Samurai Sushi, Lake Mary

Today I tried the newly opened Samurai Sushi in the Winn Dixie shopping center. I had the Sushi Lunch Special for $9.95. It's a Bento Box of one piece of white tuna, tuna, salmon, crab stick and shrimp, miso soup, salad, clear noodles, cucumber squid salad, fried rice and a california roll. That's right. The salmon and white tuna were good. The crab stick was actually not a dry tube. The tuna was a very washed out pink (old - no blood). The shrimp seemed as though it came from a supermarket shrimp cocktail platter (wet and fishy). The cali-roll fell apart at the seams. The salad was roughly ripped into overly large pieces. The salad dressing was a mayo-ie deluge. The cucumber salad was similiarly drenched in the pink mayo-ie mess (but this time spiced up). The noodles were served cold with seaweed and a sour, brothy dressing. The fried rice was fluffy (not sure if that's a compliment). Overall it was average for quality and great for quantity. You usually leave hungry or in the poor house when you go for sushi. Not here. The place was fairly well layed out and appointed. They have a bar and a flatscreen. There are many booths. The staff (of 2) was courteous. I received a re-fill about 3/4 into the meal. The place was clean. It was about half full. It's what you would expect from a Japanese restaurant run by what I presume to be Chinese immigrants. They also do Tempora and Teriyaki. They even had some innovative starters.

I would suggest that you: cut the lettuce into smaller pieces, add less dressing, buy fresher tuna and shrimp, and become obsessive about the rice. In Japanese cooking the rice is the star. Your rice is average. It might be acceptable in China, but, it's not in Japan.

Terra Mia, Lake Mary

Today I had lunch at this offshoot of the Longwood father off 46A in the Fishbones strip mall. It was my second visit (had a very good pizza at the opening) to this branch and third overall. I had the Pollo Milanese (fried breade cutlet) and mixed green salad for $7.50. The breast was pounded thin and covered with panko. It was sliced into strips and placed on the salad. It was a bit fried for my taste (maybe it's second time in the fryer) and it had a bitter taste. I think it was the oil that did it but, possibly they treated it with balsamic or lemon. The salad was fresh, but overseasoned with oil. There may have been some balsamic on it, however, I saw little evidence (purple coloring)/ The place is clean, well appointed and small (7 tables and a counter). The wait staff is courteous and well dressed. It's always packed. I'll be back to try the multitude of lunch offerings at the same price.

I would only suggest the impossible - more seating. This is an Italian restaurant that redeems its imitators. They are also on the Rewards Network.

Limena Chicken, Winter Park

I continued my string of success on my way back from the airport last night. I stopped in at this Peruvian restaurant on 436 about a mile from Aloma and had the 1/4 Chicken with fries for $5. The chicken was a roasted masterpiece (so much better than Boston Market and cheaper). Every bit of skin was crisp and eatible. The wings were golden and jerky like. The breast was white and juicy. It was infused with a bittery rub. The fries were crsp and golden. The place was undecorous but clean. The staff was courteous. The place was empty (but it was only 5pm).

I would only suggest a little more signage (you'll miss it unless you know the area) and maybe some more thought into the decor. This definetly should be your stop for chicken.

Caridad, Orlando

I stopped into this Dominican establishment for breakfast last week on my way to the airport. It's on 436. I had the Desayuno of two fried eggs, ham, casava (a root vegetable similiar to a potato), and pickled onions for $6 (although it said $3.95 on the menu). It was surprisingly inspired. The portion was large (5 hunks of casava). The eggs were well cooked and yokey (over easy). The casava was boiled. The ham was lean and was flavored with the bitter pickling juice on the sauteed onions. I'm not sure if it was cooked in it or absorbed the flavor on the plate, but, the bitterness helped cut all those savory elements. I really liked this take on breakfast. The place is clean. It was empty (but it was 10 am). The service was quick. The price was right. Open your mind and try something new yet familiar. Embrace the variety Orlando's many cultures provide you.

I could suggest some decor work, but this is just a small mom and pop immigrants restaurant, and I'm not sure you go there for that.

Two Blonds and a Shrimp, Sanford - Closed

I experienced Two Blondes and a Shrimp on Staurday afternoon. It's on First St in Sanford. It's in the old Blue Dahlia space and frankly I don't percieve much difference. They've done nothing with the decor. They've kept the same cook (not a chef). The menu is more Paula Dean now (which I don't consider a selling point). I had the Southern Belle BLT for $8 and an Iced Tea. I was leaning towards the the Shrimp and Grits but I just had it at Bobby Flay's Bar Americain and the thought of BBQ sauce incorporated in this recreation turned me off. The other factor in the BLT's favor was Fried Green Tomatos. I've never had the pleasure. These were lightly breaded and pan fried (aren't they usually deep fried?). They had no taste. It was like eating a soft ice cube. It wouldn't have mattered anyway because to make up for the blandness they served this in a spicy remoulade sauce that overpowered everything else in the sandwich. It was a shame because the bacon seemed well prepared and the bread was well toasted and Pepperidge Farm thin. This is a theoretically superior creation. In practice it doesn't work. I still have indigestion. It came with a half plate of Ruffles. The place is boho chic (your crazy aunts living room) and girly gay. They tie the steelware with a little twine. The service (3) was a little overwhelmed by an occupying force of 15 patrons. It may well have been the eponymousers that were doing the serving too (I did have a pleasant blond as my waitress). Now I shouldn't complain about a sandwich that cost me as much as the Turkey Sub at Subway the day before, but, that's what I do. If I lived in Sanford I would go back (I would have to since Hollerbach's is the only thing left open in this ghost town), but, I'm not sure I'd make this the destination in itself.

I advise them to taste the menu. Funky menu items get you noticed, but, heart burn gets you blacklisted. You're walking a difficult line with your cholesteral inducing reginal cuisine choice. You really have to get the balance perfected or you kill the flavor and the customer. I would also suggest you move. Sanford can't seem to get out of its own way of potential (case in point - that tasteless condo project on the lake - it already looks like an aged dump).

Yokohama, Sanford - Closed

Today I ate lunch at new arrival Yokohama near the Seminole Mall. I had a bento box $8. It came with a salad (why can't a culture like Japan do more than iceberg lettuce and orange goop?) miso soup (watery), 3 shumai (why can't a culture like japan do better than fake crab paste?), 4 pieces of California Roll (actually might not have been prepared the night before- ok), and chicken curry (why can't....you get it). I had never had a Japanese curry and now I know why. They are incapable of incorporating any other Asian country's specialty. They whiff on the dumplings. They whiff on the curry. I could go on. This was thick and viscous and not at all appealing. It was garnished with a tasteless chunk of carrot, floret of broccoli, and tiny corn. The chicken was white meat and acceptable (about 7 pieces). It came with some rice (pasty). Now I know they just opened (because they've "coming soon" since the Spring), but, the layout wastes space (hibachi's on the right half and seats on the left) and is non-descript (huge, harrowing ceilings and bare walls). It's not going to featured in any design rags. There is a little bar area (5 seats) that I forsee being forgotten and a tiny sushi bar. The kitchen is in the rear and open. The service was a little over eager. I was scared to put down anything for fear they would ask me if I was done. I checked the menu and saw little that you couldn't get at any other Japanese restaurant. The prices were similiar. I hate to even say this (since my last visit was a disappointment - cold hot things and dry, vinegary rice) but, Fuji Sushi in Lake Mary is a better value for sushi/sashimi platters and lunch specials. The un-hibachi side was full.

I would suggest they work on the decor, give the waitresses a chill pill and try and be the first Japanese chefs to properly fuse other recipes into their repetoire. This place is no worst than many other Japanese restaurants, but it's no Hanamizuki.

Emilanoz, Altamonte Springs - Closed

Today I tried Emilanoz on 436 west of 434 in the old Steak in the City location. I had the Burrito Sahuayo for $7.49. It's a flour tortilla stuffed with carnitas (shredded pork), onions, peppers and covered with a light cheese sauce. It was a little bland and probably a fat bomb. But, it was huge and fresh and new. The chips were good (nice and tan and ungreasy). The salsa was gentle and on the unchunky side. The service was efficient and theme appropriate. The place is a notch above (on a retention pond/lake). I always liked what Steak in the City did with the place. They added some flare and replaced the buffet area with a fountain. The place was about 1/8th full. The crowd was surprisingly young and appealing. The menu is Michoacan (north Mexico) influenced. The 20 or so options range from your typical American-Mexican staples to more authentic fare. They had a huge selection of tequilas. Glad I came.

I would only encourage them to keep track of the drinks. We Gringos can go through a lot of sodas when we eat spicy food. Oh and there was a smell of barf when you entered and left the restaurant. It dissipated when you entered the dining room. I'm not sure of the source and don't want to implicate anyone or thing.

Pub Crawl - Funky Monkey, Brix, Lodge, Cheyenne Saloon

9-10pm: Started at Funky Monkey (thought it was a bar not a restaurant with a bar). It's a small spot on 17-92 before 50. They had an expansive wine list, 4 local beers on tap (you have to try the Miami Weiss) and a six person bar. It was me and two women. I'll expound on the place when I go back for dinner.

10-12am: Brix. It was ok. Mostly guys. About 1/3 full. Just a time waster anyway. Watched Olympics.

12-1am: Lodge. Sausage-fest. Full. People watched outside.

1am-2am: Cheyenne Saloon. 10 people total. Nice place. Watched some Patrick Swayzes teach line dancing to drunk girls.

Julie's Waterfront Grill, Orlando

I ate dinner at Julie's last night. It's a lakefront seafood shack. I had the mixed grill with scallops and mahi-mahi for $16.99. You could also choose from shrimp and salmon. I chose tabouli, mixed vegetables and a side salad. You could choose cole slaw, baked potato, or fries. The mahi-mahi was a little dry (either overcooked or frozen). The scallops were good (5 larges). The tabouli was flavored. The vegetables were surprisingly unwilty. Now this isn't fine dining, but, it was commendable. It was a friendly if non-descript little establishment. Tank tops and shorts might have been encouraged. I didn't ask. The salad was american mixed (iceberg lettuce). It was more of a source of energy than an artistic commentary. The place was not spotless and the service (in general) seemed like it could go awry at any point. But, it should have a place in your rotation when you need an effortless sunset dinner and a beer.

I would only suggest a little re-organizing of the inside dining room. It seems like it's a store room. I mean alot of things need to be changed if it wants to reach a different kind of clientele. But, it doesn't, so that kind of advice is out of place.

Elephant Bar, Altamonte Springs

I had lunch at the Elephant Bar at the Altamonte Mall today. I believe it's a chain (I once had drinks in one in the San Diego area). I had the Seared Ahi Tuna appetizer for $9.95. It was fair. The tuna had a little dental floss (what I call the cartilege) and was moist in some slices and dry in others. There were a lot of slices (about 12). This is going to be the theme - adequate prep with huge servings. The tuna came with a field greens salad with julianned zuchini and seaweed. The dressing was on the side (which is good if you can't trust you chef to season properly). The wasabi was dry (even happens in Sushi bars) and the ginger was acceptable. I should have stopped there, but, I was intrigued by their menu. The next course (which sits in my refrigerator) was a Jamaica Mojo Side Salad of greens, cranberries, walnuts for $3.95. I received a full salad by mistake. It's huge and looks good. I also ordered a 1/2 portion (regular is TWO lamb shanks!) of the braised lamb shank (even though I don't love lamb, I like variety) for $7.95. Yes these prices are right. It was covered in some sloppy tomato/lamb reduction sauce. The lamb was cooked properly and was an actual unadultered lamb shank. It came on top of garlic mashed potatos that were airy (kind of like TV dinner mashed potatos, but, I actually like that. I just expect they were from a box). An edamame, broccoli, zuchini, and asian cabbage steamed melange was the veg side. I think I loved that the most. I was like a free bowl full of edamame. Now 2 of the 3 plates were served with sloppy drippings from fat little fingers and the presentations were a notch short of fine dining. The first course took about a half hour to arrive and seconds on soda didn't happen until the meal was completed. But, the staff was friendly (hostess and waitresses). The manager actually made rounds and seemed concerned. The value was huge. the restaurant was appointed nicely in modern style with an open kitchen. The place was clean and packed. The mood was casual. I think it's better than say a Seasons 52 because it's so cheap and you leave stuffed like you've been to a greasy spoon. Many other dishes were interesting. Although the Asian dishes looked like they would be better in an Asian retaurant, the other items held promise. Goodbye Ruby Tuesday (the "restaurant" that used to occupy the space) and good riddance.

I would only suggest a little oil in the food prep gears and a little more attention to detail and artistry. Just because the exec chef is German doesn't mean you should plate like a barbarian. You never know when a patron with a big mouth is watching every step. Great job. It sounded like you already have a loyal following of happy customers.

Frosty Mug, Mount Dora

I went to lunch at the Frosty Mug on Wednesday. The place defines itself as an Icelandic restaurant but there are only about 6 Icelandic/Scandanavian options. They include a fish pancake, shrimp soup, gravlox, herring, stew, and fish ( I think it was Halibut). The rest of the menu is American pub fare. I had a special. Half a cornish hen with cabbage slaw and sweet potato mashed potatos for $9.95. The hen was seasoned with a barbeque sauce. It was fine (maybe half a chicken taco's worth of meat). The potatos were fine (I don't love sweet potatos). They were served skin in. The best thing was actually the large square bowl of slaw. It was pickled slaw with a little mayo. This made a nice light broth for the cabbage. The setting was quaint - open wooded coverd porch on Donnalley St. The waitress was attentive and nice. The place was clean for a pub (and decorated like one). It was about half full. There is also on indoor seating room with the bar. Kind of a Key Westish place.

I would only suggest some more Icelandic appetizers (although they probably don't sell well) like smoked puffin or whale. Maybe a little more fun with salmon. Maybe some more Viking paraphenalia. Thanks for trying. All nationalities need to be represented.

Memories of India, Lake Mary

I had lunch at Memories of India on Tuesday. I've been here many times before and appreciate the value. I had the Lamb Kada Masala (I've had everything chicken) for $8.95. The lamb was tough (old or overcooked or both) and scarce (4 cubes). I would stick to chicken. The sauce is a masala (tomato cream) with scallions and some other additives. It's good here. It came with nan, basmati rice, that green tomatillo looking sauce, chutney, yogurt and that peppery flat crisp. The flavors are all good and plenty. Although, I still am not sure what to do with the condiments even after having it (attempted) explained to me a couple of times. The place is a little dingy (old sandwich shop). The service was good. The presentation was usual (metal buffet plate). The place was clean and about half full.

I would only suggest a little more ambience and ingredient quality. Though what do you expect for $8.95.

Beacon, Thornton Park - Closed

Let me start by saying that I had high expectations for Beacon and it may color this review. You find this place by going down Central to Hue and making a right. Although, I can't really recommend that you do that. The place is loungy, chic and the staff is cute if not expeditious or obsessive compulsive (rice left on the seat to my right). But, who can fault them for omitting the details when management obviously doesn't have a grasp of them. The seating is ridiculous. Backless chairs, pillows, stools? Note to art student/interior decorators - function over form works sometimes. My original seat was a little card table sunk into the wall which required a pillow to put you at table level. I changed to a booth. But had to ruminate over the curved, backless bench that some poor souls would have to sit on later that evening. Unfortunately, I was already depressed because I had looked at the menu. Totally blase. They serves sliders! I don't care if they are good. I don't care if they are kitsch. They sound repulsive and should be shot off the planet (if not menu). Boring salmon, jambalya, 1/2 a chicken, shrimp and fettucine, you get the picture. There is no theme. Just the most boring parts of every other menu uninterpreted. I settled for two appetizers. Guacamole at $6 and Steak Tartar at $15. The avocado in the guac was fresh and the portion was large, but, it was limp and over salted. No pop, little onion and no salsa. Did I mention it had salt? Lots of salt. And not granular fleur de sel either. The chips were pretty oily too. Speaking of which, I turn to the tartar or more pointedly the garlic toast. It was over seasoned. I had to wash my hands. So overseasoned that it over powered the meat which seemed ok whenever the taste of garlic would receed from my taste buds so I could experience it. It had capers, maybe onions, no egg, possibly raw egg as binder (it wasn't prepared tableside so I can only hope). The portion was large (entree size). It came with a generous salad of field greens, yellow and red tomatoes, and boiled quail eggs. The salad was pleasant if not over seasoned like everything else.

This place isn't the worst but it in no way deserves a reputation as a top tier Orlando restaurant. Definetly middle tier and not something to search out. To fix that I would start in the kitchen. The chef has to go. That menu is not challenging. It's not coherent. It's not worthy of the investment. And if he prepared the meal and not a sous, he can't execute either. Unfunkify the seating (at least for dinner - then bring in the statement pieces for cocktail hour). Pay more attention to the wait staff. Decide if you are a club with a mediocre restaurant or a restaurant with a mediocre club. Now you are a double med.

Marios, Lake Mary - Closed

I popped in for a quick spaghetti and meatballs jones, but when I saw that it was $11.25 for what costs $1 for a box of spaghetti and maybe $2 for a pound of meat, I settled on a meatball sub for $6.50. Now let me say that it tasted ok (yet skimpy) if eaten as served, but if you tried the meatballs seperately you would have tasted the following. The meatballs (maybe two mediums sliced up to fill the whole sub) must have been 1/2 breadcrumbs. They disintegrated. What was left tasted like Alpo. The sauce and cheese were meager. So meager that I can't really comment on the quality. The roll was nice (best part). Just add this place to the support column of my previous tirade against all non-high class italian eateries. If Subway used their bread they would trounce this place. They still win (even with the horrible bread).

I would suggest that they lower their prices by half to get in line with their place in the quality circle because we know they won't improve the restaurant. The atmosphere is drab (horrible frescos in a hallway like footprint). The menu is boring. The ingredients are sub-standard. The execution is poor. I usually wouldn't even condecsend to review a place like this, but, it was so bad I felt I needed to warn others.