I went to these places on Alafaya Road one afternoon before Christmas. The last two are compliments of the Fat Lady at the Sentinel. Once again she proves a generous grader.
Vespr - This is a coffee aficionado location. It's across from the Waterford Lakes shopping center. A coffee "snob" told me about it. I'm not bored enough with life yet to obsess over coffee. But, for those who do take it seriously, they appear to too. They have a variety of brewing devices/options. I had one of their three "specials" for $4. It was a Colombian bean that was supposed to taste like chocolate (they list tasting info). It tasted like sour water. Like all coffee. I know coffee is supposed to have more flavors than wine and beer and chocolate (by a large margin). I just don't find them. The coffee had grounds at the bottom the the cup. I'm not sure if this denotes quality in the new economy, but, there you have it. The spot is hallway like with a gray motif.
Guavate - They used to be at 436 and 50. They have been here (south of the Waterford Lakes shopping center by a half mile) for nine years. The place seats about 40 inside and 20 outside. It shows signs of age (ie ripped booth cushions). They serve Puerto Rican food. I had an app of Chicharrones de Pollo (chicken cracklings) for $7.29 because most everything else was more expensive and I love to see what actually comes out when you order this. I've had them in various Latin and South American places and it is never consistent. Here they were chicken chunks. More meat than skin. They were salty and rancid tasting. They must use the same oil for many disparate dishes and not change it often enough. The chicken reminded me of the stuff you get in a TV dinner when you can find one that still offers bone in and not chicken spam. The majority of the menu was $12 to $26. Apps start at $5 and rise quickly. The other food I saw looked unremarkable. The lunch specials at $8 (mostly sandwiches and one daily special) were the only things properly priced. The place is painted brown and beige and black. I'd skip it.
De Azucar - This little bakery is off Alafaya Trail near Red Bug Lake Rd (Alafaya Woods Blvd). Look for a strip mall on the right behind the gas station you can see from the street. It was unremarkable. Not worth a trip. I had a decent gingerbread cake for $3. They serve some breakfast stuff, coffee, cakes and pastries. I guess it has Latin ownership. I didn't get that vibe from the selection. Maybe it differs around Christmas. Some cute girls work there.
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