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

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

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

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

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

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

Grub Crawl - N Mills: Side Chik and Kori

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

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

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

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

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

Yao's, Oviedo *FL Keys Travel Notes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yumfinity, Avalon Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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