Travel Notes - Colorado: I went to knock another stadium of my list. Flew Frontier (9p/10a) for $98. Two hours late getting there. Used a coupon for the four day rental (would have been $303) with Budget. They only had trucks. It turned out to be a busy weekend to come in on. Stayed the first night at the grubby airport Econolodge (Expedia 7.4) for $105. Everything else was more than usual and I was in at 1am. Drove the next day to Colorado Springs (on 225 to 25, I think). I tried to go the PGA event in Castle Rock that I learned about the day before. They were such dicks about buying tickets and parking and getting to the course (no shuttle buses) that I told them to fuck themselves and left. In CS, I mistook their new USL stadium for a minor league baseball stadium and booked a shit hole nearby (Expedia 6.6 Nevada Flats Motel for $96) so I could walk to the game. I ended up getting out of the reservation (because they weren't there for three times when I tried to check in and I didn't need to be in the area any longer). I finally got a $96 rack rate shit hole La Quinta Inn one exit north. But before then, I parked at the motel and had four great cachetes (beef cheek tacos) with a side of kernel corn at Tepex inside the Avenue 19 Food Hall in town. And had great beer, cider, mead and a few shots of local-ish whiskey at Bell Brothers Brewery. Ask for the Black Hole. The minor league team (Vibes turned out to have been dropped by the Brewers) played a few miles northeast. A home plate ticket cost $18. Parking $5. Had I known ahead of time that they were dfa'd, I wouldn't have wasted the time and money. I only went to begin with because I needed to do something. Dinner of an Ultimate Wrap (fal/ch/gyro) at House of Jerusalem. Turned out to be same people as our Winter Springs location. I saw a billboard they put up on the highway. The next day I drove to Denver and went to the Broncos v Cardinals. Parking was $60. Tickets at the 50 in the nose bleeds was $60. They print out tickets on game days. Ate 1/2lb of good brisket from the Woodhill Small Batch BBQ food truck. Stayed the next two nights at the Quality Inn at the airport (Expedia 8.4) for $100 a night. By far the best deal. The next day I was lazy and just went to a local brewery (Danico) and had a Korean hot dog and fried pot stickers from a Cupbop food truck outside. Tried to see the Gaylord property. Wanted payment for parking. No issues flying back. Airport was empty. If you fly Frontier, there is a "bridge" gate entry point to their gates that is always less frequented. Try and find it. Weather was in mid-eighties. Weathermen wiffed on rain warnings. Crowded. Gas was around $3. Ate fast food for missing meals. 

Grub Crawl - Audubon Park and Mills: Coro and DBA

I tried this spot in the strip mall across from the East End Market (I think it is the old Bordeaux, Bikes, etc location) and this lounge aside The Strand on Mills (near 50) yesterday at dinner. They are both closed on Monday. Both open at 5pm. I'd find both.

Coro - Open for two months. They said they are after a New-Scan vibe with a concentration on Copenhagen. They are all American. From Luma, Luke's, et al. It is a quasi-tapas menu. More substantial. I had a "raw" and a "warm". $22 aged beef with kohlrabi on rice that turned out be a "poke bowl" of steak tartare. It was excellent. One of the tastiest and amusing dishes I've had in a while. The bottom was a layer of mayonaise. Then some egg (I forget how that was treated). Then short grain sushi grade rice (properly executed). It glistened. Then the soft mix of high quality beef and diced kohlrabi. Topped with some sprigs and leaves that they said were arugula. They gave you four squares of nori to fashion your own vehicles with. I did dolmades, sushi hand rolls, musubis and a few arugula wraps. Fun. There was enough in the bowl left over for a traditional fork to mouth experience. The second course (eggplant agnolotti) wasn't as big of a hit. Five ravioli sized agnolotti filled with blandish eggplant and covered with a blandish tomato sauce. At least compared to pickled, thinly sliced shell of green tomatoes and one other vegetable (I think). They also tossed in some kind crisp in between. And some overpowered, grated, softish parmigiano reggiano cheese in the sauce. The pickled elements gave it a Southern feel that I guess could pass for New Scan (pickling). I appreciate the attempt. It just didn't land for me. It cost $20. They also started and ended with amuse bouches. A tender and delicious hunk of avocado topped with some thinly sliced something or other and a chocolate meringue "drop" topped with something or other. They menu is split into three sections (raw, warm and sweet). About eight in the first two groups and half that in the last. They say they change it up. In the raw I remember: $20 Florida fish (red snapper) that they said was like a tiradito, $11 beets with marigold and horseradish, some noodle dish, etc. The warm had $14 potato naan, $30 coulotte (that's beef Brazilian style) with sweet potato, $24 lobster toast and a few other items. The sweets had peach with caramelized yogurt, koji rice that I suspect is a pudding, something listed as coffee, potato, vanilla as examples. They also had alcohol. I forgot to peruse that menu closely. I think it had wine, sake and beer. $110 pre-fixe. Service was good. Engaged. There were only two of them. Semi-dressed up. They said the chefs (seemed like four) deliver the dishes themselves. It was empty except for one other table, so, my dishes were delivered by the "hosts". The layout is open. Two spaces with a knocked out middle wall. From the entrance, the open kitchen is in the right rear. Most of the right side doesn't have seating. Around three tables at the left rear and some in front and against the wall. Maybe twenty in all. White on white. Pale wood. Scandanavian-ish. A window in the front. I didn't have a reservation. Dressed like a bum. They didn't give me the gas face. seemed happy to have me. One other couple came in as I was leaving. I came at 5pm. Parking was no problem. I liked it alot. They push you for multiple plates, but, two were enough. I've seen more outlandish pricing for way less panache/conscientiousness. I feel it was a very fair exchange. It will be atop my Favorite List for sure. They add a 20% service charge to the bill. If I have any of these particular particulars in error, I am just reporting what I was told and what I can remember. I had been traveling all day.

DBA - I'm leaving out the periods. It looks plush. Opened this summer. Sit down bar and a few low level tables in an L. I didn't order anything. I had enough drinkies this weekend and needed to get home. Prices seemed ok. $10+. They also had around ten bites that ranged from a $6.50 pretzel to $19 pasta nero. Parking is an issue. Three spots on Mills. I may go back sometime if it isn't too much of an ordeal. It was nicer than I expected.

Wave Sushi, Maitland

I tried this sushi stall at the Maitland Social food hall near the intersection of 17-92 and Horatio today at lunch. One block towards 436. It opened three weeks ago. The hall opened a few weeks before that. Their original location is in Mount Dora. I believe It is in the food hall over there. I don't believe I tried it. I had a tuna poke bowl to go for $16. It was one of the only reasonably priced items. It was good. The rice was a bit overworked. They forgot the listed sauce. But, the tuna was fresh (not falsely firm from being chilled) and had a nice red color. Plentiful. Over a fist size portion of thickish cubes. Edamame and wakame and cucumber. Fresh. They also sell rolls ($12-$18), sushi burgers ($18-$26), sushi hot dogs ($25-$28), sushi burritos ($18-$22), sushi tacos ($11-$15), sushi pizzas ($18-$20) and small plates ($7 to $20). They also had other poke bowls types. They were a few bucks more. The $7 item are spring rolls. It's a small dining area. Maybe seven tables. A bit of an outdoor area. Spartan. There were a few people there at lunch. Order at a counter. The food hall is disappointing. Small. Only a work out studio, Foxtail with Shaka Donuts and Bruno's Pizza. Parking was adequate.