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.