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.

Grub Crawl - College Park: Dancing Yeti and The Stuffed Puff

I tried these stalls on Saturday at lunch. They are in a new food hall (Great Southern Box Co) off Princeton and OBT. Across Princeton from the equally new shopping area with a Publix. They call it The Packing District or something. I believe it opened six weeks ago. It's better than the recently shuttered one at Lake Ivanhoe. It has free, plentiful, covered parking that you don't have to compete with condo residents for. It even has e-chargers. I was there at 11am. It was just opening. But, people were dripping in as I left. These are the other stalls inside: Antica Pizza, Braza (Brazilian), Kayos (Jamaican), Koa (Poke/Sushi), A'Lo Cubano (Cuban), Kabab2Go (Middle Eastern), Rajdhani (Indian), Fui Yo (Mexican), Eighty Twenty (Burgers) and Stackd Brownies. It is a small room with a bar in the center. Very new looking. High ceilings.

Dancing Yeti - I had the Jimbu Chicken Curry Bowl to go for $15. It came with dry basmati rice and a cucumber and tomato side salad. The dish was chunks of chicken in a bland tomato sauce. They were supposed to put hot sauce on the side, but, they forgot. I'm not sure how much difference it would have made. I kind of wish that I had stuck to my guns and ordered a naan sandwich. I could have had the same dish on bread. Most of the six mains are with rice or on naan. They also have some bites (like samosas). Indian drinks too. One location in Tampa. At the left rear of the hall. They added a $1.20 "common fee". I'm getting sick of these tack ons.

The Stuffed Puff Co - Across from Yeti. Also, owned by Stackd Brownies (you can see my Lake Mary review of them). I had a chicken pot pie to go for $14. I was good. I ate it three days later and it held up. They said to reheat/nuke the whole pie (it was cooked) for six minutes. I cut it into thirds and nuked it for under two minutes and that was enough. And they wanted me to bake it a little. That ain't happening. White meat chicken, potatoes, carrots, corn, etc. The pie dough could have used an oven's touch. It was huge. Individual pizza size. They gave me a cup of some kind of cream of chicken looking "sauce" that I used sparingly because of calorie concerns. They also had chicken and dumplings, lasagna, beef stroganoff and a few other puffs. A $7 knish. They added a $1.12 "common fee". You realize I just reduce the tip by these fees or leave none? 

*I'm going to try to try the new food hall in Maitland later this week.

Patisserie Bon Beurre, Casselberry *SC/GA Travel Notes

I tried this bakery on Saturday in the morning. They used to only be open on the third Saturday of every month. I tried and failed a few times when the opened (a year or more ago). I read that they would now be open every Saturday (9am-1pm). They told me that they plan to be open during the week soon. They are in an industrial park on Live Oak Blvd. Look for the street off 17-92 where there is a Chinese buffet. Near 436. I had a cruffin and an almond croissant. Both cost $3.50. The cruffin was dark with open circles filled with cream. The dough was a bit tough. Old? The croissant was very big with tons of almond paste (?). Weighty with paste. The pastry part was light. Slivers of almonds. Powdered sugar. They coated it with some syrup that coagulated on the outside and bottom. They also do cookies, danish, kronuts (small), bread, bread pudding, something called a beuure bombe, etc. New ownership. Not a chain. Give it a go.

*Travel Notes - South Carolina and Georgia: I hadn't done Charleston yet this year and flights and hotels and rental car prices are inflated by all you folks traveling this time of year. I drove my own car this time. I'm sick of dealing with the rental car companies. My initial schedule had been thrown off course by Hurricane Debby. I chose to sleep in Brunswick because I didn't want to pay Saturday night rates in a nicer area and I needed somewhere about half way to Charleston. I was going to pop into St Simons Island, but, it was too hot and the Olympic Basketball Gold Medal game was on. I ate a hockey puck CB with a terrible strawberry milkshake at the horrendous Hwy 55. I slept at the grubby Comfort Suites (Expedia 7.6) at the third Brunswick exit north for $86. 

The next day I drove to Charleston (no traffic) and made it in time to eat at The Marina Variety Store Restaurant. They close at 2pm. I had a nice special of grilled wahoo covered with a cucumber and tomato salad. Potato salad and tots too. They validate. I should tell you that most of the spots I ate at were from this show How She Rolls (the little biscuit lady Callie) or a Travel & Leisure article.  The Marina was from HSR. I stayed two nights across the bridge from here at the ok Holiday Inn (Expedia 8.0) for $208. It looks like a tower. Free parking. I drove through downtown a bit. I had dinner at a French place (HSR) on Broad called Gaulart & Maliclet Cafe. I had a poor Bouillabaisse (2 shrimp, 2 scallops and flounder) that came with a cheap glass of rose and a soup (I chose peach and cream). They also seemed to over charge me. I can't confirm because they wouldn't give out a written receipt. They may have just added on some extra fees. South Carolina seems addicted to them. I parked in alot right near there for the first time. No issues. Watched the sunset from the hotel room with a bottle of vino. 

The next day I had lunch one at Amen Street on East Bay (TL and Andrew Zimmern). I had excellent oysters and a fried shrimp platter with creamed corn and hush puppies. I could have chosen any combo of oysters they offered for my half dozen. I tried three I hadn't. The waiter even gave me some new oyster knowledge. I then went to Oyster House (TL) on Market between Meeting and East Bay. I had an ok fried flounder sandwich with crisp french fries to go. I ate it driving to Folly Beach. I drove down as far as you can on the second to last road (left turn) too the Lighthouse Inlet. You see a lighthouse from there. I parked there for free. I also swam, etc. I drove back to the hotel and stopped for some ok Mexican (Wet Chicken Burrito) at Santi's on 17 in West Ashley. I saw it driving in. I wanted Mexican and didn't want to deal with downtown Charleston. Another sunset with vino. 

The next day I drove over the Ravenal Bridge to Mt Pleasant. Took Coleman Blvd (703) across the river to The Post House (HSR) on Pitt St. I had a very good tempura fried wahoo sandwich with french fries. I grabbed some Superman Ice Cream (made locally by Holy Cow) at Pitt St Pharmacy (HSR). They filmed scenes from The Notebook there. This area was cute. I went back over the river to a place I saw on the way in (Vicious Biscuits). I saw them in Boone NC and their prices were ridiculous, so, I think I left. Here the prices were reasonable (ie $3 biscuit), so, I tried a Hen Solo (chicken) for $7 and it was good. The biscuit was glossy and heavy. Not like an usual biscuit. I liked it better this way. I got back on Coleman and took it north to 517 to 17. The map said it was Coleman all the way. I'm not sure if I missed a turn and didn't go back and solve the riddle. I drove to Myrtle Beach. I stayed near some entertainment area called Broadway or something (aquarium, etc) at a La Quinta Inn (Expedia 8.0)  for $120. It was near the Pelicans Ballpark. That is why I was there. To see a baseball game. It cost $21 for home plate. Parking was free. I ate there. Single A of the Cubs. 

The next day I tried to try some place at the beach called Moe Moon's (Food Paradise). It looked so AVG that I left. I think fish bowl drinks may be the draw. FYI they charge for parking all around that cheese ball area. Tackier than Daytona. I drove up 501N to Coastal Carolina University in Conway. I passed some golf courses. They play the Myrtle Beach Bowl up there. I ate ok beef taquitos and a chicken taco at Tu Taco across from the school. Back on 501N to 95. Google said this was the fastest route. I think they are wrong. The usual semi dickheads in the fast lane. Off at 17 before Savannah and through town on Oglethorpe to the Island Expressway to Tybee Island. I stayed at the average Atlantis Inn (Expedia 7.2) for $96 plus a $15 resort fee. Internet didn't work. It was all the way near the pier. I ate (and the reason I stayed here) at the Sundae Cafe (3D). I had mediocre hot honey jerk shrimp (shrimp quality issue) and excellent buttermilk biscuit bleu cheese bread pudding and twice baked skillet potatoes. Got some Georgia beers (available by single cans) at the well supplied Dizzy Dean's Liquor Store. Drank them as I walked the beach and pier at sunset. 

The next day I drove out through the Truman Expressway to 95. The poor suckers in the northbound side were in bumper to bumper all the way south to exit 82 (a Fed Ex depot now). Back home by noon. Fine eating adventure. A few more off the list. Prices were a bit lower and crowds a bit thinner because of the hurricane. Amen and Post House were the best meals.

Tutorial and PSA Index

Tutorials:

6/24/2024 - Spectrum Wifi and Mobile Phone Installation

5/27/2024 - Donating Your Vehicle

4/30/2024 - Air Conditioning Repair

4/3/2024 - Purchasing a New Vehicle

9/7/2023 - PB&G

12/18/2022 - Dental Check Up

4/4/2022 - Root Canal

3/31/2022 - Upgrading a Cellular Phone

12/13/2018 - Pizza Pie

11/29/2018 - How to Get a Good Table in a Restaurant

11/29/2018 - White Truffle

1/1/2016  - Removing a Negative Item from Your Credit Report

5/19/2026 - Overdraft

4/12/2016 - Replacing a Water Heater

12/24/2015 - Car Insurance

11/11/2015 - Replacing an Air Conditioning and Heating Unit

5/5/2013 - Renting a Car in Europe

5/5/2013 - Air Conditioning Tune Up

5/1/2013 - Currency Conversion

5/26/2012 - Opt Out Options

5/1/2012 - Addendum to the Central Florida Hospital

4/30/2012 - Re-Roofing Your Home

4/30/2012 - Central Florida Hospital

PSA's

5/4/2017 - Bloating Triggers

2/5/2016 - Amex Rental Car Damage Protection Warning

1/29/2016 - Phone Scam 646-569-6913

10/4/2015 - UCF Football Coaching Recommendations

9/28/2015 - Complaints Tip

5/15/2014 - Instant Stain Removers

5/27/2013 - Bite Free Dining Guide

1/12/2013 - Mail Forwarding

11/5/2012 - Phytoceramides

9/16/2012 - Papaya Seeds

Pizza Twist, Sanford

I tried this spot on Saturday at lunch. I grabbed a small hand tossed pizza to go for $10. Their differentiation is Indo-Paki. I was about as excited about that as I am about their take over of motels/hotels. And I was right. Indian thrift throughout. You won't win this value proposition. They up charge for everything. Of course they charge a credit card fee. My pizza was alright in a Papa John's sort of way. After the thirty minute wait (with no other customers present), I received a puffy (almost pan) pizza with ok red sauce and cheese that tasted more of wood (makes sense since it is alluded to that they add saw dust/cellulose to shaved cheese) the cooler the slices got. I still think they gave me one of the online orders in lieu of my small. If so, I am even more disappointed. They are from the cess pool Of California. A chain. They also do some pasta, breadsticks, apps (like samosas) and wings. Wings make some sense with these flavor possibilities. All things in double digits. They took over a location in a strip mall across from the Wal-Mart. I think it was called Capone's or something equally generic. It looks like a chain. Around seven tables. You know I love fusion, but, I'm just not sold on this. And not at these price points. Let me ask you. Pizza with butter sauce? Tikka masala? How stoned do you have to be? I'll probably end up loving it in five years from now. Not that I toke. Oh, and they bombard you with Bollywood videos. The only thing worse than K pop. Open for a month. 

Grub Crawl - Winter Park, Casselberry and Altamonte Springs: Shen Tea, Bella's and Lechonera Altamonte

I tried these spots on Monday at lunch. I grabbed all items to go. The first is in a strip mall near the bowling alley of Crealde Art School on Aloma east of the street that goes to Winter Park HS. I was going there to try Simply Cheese. It was closed and the selection inside didn't seem worth the effort. The second replaces a Middle Eastern place on 436 in a strip mall near Taino's. The last replaces a Mexican place on 436 past 17-92 (closer to I4). Past the Wawa and McDonald's. I think I have been to all of these at other locations.

Shen Tea - Open for two years. They have another on West Colonial in Winter Garden. I thought I was going to have to waste $5 on a drink to report back. They had food! I tried a chicken floss banh mi for $7. I have never seen chicken floss offered up before. It was dried, shredded chicken with the usual veg. I didn't care for it. Kind of knew I wouldn't. Too tough and chewy. They put pate on all the mains. It didn't work well with this flavored chicken. And they cut it thick. Not schmeared. The veg were fresh. The baguette was crunchy. All in all, it wasn't half bad. Pork sausage, jambon or egg (the other options) are probably damn good. They all cost $7. They also sell $6 Korean corn dogs and $7 steamed or pan fried dumplings, soup dumplings and egg rolls. They sell tea, smoothies, slushies and coffee. Something called crystal boba and popping boba (don't recall seeing that). And some kind of flan looking thing they call "jelly". It is modern and white. A few tables. Better than I expected. Not a chain. 

Bella's Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria - I tried the lunch special of a pasta (I did lasagna) with two garlic rolls for $11 because two slices and a soda were north of $8 and sandwiches were all $13+. It was ok. Both items lacked flavor. The meat in the lasagna was gray and tastless. The sauce was too. Little ricotta. They layered the pasta sheets on top of each other. No pasta then meat then cheese, etc. It also made the pasta sheets cook unevenly. It also had a metallic taste that I can't explain. It needed some herbs and maybe some salt. I don't think they just reheated a finished lasagna. The guy was back there doing something. What, I have no idea. How do you make a lasagna over the oven? Maybe he was reheating it? Taking pre-cooked sheets and assembling it? The rolls seemed like they would have flavor. The oil darkened the bag. Nope. Not garlic-y. Bland. Seemed freshly baked though. They sell 5 apps, 8 salads, 4 soups, 10 subs, calzones, 3 burgers, 10 pastas, 3 chickens, 5 seafoods, 2 eggplants, 6 stromboli and pizza ($14 for a personal). I didn't see the pizza oven. The kitchen is open. Behind the counter. It looked disheveled. As did the dining area. Around twenty tables. They just moved here (one month) from a location near Lee Rd. They said they (couple) cut their teeth in the Bronx. The language they spoke to each other wasn't Italian though. They were nice and the food was ok. Go if you want something you are probably comfortable with.

Lechonera Altamonte - I just finally tried their original location on E50 if you recall. I only tried some empanadas, so, I tried one piece of pollo asado ($3.50) and a .62 pounds of pernil ($6.67) this time. Ok chicken. Not a ton of flavor. Dry pork hunks. Not a ton of flavor. Same assortment (mofongo, etc) as the other location. Nicer interior. Less crowded. Open for a week.

Grub Crawl - SoDo and Downtown: Da Da, Kolombia Cafe, Sugar Divas and I Love Orlando Cafe *MO/IL Travel Notes

I tried these spots on Friday at lunch. The first is off Michigan on South Orange. The next two are across the street at the condo complex with a Target. The last is on E Washington across from the band shell at Lake Eola.

Da Da Indian Cuisine - They replaced a Korean place and I think a Thai place before that. Open for two months. Parking in the back. I had the Methi Malai Chicken for $16 (to go). It was very good. I had it hot. I believe the base was crushed cashew nuts with fenugreek. Creamy. They said it was a Northern dish. Lots of hunks of mostly white meat chicken. The basmati was fine. Large portion. Could feed two. They were serving an AYCE buffet that looked good. Around $12 I think. I bypassed it to expand my Indian dish knowledge. Typical menu and prices. The place has ten booths of six. They kept the Korean tables with the hot plates on top. It's all black. Looks clean and new. Two waiters. A bit busy. Added a credit card fee.

Kolombia Cafe - They were closed for a while. Some kind of partnership disagreement. I just tried a chicken empanada for $4.50 (to go) because the menu was just sandwiches, vegan and a bit pricy ($15+). The dough of the empanada was a bit under cooked. I believe because they were trying to not have me wait. At least they fry them up fresh. Stuffed with undry white meat. Carrot pieces. Bell pepper flavor. They have breakfast options too. Even beer and drinks (ie cold press, tea). Arepas. Croissants. One side had a steel backsplash. The other was tile. A flower board. Seats about twenty with tables and counters. Colombian with a touch of Argentina they say. A bit busy. Re-opened for a few weeks.

Sugar Divas Cakery - I grabbed a brownie for $4. It was small. Good. Rich. They also sell tiny cupcakes. And cakes. All white and spotless. Looks modern. Open for ten years.

I Love Orlando Cafe - Open for a month. Was a bar. Now food. New owners. I had a Chicken Caesar Salad for $13 (to go). Fine. Lots of fresh white white chicken cubes. Ok dressing. Shaved Parm. Croutons. The menu is all over the place. Latin+. Some breakfast. They had one waitress. I saw an order kiosk machine later on. Small. Seats about twenty. Nice view of lake. Outside only. Full. Food came out quick. Charged a credit card fee.

*Travel Notes - Missouri and Illinois: I flew Frontier (7AM/7PM) to St Louis for $124. No issue going there. Two hour delay because of broken AC back. I rented a car for a week with Hertz that would have cost $527 but I used points. The dicks only had SUVs (in the Presidential section!). Other levels were worse. I did this (Route 66) after watching Samantha Brown and Darley Newman's episodes. 

I drove up 170E to 270E to 157N because I wasn't sure where to pick up Route 66 and avoid traffic (there was none) and I knew I was coming back if I messed up. I stopped where I saw Route 66 "statues" because I deleted (by mistake) that southern portion map fumbling with my phone just before 157. Edwardsville, Hamel Benld and Gillespie. Then near Staunton, you had to choose to follow 55N or 4N (the old route). I chose the old one. I drove through Carlinville, Girard, Thayer and Auburn. In Chatham, I tried to have lunch at the Sangamo Brewing Co. I left when they told me they have others brew their beer. I tried a 4oz Hazy IPA brewed by Springfield Beer Co. It was average. I continued on to Springfield. I went to the Lincoln House NHS. Where he lived as an adult. I had been there before, but, I didn't walk around for some reason that I forget. It was free. FYI - I had done all the other touristy things there before. On to Lincoln. World's largest stagecoach. I stayed at the Hampton Inn for $127 (rack rate). They matched Comfort Inn or it would have been more. Should have gone into dt. Too tired from 3:30M wake up call. Too eager to move on in the morning.

The next day I drove to Atlanta. Paul Bunyan Giant Statue. They also had a museum/vc (I picked up a booklet with info and maps here) for these statues. They were used by Texaco and muffler shops. I went through McLean and the Dixie Truck Stop. Lost the route, so, I just popped onto 55N and took it through Bloomington. I should say at this point that lots of the "new" route is right beside 55. 66 is also called 55 Business for large stretches. Onto Pontiac. Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum. Bob Waldmire road yacht. Free. Found the route here. Onto Standard Oil Station in Odell. Ambler's Texaco Gas Station and Frank Lloyd Wright's First Nations Bank in Dwight. Lost the route here. Drove through Gardner. Finally found food (bad cb) at Polk-A-Dot Drive In in Braidwood. Onto Wilmington (53N). Gemini Giant was being repaired and Launching Pad Drive In closed two years ago. Saw the Mar Theater and Sinclair dinosaur. Past (and in) Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. Past Chicagoland Motor Speedway. Into Joliet. They said the first DQ opened here (no longer exists). Saw the baseball stadium. Slept west of dt at a bad Super 8 (Expedia 8.0) for $114. 

The next day I had donuts and a cinnamon stick at Milano Bakery (Darley). I drove past Rialto Square Theater and onto Joliet Prison (Blues Brothers). Back across the I&M canal bridge to Dick's Towing and Rich & Creamy (it was too early so I left). Through dt to 70E to 57N to 94E (all seemed toll free) to 111th St to Pullman NHS. Free. They made train cars here. I had read that it was in a sketchy part of town. No issues. Back the same way to Joliet to 53S. I stopped at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery this time. I should say that I am mad at myself that I didn't go farther north. At least to Cicero. I didn't want to deal with Chicago traffic. I am glad that I didn't do Pullman the day before (late Friday afternoon). I had no traffic on Saturday. Back through to Gardner. Met the Mayor. Stopped at Two Cell Jail, Street Car Diner (thought it still served) and Coca Cola House. I saw them the day before. Stopped in Dwight and had an ok egg breakfast for lunch at the Old Route 66 Family Restaurant. Through most of the same towns as the day before. Found the route this way. Old Log Cabin (food) in Pontiac was closed. Couldn't find Auto Museum. Again! Chenoa, Lexington and Towanda. Dead Man's Curve in Towanda. Through Normal and Sprague's Super Service Station to Bloomington. Illinois State University and Illinois Wesleyan. Stayed at noisy (other rooms) Chateau Hotel (Expedia 8.2) for $97. FYI - the Original Steak N' Shake opened here (no longer there). I drove through dt. 

Back onto 55S Business the next day. Found the route. Past Funks Grove Maple Syrup Farm, McLean, Atlanta, Lincoln, Elkhart, etc. Through Springfield. Stopped at State Fair Grounds and Shea's Station. Cozy Dog Drive In (first hd on a stick) was closed on Sunday, so, I continued on a mile or so to Motorhead's Bar and Grill on 55 at Toronto. Had a horseshoe with fried chicken (fries, melted cheese on a piece of bread). An Illinois specialty I had never heard of. Usually with a burger. They had a sign that said Route 66 a few exits south. It didn't link up. At least going south. Back on 55. I exited for Auburn to see this red brick stretch that I missed going up. There and back to 55. Got off in Livingston (I think) to try and find "new" 66. Just got back to "old" 66. Took it back a bit further than Edwardsville. Was going to try at find this Old Chain of Rocks Bridge. It didn't appear soon enough, so, back on 270W right before river. I did see that Luna Cafe though. I had to get back onto 270W because I was taking it to 367S to 70W to Jennings Station Rd to C&K Barbeque. I saw this on a PBS show where they went around to specialties all over the country. Had the pig ear sandwich. It was gross. Boiled. Rubber. Scary area. Onto 270W and over the river/bridge to St Charles. Stayed at the Best Western (Expedia 7.8). 

70W to Kansas City the next day. 200 miles. Stayed at the La Quinta Beacon Hill (Expedia 8.6) for $222 for two nights. Went to Joe's Kansas City Bar B Que. Had dry, thin cut brisket and average pulled pork sandwich ($11). Disappointing. Better Triple Threat (pulled pork, sausage, pork belly and slaw) sandwich ($18) at Q39 BBQ on 39th. Drove around a bit. 

The next day I had great pork ribs (thick) and tender burnt ends ($24) with crisp ff at Fiorella Jack Stack Barbecue. I did Plaza location (near a creek) because they charge for parking at Union Station. Then north a bit to Char Bar Westport. I had thin, dry pork ribs, ok pulled pork and ok sausage ($30) plus liquidy ps and cs that was supposed to be broccoli bacon slaw. I found all these spots on Trip Advisor, Kansas City Magazine and some other website that came up when I searched for best bbq. All were top ten. Stacks was #2-5. Q39 was #1. On TA. I also found Slap's, Chef J, Shawnee Bates and Scott's. They were closed or farther away. Most of these were south of dt. I also drove around dt and saw the things to see again. It was 95, so, I didn't roam too much. Watched Olympics and House of Dragons.

Back to St Louis. I ate a St Paul (fried egg foo yong) sandwich at Kim Van on Gravois/30 (south of Busch Stadium). It was also on that old PBS special. Back to airport. 

Gas in Illinois (especially north) was near $4.50! As low as $3.13 near KC. Weather for the first half was cool. Hot after. No rain. No traffic jams or accidents. It was a fun trip. Nostalgia. I didn't see all the things in the booklet. Almost drove the route through Missouri because I was so far ahead of schedule. But, I'm fairly certain I have done most of it on other visits. Wanted to try some more KC bbq (had done AB's, Gates, LC's). It was underwhelming on the whole.

Grub Crawl - UCF Area and Winter Park: Ji Bei Chuan, Shah's and City Barbeque

I tried these spots at lunch on Wednesday. The first is behind Jollibee in a strip mall at Alafaya and 50. The second is on 50. Slightly east in a strip mall with Mei's Market and Hong Kong Alley Kitchen. The last is in the new area with the Dutch Bros at University and 436.

Ji Bei Chuan - Online it looks like a chain. I can't get an accurate translation. What did I say Chuan means in that post this Winter?  I think it was Szechuan? Or was it home? They (2) didn't speak much English. I grabbed the cheapest main to go. Dry Tossed Noodles Minced Pork Sauce for $11. It was very good. Nice flavors. Good texture and cook time on the noodles. Alot of juicy pork. And I ate it hours later after nuking it. Came with some sliced cuke and a soy dyed hard boiled egg. Huge menu. Pan Asian. 5 more dry noodles. 2 Fish Maw Soups. 4 Original Chicken Stock Soups. 4 Tomato Soups. 5 Mala Spicy Soups. 5 Sauerkraut Soups. 5 Ramens. 4 Thai Style Spicy Soups. 3 Tom Yum Kung. 4 Udon Stir Fry. 4 Fried Rice. Mains were $11 to $16. 17 Apps. $5 to $10. Some funky things like intestine, tripe and black fungus. The place looks sparkling. White faux marble floor tiles and tables. Mural of rice from inception to food. Box lamp shades. Some wood and black accents. About nine tables. Empty. Open for a month. It's worth a look.

Shah's Halal Food - I had a mixed chicken and lamb gyro for $10. It was excellent. They hide the rotisserie if they have one. The spicy chicken was in pieces and the lamb was in cubes. I've never been served processed lamb that way. I liked it. The portion of each was a full meal unto itself. When they added the very fresh tomato, cucumber and onions, it wouldn't fold. I added some white sauce. You chose the toppings. Pita was good. Also, fish, falafel and kofta. Platters (rice) are $12 Also, cb, cheese steak, chicken sandwich, ff, wings, etc. I ate in. Wrap around counter with a few seats. Most who came in (busy) did take away. Open for a week or two. Will be a Favorite. It looks like it is a chain online. The girl who served me no speeka da Inglesh good. 

City Barbecue - A chain from Columbus Ohio. Open for a week. I grabbed a half pound of brisket to go for $13 because I had enough food already and it seemed like the same old. They said they mix the flat and point pieces automatically. I received five or six different textures and doneness. Some were ok. Some were shoe leather. Average to no flavor, smoke and bark. Their bbq sauce in a pre-packaged cup was worse. Hard to review. The place was packed though. Look like most bbq knockoffs. Wood. Seats about 60. Open kitchen. Same old meats and sides and prices. Pulled pork, turkey, sausage, St Louis ribs, 4x chicken, pulled chicken, mac, slaw, ps, cb, ff, corn pudding and beans. 4 special sandwiches. 5 classics. $8+. Two meats (many with upcharge) with two sides was $14. Not in league with our two new bbq places.

Grub Crawl - International Drive Area: Babbi Babbi and Curry Mantra *England Travel Notes

I tried these spots near I Drive Friday at lunch. Neither are new or destination spots. Just some extraneous locations that were the last in there areas to be sampled. The first is next to that Jewish breakfast place I tried a few months ago at Sand Lake and Turkey Lake. I think they said it was last a Pei Wei. The other is in that strip mall on I Drive and Westwood where I recently went for Thai. I was going to try a place called Tawa at Dr Phillips. No one was there. Couldn't tell if they had gone under.

Babbi Babbi Korean Kitchen - I'm rarely in the mood for Korean and they looked like every other. So, they have been on the short end. I finally gave in. I had a tofu stew called Soondubu for $16. It was the cheapest main. I tried it with seafood. You could also have beef. Mussels, squid, octopus and one shrimp. I felt a little queasy later on in the day. I suspect the crumbly mussels had something to do with it. Not full on food poisoning though. The broth was ruined by the seafood. It tasted of the sea. In a unfresh way. Red based. Not to spicy. I think they let me choose the level. It had plenty of tofu. And a small egg. Quail? You couldn't see it. They cracked a raw one in the broth. I'm only going by how big the yolk was when cooked. The white mixed in with the tofu. A side of properly steamed white rice and five bon chon (sprouts, kim chi, sweet pickles, spicy root cubes and pickled root slices). I believe the "roots" were burdock. I never can remember which veg this is. Hard, white, tasteless. The stew came in an earthern bowl. Metal chop sticks and spoon. Fine if not for the funky fish. They also had some snacky things like $7 corn dogs and more expensive K-Bap (sushi roll like) Rolls. The mains were all near twenty. Higher than most Korean places. Maybe they all have "prospered" under Bidenomics and charge that much now? I remember $18 kim chi fried rice, $23 tonkatsu and $24 bulgogi. The rest of the menu was predictable. No grilling. They gave me a free bottle of water instead of tap water. Service (3) was good. Food came out fast. They checked in on you. It seats about seventy. Lots of space between tables. Maybe four other parties there. Tvs playing K Pop. Sort of open kitchen area on right wall. Open for six years. 

Curry Mantra - I had Chicken Madras to go for $21. Side of basmati. Way too expensive. Why I passed on my Thai visit. Perhaps more Biden legacy. So consequential. This time I really wanted Indian though. I bent over. Chicken thighs. It was ok. Onion tomato sauce with curry leaves, mustard seeds, coconut milk and spices. Took too long for an empty restaurant. I think one guy and his wife were all that were running the show. They have a big menu. Chicken, goat, lamb, fish and shrimp can be had in 8 sauces (curry, masala, saagwala, madras, kadhai, biryani, korma and vindaloo). 10 rice dishes. 9 tandoori dishes. 14 breads. 15 vegetarian dishes. 31 apps (some are smaller versions of mains). Mostly North Indian dishes. The place looks kind of worn and dirty. Dark. Open for seven years.

*Travel Notes - England: Exchange rate was 1L to $1.28. As usual, all non-listed meals were supermarketed (at one third of our prices with higher quality). The weather was mostly rainy and cloudy. One reason for periods below in which I did nothing. That and the fact that I had probably already done everything of note on a prior visit. 

I flew Norse to Gatwick (8:25pm and 2pm) for $606. They were real pricks about the bag size this time. The check in at return took hours. I was going to do London first, but, the hotel situation was unreasonable. I took the train (14L) to Brighton instead and stayed at the seaside Amsterdam Hotel (Expedia 7.6) for $67. The next day, I took the train to Southampton (20L) I stayed at the Star Hotel (Expedia 7.8) on High St for $65. I toured the walls and parks and the soccer stadium. I only went here (this far) because I wasn't sure of my new itinerary yet and the hotels were the cheapest and I had skipped it last year. The next day I took the train to Exeter (47L). I stayed at the Mercure Exeter Rougemont (Expedia 7.8) next to the Central Station. It rained. Quick walk through town for food. In the morning, I walked through the Northern Hay Garden to High St and back. I bought a "Ranger" ticket for 16L (unlimited stops) and went south a half an hour to Exmouth. Back and on to Plymouth. I was doing all the remaining "mouths". Stayed at the Leonardo Hotel (Expedia 8.4) for $96. Walked the quay. Saw the Mayflower Steps (where it departed), barbican (fortress), Tinside Pool, Smeaton Tower and the hill where Sir Francis Drake waited on the Armada. Then through dt. The next day I went to a museum called the Box on the way to the station. I bought another "Ranger" ticket (for Cornwall) for 16L. I stopped in St Austell (brewery and church). The port was too far a walk. On to Truro. Cathedral. On south to Falmouth. I stayed at the Anacapri (Expedia 9.2) for $123 with breakfast. It was right on the beach. I walked it to Pendennis Point and Pendennis Castle. Missed dt because of rain. The next day it rained alot. I took the train (another Ranger ticket) back to Truro and on to St Ives via St Erth. I saw the port, Chapel of St Nicholas on a hill, Tate and had a beer at St Ives Brewery. Would have liked to have spent more time on a clear day here. Will go back. Back to St Erth and on to Penzance. Stayed at the ridiculously priced (but cheapest in town by far) Union Hotel (Booking 6.7) again. This time for $134 with a breakfast. I had planned on staying in the area for a while. Too expensive. Especially for this weather report. The next day I walked (3 miles) to St Michael's Mount. The tide was still in, so, I took the 3L boat over. You could buy the boat ticket and entry (15L) on the beach. They had cc machines. 3L return ticket could be bought at gift shop. Tide hadn't receded enough. This place was a sister abbey (now a castle) with Mount St Michael in France. Same island/mudflat tidal experience. This was my number one objective to get done finally. It rained so much on my walk back that I sought shelter near a bus stop. And guess what? There is a 2L bus (#440?) there and back to the train station. It came within minutes. My stupid ass could have done this short/cheap ride (there and back) at any time/trip before this. I'm kind of glad I did the walk though. At the Penzance Station, I had a sausage roll at the Cornish Rail Coffe Co. 29L train back to Exeter. I stayed at the cute Turks Head (Booking 8.8) on High St for $112. End of first week. 

The next morning I walked past the Cathedral to the bus station to find out that the bus that used to go through Dartmoor NP had gone out of business. Canceled those plans. Went to the RAMM museum. It suggests we keep it "free" by donating to it. I grabbed a train northwest to Barnstaple for 8L. 2L bus (a few options) north from station to Ilfracombe. I stayed at the cigarette stinking Dilkhusa Grand Hotel (Expedia 7.2) for $89. Walked to the harbor, Damien Hirst Verity Statue, St Nicholas Chapel on Lantern Hill, Capstone Hill, Landmark Theatre, Beach and Tunnels. Had 6 Port Hilly Rock Oysters at S&P Fish Shop. Had fried cod roe at Maddy's Chippy. They told me Capt. Jack Russell (dog guy) lived here. In the morning, I took the two hour Coaster bus (2L) through Exmoor NP to Minehead. The part from the middle to Ilfracombe was what was closed off last year. Another 2L bus to Taunton. Train to Weston Super Mare for 12L because some guy I met in Taunton last year told me about it and Bristol (hotels) was twice the price. I stayed at The Old Colonial Marston's Inn (Expedia 8.2) near the pier for $98. Walked the coast (pier, ferris wheel, etc) and dt. In the morning, I took the 2L 126 bus to Cheddar. "Station" is in city center near Tesco. Walked Cheddar Gorge (through and atop). Smaller than I had imagined. Had cheese at The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Co. Learned that Cheddar is not some artisan cheese mecca. Only the big, industrial companies make it now. Town (one street) is tiny and touristy. Paid another 2L to carry on by bus to Wells. Another 2L to Bath. Stayed at Z Hotels (Booking 8.3) again for $90. Everything from Bristol on was still usurious. This was a steal. Walked some areas I hadn't before. Up the hills past the Crescent and park. 15L train to Swindon the next day. Stayed here because of weekend hotel prices again. It was a nothingsville town on the rail route towards London. I stayed at the Leonardo Hotel (Expedia 8.6) for $88. Walked their one street with shops. Saw Trump get shot on tv. The next day I walked to their soccer stadium. Train through Reading to Dorking for 23L. This is in Surrey towards Gatwick. I was going to climb Leith Hill a bit south, but, there was an oil spill or something and the buses weren't running. I climbed their Box Hill and Stepping Stones and went to Denbies Wine Estate. I stayed in town (a mile or so from the two stations) at the "new" White Horse Inn (Expedia 9.4) for $128. I didn't come here on day one because the rate (and elsewhere) was much higher. This was a Sunday rate. In the morning I took the train (11L) to London Waterloo. I stayed north of Charing Cross again. This time a few blocks north at the Charlotte Street Rooms by News Hotel (Booking 6.4) for $260 for two nights. The cheapest by far. Cute area. Under the BT Tower. I tried (for the last time because they want proper attire and a res) to eat at the oldest restaurant in London called Rules. It was closed on Monday. I had a tongue on rye at Tongue & Brisket near my hotel. Some BK too. Walked around. Carnaby St, etc. Bought a ticket (37L) to Book of Mormon. Went. It was pouring when it let out. Back to the hotel. Leak in ceiling. The next day I bought a ticket to matinee of Mousetrap (22L). Hadn't planned to, but, the weather looked iffy. Walked through north side of river to Black Friar's Bridge (Mission Impossible). Over to south side. Past Tate Modern and Globe to Burrough Market. Had six West Mersea oysters at the Richard Haward's Oyster stall. Had wild boar chorizo sausage roll and Dorset scallop with bacon in wine and basil dressing at Shellseekers Fish & Game Market Kitchen Stall. Would have gone on further if I hadn't bought the theater ticket. Went to the "free" Tate Modern where almost every exhibition required a ticket. Not sure if those were free. Timed my walk back to see when I had to leave in the morning. Bought a ticket (39L) for Matilda. Saw Mousetrap. Guessed every "secret". Shook my head at the cretins who were amazed at the conclusion. Back to the hotel for a short rest. Saw Matilda. The next day, I walked over Waterloo Bridge to the south side (half hour). Walked a bit around Bankside (Black Friar's Station). Lots of new builds. Bought a 22L Train ticket to Brighton (cheaper hotels). Stayed at the Amsterdam again for $63. I had fried haddock at Harry Ramsden's. It was sunny, so, I walked to Hove along the beach to the lagoon. They were teaching kids to row a giant paddle board boat that looked like a river rafting boat. On the way back, I had two Jersey oysters at the Brighton Shell Fish & Oyster Bar on the sand. Would have had more, but, was running low on pounds. 11L train to Gatwick the next morning.

That's it. Missed Wimbledon again. Weather was too risky. Cool temps. I tried these weird items: Cumberland Sausage, roast beef and horse radish potato chips, Ossau Iraty and Cinco Lanzas cheeses (Spain) and pringles like chips made out of corn. Had a few new ciders and beers. Some real good teas (Novus and Taylor's of Harrowgate). Fun as always. Mostly stress free. Their main occupations were the Labor Party taking over, the Euros soccer tournament and the tennis results.